It is the responsibility of the importer of record to arrange for examination and release of the goods.
All formal entries require a valid importer identification number.
Standard importer identifications include the Internal Revenue Service number, the importers Social Security number, or a Customs assigned number. Once the goods arrive in the United States, it is the responsibility of the importer to make entry. However, the importer may designate an authorized Customhouse broker to act as his agent by giving the Customs broker a power of attorney. In addition to the U.S. Customs Service, Importers should contact other agencies when questions regarding particular commodities arise. Goods may be entered for consumption, entered for warehouse at the port of arrival, or they may be transported in-bond to another port of entry and entered there under the same conditions as at the port of arrival.