Customs Certified Specialist Practice Exam

The first step for entering goods into the U.S. involves submitting the appropriate entry documentation to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). CBP Form 3461 serves as the Entry/Immediate Delivery Application and is crucial for initiating the import process. This form provides essential information regarding the shipment and its consignee, enabling customs officers to assess the entry for compliance with U.S. laws.

While the Importer Security Filing is also a required step, it must be completed prior to the arrival of the goods but does not formally enter the goods into U.S. customs. Duty payments are made after processing the entry, and a Certificate of Origin, while important in certain circumstances particularly regarding trade agreements, is not a required first step for the goods' entry itself. The proper completion and submission of CBP Form 3461 is foundational to the overall import process, making it the initial action needed when bringing goods into the U.S.