US Shipping Guide

For all US-bound shipments, regardless of the origin, please check the following guidelines to ensure your packages are fully compliant.

 

Correct Country of Origin must be declared
 

• The correct country of origin must be declared when importing orders and creating shipments. Under U.S. law (19 U.S.C. § 1304), all imported foreign goods must be marked to indicate the country of origin to the ultimate purchaser. This ensures transparency for consumers and aids in customs enforcement.
   

• Products often involve components from multiple countries. In such cases, the origin is determined based on where the product underwent substantial transformation.
  
  A product is considered to have undergone substantial transformation if it experiences a change in name, character, or use that results in a new and different article of commerce.

Examples:

• Transformed: Raw electronic components from China are assembled into a finished tablet in Malaysia → Country of origin: Malaysia

• Not Transformed: A T-shirt made in China is printed with a logo in the U.S. → Country of origin: China
   

Key Rule: If substantial transformation does not occur, the country of origin remains where the core product was originally manufactured.

• If you're importing a product regularly and aren't sure of its country of origin due to multi-country production or complex sourcing, you can request a Binding Ruling from CBP.

  How to Get One:

• File online through the CBP's Customs Rulings Online Search System (CROSS).
• Provide detailed product specs, supply chain info, photos, and sample (if needed).
• You will get an official CBP document that you can reference for all future imports of that item.

• If unsure of your items’ country of origin, the product will have to be considered as made in China. 

Product Labeling (Country of Origin marking)
 

• A country of origin marking must be present within the item. Most are indicated on the item tags or on the back of the product.
   

• For A “Made in [Country]” sticker can be affixed to the product. This must be affixed on the item, and not on the outer shipping box.
   

• Please note that this marking must be on the product, not just on the outer shipping box. If the sticker is placed only on the outside of the box, the shipment may be deemed non-compliant—or worse, considered as misdeclared by Customs authorities.

CBP mandates that the country of origin label must be:

• Legible and in English: The label should be clear and easily readable.

• Conspicuous: Placed where it can be easily seen by the purchaser.

• Permanent: Durable enough to withstand handling and transportation.

• Directly on the Product: Affixed to the item itself, not just the packaging.

Acceptable methods include labels, tags, stickers, or direct printing on the product. Handwritten markings are not accepted.
 

• Use of Hang Tags or String Tags
  • Use a small, printed tag attached to each item with a string or ribbon. The tag should clearly state: "Made in Italy" for example.
  • This method is CBP’s preferred solution for marking delicate, collectible, or gift items that cannot be directly labeled without damage

• We highly recommend consider adding your logo or brand name to the tag. Customizing the tag boosts credibility.

• Product Packaging or Box Labeling
  • If each item is packaged in its own protective retail box, the "Made in Italy" label may be placed directly on the box.
  • Make sure the label is:
    • Clearly visible when the outer shipping carton is opened.
    • Accurately matched to the item inside — avoid mixing items from different origins without proper labeling.

 

Why is Country of Origin Marking Necessary?
 

• Without a clear indication of origin on the product, border officers cannot verify the declared country of origin. Therefore, shipments without visible and accurate labels are at risk of being flagged as non-compliant or misdeclared, even if the shipment information is correctly filled out.

Here's Why It's Essential:

1. Verification at the Border
    

   • Customs officers inspect physical parcels to confirm the declaration matches what is actually labeled on the product.
      

   • If the product has no visible label, CBP may reject the declaration and detain the shipment for further inspection.
      

2. Prevents Accidental Misdeclaration
    

   • Declaring the wrong country of origin, even unintentionally, can lead to serious consequences including:

     • Increased duties (especially if defaulted to China)

     • Fines and penalties

     • Seizure or return of goods
        

3. Avoids Business Disruptions
    

   • Non-compliant shipments lead to:

     • Inspection delays

     • Customer dissatisfaction

     • Potential suspension of import privileges

Here are some examples of fully compliant shipments for your reference:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

**Important Shipping Reminders:**

Please ensure all information provided when creating shipments, especially the country of origin, is accurate. Any misdeclaration may result in penalties and potential account suspension.

Thank you for your attention to these important guidelines. Your cooperation will help ensure a smooth shipping process.

You can follow live tariff updates here: https://stallionexpress.ca/2025-us-tariffs-live-updates/