The goods being purchased
Consistent item description, model, quantity, value and origin information. Keep commercial terms explicit.
Procurement field guide / United States
Importing Building Materials to the United States
Connect the product schedule to the packing list before the shipment leaves. A clear handover begins with agreed items, named responsibilities and documents that tell the same story.
Request an Import-Ready Quotation
Agree the handovers
Four points to resolve
before dispatch.
Use these as project hold points. Agree the responsible person and the written evidence needed to release each one.
Connect each review stage to a named reviewer and the current material schedule.
- 01
Freeze the item schedule
Confirm item ID, model, quantity, material, finish and drawing revision. Record unresolved substitutions.
- 02
Complete product & import review
Have the project reviewer and import professional identify requirements for the actual goods, origin and intended use.
- 03
Reconcile the shipping pack
Compare invoice, packing list and package IDs. Resolve count, weight, description and revision differences before release.
- 04
Confirm the receiving plan
Name the receiver; agree access, handling equipment, inspection records and the process for reporting damage.
A practical document pack
What should match?
Reconcile the product schedule, packing list and available documents with the appointed import professional.
The goods being moved
Package marks, item allocation, package count, gross/net weights and dimensions. Keep a cross-reference to the room schedule.
The goods being reviewed
Manufacturer, model, configuration, relevant report scope and current drawing. Resolve substitutions before approval.
Packing review
Packing, dimensions and handling.
Record each package’s contents, outside dimensions, gross weight, protection and handling method.
- Request package-to-item mapping and packing photographs for the actual order.
- Confirm edge protection, restraint and the agreed unloading method.
- Ask the packing provider and import professional to verify applicable solid-wood packaging requirements and marks.
Who resolves the open questions?
Keep responsibility visible.
Importer & appointed customs broker
Agree entry preparation, classification, valuation, origin, filing and charge review. Using a broker does not remove the importer’s responsibility for compliance. USITC guidance ↗
Classification requires the relevant tariff descriptions and legal notes. Avoid pricing duties from a product-name search alone. Classification FAQ ↗
Supplier & project reviewer
The supplier provides the agreed product and packing information; the project reviewer resolves suitability for the intended installation. For regulated composite wood products and finished goods containing them, identify applicable documentation with the supplier and import professional. EPA composite wood guidance ↗
Receiver & installer
Agree delivery access, unloading equipment, dry storage, package inspection and installation scope. Record discrepancies against package IDs, photographs and the receiving date; follow the agreed claim procedure.
Prepare an import-ready discussion
Start with the schedule.
Resolve the scope.
Send the product list, destination, programme, current drawings, evidence requirements and proposed receiving arrangement. Request separate pricing for goods, packing, freight, insurance, import and destination charges.
Share the destination city, material schedule and open import or delivery questions.