Do I need a company to import into the US, and where is the official list of customs brokers?

Answer

You can form a US company as a foreigner, with a registered agent in the state and an EIN from the IRS; your importer number is that IRS number, or a CBP-assigned number. There is no separate US import licence for most goods. CBP publishes an official list of permitted customs brokers with name, filer code, phone and email.

Applies to

Overseas buyers importing small shipments from China into the US who are thinking of setting up a US company, or who want to check a customs broker.