Can this form be signed electronically?

Yes. Electronic signatures are generally enforceable under the ESIGN Act and UETA when intent and consent are present, and the record can be retained and reproduced.

When is notarization required?

Notarization depends on the supporting document and state law; powers of attorney often require notarization. Check the specific document and jurisdiction before filing.

What if CBP requests additional documents?

Respond promptly with the requested information via your broker or ACE portal. Delays can incur storage and demurrage charges and may trigger an audit.

Which file formats should I use?

Use PDF for signed, archived copies and maintain source DOCX or XML for system integrations. PDFs preserve formatting and support embedded audit trails.

Who is authorized to sign on behalf of the importer?

An authorized officer, agent under power of attorney, or designated signer may sign. Maintain documentation that establishes signing authority to avoid disputes.

Is the eSignature platform secure and compliant?

Choose a platform with TLS encryption, AES‑256 at rest, and relevant certifications. Platforms may offer HIPAA compliance, SOC 2 Type II, and ESIGN/UETA adherence; verify BAAs when required.

Electronic Signature
Templates
Miscellaneous
Import Application Form

Import Application Form

This template is fully customizable. Edit the text, fill out the fields, and send it for signature. Give it a try!

IMPORT APPLICATION FORM AND SERVICES AGREEMENT

RECITALS

WHEREAS, Applicant Name: seeks to import goods described herein and requests import facilitation, customs brokerage and related services; and

WHEREAS, Service Provider Name: is engaged in customs brokerage, logistics, and import compliance services and agrees to provide such services under the terms set forth in this Application and Agreement.

NOW, THEREFORE, Applicant submits this Import Application and agrees to be bound by the terms, scope of services, payment provisions and other clauses contained below.

APPLICANT INFORMATION

Legal Entity / Company Name Entity Type (select all that apply) Individual Corporation / LLC Registered Address Primary Contact Person Telephone Email

EXPORTER / SUPPLIER

Supplier / Exporter Name Supplier Address

GOODS AND SHIPPING DETAILS

Description of Goods

Harmonized System (HS) Code

Quantity

Unit of Measure

Declared Value

Currency

Country of Origin

Port of Loading

Port of Discharge

Estimated Arrival Date

SCOPE OF WORK

Service Provider will perform the following services in connection with the importation of the goods described above. The parties acknowledge that the following scope is illustrative and may be modified by written amendment signed by both parties.

PAYMENT TERMS

Applicant shall pay Service Provider for services rendered in accordance with the following terms.

Total Fee for Services Payment Currency Payment Schedule / Milestones

Payment Due Within (days)

Late Fee (% per month)

Minimum Late Fee

TERM AND TERMINATION

This Agreement commences on Start Date: and continues until End Date: , unless earlier terminated in accordance with this section.

Either party may terminate for convenience upon written notice to the other party delivered not less than Notice Period (days): days prior to the effective termination date. Either party may terminate immediately for material breach that remains uncured for thirty (30) days after written notice.

CONFIDENTIALITY

Each party shall maintain in confidence all non-public information disclosed by the other party in connection with this Agreement and shall not disclose such information except to employees, contractors or advisors who have a need to know and are bound by confidentiality obligations. The confidentiality obligation shall survive termination for a period of Confidentiality Period (years): years.

CUSTOMS COMPLIANCE AND REPRESENTATIONS

Applicant represents that the information provided is true, accurate and complete to the best of Applicant's knowledge and that Applicant will timely supply any additional documentation reasonably required by Service Provider to perform its obligations. Applicant acknowledges liability for duties, taxes, penalties and fines where applicable.

GOVERNING LAW

This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Jurisdiction: without regard to conflict of laws principles.

ENTIRE AGREEMENT

This document, together with any written attachments or schedules signed by both parties, constitutes the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter and supersedes all prior written or oral understandings. No amendment is effective unless made in writing and signed by both parties.

DECLARATION AND AUTHORIZATION

By checking the box below, Applicant authorizes Service Provider to act as its agent for the purpose of preparing and filing customs declarations, paying duties and taxes on Applicant's behalf (where authorized), and to obtain and use Applicant's proprietary documents solely to the extent necessary to perform the services described herein.

I certify that I am authorized to bind the Applicant and that the information provided in this Application and Agreement is accurate and complete.

ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTIONS / NOTES

Applicant (Importer):

Party Label:

By:

Date:

Service Provider:

Party Label:

By:

Date:

What the Import Application Form Is and when it's used

The Import Application Form documents the essential details required to register, clear, or report goods imported into the United States and to support customs processing, duty assessment, and regulatory compliance. Typical filings collect shipper and consignee information, commodity descriptions and HTS codes, country of origin, invoice values, and transportation details. The form is used by importers of record, customs brokers, freight forwarders, and carriers to meet federal agency requirements and to establish the legal basis for release, entry summary, and duty payment.

Why completing the Import Application Form correctly matters

Accurate, timely import filings reduce clearance delays, prevent penalties, and ensure correct duty and tax assessment. Proper documentation supports compliance with CBP and other federal agencies and helps establish chain of custody for product safety and quota enforcement.

Who typically prepares and signs an Import Application Form

Roles vary by company size and industry; small importers often rely on third‑party brokers while larger organizations maintain dedicated compliance staff.

Customs brokers and freight forwarders handling entry and entry summaries for multiple clients
Importers of record and in‑house compliance teams ensuring classification and valuation accuracy
Carriers and logistics coordinators providing transport and arrival details to customs

Step-by-step: filling and submitting an Import Application Form

Follow these sequential steps to prepare a complete import filing and minimize hold times during customs processing.

01

Gather documents: Collect commercial invoice, bill of lading, packing list, and any permits.
02

Classify goods: Assign correct HTS/Schedule B codes and valuation basis.
03

Populate form: Enter importer, consignee, transport, and value information accurately.
04

Submit and monitor: File with CBP or agent and track status until release.

How to customize and automate the online Import Application workflow

Configure digital fields and routing to match your import chain and reduce manual touchpoints.

Field	Configuration
Required Fields	Mark importer, TIN, HTS, and invoice value as mandatory
Conditional Logic	Show license and permit fields when product requires regulation
Automated Routing	Route to customs broker then compliance reviewer in sequence
Notifications	Email or SMS alerts when filings are submitted or queried

Sharing and eSubmission options for the Import Application Form

Ensure your platform supports PDF, DOCX, and XML exports and integrates with customs broker systems or middleware for eSubmission.

Email and secure links: Send the form as a protected PDF or via a secure signing link for remote signature
API integration: Connect form workflows to ERP, TMS, or broker platforms for automated submission
Cloud storage: Store signed copies in accredited cloud systems with access controls

Where to file or send the completed Import Application Form

Determine the correct destination based on importer role and shipment type; submission may be to CBP, a licensed broker, or a trusted system for electronic filing.

Direct to CBP: Electronic filing through ACE/EDI when importer is the filer of record
Through customs broker: Provide completed form and docs to broker to file entry and summary
Carrier submission: Carriers may require manifest details and arrival notices tied to the application
Regulatory agencies: Submit additional permits or certificates to USDA, FDA, EPA as required

Typical timelines and processing expectations

Filing timelines depend on mode of transport, agency rules, and carrier schedules; prepare documents early to avoid detention and storage fees.

Pre-arrival filing:

Submit required manifest information as early as carrier or CBP mandates

Entry summary:

File entry summary within the timeframe required by your filer or CBP procedures

Permit processing:

Allow agency review time for USDA/FDA permits—processing can add days to clearance

Release window:

Expect customs release in 24–72 hours for uncomplicated shipments

Audit retention:

Keep records for the full retention period after filing to support audits

Frequent preparation errors that delay import clearance

Using incomplete or inconsistent invoice descriptions that trigger classification or valuation reviews and release holds
Entering incorrect HTS codes or country of origin that result in reassessment and possible penalties
Omitting required permits or certificates for regulated goods, causing detention and re‑export orders
Failing to provide the correct importer TIN, leading to backup withholding or rejected electronic filings

Potential penalties and operational risks from incorrect filings

Customs penalties: Civil fines or penalty assessments for misclassification or false statements

Storage and demurrage: Costs accrue when goods are held pending corrective action

Seizure risk: Noncompliant or prohibited imports may be seized by authorities

Delays to market: Hold times can disrupt sales, production, or downstream supply chains

Audit exposure: Incomplete records increase risk of multi‑year audits and adjustments

Reputational damage: Repeated compliance failures can affect carrier and partner relationships

Real examples of Import Application Form workflows

Two customer scenarios illustrate common workflows for completing and routing import forms.

Optica Ventures LLC

A small importer digitized its import forms to reduce turnaround time and manual rekeying.

They used a broker for ACE filing.
The result was faster clearance and fewer classification errors, improving throughput for their distribution network.

Xerox (NetSuite operations)

A large enterprise integrated its import form with ERP and broker systems to automate HTS selection.

Integration reduced manual steps.
This produced more consistent classification and smoother reconciliation between customs entries and company accounting records.

Practical tips for accurate, efficient Import Application Forms

Adopt these best practices to reduce rework and speed customs processing while maintaining an audit-ready record.

Standardize source documents

Use template invoices and packing lists so required fields are consistently present and formatted; this reduces classification errors and manual corrections.

Validate HTS and valuation

Have a qualified classifier review HTS codes and valuation methodology; document the rationale to support audit defenses.

Use role-based routing

Route the completed form through compliance, broker, and finance roles in sequence to ensure review and payment readiness.

Maintain a complete audit trail

Capture timestamps, signer identity, and change logs for every submission to simplify audits and dispute resolution.

eSignature vendor comparison for completing and signing import forms

Basic pricing and feature availability for common eSignature vendors. signNow is listed first as the reference platform; feature availability may vary by plan.

	signNow	DocuSign	Adobe Sign	PandaDoc	HelloSign
Starting Price	$8/user/mo	$15/user/mo	$14/user/mo	$19/user/mo	$15/user/mo
Free Trial	7‑day free trial	Varies by plan	Varies by plan	Varies by plan	Varies by plan
Bulk Send	Yes	Varies by plan	Varies by plan	Varies by plan	Varies by plan
Audit Trail	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
HIPAA Compliant	Yes	Varies by plan	Varies by plan	Varies by plan	Varies by plan
Envelope Cap	No cap	100 envelopes/user/year	Varies by plan	Varies by plan	Varies by plan

FAQs and troubleshooting for import form completion and eSubmission

Answers to common questions about signatures, notarization, file formats, and what to do when customs requests more information.

Need help? Contact support

Can this form be signed electronically?
Yes. Electronic signatures are generally enforceable under the ESIGN Act and UETA when intent and consent are present, and the record can be retained and reproduced.
When is notarization required?
Notarization depends on the supporting document and state law; powers of attorney often require notarization. Check the specific document and jurisdiction before filing.
What if CBP requests additional documents?
Respond promptly with the requested information via your broker or ACE portal. Delays can incur storage and demurrage charges and may trigger an audit.
Which file formats should I use?
Use PDF for signed, archived copies and maintain source DOCX or XML for system integrations. PDFs preserve formatting and support embedded audit trails.
Who is authorized to sign on behalf of the importer?
An authorized officer, agent under power of attorney, or designated signer may sign. Maintain documentation that establishes signing authority to avoid disputes.
Is the eSignature platform secure and compliant?
Choose a platform with TLS encryption, AES‑256 at rest, and relevant certifications. Platforms may offer HIPAA compliance, SOC 2 Type II, and ESIGN/UETA adherence; verify BAAs when required.

be ready to get more

Join over 28 million airSlate SignNow users

Sign Now