Importing to the USA- please help

Quick question. In the article "Importing to the US:Papers, Procedures, Duties". It states:

"Another tip is to stay away from designer replicas as these are subject to more scrutiny and may cause Trade marking and Copyright issues. If you are particularly worried about getting started, I suggest only importing small lots until you feel more confident with the process. Customs are primarily interested in very large orders and small parcels valued under $1,000 are usually waved on through."


When they say designer replicas does this include Asian fashion brands? What I mean by Asian fashion brands is Japanese, Hong Kong, Taiwanese, Korean fashion apparel (designer labels only known across Asia).

I asked three different Asian wholesaler about providing proof that the goods I am purchasing is authentic. However, this was their reply

"In China, they do not have certificate of authenticity unlike Europe country."

And I contacted at least three different wholesalers and they all said the same thing.

Anyway, my point is that when I do begin to order large quanities of Asian fashion apparel, I will not be able to prove if it is authentic or not. What should I do?

Does anyone know anything about importing Asian fashion into the US and what are the restrictions and regulations for this?

Thank you.

Hi ALiChic,

A designer replica is basically a copy of a designer product baring the brand logo or symbol. To the inexperienced eye these may well look like the real deal. These are the type of products that can get you in BIG trouble when you import them into the US.

As for Asian fashion, I would not classify them as designer replicas. These are clothing apparel made by Asian manufacturers primarily targeted for the Asian market. These often carry Asian brands which may be specific to the country of origin.

Although I don't have experience in importing these into the US, I do hope I was able to help you distinguish one from the other.

All the best!

Thanks Richelle.
What is a certificate of origin?

Do you think I need it if I am ordering from Asia? On the wholesale website it says it cost an additional $25. I don't want to get it if I don't need it.

Any inputs?

Hi ALiChic,

A certificate of origin (CO) is a document that certifies the country of origin as well as verifies the country in which the goods were manufactured. This is required by certain foreign countries for tariff purposes and is usually prepared by the exporter or the freight forwarder.

Be to honest, I'm not too sure since I have not imported anything into the US. But I think this pdf guide may help - Link hidden: Login to view Please read through pages 49-75.

Hope this helps :)