The Wholesale Forums

[Trader James]

Hi everyone!

I am thinking of importing some items from the States. Can anyone tell me what I will need to start buying from the USA? Do I need a Federal Tax ID number for instance?

[sacback]

The U.S. Customs Service does not require an importer to have a license or permit. Other agencies may require a permit, license, or other certification, depending on what is being imported. Customs entry forms do ask for your importer number. This is either your IRS business registration number, or if your business is not registered with the IRS or you do not have a business, your social security number.

http://www.americanimporters.org/pag...uirements.html

Check that site out because they have some really good info on it for you.

[Trader James]

Just to make clear, I will be buying from the USA and importing into the UK.
Thanks for the link it has some good info.
Anyone else have any thoughts?

[Pete]

No, you don't need anything. Unlike VAT, sales tax in the US is state by state and it is only charged when deliveries are in the same state as the seller. Even then, if the goods are for resale, no taxes are charged.

Some wholesalers ask for a tax exemption certificat number, just to make sure the buyer is not buying for personal use.

Since they are exporting, no taxes of any kind are involved and any wholesaler who demands some sort of information is just not used to shipping overseas.
.

[Trader James]

Thanks a lot, great info.