Includes import documentation and other requirements for both the U.S. exporter and foreign importer.
Last Published: 8/6/2019

The importer or his/her representative submits a demand for an Attestation of Verification to Import (AVI) to SGS, the Swiss company in charge of inspection at the ports, no later than by the time of validation of the manifest.  This demand is accompanied by the following documents and information: a copy of the Interpretative Document; a copy of the Bill of Lading or airway bill; a final invoice, a packing list; a freight invoice, a local insurance certificate; a customs clearance, number of the cargo manifest, a voucher or evidence of an eventual exemption accompanied by a provisional customs certificate; and, a phytosanitary certificate or other required technical service documents.

SGS then grants within a maximum limit of 8 hours a final AVI, an original and 2 copies, to the importer.  The delivery of the final AVI is done directly, without the prerequisite delivery of a provisional AVI.  After verification, the inspector gives the user three copies of the declaration: a grey, blue, and yellow copy.  These verifications are done within a maximum time limit of 6 hours in the case where there is no contesting of taxation or other declared elements.

The importer presents these documents to the SGS, which affixes a security sticker and a dry stamp on the blue copy and transfers it to the bank for depositing.  SGS has to address the above documents to the different concerned banks at least 3 times a day.  After payment, the bank delivers a receipt and the blue copy to the user, transmits the yellow copy to SGS, and keeps the grey copy.  After reviewing the blue copy and the receipt, the concerned Inspector delivers the release warrant for the merchandise after the verification of usage.

Prepared by the International Trade Administration. With its network of more than 100 offices across the United States and in more than 75 markets, the International Trade Administration of the U.S. Department of Commerce utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell their products and services worldwide. Locate the trade specialist in the U.S. nearest you by visiting http://export.gov/usoffices.