Everything you need to know to import parts from overseas with Fictiv.

We’re proud to offer customers access to a variety of manufacturing location options, with facilities located in the USA, China, India, and Mexico. Our global network ensures you can find the right capabilities, pricing, and lead times to meet your project requirements.

Due to new U.S. global trade tariffs introduced in 2025, it’s important to understand any additional duties and taxes you may be responsible for when ordering parts manufactured overseas. To help streamline this process and avoid delays or unexpected fees, we’ve updated our customs clearance workflow. 

This article will guide you through each step to ensure you’re prepared for your shipment.

1. Start Your Quote

New Requirement:
For any non-tooling quote, once files are uploaded, you’ll be asked to identify the end-use of the parts (Prototype or Commercial). You may continue configuring without answering this question, but you must answer it to receive pricing. This applies to:

  • New quotes
  • Reorders
  • Existing quotes

This classification impacts the tariffs and duties applied to your parts.

Choose between:

  • Prototype
  • Commercial
Fictiv platform end-use selection prompt (Prototype or Commercial) required to view pricing.

If you’re unsure whether your parts qualify as prototypes, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) defines a prototype as:

  • The part is to be used exclusively for development, testing, product evaluation, or quality control purposes.
  • The part is NOT intended to be sold or incorporated into other products that are sold.
  • The order is limited to noncommercial quantities in accordance with industry practice.

Anything that does not fit in the Prototype classification will be Commercial.

2. Select End-Use and Receive Pricing

Once you answer the end-use question, your selection will be reflected on-screen and can be updated at any time.

After parts are configured, the quote summary card will display:

Quote-level lead time options

Total landed cost, including shipping

Tariff visibility:

  • If tariffs apply, the Shipping line will note: Shipping (Incl. duties & tariffs)
  • If tariffs do not apply, you will see: Shipping (No tariffs apply)
Fictiv platform showing delivery date selection and shipping including total landed cost.
Shipping line with duties tariffs included
Fictiv platform showing domestic shipping with no tariffs applied.
Shipping line when no tariffs apply

3. Proceed to Checkout

On the checkout page, you will see:

  • The same pricing and tariff details reflected in the summary card as shown during quoting.
  • If duties or tariffs apply, they will be noted in the Shipping line.
  • If duties or tariffs are excluded from the order, that will be noted in the Shipping line.

4. Choose Import Method

On the checkout page, you’ll be required to choose how you want parts imported.

Import Options (DDP vs. Ex Works):

Default: Fictiv Imports (DDP)

  • Fictiv handles all importation logistics.
  • The quote total includes all costs—what you see is what you pay.
  • This is the recommended option, especially for a frictionless experience.

Alternate: Customer Imports (Ex Works)

  • The customer acts as the importer of record.
  • Requires a valid shipping account.
  • Customer assumes full responsibility for all customs clearance, duties, and tariffs.

For Ex Works shipments, you are responsible for:

  • Submitting the Importer ID Form (CBP Form 5106) (see below)
  • Providing accurate HTS codes to ensure timely and compliant customs clearance
  • Paying all applicable import duties, taxes, and fees. These are collected by U.S. Customs upon import. A few days after delivery, your carrier (e.g., FedEx, UPS, or DHL) will invoice you for these charges
  • If Prototype is selected, at the time of entry (or at a later date), you may be required to provide U.S. Customs with a written statement confirming the actual use of your parts, along with any supporting documentation for prototype certification. If CBP determines that your parts do not qualify as prototypes and sufficient proof cannot be provided, the customer will be responsible for any resulting tariffs or duties.

Failure to provide this information can result in:

  • Customs holds that delay delivery
  • The shipment being returned if the CBP Form 5106 is missing or unresolved in a timely manner

5. Confirmation and Next Steps

After placing your order, you’ll need to enter your parts’ HTS codes and provide customs forms if applicable.

Once all steps are complete, you’ll see a green checkmark and “Submitted” status.

Please complete the Customs Information section within 48 hours to avoid delays. If we don’t receive this, our team will reach out for the missing details.

Entering HTS Code and Part Details

Fill out the following fields:

  • HTS Code: This 10-digit number identifies the correct duties for your imported goods.
  • Part Description: Briefly describe the part (e.g., “polyurethane top half of high voltage electronics insulator” or “aluminum mounting plate”).
  • Parent Product & End Use: Describe the part’s parent product and application (e.g., “animatronic for theme park” or “mounting plate for scooter”).

How to Assign HTS Classification Codes

To find the correct HTS code(s) for your order, visit the official HTS website.

Here are a few common HTS codes used in orders placed through our platform:

  • 7616.99.5190 – Aluminum Goods
  • 7326.90.8688 – Steel Goods
  • 3926.90.9989 – Plastic Goods

If you’re unsure of the correct HTS codes:

  • Consult your internal trade or logistics team, or
  • Work with a customs broker or trade compliance professional to ensure accurate classification.

Preparing Importer ID Form (If Applicable) 

If you select Fictiv DDP, then you do not need an importer ID form (Form 5106). Fictiv will generate the necessary documents for import. Fictiv will act as the Importer of Record (IOR) and coordinate with our customs broker to handle clearance.

This step applies if you’re using your own carrier for shipping (vs. Fictiv DDP). You must be registered as an importer with your carrier and U.S. Customs. To register, you must submit CBP Form 5106, which establishes or updates your importer profile with U.S. Customs. CBP uses this form to collect and maintain importer identification information for goods entering the United States. You only have to submit this form once.

  • If you’ve previously submitted CBP Form 5106 with your selected carrier, check the box: “I have submitted my CBP Form 5106 with the carrier I selected.”
  • If you’re a first-time importer, download and fill out the CBP Form 5106. Your carrier will contact you if they require submission.

To complete Form 5106, be sure to have the following information ready:

  • Your company’s EIN (Employer Identification Number) or your Social Security Number (SSN)
  • Your company’s shipping and billing addresses

Note: You cannot submit Form 5106 to the express consignment operator until after your goods have shipped and you’ve received a tracking number.

As a first time importer, you should also ensure you have a Power of Attorney (POA) setup with your carrier/broker so they can make the customs filing on your behalf.

When Do I Need a Power of Attorney (POA)?

If you are acting as the Importer of Record (IOR) for a shipment into the U.S., you must have a Power of Attorney (POA) on file with your customs broker. This is typically the brokerage division of your selected shipping carrier. The POA authorizes the broker to clear your goods through U.S. Customs on your behalf. Failure to provide a POA may result in shipment delays.

Verifying POA Status With UPS

UPS is one example of a carrier that requires a POA. The process is similar for other carriers. 

If you’re unsure if you already have a valid POA on file with UPS, you can verify this by contacting the UPS POA Department.

To request confirmation:

Send an email to POA@ups.com with the following information:

  • Company Name
  • Company Address
  • Contact Name and Phone Number
  • UPS Account Number (if known)
  • A brief message requesting confirmation of whether a POA is currently on file

The UPS POA team typically responds within 24 hours.

If no valid POA is found, UPS will provide instructions to complete and submit a new POA document to proceed with import clearance activities.

How to Complete a UPS Power of Attorney (POA) Form

If you need to submit a POA and are using UPS, follow these steps:

Download and fill out the UPS form: UPS_SCS POA (2).pdf.

  1. Clearly state the purpose of the POA: “This authorizes UPS to act as your broker for customs clearance on your behalf.”
  2. Check the appropriate box for your business type (e.g., LLC, Corporation).
  3. Enter your EIN/Tax ID number. (If you’re located outside the U.S., leave this blank.)
  4. Enter your UPS account number. (If you don’t know it, leave it blank.)
  5. Enter your company’s name and state of registration.
  6. If applicable, provide your DBA (Doing Business As) name.
  7. Provide your company’s full address.
  8. Sign the form with an actual (wet) signature—digital signatures are not accepted. Include your job title.
  9. Fill in today’s date.
  10. Enter your email address.
  11. Provide your phone number.

Before you submit your POA or reach out to UPS, double-check that all information is complete and accurate to avoid delays in processing.

Questions? We’re Here to Help.

If you’re unsure how to classify your parts or need help ensuring you have the correct import information, we recommend consulting a licensed customs broker.

While Fictiv is not a licensed customs broker and cannot provide direct assistance with customs matters, we can refer you to our trusted partner:

American Royal International, Inc.
1021 Washington Street
San Carlos, CA 94070
Tel: +1 (650) 685-7330
Fax: +1 (650) 685-7334
Email: sales@arii.net
Website: www.arii.net

Disclaimer:

  • Fictiv is not responsible for any fees incurred from American Royal International, Inc. (ARII) should you choose to engage their services for classification or other support.
  • Fictiv is not liable for actions taken based on information provided by ARII.
  • Fictiv does not receive compensation for referrals or services rendered by ARII.

Still have questions about importing goods into the U.S. through Fictiv’s international manufacturing services? Talk to an expert.