Customs value is not always the invoice total
Transaction value often starts with the price actually paid or payable for goods sold for export to the United States, then considers required additions. Not every invoice charge belongs in customs value, and some unbilled inputs may.
The four-step journey
A bite-sized introduction to transaction value, assists, packing, commissions, proceeds, related parties, and alternative valuation methods.
- Identify the sale for export
- Confirm price paid or payable
- Add required elements
- Use an alternative method if transaction value fails
What the broker checks
- Assists, packing, royalties, and proceeds
- Buying versus selling commissions
- Related-party acceptability and non-dutiable charges
Why it matters
A clean invoice is evidence. It is not, by itself, the complete valuation analysis.
- Assist: Certain goods or services supplied by the buyer for producing imported merchandise.
- Transaction value: The primary U.S. customs valuation method when its requirements are met.
Official sources
- 19 CFR Part 152 — Classification and Appraisement
- 19 CFR Part 141 — Entry of Merchandise
- CBP — Customs Broker License Examination