Granite Monument Import Guide for the USA from India For monument companies, memorial dealers, cemetery suppliers, and stone distributors, importing granite monuments from India to the USA is a convenient sourcing choice. But choosing a granite colour and agreeing a price is not enough to make a successful shipment. The importer is required to obtain the correct product classification, documents, packaging, customs entry and landed cost correct prior to the product shipment leaving India. The following is a practical granite monument import guide for the USA from India. 1. Finalise the Monument Specifications The first step is to verify the exact items you are importing. Send the drawing of the monument, dimensions, thickness, type of granite, finish, requirements for carving, lettering, bases and accessories to the granite monument maker in India. This is especially significant for customs classification since the U.S. tariff schedule classifies granite articles as per the form, processing, and dimensions. 2. Check the HTS Classification Worked granite is covered under heading 6802, granite under subheading 6802.93. Monuments, bases, and markers are classified in the U.S. tariff schedule under 6802.93.00.35. But the exact classification should be determined by the specifications of the finished product, especially its thickness and level of processing. Don’t copy an HTS code from another shipment. Prior to filing an entry, it is the importer or customs broker’s responsibility to verify classification. 3. Calculate Duty and Import Fees Upon confirmation of the classification, the importer would then have to determine any customs duty and import taxes that would be applicable to the import. For granite under HTS 6802.93.00, the general duty rate is 3.7%. Secondly, when the item is being sent as an Indian-origin product, an importer should review the current HTSUS for other Chapter 99 tariff rates that may also apply. Import fees can consist of Merchandise Processing Fees (MPF) and Harbor Maintenance Fees (HMF) (when shipping by sea) in addition to the cost of the merchandise. 4. Prepare the Required Documents Prepare shipment documentation, such as the commercial invoice, packing list, bill of Lading, shipping bill, purchase order, certificate of origin (if applicable), and entry to customs. The commercial invoice should be clearly written with the following information: manufacturer/seller information, quantity, product description, value, and proper HTS code. Work With a U.S. Customs Broker A U.S. importer may cooperate with a licensed customs broker to prepare entry documents and submit the documents to CBP. In a commercial shipment, the importer is responsible for preparing a copy of the invoice, packing list, product description, and HTS classification and shipping details in advance and submitting them to the broker. CBP will normally consider the import to be a formal entry for shipments of $2,500 or more, and customs bond and entry requirements will apply. The importer will still be responsible for the accuracy of the data provided to CBP. 6. Calculate the Complete Landed Cost Don’t compare suppliers only by the FOB price. The final cost can also include inland transport, export charges, ocean freight, insurance, customs duty, MPF, HMF, customs clearance, port charges, and delivery in the USA. Add all these costs to the product price to understand the actual landed cost before placing the order. 7. Select an Export-Ready Indian Supplier Last but not least, you’ll want to select the granite monument manufacturer India that has the ability to consistently supply you with granite, sizes, finishes, and fabrication, and also to prepare the export-ready packages and documents. In the case of monument dealers and distributors, it is important to confirm production drawings, stone selection, finishing, carving and engraving details, packing method, container loading plan, and documentation prior to production. If a buyer is buying Indian granite monuments, there are some problems which can be avoided with a specific specification and a well-planned import process. Importers can check the product classification, current U.S. tariff requirements, documents, ISF, packaging, and landed cost before shipment to help create a more predictable sourcing process for granite monuments from India to the USA.