AVVO Talk: Importing China Products for Business Start-up

Question Continued:  Hello! I'm planning to open an online small business to import apparel products from China to re-sell in USA. 
1. I don't know if I must establish a company to be eligible to import goods to re-sell? 
2. What are the essentials documents and process that I must know? 
3. In which situation a small business must build a legal company? 
4. Is there any solution for me to import goods easily since I just start up and only import a small order to test the market first? 
Thank you

Deanna's Response:

Hello, take a look at www.cbp.gov, click on its "Trade" tab for more info. and browse through some of its Informed Compliance publications. Importers take on a lot of liability as US Customs views importing as a "privilege" and not a "right." As a result of this, if you plan to grow your business you need to be aware of your responsibilities in order to avoid problems. 

Apparel products also have their own labeling specific laws and testing requirements that must be abided by and that responsibility falls on the shoulders of you the importer, not to mention certain website disclaimers. 

As our practice concentrates on the fashion industry and imports/exports, you may find some guidance about what new entrants to the market like yourself can use by accessing our resources as provided in our Avvo profile.