Importing from Eastern Europe

[Newbbie]

After a trip to my home country in Eastern Europe I discovered great cosmetics made with a plant that only grows there (like lotions, parfumes, soaps, etc.). I am considering starting a small LLC and import a small quantity to see how they sell. What is the next step I need to take??? I read on the CBP.gov that you don't really need a license to import under $2500 value. I want to sell primarily in local farmers markets and special events then if it sells to open a store, or try to put it in stores like Walgreens, CVS, Walmart. I talked to the local factory and they said they will be able to ship all products in bulk to the US. What is the next step? Anyone know how to find out import fees and paperwork needed in order to import - say - products worth of $1000? Thanks.

[vangogh]

The site you mentioned has a lot of information. I'm not sure if you saw this section about importing and exporting (http://www.cbp.gov/trade/basic-import-export). The first link on the page takes you to this one where you can download a PDF with more information (http://www.cbp.gov/document/publications/importing-united-states).

Another site to read through will be the website for the Secretary of State for the state you live in. There's usually good information on the SoS websites about what you need to do to form a business where you live.

[Bobjob]

We import from Germany. A freight forwarder handles our freight from Germany to our facility. We pay them for everything (customs, entry fees, delivery charges etc...) To give you an idea, our last shipment, we had two boxes with a total weight of 302 lbs and we paid our freight forwarder $753.00. This does not include what I had to pay my factory for delivery charges when the freight forwarder picks up from their facility.

I would believe the factory would have some knowledge as to shipping to foreign countries. I would believe a smaller order may be able to be shipped by Post or UPS?