Licenses and permits to open an importer or e-commerce seller in Columbus

1. 1

   Application for Employer Identification Number (EIN)

   Internal Revenue ServiceUS federal

   Owners with an SSN or ITIN apply online. A company whose responsible party has neither (most China-based owners) faxes or mails Form SS-4, or calls the IRS international line.

   Fee

   Free

   Filed

   Paper form, faxed or mailed

   Takes

   Fax: about 4 business days. Mail: about 4 to 5 weeks. Phone: issued on the call.

   File on the agency's siteHow to fill it

2. 2

   Ohio vendor's license (sales tax)

   Franklin County Auditor, for the Ohio Department of TaxationColumbus

   A business with a location in Franklin County gets its sales tax account from the County Auditor: complete the ST 1 online, or mail it with the fee to 373 S High St, 21st floor, Columbus. Check with the local zoning department about the address first.

   Fee

   $50

   Filed

   Filed online

   File on the agency's siteHow to fill it

3. 3

   Create/Update Importer Identity Form

   U.S. Customs and Border ProtectionUS federal

   Sent to CBP (usually through your customs broker), or created in the ACE portal. Needed before your first entry as importer of record.

   Fee

   Free

   Filed

   Paper form, mailed

   Takes

   Up to 5 business days.

   File on the agency's siteHow to fill it

4. 4

   Customs Bond

   U.S. Customs and Border ProtectionUS federal

   Bought from a CBP-approved surety, usually through your customs broker, who files it electronically. A continuous bond covers a year of entries.

   Fee

   Varies

   Filed

   Filed on the agency's portal

   Takes

   At least 5 business days for review.

   Renews

   Continuous bonds renew yearly.

   File on the agency's siteHow to fill it

5. 5

   ACE Secure Data Portal account for importers

   U.S. Customs and Border ProtectionUS federal

   Applied for online in ACE. Lets you see your entries, duties and bond.

   Fee

   Free

   Filed

   Filed online

   File on the agency's siteHow to fill it

6. 6

   Product safety certificate, filed electronically at entry

   U.S. Consumer Product Safety CommissionUS federal

   The importer issues the certificate itself (there is no government form) and, under the eFiling rule, files the certificate data with CBP at entry.

   Fee

   Free

   Filed

   Filed online

   File on the agency's siteHow to fill it

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<div class="placetta-checklist"><p><strong>Licenses and permits to open an importer or e-commerce seller in Columbus</strong></p><ol><li>Application for Employer Identification Number (EIN) (Internal Revenue Service)</li><li>Ohio vendor's license (sales tax) (Franklin County Auditor, for the Ohio Department of Taxation)</li><li>Create/Update Importer Identity Form (U.S. Customs and Border Protection)</li><li>Customs Bond (U.S. Customs and Border Protection)</li><li>ACE Secure Data Portal account for importers (U.S. Customs and Border Protection)</li><li>Product safety certificate, filed electronically at entry (U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission)</li></ol><p>Source: <a href="https://placetta.com/guides/columbus/importer-ecommerce.html">Placetta license guide</a></p></div>Copy the code

More on opening in Columbus

• How much permits cost to open in Columbus
• How long permits take in Columbus
• Opening in Columbus as a foreign company
• Importing goods into Columbus
• Renewals and annual filings in Columbus

Questions people ask

• How do I get an EIN without an SSN or ITIN?
• How long does it take to get an EIN?
• Does a foreign-owned single-member LLC have to file Form 5472?
• How do I become an importer of record in the US?
• Do imported consumer products need a certificate of conformity?
• How much does a US customs bond cost?

Other businesses in Columbus

• Milk tea and bubble tea shops
• Coffee shops
• Restaurants
• Hot pot restaurants
• Bakeries
• Dessert shops
• Grocery stores
• Retail stores
• Cosmetics stores
• Toy stores
• Warehouses and 3PLs

Agency requirements change. Check each agency's page before you file.