Licenses and permits to open a cosmetics store in Seattle

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

   LLC formation

   Washington Secretary of State, CorporationsWA

   Form the company or register a foreign company online.

   Fee

   Varies

   Filed

   Filed online

   File on the agency's siteHow to fill it

3. 3

   Washington business license (state tax registration)

   Washington Department of Revenue, Business Licensing ServiceWA

   File online in My DOR, or by mail. It gives the business its UBI number and tax registration, registers trade names and city and state endorsements, and passes your details to Employment Security and Labor and Industries, which open the unemployment insurance and workers' comp accounts.

   Fee

   Varies

   Filed

   Filed online

   Takes

   About 10 business days; city or state endorsements can add another 2 to 3 weeks.

   Renews

   Every year, before the date printed on the license, when it carries endorsements.

   File on the agency's siteHow to fill it

4. 4

   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

5. 5

   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

6. 6

   Cosmetic product facility registration (MoCRA)

   U.S. Food and Drug AdministrationUS federal

   Filed online in Cosmetics Direct by the facility that makes or processes the cosmetics.

   Fee

   Free

   Filed

   Filed online

   Renews

   Every two years.

   File on the agency's siteHow to fill it

7. 7

   Cosmetic product listing (MoCRA)

   U.S. Food and Drug AdministrationUS federal

   Filed online in Cosmetics Direct by the brand (the responsible person on the label), one listing per product.

   Fee

   Free

   Filed

   Filed online

   Renews

   Update every year.

   File on the agency's siteHow to fill it

8. 8

   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

9. 9

   Seattle business license tax certificate

   City of Seattle Finance, License and Tax AdministrationSeattle

   Apply online through FileLocal once the business has its Washington UBI number, or mail the paper application with payment. A physical business location is required; a P.O. box doesn't count.

   Fee

   $73

   Filed

   Filed online

   Takes

   Online, the license can usually be printed 2 to 3 business days after payment; by mail it takes one to six weeks.

   Renews

   Every year; all certificates expire December 31.

   File on the agency's siteHow to fill it

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<div class="placetta-checklist"><p><strong>Licenses and permits to open a cosmetics store in Seattle</strong></p><ol><li>Application for Employer Identification Number (EIN) (Internal Revenue Service)</li><li>LLC formation (Washington Secretary of State, Corporations)</li><li>Washington business license (state tax registration) (Washington Department of Revenue, Business Licensing Service)</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>Cosmetic product facility registration (MoCRA) (U.S. Food and Drug Administration)</li><li>Cosmetic product listing (MoCRA) (U.S. Food and Drug Administration)</li><li>Product safety certificate, filed electronically at entry (U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission)</li><li>Seattle business license tax certificate (City of Seattle Finance, License and Tax Administration)</li></ol><p>Source: <a href="https://placetta.com/guides/seattle/cosmetics-store.html">Placetta license guide</a></p></div>Copy the code

More on opening in Seattle

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

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 I need to register cosmetics with the FDA?
• Do imported consumer products need a certificate of conformity?

Other businesses in Seattle

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

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