The Foreign Trade Imports data (IMP) covers the universe of firms operating in the U.S. that engage in merchandise import from a foreign destination. Information is compiled from automated data submitted through the U.S. Customs’ Automated Commercial System. Data are also compiled from import entry summary forms, warehouse withdrawal forms and Foreign Trade Zone documents required by law to be filed with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Data on imports of electricity and natural gas from Canada are obtained from Canadian sources.

This database covers the universe of firms operating in the U.S. that engage in merchandise import from a foreign destination. Imports of merchandise include commodities of foreign origin as well as goods of domestic origin returned to the United States with no change in condition or after having been processed and/or assembled in other countries. (See description of American goods returned after processing and/or assembly).

For statistical purposes, imports are classified by the type of transaction:

• Merchandise entered for immediate consumption - "duty free" merchandise and merchandise on which duty is paid on arrival
• Merchandise withdrawn for consumption from Customs bonded warehouses, and U.S. Foreign Trade Zones
• Merchandise entered into Customs bonded warehouses and U.S. Foreign Trade Zones from foreign countries