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

Selling imported goods online means customs registration and import paperwork before the first shipment lands. Here are the 11 filings, in the order they're made.

Updated October 15, 202611 filingsSources: the agencies' own sites

  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. Articles of Organization (California LLC)

    California Secretary of StateCalifornia

    Filed online in bizfile Online.

    Fee
    $70
    Filed
    Filed online
    Takes
    Online filings are currently reviewed about 3 days after receipt (mail about 8 days), per the Oct 8, 2026 queue.
    Renews
    Statement of Information (LLC-12, $20) within 90 days, then every two years.

    File on the agency's siteHow to fill it

  3. Seller's permit

    California Department of Tax and Fee AdministrationCalifornia

    Register online before your first sale; one permit for each location.

    Fee
    Free
    Filed
    Filed online
    Takes
    Often issued the same day.
    Renews
    Does not expire.

    File on the agency's siteHow to fill it

  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. 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. 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

  7. 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

  8. San Francisco Business Registration Certificate

    San Francisco Office of the Treasurer and Tax CollectorSan Francisco

    Apply online, sign the DocuSign email within 15 days, then pay the fee when asked.

    Fee
    $55
    Filed
    Filed online
    Takes
    The certificate is mailed within 10 to 15 business days after payment.
    Renews
    Every year, by the last day of February.

    File on the agency's siteHow to fill it

  9. LLC annual tax ($800)

    California Franchise Tax BoardCalifornia

    Paid every year by every LLC registered or doing business in California.

    Fee
    $800
    Filed
    Filed online
    Takes
    Paying the $800 LLC tax online through Web Pay is immediate; it's due by the 15th day of the 4th month of the LLC's tax year.
    Renews
    Every year, by the 15th day of the 4th month of the tax year.

    File on the agency's siteHow to fill it

  10. Packaging producer registration (EPR)

    CalRecycle, through Circular Action AllianceCalifornia

    The brand owner or importer of packaged goods sold in California registers and reports with the producer organization.

    Fee
    Varies
    Filed
    Filed on the agency's portal

    File on the agency's siteHow to fill it

  11. Proposition 65 warning labels

    California Office of Environmental Health Hazard AssessmentCalifornia

    Nothing is filed. Businesses with 10 or more employees warn before exposing Californians to listed chemicals, including online at checkout.

    Fee
    Free
    Filed
    Nothing to file
    Takes
    Nothing is filed with or approved by OEHHA, so there's no processing time; the business decides whether a warning is needed and must have it in place itself.

    File on the agency's siteHow to fill it

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

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