Do I need an import license to import apparel (clothing) ? How much does it cost to obtain an import license f

Contact the small business association for your answer. The website is www.score.org. There is a SCORE location in your phone book or go online for a location near you.

If you are planning to start a business importing items into the USA, I suggest you read the following US Bureau of Custom's papersImporting into the United States: A Practical Guide for Commercial Importers -- this is a 200-page document that tells you the eligible items you can import and the invoices required, among other things http://www.cbp.gov/linkhandler/cgov/toolbox/publications/trade/iius.ctt/iius.pdfHow Cargo Flows Securely into the US http://www.cbp.gov/linkhandler/cgov/import/cargo_summary/cargo_flow_map.ctt/cargo_flow_map.pdfUS Embassy (look at the last page as it has a good link of websites for additional info) http://canada.usembassy.gov/content/can_usa/borderissues_brochure.pdfOther websites worth checking are: CMTAC Trade Information Database http://latrade.cmtac.org/trade_info/index.cfmDont's of Importing http://www.gattiassociates.com/CM/Articles/Articles1277.aspFlowchart of the export process http://www.export.gov/exportbasics/index.aspGoing Global http://www.going-global.com/articles/These trade association websites also have loads of information on how to start an export import business: Federation of International Trade Association http://fita.org/index.html Professional Association of Exporters and Importers http://www.paei.org/ You may also want to check out the following books:- Import/Export: How to Get Started in International Trade- Exporting, Importing, and Beyond : How to 'Go Global' With Your Small Business- Selling to the World: Your Fast and Easy Guide to Exporting and Importing- Start and Run a Profitable Exporting Business- Start Your Own Import/Export Business