Tools
Other Government Agencies
The U.S. agencies, beyond Customs, that regulate specific imported goods. See what each one covers, what it requires at entry, and where to find its official guidance.
Not sure which agencies apply to your product? Our customs team can help →
Government Agencies
Partner Government Agencies (PGAs)
Beyond U.S. Customs, these agencies set the rules for specific goods. If your product falls under one of them, its data, permits or certificates have to be in place before your shipment is released. Our brokers file these for you.
FDA
Food and Drug Administration
Dept. of Health & Human Services
WHAT THEY REGULATE
Food and beverages, animal food, dietary supplements, drugs, medical devices, cosmetics, radiation-emitting products and tobacco.
KEY IMPORT REQUIREMENTS
Prior Notice, facility registration and FDA product codes.
USDA-APHIS
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
Dept. of Agriculture
WHAT THEY REGULATE
Live animals, animal products, plants, seeds, soil and unmanufactured wood, including Lacey Act declarations.
KEY IMPORT REQUIREMENTS
Import permits, phytosanitary certificates and foreign health certificates.
USDA-FSIS
Food Safety and Inspection Service
Dept. of Agriculture
WHAT THEY REGULATE
Commercial imports of meat, poultry and processed egg products.
KEY IMPORT REQUIREMENTS
Foreign inspection certificates and FSIS reinspection on arrival.
EPA
Environmental Protection Agency
Independent agency
WHAT THEY REGULATE
Chemicals, pesticides, toxic substances, vehicles and engines, ozone-depleting substances and hazardous waste.
KEY IMPORT REQUIREMENTS
TSCA certification, pesticide Notice of Arrival (EPA Form 3540-1) and engine declarations.
CPSC
Consumer Product Safety Commission
Independent agency
WHAT THEY REGULATE
Consumer goods, children’s products and toys, apparel flammability, mattresses, fireworks, lighters and furniture.
KEY IMPORT REQUIREMENTS
Certificates of compliance (CPC or GCC), third-party lab testing and tracking labels.
DOT / NHTSA
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Dept. of Transportation
WHAT THEY REGULATE
Motor vehicles, automotive parts, tires, child car seats and seat belts.
KEY IMPORT REQUIREMENTS
HS-7 declaration and Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) compliance.
FCC
Federal Communications Commission
Independent agency
WHAT THEY REGULATE
Radio-frequency devices, wireless and cellular equipment, Bluetooth electronics and other transmitters.
KEY IMPORT REQUIREMENTS
Equipment authorization (FCC ID and grantee code), with FCC Form 740 data where it applies.
USFWS
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Dept. of the Interior
WHAT THEY REGULATE
Live wildlife, marine products, furs, reptile leather, feathers and CITES-protected species.
KEY IMPORT REQUIREMENTS
FWS Form 3-177, an import license where required and clearance at a designated wildlife port.
TTB
Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau
Dept. of the Treasury
WHAT THEY REGULATE
Wine, beer, distilled spirits and tobacco, plus excise taxes on firearms and ammunition.
KEY IMPORT REQUIREMENTS
Federal basic permit and Certificate of Label Approval (COLA).