Importing/Exporting Specific Products
Many imported and exported products are regulated by federal agencies. If you import or export the following types of products, you may be required to obtain specific licenses and permits or complete additional paperwork:
Agricultural Products
Export Information and Assistance
- Agricultural Export Assistance Handbooks and Guidelines
Provides to links to handbooks, training materials, videos, and market reports that help producers export their goods overseas.
- Agricultural Export Transportation Handbook
Provides resources to help small and medium-size businesses develop an international marketing plan, discover export opportunities, and ship products overseas.
- Export Credit Guarantee Programs
Information on export credit guarantee programs for commercial financing of U.S. agricultural exports.
- Exporter Assistance for Agriculture and Forestry Industries
A series of resources, products, and services that can help companies explore the potential for international sales.
- Exporter's Matrix : Handbook for U.S. Agribusinesses
Guidelines to exporting food, farm and forest products.
- Facility Guarantee Program
Provides payment guarantees to finance commercial exports of U.S. manufactured goods and services that will be used to improve agriculture-related facilities.
- Foreign Agricultural Service Fact Sheets
Information on a variety of topics related to exporting agricultural commodities. Specific information on programs the Foreign Agricultural Service sponsors is also available.
- General Sales Manager Online System
The General Sales Manager Online System enables U.S. exporters and U.S. banks to submit required documentation online, or electronically, for the GSM-102, Supplier Credit Guarantee and Facility Guarantee Programs. These programs facilitate commercial financing of U.S. agricultural exports.
- Market Development Programs
Information on Foreign Agricultural Service sponsored programs designed to assist in the expansion of export opportunities.
- Trade Adjustment Assistance for Farmers : FAQs
Answers to questions about TAA, which provides producers of raw commodities, who have been adversely affected by import competition, free technical assistance and cash benefits of up to $10,000 per year.
- Trade Sanctions Reform and Export Enhancement Act : FAQs
Questions and answers about the implementation of the Trade Sanctions Reform and Export Enhancement Act.
- U.S. Exporter Assistance : Pricing, Quotes, and Negotiations
Information on proper pricing, complete and accurate quotations, and choice of terms for the sale of exports so that selling products in foreign markets is successful.
- U.S. Exporter Assistance : Shipping Documentation, and Requirements
A series of documents outlining the shipping documentation required to export commodities and other requirements.
Import Programs
Animals and Plants
Food and Related Products
- Country of Origin Labeling Requirements
The 2002 Farm Bill requires country of origin labeling for beef, lamb, pork, fish, perishable agricultural commodities and peanuts.
- Exporting Dairy Products to the European Union
Providers exporting requirements under the European Union Health Certification Program.
- Exporting Grain
Information on requirements that must be met by individuals or companies exporting grain, oilseeds, or related commodities from the United States. The requirements vary based on whether the commodity is covered by the United States Grain Standards Act (USGSA) or the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 (AMA).
- Food Export Certificate Project
Information on food export certificates which are paper or electronic documents requested by an importing nation that describes and/or attests to animal health or product safety, production, or processing methods, packaging, labeling, or specific attributes of a food/food ingredient intended for international destinations.
Wood Products
- Guide to Exporting Solid Wood Products
Guide for U.S. wood products producers interested in export markets, providing an overview of the necessary steps to develop a successful export marketing strategy.
Automobiles
Chemicals
- Chemical Import/Export Requirements
General info on requirements under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) for persons who import and/or export chemical substances into and out of the U.S.
- Pesticide Trade Issues and Agreements
EPA regulates both the import and export of pesticides. All pesticides which are intended to be used in the US must first be registered with EPA prior to import. This web site provides information about international trade issues regarding pesticides.
Defense Products
- Defense Export Market Guides
These guides assess each foreign market¿s defense industry environment and defense priorities, identify promising business opportunities, and provide points of contacts and tips to succeed in that market.
- Directorate of Defense Trade Controls
Guidance covering the export of defense articles and services. Regulations include Arms Export Control Act and International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR).
- Selling to NATO : U.S. Company Certification
U.S. companies interested in selling to NATO must receive U.S. government certification in order to qualify to bid on NATO Security Investment Program funded procurement opportunities here or abroad. The associated forms, procedures, related NATO documents and contact information are provided on this site.
Food and Beverage Products
Industrial Products
Pharmaceuticals and Biotechnology
- Import and Export of Human Drugs and Biologics
A guide to complying with the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act in the areas of international trade of drugs and biologics.
- Importing Food, Drugs, Cosmetics and Medical Devices into the U.S.
Information related to products subject to FDA's control of foods (except for certain meats and poultry products), drugs (human, animal and biological), cosmetics, medical devices and radiation emitting devices, etc., offered for entry into the United States through U.S. Customs, in support of FDA's regulatory activities.