Most products being exported do not require any special licenses.
High technology products such as computer software and hardware, those which could have a “dual-use” and products affecting national security need to be licensed for export by the U.S. Bureau of Industry and Security.
The exporter must do due diligence on who the ultimate customer is - U.S. exporters are forbidden from knowingly conducting business with drug or human traffickers, money launderers or terrorists.
The following U.S. Agencies publish regularly updated "denied persons" lists.
The Consolidated Screening List enables a simultaneous search among all three lists of these federal agencies.
Export declarations (Electronic Export Information (EEI)) must be filed electronically through the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) for any commodity worth more than $2500 per line item; that requires an export license; that is an ITAR item; or is going to Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Sudan, Syria or Crimea Region of Ukraine.
A Freight Forwarder can act as the Authorized Agent for the exporter and file the EEI.
An ATA Carnet can be used for the temporary duty-free import of goods such as sales samples, prototypes, equipment for trade
shows and exhibitions.
Country Commercial Guides published in Export.gov contain import trade regulations for most countries.
The U.S. Commercial Service can advise an exporter about import regulations in a foreign market.
Some countries may require a certificate of free sale which is issued by U.S. states such as New York to provide evidence "that goods are legally sold or distributed in the open market, freely without restriction, and approved by the regulatory authorities in the country of origin", i.e. the United States.
A U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule Number is assigned to each commodity imported into the United States which determines the amount of duty paid by the importer.
Employing a licensed Customs Broker is required by law to clear your import through U.S. Customs and determine duty payment. Customs Brokers belong to the National Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association of Americaand can be found by clicking on Menu in the upper right of the homepage then Find A Broker/Forwarder.
A local office of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security can answer questions about import requirements. Call them at either 973-368-6700 or 718-487-5164.
Registering to become a C-TPAT certified importer with U.S. Customs and Border Protection has many benefits including speeding your imports through U.S. Customs.