Import Licenses

The following commodities require import permits or licenses before they can be imported into the United States:

• Alcoholic Beverages. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (BATF) regulate these goods. BATF import permits are required. Also required are special labeling, compliance with product standards of fill and identity, compliance with certain State, federal and municipal alcohol regulations, and a federal excise tax payable at entry. 
• Arms and Armaments. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (BATF) regulate these goods. BATF import permits are required, and there are stringent restrictions on the types and in some cases the quantities of imports permitted by the ATF. 
• Dairy Products. These goods are regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Quotas, licensing, permits, quarantine restrictions, and entry and notification procedures may apply depending upon the specific product to be imported, and its point of origin. 
• Explosives, Fireworks, and other Combustibles. These goods are subject to compliance with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regulations, and Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standards. Imports of these goods are also subject to regulations and permit requirements administered by the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (BATF).
• Live Animals. This category of imports is regulated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), and the U.S. Public Health Service Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), depending upon the species. Restrictions to specific ports of entry, quarantine requirements, prior notification, inspection on arrival, licenses, import and export documentation, and record keeping may apply depending upon the species of animal to be imported. There are bans against the importation of certain animals into the United States. Often, these regulations exist because the animal is an endangered species. In other cases, the ban prevents importation of dangerous animals. 
• Meat and Meat Products. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) regulates these goods. Import restrictions [quotas], port inspections, product certification, plant certification, and import permits apply to importation of these goods. 
• Motor Vehicles. Imported motor vehicles are e subject to stringent safety standards by the U.S. Department Of Transportation (DOT). Vehicles are also subject to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) emission-control standards. Import permits are required. 
• Poultry, Poultry Products, and Eggs. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) regulates these goods. Import restrictions, port inspections, product certification, plant certification, and import permits apply. 
• Radioactive Materials. These goods are among the most highly regulated imports. Primary responsibility rests with the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). NRC import authorization and licensing are required, as well as inspections and protocols to ensure both the safety and the security of the imported radioactive materials. 

Edited by Michael Dennis, author of "Credit and Collection Handbook."  Michael can be reached by email with questions or comments at mcdennis13@yahoo.com