GLOBAL COMPLIANCE & COVERAGE

Laws & Locations

US Import/Export Regulations & Global Port Coverage

US Import Regulations

Import Security Filing (ISF) / 10+2 Rule

Required 24 hours before cargo is laden aboard vessel destined to US

  • 10 data elements from importer
  • 2 data elements from carrier
  • Penalties up to $10,000 per violation
  • Applies to all ocean cargo imports

Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT)

Voluntary supply chain security program led by US CBP

  • Expedited processing and reduced examinations
  • Front of line inspections
  • Business resumption priority after natural disaster
  • Penalty mitigation benefits

FDA Prior Notice

Required for all food, beverages, and dietary supplements

  • Submit 2-15 days before arrival
  • Confirmation number required
  • Applies to human and animal food
  • Bioterrorism Act compliance

USDA APHIS Requirements

Agricultural and plant product regulations

  • Phytosanitary certificates required
  • Wood packaging material must be ISPM-15 compliant
  • Lacey Act declaration for wood products
  • Import permits for regulated articles

EPA TSCA Certification

Toxic Substances Control Act compliance

  • Positive or negative certification required
  • Applies to chemical substances
  • Certificate of Compliance for engines
  • Mercury and lead content restrictions

FCC Equipment Authorization

Required for radiofrequency devices

  • FCC ID or Declaration of Conformity
  • Applies to electronics and wireless devices
  • Testing and certification requirements
  • Labeling requirements

DOT/NHTSA Vehicle Standards

Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards

  • Conformity certificates required
  • EPA emissions compliance
  • VIN requirements
  • 25-year exemption for classics

Partner Government Agencies (PGAs)

Additional regulatory requirements

  • ATF for alcohol, tobacco, firearms
  • DEA for controlled substances
  • Fish & Wildlife for protected species
  • Consumer Product Safety Commission

US Export Regulations

Export Administration Regulations (EAR)

Controls dual-use items and commercial goods

  • Export Control Classification Number (ECCN)
  • License requirements by destination
  • Denied persons screening required
  • EEI filing in AES for shipments over $2,500

International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR)

Controls defense articles and services

  • State Department licensing
  • USML categories I-XXI
  • Technical data restrictions
  • Strict compliance requirements

Automated Export System (AES)

Electronic Export Information (EEI) filing

  • Required for shipments over $2,500
  • All licensed shipments regardless of value
  • ITN receipt required
  • Routed export transactions

Foreign Trade Regulations (FTR)

Census Bureau reporting requirements

  • Schedule B classification
  • Accurate value declaration
  • Ultimate consignee information
  • Record retention for 5 years

Compliance Best Practices

Import Best Practices

  • File ISF at least 24 hours before loading
  • Verify HS classification accuracy
  • Screen all parties against denied lists
  • Maintain complete documentation
  • Consider C-TPAT membership

Export Best Practices

  • Determine correct ECCN classification
  • File EEI/AES when required
  • Obtain licenses before shipping
  • Document ultimate consignee
  • Retain records for 5 years