First time importers often wonder if they need an import license in order to start importing into the U.S. Fortunately, the answer is that in most cases, you do not need an import license.

The U.S. does not require an import license in order to participate in international trade; however, an import license, permit, or certification may be required for specific commodities, or due to requirements from specific government agencies.

Read on to learn about the commodities that need an import license and how a Licensed Customs Broker can help guide you through the process and make sure your shipment stays compliant with federal regulations.

Goods that Require an Import License

Customs and Border Protection (CBP) does not require that an importer obtain an import permit or license in order to enter goods into the U.S.; however, other Partner Government Agencies (PGAs) do.

We’ll break down some common commodities below, including the agencies that oversee said products.

Agriculture and Food

• Agencies: 
  • U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
  • Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
  • Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS)
• Examples: 
  • Cheese, milk, and dairy products generally require an import license from the FDA and are subject to import quotas
  • Fruits and vegetables must be inspected and certified by the USDA
  • Imported plants and plant products require a phytosanitary permit from APHIS
  • Wildlife imports require a license from the FWS

Arms & Ammunition

• Agency: 
  • Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
  • Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB)
• Examples: 
  • Imported firearms must have a license issued and are subject to an excise tax
  • Imported alcohol also requires a license and is subject to excise tax

Commercial Equipment

• Agencies: 
  • The Department of Energy (DOE)
  • Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
• Examples: 
  • Air conditioners and furnaces require certification and energy efficiency labels

Consumer Products

• Agency: 
  • The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)
• Examples: 
  • Toys for children under age 3 require certification and cannot have choking hazards. Additionally, the CPSC limits the use of some materials in children’s toys, including phthalates and other prohibited materials

Radioactive Materials and Nuclear Reactors

• Agency:
  • Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC)
• Examples:
  • Many radioisotopes, all forms of uranium, thorium, and plutonium, and all nuclear reactors require a license from the NRC

Vehicles and Engines

• Agencies:
  • Department of Transportation (DOT)
  • National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA)
  • Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
• Examples:
  • Automobiles and engines under 25 years of age must be certified to meet EPA safety, bumper, and theft prevention standards 

Notably, petroleum and petroleum products no longer require an import license; however, authorization is required from the DOE and may still be subject to an oil-import license fee. 

While the list above is not exhaustive, it should give you a good idea of the types of commodities that require an import license. 
If you plan on importing any of these goods, ensure that you speak with the regulatory agency overseeing your product, or consult with a Licensed Customs Broker. Failure to comply with import licensing requirements can result in seizure or forfeiture of your shipment.

Need an import license? Check out our guide on how to get one.

What is an Import License?

An import license is a document issued by a U.S. government agency, allowing the entry of a specific commodity into the U.S. An import license may be required due to health and safety reasons, for government oversight, or to protect market conditions. 

Additionally, the World Trade Organization’s Committee on Import Licensing creates guidelines that say that import rules should be easy to follow, clear and predictable. WTO members are required to follow trade rules and guidelines in order to protect the global market and keep importers safe.

Who Can Assist with Import Licensing and Customs Clearance?

A Licensed Customs Broker can help you navigate the laws and regulations involved in any import into the U.S. Commodities that require some form of import license tend to be items that will attract the most scrutiny from CBP officials. Consulting with a customs broker prior to your shipment is the best way to ensure compliance.

Other services a Licensed Customs Broker can provide include:

• Prepare and review import documentation
• Ease communication between the importer and the U.S. government
• Provide expertise in entry procedures and government agency requirements
• Work to ensure the release of shipment
• Ensure that all government fees, duties and taxes are paid on time
• Help obtain any needed permits and import licenses
• Aid in figuring out if you’re eligible for tax or duty deferment
• Advise through the entire import process, from start to finish

You can learn more about working with a Licensed Customs Broker from the experts at USA Customs Clearance. Get the help you need and call us at (855) 912-0406 or by scheduling a personalized, 1-on-1 consultation. A customs specialist can help you start the import process today!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Who Needs an Import License?

Any importer who plans to enter a specific commodity that requires an import license, as defined by the U.S. government agency that regulates the product. The majority of importers into the U.S. do not need an import license.

When Do I Need an Import License?

You should obtain an import license prior to attempting to enter your goods into the country. If you’re not able to provide an import license, your goods are at risk of seizure and forfeiture. However, this is only necessary if your specific commodities require an import license.

Do I Need A License To Import From China?

No, you do not need an import license to import goods from China unless the specific commodities require one, as per its regulatory agency.

Do I Need an Import License To Buy From Alibaba?

No, you do not require an import license to buy products from Alibaba. You would only need an import license if the specific commodities you are purchasing require one, and then, only if you plan to import them into the U.S. 

<script type=”application/ld+json”> { “@context”: “https://schema.org”, “@type”: “FAQPage”, “mainEntity”: [{ “@type”: “Question”, “name”: “Goods that Require an Import License”, “acceptedAnswer”: { “@type”: “Answer”, “text”: “Agriculture products, arms, ammunition, commercial equipment, consumer products, radioactive materials, and vehicles, all may require an import license, depending PGA regulations.” } },{ “@type”: “Question”, “name”: “Who Needs an Import License?”, “acceptedAnswer”: { “@type”: “Answer”, “text”: “Any importer who plans to enter a specific commodity that requires an import license, as defined by the U.S. government agency that regulates the product.” } },{ “@type”: “Question”, “name”: “When Do I Need an Import License?”, “acceptedAnswer”: { “@type”: “Answer”, “text”: “You should obtain an import license prior to attempting to enter your goods into the country.” } },{ “@type”: “Question”, “name”: “Do I Need A License To Import From China?”, “acceptedAnswer”: { “@type”: “Answer”, “text”: “No, you do not need an import license to import goods from China unless the specific commodities require one, as per its regulatory agency.” } },{ “@type”: “Question”, “name”: “Do I Need an Import License To Buy From Alibaba?”, “acceptedAnswer”: { “@type”: “Answer”, “text”: “No, you do not require an import license to buy products from Alibaba unless the specific commodities you are purchasing require one.” } }] } </script>