How to Obtain an Import Export License

Certain products need a license in order to import or export them.

In general, the U.S. Customs Service does not require that you have an import/export license in order to trade goods internationally. However, specific products for both import and export do require a license from the relevant government agency. For example, you will need a license to import firearms, animals, plants and alcoholic beverages. Therefore, obtaining an import/export license is essential if you intend to trade products that are on the restricted list in order to stay in legal compliance.

Things You'll Need

• Internet access
• Fax machine

Instructions

1. Research the products you wish to import/export to determine if a license is required. Licenses are issued by the federal agencies that specifically deal with certain products. For example, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms issues licenses to import firearms and ammunition. Contact the Regulatory Audit Field Office of the US Customs and Border Control that is closest to your location for information about your product's license requirements. Go to cbp.gov and select the office closest to you.

2. Contact the Bureau of Industry and Security of the Department of Commerce (BIS) to determine if you need a registration number. Depending on your location or business structure, the BIS will be able to tell you if can use your tax ID number, or if you need a registration number in order to acquire a license. You can call its Washington, DC office at [phone], its Newport Beach, CA office at [phone] or its San Jose, CA office at [phone].

3. Apply for an import license. If you have determined that your product requires an import license, apply for one at the relevant agency. For example, if you are importing cheese you must apply for an import license from the the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Each federal agency usually has its own guidelines for the application process. Examples of requirements are a customs form stating the product to be imported and the estimated quantity, registration number or tax ID number, business information and a fee for the license.

4. Submit an export license application. Go to bis.doc.gov and click the "SNAP-R" tab at the top of the page. Click "Access SNAP-R" to begin the online application process. Alternatively, you can call the BIS Western Regional Division at [phone] to request an application be sent to you. Examples of information that you will have to enter on the application are your business information, the specific end use of the exported product and a specific description of the item to be exported.

5. Contact your embassy or consulate in the country that you intend to trade with. They will be able to provide you with further information regarding the laws, rules and regulations required by their host country.

Tips & Warnings

• Hire a customs broker to look over your operation to ensure you are in compliance with the laws of all the countries with which you are actively trading.

References

• USDA: Dairy Import Licensing Program
• US Department of Commerce: Applying for an Export License
• US Department of Commerce: Forms and telephone numbers you can use to contact BIS
• Americanimporters.org: US Import Requirements
• CBP.gov: Regulatory Audit Field Offices

Resources

• US Customs and Border Protection
• Business.gov: Import/Export