How to Apply for an Import/Export License
It's a common misconception that all American businesses that import and export goods must have a general license. On the contrary, most businesses don't need a special license at all. Certain types of products -- including alcohol, tobacco, food, firearms, animals, copyrighted items and nuclear material -- can only be transported with a license from the correct organization. Permits to import and export wildlife, for example, can be obtained through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
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Instructions
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Determine whether the item you're transporting requires an import/export license. Anything controlled, potentially dangerous or alive usually requires a license. Prescription drugs are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration.
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Contact the agency that manages the import and export of the items you want to transport. It's not always the same organization for both activities. Firearms import is handled by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Firearms export is handled by The Department of State, Directorate of Defense Trade Controls. Most of the organizations have websites with contact information available.
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Ask for an application to import or export the goods that interest you. If you want to request a license to import milk or cream, for example, you can write to:
Department of Health and Human Services
Food and Drug Administration 107
Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition
Office of Food Labeling (HFS-156)
200 "C" Street, NW
Washington, DC 2020
Most imports and exports are subject to quotas. Talk to the regulating body that issues your license about what your quota will be.
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Fill out the forms. Provide information about your business, your suppliers and how the items will be packaged and labeled. Describe how large the shipment will be and when it will be transported. You may need to provide contact information for references.
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Sign the forms and return them to the proper authorities. Include the processing fee indicated on the application.
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Tips & Warnings
Check the laws in the country from which you're importing or to which you're exporting. You may be required to file for more licenses.
To make uploading export licenses and the required documentation more streamlined, sign up for the SNAP-R program through the Bureau of Industry and Security at snapr.bis.doc.gov/snapr/. You can attach documents and upload some forms online.
References
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Comments
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Do I need to apply for export import licence if I wanted to supply uniforms to a european company?
