Other Government Agencies

Question: Hello, Can someone in the community please provide us a list of countries that are subject to comprehensive sanctions based on U.S. government regulations/instructions?  Thank you. Answer 1: There’s no U.S. “comprehensive sanctions” list per se, but, as commonly understood, that term would apply to: Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Syria, Crimea, Donetsk People’s Republic, […]

Question: Is there somewhere in ACE or the internet that I can get a list of the HTS that are flagged for PGA (e.g. FDA, EPA, APHIS) etc.?  It seems the broker is privvy to this when performing the entry, but I’m not seeing where in ACE or elsewhere I can have that same information. […]

QUESTION: Our customs broker recently received a request for additional information on an import shipment of engines under HTS 8407.  We replied back to the broker with the requested additional information.  However, we discovered that the customs broker did not ask for nor file an EPA form 3520-21.  Has anyone had experience with EPA form […]

OT Fact Sheet: Origin Certification Requirements QUESTION: We are pursuing importing seeds that are embedded on paper strips from the UK. The seed options we are looking at are:          -Wildflower mix or individually: Daisy, Alyssum, Snapdragon, Poppy, Black- Eyed Susan          -Herb mix or individually: Thyme, Parsley, Basil, Chives, Lettuce We would welcome any […]

QUESTION: My company recently began receiving CPSC (Consumer product) “under review” messages.  We import furniture, but not for children.  I found the list of products CPSC is concerned with however I couldn’t find specific HTS codes that CPSC is monitoring.  2 questions: Has anyone else “all of a sudden” begun receiving these messages for HTS […]

QUESTION: Does anyone know if any USDA permits are required to import articles that contain real pine cones as decoration such as a Christmas ornament or wreath? If so, which permit? Are there special treatment requirements listed somewhere? ————————– ANSWER: These would fall under the Lacey/APHIS Act. https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/planthealth/import-information Additional answer: Miscellaneous and Processed Products Import […]

QUESTION: We are looking to import sashes that contain artificially bred pearls from China.  Is a CITES and/or a FWS import permit needed for this? *********** Answers: FWA covers import of wildlife and their products, which I would think could include pearls. First, check this website: https://fwsepermits.servicenowservices.com/fws?id=fws_kb_article&sys_id=400f70b71b5b58101f45dbdbe54bcb1a and walk through it with someone with detailed knowledge […]

QUESTION: We have a CPAP cleaning machine that kills bacteria, virus and mold via ozone. What is the best way to know what testing is required for this item from FDA and EPA? ************* Answers: Determine the HS Code and then check the attached OGS/HS Code correlation extract spreadsheet to use as a “guide”. Once […]

QUESTION: Currently at our company the research group handles obtaining and maintaining permits such as USDA and F&W as they are the subject matter experts for the projects, the material usage and disposal. The import group handles processing the imports ensuring all documentation is present and works with our broker for clearance. We feel that […]

QUESTION: We had a container that live cockroaches were found in after delivered to our warehouse Customs is cleared and it didn’t go through any holds or exams by CBP or USDA at the port. The shipment itself does not container any food/animal/plant, etc. I contacted the USDA to consult what needs done, but they […]

QUESTION: If a FWS item is being exported with ship terms FOB Austin, who would be responsible for the FWS Export filing? The shipper or the receiver? ========== Answers: The first point to make is that under Incoterms, “FOB Austin” is impossible, because FOB can be used only for water transport…. ========== What is a […]