My Product is Undergoing an Exam in the USA. When to Start Panicking?

Any international logistics transportation is a complex process, regulated differently in each country. In the USA, customs law has strict import requirements, so in addition to the standard document check, customs authorities may selectively conduct an examination, i.e., a full inspection of the shipment. Each product category is overseen by the relevant regulatory agency. It is important to understand that any seller can be subject to an examination, so it is necessary to be prepared for such a situation.

Main Agencies Regulating Imports into the USA

In the USA, the system of goods standardization is largely decentralized, with a focus on specific sectors and product groups. Therefore, technical requirements and standards are developed not only at the government level but also by independent organizations (agencies). Industry associations play a key role in the process of developing standards.

In the event that a shipment of goods imported into the USA is subject to inspection, the seller needs to understand which specific agency to contact. Among the most significant are:

1. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Responsible for a range of consumer product categories (toys, household appliances, electronics, furniture, and children's products) when cargo is shipped to the United States by sea or transported by other means.
2. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Oversees the safety of food products, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, tobacco products, medical devices, and animal feeds.
3. United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Controls agricultural products, namely, all types of meat, eggs, fruits, vegetables, seeds, nuts, etc. 
4. Environmental Protection Agency USA (EPA). Controls imported chemicals, pesticides, and vehicles.
5. Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB). Regulates the import of alcoholic and tobacco products, specifically beer, wine, cigarettes, etc.
6. Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). Monitors the health of live animals and plants imported into the country by various modes of transport (air delivery to the USA, sea transport, etc.). Also handles seeds and animal products.

Below is a list of useful links to the official websites of agencies involved in import control. However, this is far from an exhaustive list.

It should be noted that in the bureaucratic system of the United States, the examination of imported goods is not an extraordinary event, but a widely accepted practice aimed at ensuring the safety of the American consumer. Therefore, if the declarations, certificates, licenses, and transport documents are completed in accordance with U.S. legislation, there is no reason for panic.

Where Lists of Goods Subject to Inspection are Published

1. Official agency websites. Current information is posted in sections for importers, as well as on pages dedicated to specific categories of goods.
2. Import management systems. The most well-known among them are the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) and the Border Interagency Executive Council (BIEC).
3. Publications and guides. Issued by many agencies and contain lists of goods with import requirements.

Examples of useful resources where a supplier or seller, engaged in importing goods or products of their own production into the United States, can find detailed information on standards, requirements for various product categories, and procedures for passing examinations:

• information center for importers on the CPSC website. Here, you can find information on safety standards for various product categories, particularly children's toys or electrical appliances, as well as on how to correctly complete certification so that the products can be imported without issues.
• FDA import portal. Provides information on quality requirements for food products, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, etc., as well as on the documentation necessary for their importation into the country.
• information section for importers on the USDA website. Provides information on phytosanitary standards for agricultural products, packaging and labeling standards, and instructs sellers on issues related to the preparation of documentation packages and obtaining import permits.

Logistics DiFFreight Company: Minimizing Import Risks to the USA

Our services include cargo delivery from Ukraine to the USA, including customs clearance in compliance with American legislation. Our professional customs brokers will prepare the document package for the smooth entry of the cargo into the country. Every seller needs to understand that an examination is not a verdict and not a hopeless situation, especially if they are confident that the documents for the goods are correctly prepared. With the assistance of an experienced, competent DiFFreight specialist, this issue can be resolved without negative consequences.