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.
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:
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.
| Agency Name | Product Category |
| Consumer Product Safety Commission | Several categories of consumer goods, namely toys, household appliances, electronics, furniture, and children's products |
| Food and Drug Administration | Food products, medicines and cosmetics, tobacco products, medical devices, animal feed |
| United States Department of Agriculture | Various agricultural products, including all types of meat, eggs, fruits, vegetables, seeds, nuts, etc. |
| Environmental Protection Agency USA | Chemicals, pesticides, vehicles |
| Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau | Beer, wine, cigarettes, and other tobacco and alcoholic products |
| Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service | Live animals and plants, seeds, various animal-derived products |
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.
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:
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.
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