What Agency Manages Import/Export

The Department of Commerce is the principal government agency responsible for managing the nation’s Import and Export function.  Detailed information about what is required to conduct Import and Export business is found at their website Department of Commerce Import/Export resource page .

Import/Export Procedures

When you buy a product overseas and import it to the U.S. the vendor that you are buying from will complete the paperwork so that the goods can clear Customs from the country it is coming from and arrive at Customs in the U.S.  From there you will need what is known as Forwarders or Brokers to complete the necessary paperwork and clear the shipment through U.S. Customs.  After it is cleared for shipment it then has to be delivered to your destination.  For this you will need to arrange for transportation.  Most Forwarders/Brokers in the U.S. also perform this function. 

If you import regularly you will have to file some paperwork with Customs.  This will ensure that future shipments clear Customs smoothly.  Your Forwarder/Broker can help you with this.

Learn More About The Process and Find Forwarders/Brokers

Department of Commerce Import/Export resource page

The U.S. Department of Commerce should be your starting point for finding out about Importing and Exporting.  It provides valuable information on all aspects of Importing and Exporting.

What is a Freight Forwarder (Brokers)?

Importing and Exporting requires the use of FORWARDERS to ship and clear your product through Customs.  Use this link to find out more about what FORWARDERS do.

Directory of Freight Forwarders (Brokers)

You pick your own forwarders (one that is local) from a directory of FORWARDERS nationwide.

Other Import/Export Resources
Export-Import Bank of the U.S.

The official export credit agency of the United States.  They finance the export of goods and services to overseas markets.  Ex-Im Bank provides working capital guarantees (pre-export financing); export credit insurance; and loan guarantees and direct loans (buyer financing). No transaction is too large or too small.

Export.gov A division of the Commerce department that provides resources on exporting.
U.S. Commercial Services The U.S. Commercial Service is the trade promotion arm of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration. U.S. Commercial Service trade professionals in over 100 U.S. cities and in more than 75 countries help U.S. companies get started in exporting or increase sales to new global markets.
Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) The Foreign Agricultural Service links US agriculture to the word.  They maintain a network of offices in countries around the world that are staffed with agricultural experts that help identify problems, provide practical solutions, and work to advance opportuniites for US agriculture.
Overseas Private investment Corporation (OIPC) OPIC works with the U.S. private sector, it helps U.S. businesses gain footholds in emerging markets, catalyzing revenues, jobs and growth opportunities both at home and abroad. OPIC achieves its mission by providing investors with financing, guarantees, political risk insurance, and support for private equity investment funds.
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) The USDA provides marketing and trade assistance programs that can benefit your business if it is in the agricultural industry.
US-China Exchange Assopciation (USCEA) US-China Exchange Association (USCEA) is a multinational and nonprofit organization, headquartered in New Jersey, USA. USCEA provides its members with many value added services including, but limited to, international business matchmaking, access to the international capital market, overseas purchasing, briefing on business leads in the global market, and visa applications.