Importing into the United States - Indo-American Chamber Of ...

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
37. PROHIBITIONS, RESTRICTIONS,
OTHER AGENCY REQUIREMENTS
The importation of certain classes of merchandise
may be prohibited or restricted to
protect the economy and security of the United
States, to safeguard consumer health and
well-being, and to preserve domestic plant and
animal life. Some commodities are also subject
to an import quota or a restraint under bilateral
trade agreements and arrangements.
Many of these prohibitions and restrictions
on importations are subject, in addition to Customs
requirements, to the laws and regulations
administered by other United States government
agencies with which Customs cooperates
in enforcement. These laws and regulations
may, for example, prohibit entry; limit entry to
certain ports; restrict routing, storage, or use; or
require treatment, labeling, or processing as a
condition of release. Customs clearance is given
only if these various additional requirements
are met. This applies to all types of importations,
including those made by mail and those
placed in foreign trade zones.
The foreign exporter should make certain
that the United States importer has provided
proper information to (1) permit the submission
of necessary information concerning
packing, labeling, etc., and (2) that necessary
arrangements have been made by the importer
for entry of the merchandise into the United
States.
It may be impracticable to list all articles
specifically; however, various classes of articles
are discussed in this chapter. Foreign exporters
and U.S. importers should consult the agency
mentioned for detailed information and guidance,
as well as for any changes to the laws and
regulations under which the commodities are
controlled. Addresses, phone numbers, and
Web sites for these agencies are listed in the
appendix.
AGRICULTURAL COMMODITIES
1. Cheese, Milk, and Dairy Products. Cheese
and cheese products are subject to requirements
of the Food and Drug Administration
and the Department of Agriculture. Most
importations of cheese require an import
license and are subject to quotas administered
by the Department of Agriculture, Foreign
Agricultural Service, Washington, DC 20250
(see Chapter 39).
The importation of milk and cream is subject
to requirements of the Food, Drug and Cosmetic
Act and the Import Milk Act. These products
may be imported only by holders of
permits from the Department of Health and
Human Services, Food and Drug Administration,
Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition,
Office of Food Labeling (HFS-156), 200
“C” Street NW, Washington, DC 20204; and the
Department of Agriculture.
2. Fruits, Vegetables, and Nuts. Certain agricultural
commodities (including fresh tomatoes,
avocados, mangoes, limes, oranges, grapefruit,
green peppers, Irish potatoes, cucumbers,
eggplants, dry onions, walnuts and filberts,
processed dates, prunes, raisins, and olives in
tins) must meet United States import requirements
relating to grade, size, quality, and maturity
(7 U.S.C. 608(e)). These commodities are
inspected and an inspection certificate must be
issued by the Food Safety and Inspection Service
of the Department of Agriculture to indicate
import compliance. Inquiries on general
requirements should be made to the Agricultural
Marketing Service of the Department of
Agriculture, Washington, DC 20250. Additional
restrictions may be imposed by the Animal and
Plant Health Inspection Service of that department,
Washington, DC 20782, under the Plant
Quarantine Act, and by the Food and Drug
Administration, Division of Import Operations
IMPORTING INTO THE UNITED STATES
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