Import Licenses Explained

An import license is not always required to import goods into the United States or the European Union. Outside of U.S. "free zones", imported goods are subject to both customs and restrictions, some of which require certain goods to be imported only with a license. Similar tariff structure and restrictions also exist within the European Union.

In the instance of the United States, licenses are sometimes required to "protect the economy and security of the United States, and to safeguard consumer health and well being, and to preserve domestic plant and animal life." (www.cpb.gov) The motives for import licensure are similar within the European Union.

The import license is a document issued by a regulatory branch of a Government allowing the import of certain goods. The licenses legalize importation but do not necessarily exempt imported goods from trade taxes such as tariffs or customs tax. In certain cases import limitations may also be imposed on certain goods as determined by the import legislation.

How to obtain an import license

The rules for obtaining an import license are different within the United States and the European Union. Generally specific Government departments issue import licenses/permits within the United States and the European Commission issues import licenses through member state organizations in the European Union. A brief overview of some of the different import requirements within the U.S. and the E.U. are provided below.

1. United States import licensure

The United States may require an import license via a specific Federal agency in addition to completion of customs entry forms. Customs entry forms can be completed online using the "Customs Automated Commercial System" (www.americanimporters.org). A few of the requirements that may be necessary are listed below:

•Import licenses/permits obtained through specific Government Departments Ex. USDA

•Customs entry form must be completed to expedite import

•Import Bonds allow possession prior to payment of tariffs for "formal" commercial importation.

2. European Union import licensure

Within the European Union a specific process is involved to acquire an import license. Additionally, issuance of import licenses do not necessarily allow for unrestricted quantities of imports in certain cases. The import license procedure and rules are governed by the European Commission through import legislation.

• An export document may be required to obtain an import license

• Applied for through member states and approved by the European Commission

• Expire after 6 months 

• Genetically modified organisms are restricted

• Import bans are in place for goods deemed hazardous

License costs

License costs are separate from tariff duties if such taxes are applicable. Within The United States , "customs brokers" and/or the Customs Border Protection Agency facilitate the application of the "Harmonized Tariff Schedule" which is a set of costs for particular goods as determined by agreements such as the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).

The cost of import licenses and permits will vary depending on the issuing agency's processing fees and the specific trading territory in which goods will be imported. These costs will be assessed in the currency of the final destination of the imported goods. An example license fee is the U.S. Department of Agriculture dairy import license, which at the time of this articles compilation was $150.00 per license within the tariff quota range i.e. within the allowable volume of imported goods.

Items requiring an import license

Both in the United States and the European Union, similar items are subject to import licensure requirements. An exception being genetically modified products and various hazardous materials within the European Union. Within the United States the U.S. Customs Border Protection Agency oversee the import of goods. Some of the goods more typically requiring licenses in both trading territories are as listed:

• Organic products such as food, milk and plants

• Animals

• Alcohol, tobacco, and in some cases medicine

• Culture specific artwork and crafts

• Books, published information and written material

• Hunting rifles and similar products

Summary

In summary, import licenses may or may not be a requirement for import of goods, however a customs entry form and import taxes may have to be paid if the imports enter a trading territory from a tariff free zone. Business identification numbers are not always required on customs entry forms and social security numbers may be used in lieu of such identification. Moreover, in the case of informal and formal import, a customs broker may complete the necessary documentation requirements. An examples of customs entry form includes the customs forms handed out on planes during international travel.

The licensure requirements and costs vary from state to state and trading territory to trading territory. Moreover, before importing goods, it may be advisable to contact the relevant Government agency and/or department to assess whether or not a license will be required in addition to contacting the applicable customs agent to assess any import holding periods, costs and paperwork requirements.

Sources:

1. http://www.americanimporters.org/pages/marketing/USimportrequirements.html
2. http://www.cbp.gov/linkhandler/cgov/newsroom/publications/trade/iius.ctt/iius.pdf
3. http://info.hktdc.com/euguide/2-9.htm
4. http://library.findlaw.com/2000/Jul/1/130645.html
5. http://www.itintl.com/how-to-get-an-import-license.html
6. http://www.fas.usda.gov/info/fr/2007/081407dairyimport.asp