International Shipping

Many products, including their packaging, contain these metals or derivatives of these metals and must comply to the following:

• Steel articles and derivatives subject to Section 232 must include country of melt and pour, content value, and content weight.
• Aluminum articles and derivatives subject to Section 232 must include country of most recent cast, country of largest smelt, country of 2nd largest smelt, content value, and content weight.
• Copper articles and derivatives subject to Section 232 must include content value, and content weight.

Be sure to follow the required process for shipments containing food items to the U.S. that are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). All required documentation must be accurate and complete to avoid delays, penalties, refusal of entry, and potential risk of abandonment. The FDA reviews entries to determine compliance with U.S. regulations and may require a secondary inspection.
In general, shippers must:

1. Determine if FDA Regulation Applies (e.g. food items)
2. Prepare Required Documentation
3. File Prior Notice (PN) with the FDA before the shipment arrives to the border
4. Provide complete and accurate data on your entry submission

For more detail, visit the U.S. Food and Drug Administration web page.

HTS Chapters: 7- 23 and 25

• All items must be labeled in English.

• A commercial invoice that includes complete description, country of manufacture, and value for each item must be written in English.

• Name and address of each manufacturer.

• Prior Notice must be provided for all food for humans and animals that is imported or offered for import into the United States.

  • Customers are encouraged to file and provide the Prior Notice System Interface (PNSI) number as part of their shipments to avoid delays (click here for details and guide).

    • It is recommended to attach the document containing the PNSI number.
    • Alternatively, the number may be entered in the invoice line reference field or the invoice comments sections.

  • UPS can also file a PNSI for you at a fee.

Specific requirements apply to shipments containing cosmetics (HTS Chapters: 33, 3401, 9616)

• The product labeling must be labeled in English.
• The commercial invoice must include a complete description, country of manufacture, and value for each item / product. The commercial invoice must also include the Product Identification Number and be written in English.
• The name and address of each manufacturer must be included.
• Branded goods (patented name and / or product) must have an authorization letter from the corporate owner of the brand (if shipped by a third party).

Specific requirements apply to shipments containing medical devices (HTS Chapter 90)

• All items should be labeled in English
• Manufacturer FDA Registration Number
• Exporter FDA Registration Number.
• Name and address of the manufacturer
• Product Medical Device Listing Number
• Product PMN (510k) Number, if applicable
• FDA product code
• Intended use by importer
• Shipments containing sunglasses or lenses require an Impact Resistance or Drop Ball Certificate