FORMS & LINKS

ISF Information (excel document) or (word document) ISF is the new required filing of the importer's supply chain which must be submitted to Customs 24 hours before the ship sails.

Agricultural Marketing Services (website)/ (slideshow) - provides a number of important reports on agriculutral trade.

Customs Form 5106: Importer ID Input Record- this form registers and updates US Customs of the name and address of importers.

APHIS Inspection Services (website)/(slideshow) - protecting and promoting U.S. agricultural health, regulating genetically engineered organisms, administering the Animal Welfare Act and carrying out wildlife damage management activities.

Customs Form 3299: Declaration for Free Entry of Unaccompanied Articles- this form is for those immigrating or returning to the US who have shipped their personal goods separately.

CBP-APHIS Inspectors at Work-
a slideshow illustrating the wide range of products and purposes CBP-APHIS inspectors must check.

LINKS TO GOVERNMENT AGENCIES INVOLVED IN INTERNATIONAL TRADE

Export.gov- National Export Initiative

Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)- is an international agreement between governments. Its aim is to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival.

Export Import Bank of the US- supports the financing of U.S. goods and services

U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing Service- administers programs that facilitate the efficient, fair marketing of U.S. agricultural products, including food, fiber, and specialty crops.

FDA Food Import Procedures (website) (slideshow)- With the exception of most meat and poultry, all food, drugs, biologics, cosmetics, medical devices, and electronic products that emit radiation, as defined in the FD&C and related Acts, are subject to examination by FDA when they are being imported or offered for import into the United States.

US Department of Agriculture's Foreign Agricultural Service (USDA FAS)-
linking U.S. agriculture to the world to enhance export opportunities and global food security.

US Agency for International Development (USAID) -
twofold purpose of furthering America's foreign policy interests in expanding democracy and free markets while improving the lives of the citizens of the developing world.

FDA Food Labeling Requirements (website) (slideshow)- the web pages address the labeling requirements for foods under the Federal Food Drug and Cosmetic Act and its amendments. Food labeling is required for most prepared foods, such as breads, cereals, canned and frozen foods, snacks, desserts, drinks, etc.

Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC)- an independent U.S. government agency whose mission is to mobilize and facilitate the participation of U. S. private capital and skills in the economic and social development of less developed countries and areas, and countries in transition from nonmarket to market economies.

Marketing Imported Ethnic Foods in the US (website) (slideshow)- facts and links to a number of documents.

US Small Business Administration (SBA)-
to aid, counsel, assist and protect the interests of small business concerns, to preserve free competitive enterprise and to maintain and strengthen the overall economy of our nation.

Importing Apparel Under U.S. Trade Preference Programs (website) (slideshow)- The OTEXA website has a number of documents about Free Trade Agreements, Trade Preference Programs, Export Information and Trade Data all pertaining to Textiles and Apparel.

US Trade and Development Agency (USTDA)- promote economic growth in developing and middle income countries, while simultaneously helping American businesses to export their products and services, thereby creating U.S. jobs.

Procedures for Securing CBP Binding Rulings (website) (slideshow)- The slideshow goes through the the process of how to secure a binding pre-entry classification decision prior to importing goods.

Office of the US Trade Representative-
negotiates directly with foreign governments to create trade agreements, to resolve disputes, and to participate in global trade policy organizations.

Summaries of Trade Agreements- 2004 article outlining recent US Trade Agreements.

Bureau of Industry and Security-
advance U.S. national security, foreign policy, and economic objectives by ensuring an effective export control and treaty compliance system and promoting continued U.S. strategic technology leadership.