Import/Export Resources

Import/Export Websites

The Border Center which is maintained by the National Center for Manufacturing Sciences (NCMS), is one of the Compliance Assistance Centers developed with support from EPA's Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assistance (OECA). The Border Center provides U.S. compliance assistance information for importing and exporting chemicals, including toxic substances, hazardous wastes, and other materials of environmental concern, and importation of vehicles and engines. It covers existing international agreements and applicable regulations.

EPA web site — International Compliance & Enforcement Activities. A variety of laws and regulations govern import and export requirements of materials which may pose a risk to human health and the environment. EPA works with the states, other federal agencies, and foreign governments to ensure compliance with laws governing the import and export of many of these materials.

EPA web site - International Waste Activities. This website provides information and guidance on regulations, agreements, initiatives, and other developments in waste policy and law, both in the United States and abroad.

EPA web site — International Cooperation Treaties & Agreements. EPA works closely with other U.S. agencies, foreign governments, and international organizations to develop and strengthen international standards and approaches to the sound management of pesticides. Many international agreements have been developed on different aspects of pesticides to strengthen protections across the globe.

International Maritime Organization. IMO's main task is to develop and maintain a comprehensive regulatory framework for shipping including safety, environmental concerns, legal matters, technical co-operation, maritime security and the efficiency of shipping. A specialized agency of the United Nations with 168 Member States and three Associate Members, IMO is based in the United Kingdom with around 300 international staff.

US Fish and Wildlife Service. Visit the FWS Import/Export web page to find out how to import and export your commercial wildlife shipment, determine inspection fees increases and license/fee changes, and locate wildlife ports of entry and exit rules.

US FWS Invasive Species. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is the only agency of the U.S. Government whose primary responsibility is the conservation of the nation’s fish, wildlife, and plants.

Import/Export Reports

Action Plan for Import Safety (Interagency Working Group on Import Safety, November 2007). This Action Plan represents the culmination of thousands of hours of research and analysis, as well as public comment received from hundreds of stakeholders. The Action Plan takes the form of 14 broad recommendations and 50 specific action steps based on Protecting the American Consumer Every Step of the Way: A strategic framework for import safety and the Immediate Actions Memorandum presented to you on September 10, 2007.

Good Importer Practices (Draft January 2009). This draft guidance document, when finalized, will represent the current thinking of the United States Department of Agriculture, Department of Commerce, Department of Health and Human Services (Food and Drug Administration), Department of Homeland Security, Department of Transportation, Consumer Product Safety Commission, Environmental Protection Agency, and the Office of United States Trade Representative (hereinafter agencies) on this topic.

International Treaties Web Sites

International Treaties and Agreements. Treaties and agreements related to import/export of environmentally sensitive materials.

EPA International Treaties. EPA works with foreign governments and international organizations to solve environmental problems of mutual concern. Such concerns include the protection of shared ecosystems, reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, the arrest of further destruction of the ozone layer, the protection of human and environmental health from toxic chemicals and the enhancement of worldwide capacity for environmental protection efforts.

International Maritime Organization. IMO's main task has been to develop and maintain a comprehensive regulatory framework for shipping and its remit today includes safety, environmental concerns, legal matters, technical co-operation, maritime security and the efficiency of shipping.

International Good Practices

www.greenaward.org
The Green Award flag is flown by oil tankers and bulk carries which have a crew and management who devote extra attention to quality, safety, and environmental protection. At numerous ports worldwide Green Award vessels receive recognition and incentives through port dues, rebates on crane service, discounts on training courses, etc. To learn more download the Green Award Requirements 2008 located in the "procedure & requirements" section of www.greenaward.org. The Appendix Oil Tanker 10.0 and the Appendix Bulk Carrier 10.0 provide a full checklist of what is required of the vessel.