Welcome to Compliance 101

Welcome to the inaugural post of my Compliance 101 series! My name is Bryce Oldham, and as CTO of Importal I've been learning the world of customs more every day and I thought it would be great to kick off a series where I can break down these topics in a way where people can digest it easier.

Today's Topic
Partnering Government Agencies (PGA)

Understanding the language of international trade can feel like deciphering a complex code. Let's start by decoding the term "Partnering Government Agency" or PGA. In the world of customs, a PGA refers to governmental bodies that collaborate with customs authorities to regulate and control specific goods that are being imported into the country. PGAs play a crucial role in ensuring compliance with regulations that go beyond traditional customs duties. They could be entities responsible for safeguarding public health, monitoring environmental standards, enforcing product safety protocols, or other specialized areas. Knowing which PGAs pertain to your industry and the regulations they enforce is essential for a smooth import process.

An example of this is the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA regulates any food-related products entering the country, and your product may get flagged by this agency if it needs additional screening.

Want to learn more about what PGAs your imported product is flagged by? Check out Importal, create a free account, and enter your product into the PGA Search tool!