PGA Entries (Partner Government Agencies)

Many imports are regulated by a Partner Government Agency (PGA), such as the FDA or the USDA, in addition to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Depending on the agency, the goods can be held until that agency’s requirements are met.

Doral Customs Brokers is a licensed customs broker, founded in 2012, and we handle imports at any U.S. port.

How PGA entries work

• When we file your customs entry, we also transmit the data the agency requires for your product, based on the information you provide. CBP shares that data with the agency.
• The agency can review the customs entry, ask for more documents, examine or sample the goods, or hold or refuse the shipment if it does not meet its rules.
• For example, the FDA can examine a food shipment to check that the labeling is correct and the product is safe.
• Some agencies need steps before the goods arrive, such as FDA prior notice for food, or a permit or certificate issued before the goods leave the country of origin.
• Goods regulated by a PGA do not automatically need a customs bond. Learn about customs bonds.

Common agencies

• FDA (Food and Drug Administration): food, beverages, cosmetics, medical devices, drugs.
• USDA APHIS: plants, plant products, live animals and some animal products.
• USDA FSIS: meat, poultry and some egg products.
• U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service: wildlife and wildlife products.
• FCC (Federal Communications Commission): devices that emit radio frequencies, such as phones and wireless routers.
• DOT (Department of Transportation): vehicles and vehicle equipment.
• EPA (Environmental Protection Agency): engines, vehicles, pesticides and some chemicals.

How we help

• We can tell you which agency regulates your product and what it requires for your shipment.
• We can prepare and file your customs entry with the agency data and keep you informed of its status.
• If the agency asks for more documents, we let you know what is needed.
• Service in English and Spanish.

How to get started

1. Email us your shipment detailsSend your commercial or pro-forma invoice, or a detailed description of the goods with the quantity, value, shipping method and country of origin, to imports@doralcustomsbrokers.com.
2. Sign a power of attorneyWe need a signed customs power of attorney (POA) before we can act as your customs broker.
3. We reply by emailWe’ll let you know the import requirements and the documents needed for your shipment.

Your responsibility as the importer

Importers have always been responsible for using reasonable care in their imports. We help you understand which information and documents are needed, and we prepare your customs entry with the information you provide. As the importer of record, you remain responsible for making sure that information is accurate and complete.

Doral Customs Brokers is a licensed customs broker. This page is for information only and is not legal advice. Customs and other agency requirements can change; confirm the current requirements for your goods. Lea esta página en español.