The term OGA refers to Other Government Agency. Part of the mission of US Customs is to regulate and apply duty to incoming shipments which will enter the commerce of the United States.

All imports are subject to the import requirements of US Customs, but some products face additional regulations from various other government agencies. It is the responsibility of US Customs to enforce the regulations imposed by other agencies at the port of entry. Examples of other government agencies include:

FDA - the Food and Drug Administration which regulates food, drugs, and consumer/commercial products which may have an impact on the health of the user.

BIS - the Bureau of Industry and Security which regulates the import and export of "dual-use" goods that have both civilian and military applications.

EPA - the Environmental Protection Agency which regulates imports that may have an impact on the environment.

DOT - the Department of Transportation which regulates the import of motor vehicles and other forms of transportation.

PMDTC - the Office of Political Military Defense Trade Controls which regulates the import and export of products and technology that may impact the national security of the United States.

About The Author:


Keeton Harrington is a licensed US Customs Broker and the founder of Informed Trade International (http://www.itintl.com/), an online community for international trade, import/export questions, and US Customs compliance information. Copyright itintl.com, all rights reserved.