The documents and certificates most frequently requested by customs for recent shipments to America are explained in detail below. These documents may vary depending on your product's HS Code. You can find the summary table at the end of the article.
1) TSCA Certificate
What is TSCA?
TSCA (Toxic Substances Control Act) is a regulation in the US that controls the import and production of chemical substances.
A TSCA compliance declaration is required for every chemical substance, mixture, or specific products containing these substances imported into the US. The certificate is electronically declared to the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) system.
When is it requested?
• If the product is covered by TSCA → Positive Certificate (“Complies with TSCA”).
• If the product is exempt from TSCA (food, drugs, cosmetics, pesticides, etc.) → Negative Certificate (“Does not fall under TSCA”).
For Which HS Codes is it Requested?
• Chapter 28: Inorganic chemicals
Chapter: Organic chemicals
• Chapter: Paints, pigments, varnishes (in some cases)
• Chapter: Miscellaneous chemical products
• Chapter: Plastic and rubber polymers (in some cases)
Exceptions:
For products such as food (HS 16–22), medicine (HS 30), cosmetics (HS 33), tobacco (HS 24), and pesticides (HS 38.08), FDA or EPA regulations apply instead of TSCA.
2) POA (Power of Attorney)
What is POA?
POA (Power of Attorney) is the power of attorney by which the importer authorizes the customs broker in the US to act on their behalf. There is no such document as a “POA certificate”; this is entirely an authorization document.
When is it requested?
A POA is requested from the importer for every product shipped to the US. The broker cannot open a customs declaration without it.
Is it related to the HS Code?
No. POA is mandatory for all HS Codes.
3) Drop Ball Test Certificate
When is it requested?
It is requested by the FDA and US Customs for sunglasses and similar products with lenses. The purpose is to test the resistance of the lens surface against impacts.
For Which HS Codes is it Requested?
• Usually Chapter 90 (optical and eyewear products).
4) Diamond (Kimberley Process) Certificate
When is it requested?
The US mandates the Kimberley Process (KPCS) certificate for imports of rough diamonds. Entry is not permitted without the certificate.
For Which HS Codes is it Requested?
• 7102.10: Industrial diamonds (unworked)
• 7102.21: Simply sawn rough diamonds
• 7102.31: Jewelry diamonds (unworked)
➡️ Kimberley certificates are not required for cut and processed diamonds; only a declaration of value and certificate of origin are needed.
5) FDA (Food and Drug Administration) Certificate
When is it requested?
If the product directly contacts human health or is consumed, FDA registration and approval are required. The FDA operates in integration with the CBP, and "Prior Notice" or "Registration" is requested at the customs entry.
For Which HS Codes is it Requested?
• Chapters 16–22: Food and beverages
• Chapter 30: Pharmaceuticals and biological products
• Chapter 33: Cosmetic products
• Chapter 90: Medical devices
Those Exempt:
Products that are not related to human consumption, such as textiles, electronics, furniture, and machinery, are not subject to the FDA.
6) Lacey Form
The Lacey Act Declaration Form (PPQ Form 505) is a declaration that is mandatory for exports to America, especially for plant products and forest products.
Requirements for Lacey Form
• Product Scope
• Forest products such as wood, furniture, parquet, plywood, paper, cardboard
• Certain plant materials (e.g., bamboo, rattan, etc.)
• Wood/botanical content products, including musical instruments, decorative items, and packaging materials
• Information to be Included in the Form
• Harmonized Tariff Code (HS Code)
• Scientific name (Genus and Species): The species of tree or plant from which the product is made
• Country info: The country where the plant was harvested
• Product description: Definition of the final product (e.g., chair, parquet, paper box)
• Quantity and unit of measure
When is it Mandatory?
For imports to the US, filling out this form at the customs entry is mandatory for products within the scope above. It applies to codes listed on the USDA (U.S. Department of Agriculture) lists on an HS Code basis.
Exceptions
Certain processed paper products (e.g., books, magazines) may be exempt. The form is not required for products manufactured entirely from metal/plastic.
⚠ Important Note: Incorrect or incomplete filling of the Lacey Form can lead to high fines and customs delays in the US.
SUMMARY TABLE
Document / Certificate | When is it requested? | Related HS Code | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
POA | For every product | All HS Codes | Independent of HS Code |
TSCA | For chemical products | 28, 29, 32, 38, some 39 | Food/drugs/cosmetics exempt |
FDA | Food, drugs, cosmetics, medical devices | 16–22, 30, 33, 90 | FDA registration and approval mandatory |
USDA | For agricultural & animal products | 01–14 | Plant / animal products |
FCC | For electronic devices | 85, 90–92 | Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, RF devices |
EPA | For pesticides & cleaning products | 34, 38 | EPA registration required |
Lacey Act | For wood, paper, plant products | 44, 47, 48 | Declaration of origin mandatory |
DOT | For hazardous materials | Independent of HS Code | Flammable, explosive, chemical products |
✅ Briefly:
• POA → Required for every product.
• TSCA → Chemicals.
• FDA → Food, drugs, cosmetics, medical.
• USDA → Agriculture & animal products.
• FCC → Electronic devices.
• EPA → Pesticide and cleaning products.
• Lacey Act → Wood and paper products.
• DOT → Hazardous materials transportation.
Customs processes for shipments to America may require different documents and certificates depending on the product group. Incorrect or missing documentation can cause your shipment to wait or be rejected at customs. Therefore, knowing beforehand which documents are required based on your HS Code is of great importance.
📦 As Navlungo, we are with you throughout all these processes.
With our expert team, we help you pre-determine the documents your product needs during customs stages, choose the correct HS Code, and achieve hassle-free delivery.
To advance with confidence in products you send to America, Navlungo is always with you! 🚀
