In Brief
- PGAs are US government agencies that check specific product types before entry
- The 4 main agencies for Indian exports: FDA, USDA, CPSC, USFWS
- Sellers provide product information; importers handle US filings
- Know your product's requirements BEFORE shipping
- Non-compliance = stopped shipments, fines, or destruction of goods
What is PGA? The Basics
Imagine you're sending a package to a friend in America. Before it can be delivered, it has to go through US Customs (CBP - Customs and Border Protection).
But CBP can't be experts in everything—they can't know if your food is safe, if your children's toy has dangerous chemicals, or if your wooden furniture was made from illegally cut trees.
So, CBP has partners—other government agencies that are experts in specific product types. These partners are called Partner Government Agencies (PGAs).
In Simple Terms:
PGA = Government agencies that check specific types of products before they can enter the USA
There are about 50 different PGAs in the US! But most products only need to deal with 1-2 of them. The four most common ones for products from India are:
The 4 Main Agencies
| Agency | Full Name | What They Check |
|---|---|---|
| FDA | Food and Drug Administration | Food, medicines, cosmetics, supplements |
| USDA | US Department of Agriculture | Plants, wood, agricultural products |
| CPSC | Consumer Product Safety Commission | Children's products, toys, household items |
| USFWS | US Fish and Wildlife Service | Animal products, leather, shells, coral |
Why Does This Matter?
If You Ignore PGA Requirements:
- Your shipment will be STOPPED at the US port
- You may have to pay storage fees while it sits there
- Your goods might be sent back to India (at your cost!)
- In worst cases, goods are destroyed
- You could face fines or be banned from shipping to USA
If You Follow PGA Requirements:
- Smooth customs clearance
- Happy American customers
- No surprise delays or costs
- Build a reliable export business
The Golden Rule:
Know BEFORE you ship what PGA requirements apply to your products. Prepare the documents BEFORE the shipment leaves India.
FDA — Food, Supplements & Cosmetics
FDA regulates:
- All food products (snacks, spices, ready-to-eat meals)
- Dietary supplements (vitamins, ayurvedic products, herbal remedies)
- Cosmetics (skincare, makeup, hair products)
- Drugs and medicines
- Medical devices
The 3 Things FDA Requires
1. Facility Registration
Every factory that makes food for USA must register with FDA. You get an 11-digit FDA Registration Number.
2. Prior Notice
Notification telling FDA "food is coming!" before it arrives. Air: 4 hours before. Ocean: 8 hours before.
3. US Agent
A person/company in USA who acts as a contact point between your facility and FDA.
USDA — Wood & Plant Products (Lacey Act)
The Lacey Act prevents illegally harvested wood and plants from entering the USA.
Products that need Lacey Act declaration:
- Furniture (tables, chairs, beds, cabinets)
- Wooden handicrafts
- Musical instruments (with wood)
- Wooden toys
- Paper products
- Flooring and panels
- Cork and bamboo products
The Big Change: December 1, 2024
As of Phase VII, almost ALL products containing wood or plant material need a Lacey Act declaration. This is a major expansion!
Common Indian Woods & Scientific Names
| Common Name | Scientific Name | Common Products |
|---|---|---|
| Sheesham/Indian Rosewood | Dalbergia sissoo | Furniture, handicrafts |
| Teak | Tectona grandis | Furniture, flooring |
| Mango Wood | Mangifera indica | Furniture, bowls |
| Neem | Azadirachta indica | Handicrafts, combs |
| Rubberwood | Hevea brasiliensis | Furniture, toys |
CPSC — Children's Products
Any product designed for children 12 years of age or younger falls under CPSC.
- Toys
- Children's clothing
- Nursery furniture (cribs, strollers, car seats)
- Children's jewelry
- School supplies for kids
- Baby products
IMPORTANT:
The CPC (Children's Product Certificate) must be created by someone IN THE UNITED STATES. If you're the seller in India → Your US importer creates the CPC. The seller in India CANNOT create the CPC.
Testing Requirements
| Test | What It Checks |
|---|---|
| Lead content | No more than 100 ppm lead in accessible parts |
| Lead paint | No more than 90 ppm lead in paint |
| Phthalates | Certain plasticizers banned in toys |
| Small parts | Choking hazard for kids under 3 |
| ASTM F963 | General toy safety standard |
USFWS — Animal & Wildlife Products
USFWS regulates any product from animals or wildlife:
- Leather goods (bags, wallets, belts, shoes)
- Fur products
- Bone or ivory items
- Shell products (mother of pearl, conch)
- Feathers
- Coral
- Reptile skin products
| Material | Scientific Name | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Buffalo leather | Bubalus bubalis | Usually OK |
| Goat leather | Capra aegagrus | Usually OK |
| Sheep leather | Ovis aries | Usually OK |
| Elephant ivory | Elephas maximus | BANNED |
| Peacock feathers | Pavo cristatus | Cannot export from India |
Penalty Summary
| Violation | Possible Consequences |
|---|---|
| No Prior Notice | Shipment held, possible refusal |
| Wrong Lacey Act info | Fines up to $250,000, criminal charges |
| No CPC for children's product | Product seizure, fines |
| Wildlife violation | Seizure, heavy fines, prison possible |
THE 5 THINGS EVERY INDIAN EXPORTER MUST KNOW
- 1. Know Your Product's PGA — Before you ship, identify which agencies regulate your product.
- 2. Gather Product Information — Collect all required information for your product type.
- 3. Work With Your Logistics Partner — Share all product information with your importer.
- 4. Keep Records — Keep copies of all test reports, registration numbers, and product documents.
- 5. Ask Questions Early — If you're unsure about requirements, ask BEFORE shipping!
Kaiross Team
Logistics & Compliance Insights