Imports are any resources, goods, or services that producers in one country sell to buyers in another country. Exports are any resources, intermediate goods, or final goods or services that a buyer in one country purchases from a seller in another country. In most cases you will not need a license to import goods into the U.S. But, for certain goods being imported, some agencies may require a license, permit, or other certification. Most items exported to a foreign buyer will not require an export license. But all items are subject to export control laws and regulations. The best way to find out if an item requires an export license is by checking which agency has jurisdiction over or regulates the item you are trying to export.

In Pennsylvania, as in the rest of the United States, imports generally do not require a license. However, specific types of goods may require a permit, license, or certification from the appropriate agency, such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for food products, or the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) for firearms. When it comes to exports, while many items can be sent to foreign buyers without an export license, all exports are subject to U.S. export control laws and regulations. These laws are designed to control the flow of certain materials, software, and technology for reasons related to national security, foreign policy, and trade protection. To determine if an export license is needed, exporters must identify the relevant agency with jurisdiction over their goods, which could be the U.S. Department of Commerce through its Export Administration Regulations (EAR) or the U.S. Department of State through the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), among others. It is crucial for businesses to comply with these regulations to avoid penalties and ensure legal international trade.