International Shipping Guide to the United States from Australia & NZ

International E-Commerce Shipping Guide from Australia & New Zealand to the United States

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on expanding your cross-border e-commerce business into the thriving USA market!

In this guide, we will delve into essential topics for success in the USA market. Join us on this insightful journey as we equip you with the knowledge and tools necessary to thrive in this dynamic and lucrative environment.

FDA works closely with the U.S. CBP to monitor imports of health and beauty related products.

Cosmetics
- Imported cosmetics products are subject to examination by CBP at the time of entry.
- Item will be denied entry if they appear to be misbranded, adulterated or are defective, unsafe and produced under unsanitary conditions. Find out more about the import refusals.
- FDA conducts examination and collect samples of cosmetics products to verify the ingredients are suitable and safe for intended use.
- If a certification is required for cosmetics containing colour additives, the FDA will verify the Colour Identification Number (CIN). Find out more on the FDA's Cosmetics Import Page.

Source: Cosmetics Importers FDA

Drugs

For imports of prescription medicines, investigational new drugs, OTC medicines, active pharmaceutical ingredients, it requires FDA’s review on the shipment. The import invoice should include:

- FDA approval
- Registration and listing
- Premarket submission information
- Declared manufacturer
- Declared importer/consignee
- Product description
- Affirmations of compliance
- Intended use codes

For more information, visit FDA’s Compliance Guidance on Human Drug Imports.

For dairy products such as milk and cheese products are subject to Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Department of Agriculture (USDA) requirements and quotas.
All meat products derived from cattle, sheep, swine, goats, and horses are subject to USDA regulations and must be inspected by the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) of the department and by CBP’s Agriculture Program and Liaison Office.
- Other meat product sources are subject to Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) regulations.
Inspection certificates from the country of origin is also required for all meat, poultry, and egg products.

Certain agricultural commodities must obtain an inspection certificate issued by USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service to indicate import compliance.

See the full list at the CBP’s Guide for Importing to the United States.