Most Demanded Documents and Certificates for Shipments to America

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 the HS Code (GTIP) of your product. 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 USA 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 USA. The certificate is declared electronically to the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) system.

When is it Required?

• If the product is within the scope of TSCA → Positive Certificate (“Complies with TSCA”).

• If the product is exempt from TSCA (food, medicine, cosmetics, pesticides etc.) → Negative Certificate (“Does not fall under TSCA scope”).

Which HS Codes Require it?

• 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 letter of attorney by which the importer authorizes the customs broker in the USA to perform transactions. There is no such document as a "POA certificate"; this is entirely an authorization document.

When is it Required?
A POA is requested from the importer for every product shipped to the USA. The broker cannot open a customs declaration without it.

Does it Have Anything to Do with HS Codes?
No. POA is mandatory for all HS Codes.

3) Drop Ball Test Certificate

When is it Required?
It is requested by the FDA and US Customs for sunglasses and similar products with lenses. The purpose is to test the impact resistance of the lens surface.

Which HS Codes Require it?

• Usually Chapter 90 (optical and eyewear products).

4) Diamond (Kimberley Process) Certificate

When is it Required?
The US mandates the Kimberley Process (KPCS) certificate for rough diamond imports. Entry is not permitted without a certificate.

Which HS Codes Require it?

• 7102.10: Industrial diamonds (unworked)

• 7102.21: Simple-cut unworked diamonds

• 7102.31: Jewelry diamonds (unworked)

➡️ Cut and polished diamonds do not require a Kimberley certificate; only a valuation declaration and certificate of origin are needed.

5) FDA (Food and Drug Administration) Certificate

When is it Required?
If the product directly contacts human health or is consumed, FDA registration and approval are required. The FDA works in integration with CBP, and "Prior Notice" or "Registration" is requested at the customs entry.

Which HS Codes Require it?

• Chapters 16–22: Food and beverages

• Chapter 30: Pharmaceuticals and biological products

• Chapter 33: Cosmetic products

• Chapter 90: Medical devices

Exemptions:
Products that have no connection to human consumption, such as textiles, electronics, furniture, and machinery, are not subject to the FDA.

6) Lacey Form

In exports to America, the Lacey Act Declaration Form (PPQ Form 505) is a declaration that is mandatory especially for plant products and forest products.

Lacey Form Requirement Conditions

• Product Scope

• Forest products such as wood, furniture, parquet, plywood, paper, cardboard

• Certain plant materials (e.g. bamboo, rattan etc.)

• Products containing wood/botanical ingredients including musical instruments, decorative items, packaging materials

• Information to be Included in the Form

• Harmonized Tariff Code (GTIP/HS Code)

• Scientific name (Genus and Species): The type of tree or plant from which the product is made

• Country information: The country where the plant was harvested

• Product description: Description of the finished product (e.g., chair, parquet, paper box)

• Quantity and unit of measure

When is it Mandatory?

For imports to the US, filling out the form at the customs entry is mandatory for products within the scope above. It applies to codes listed in the USDA (U.S. Department of Agriculture) lists on an HS Code basis.

Exceptions

Some processed paper products (e.g., books, magazines) may be exempt. The form is not required for products made entirely of metal/plastic.

⚠ Important Note: Incorrect or incomplete filling of the Lacey Form can lead to heavy fines in the US and delays at customs.

SUMMARY TABLE

✅ In Brief:

• POA → Required for every product.

• TSCA → Chemicals.

• FDA → Food, drugs, cosmetics, medical.

• USDA → Agriculture & animal products.

• FCC → Electronic devices.

• EPA → Pesticides and cleaning products.

• Lacey Act → Wood and paper products.

• DOT → Dangerous goods transportation.

Customs processes for shipments to America may require different documents and certificates depending on the product group. Incorrect or missing documents can cause your shipment to be held at customs or rejected. Therefore, knowing in advance which documents are required based on your HS Code is of great importance.

📦 As Navlungo, we are with you in all these processes.
With our expert team, we help you pre-determine the documents your product needs during the customs stages, select the correct HS Code, and make safe deliveries.

Navlungo is always with you to move forward safely with your shipments to America! 🚀

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