What is a Partner Government Agency?
Partner Government Agencies (PGAs) ensure that importers and exporters comply with safety rules and regulations for commodities moving into and out of the U.S. economy at international ports of entry. Each Partner Government Agency enforces legislative and trade policy and has the power to take corrective and punitive legal action.
PGAs conduct thorough reviews of facilities to verify compliance with environmental, health and safety standards. If a company fails to meet those standards, it could face serious consequences—from fines to operational shutdowns.
Collaboration with CBP
When U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) teams with Partner Government Agencies, they balance the flow of imports with enforcing regulations. CBP serves as the gatekeeper; a Partner Government Agency provides specialized commodity-based support.
CBP and the Partner Government Agencies enforce compliance across everything from unsafe products and unfair trade practices to intellectual property theft. Using programs like the Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (CTPAT) AQUA Lane pilot program, the collaboration reduces market delays for sea-borne imports and offers tangible time and cost savings to compliant traders.
Partner government agency list and roles
More than 50 PGAs regulate the safety and quality of goods entering and leaving the United States. Here is an overview of major agencies and their roles:
Department of Agriculture (USDA): USDA protects agricultural health and quality. The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) fights pests and diseases. The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) checks meat, poultry and eggs. The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) oversees marketing standards and the Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) promotes U.S. agriculture internationally
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS): The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) checks drugs, medical devices and food imports. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) focuses on disease prevention. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) ensures consumer products are free from hazards
Department of Commerce: The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) protects marine resources. The Office of Textiles and Apparel monitors textile imports for compliance
Department of Transportation: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) checks that vehicles entering U.S. markets meet safety standards
Department of Justice: The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) maintain compliance with U.S. laws on controlled substances and firearms imports
Department of the Interior: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service manages wildlife imports, focusing on conservation
Department of the Treasury: The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) regulates alcohol and tobacco importation for U.S. tax law compliance
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): The EPA applies environmental laws to imports such as chemicals and vehicles
CBP's Partner Government Agencies Import Guide offers regularly updated resources on import regulations.
5 tips for working with partner government agencies
Importers and exporters can reduce compliance risk and avoid costly delays by following these practices:
Proper classification: Categorize imports correctly under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS). Getting this right means paying the correct taxes and avoiding delays.
Documentation accuracy: Ensure accuracy on all import paperwork—bills of lading, invoices and customs declarations. Mistakes can lead to delays, fines or goods held at the border.
Compliance with regulatory requirements: Keep up with the latest rules set by each Partner Government Agency.
Risk assessment and mitigation: Regularly assess risks that might disrupt compliance. Scrutinize suppliers and validate testing before shipment.
Engagement with trade partners: Work with customs brokers, freight forwarders and regulatory consultants who help navigate import regulations.
Navigate import compliance with confidence
How technology supports customs compliance and PGA management
Technology tools that support global trade management can enhance customs clearance processes and reduce the manual task load for customs brokerages:
Automated brokerage interface connectivity to the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) streamlines customs data submission and accelerates the clearance process
Centralized data management organizes all customs-related information in one place for easier compliance and document management
Compliance tools for denied party screening and automated document management ensure filings are current and aligned with regulations
Support for the full range of customs entry forms, PGA submissions and compliance filings required for import and export activity
Global trade management capabilities spanning sourcing, import clearance, export management and trade financing in an integrated platform