A PGA, or Partner Government Agency, is a government agency that works with customs authorities to regulate specific imported or exported goods. In U.S. trade, PGAs work alongside Customs and Border Protection to enforce rules for products such as food, drugs, medical devices, chemicals, plants, animals, vehicles, and controlled goods. PGA requirements may include permits, licences, product data, safety certifications, inspections, or admissibility reviews before a shipment can be released.
Partner Government Agencies (PGAs) are U.S. federal agencies other than CBP that regulate the importation of specific products. When goods are subject to PGA oversight, the importer must comply with that agency’s requirements before cargo can be released by CBP.
Key PGAs and Their Oversight
- FDA: food, drugs, medical devices, cosmetics
- USDA APHIS: plants, animals, agricultural products
- EPA: vehicles, chemicals, pesticides
- CPSC: consumer products and children’s products
- ATF: firearms, explosives, alcohol, tobacco
- FCC: electronic devices and communications equipment
PGA holds are a leading cause of customs clearance delays. Verify PGA requirements for your product category with your customs broker before the first shipment.
For related logistics context, see Dedola’s medical device logistics and glossary entries on FDA, Customs Clearance, CBP, and Customs Entry.
