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 Hawaii, as in the rest of the United States, the importation and exportation of goods are subject to federal regulations. While most goods can be imported without a license, certain regulated items may require a license, permit, or certification from specific agencies, such as the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for certain food products, or the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) for firearms. Similarly, for exports, most items do not require a license, but are subject to export control laws. These laws are enforced by agencies like the U.S. Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) for commercial goods, and the U.S. Department of State's Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC) for defense-related items. To determine if a specific item requires an export license, one should identify the relevant agency and check the item against their controlled goods list. It's important to comply with these regulations to avoid penalties. An attorney specializing in international trade law can provide guidance specific to the item in question.