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 North Carolina, as in the rest of the United States, the import and export 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. For example, the U.S. Department of Agriculture regulates agricultural imports, while the Food and Drug Administration oversees the importation of food and drugs. On the export side, while many items do not require an export license, all exports are governed by export control laws and regulations. These controls are primarily administered by the U.S. Department of Commerce through its Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) for commercial goods, and the Department of State for defense-related goods. Exporters must check if their items fall under the jurisdiction of specific agencies and if a license is required. This can be done by consulting the Commerce Control List (CCL) or U.S. Munitions List (USML), depending on the nature of the goods or technology. It's important for businesses to comply with these regulations to avoid penalties and ensure legal trade practices.