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 Tennessee, as in the rest of the United States, imports and exports 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. Customs and Border Protection oversees general importation rules, while other agencies like the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or the Department of Agriculture (USDA) have jurisdiction over specific products like food and agricultural goods. Similarly, exports are generally not restricted, but they are subject to export control laws and regulations. The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) under the U.S. Department of Commerce, for instance, manages export controls on items that have both commercial and military applications. To determine if an item requires an export license, one must identify the relevant agency that regulates the specific goods or services in question. It is important for businesses and individuals in Tennessee to comply with these federal regulations to avoid penalties and ensure lawful international trade.