Import & Export

Import and Export Businesses

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection enforces the import and export laws and regulations of the United States. You may also wish to obtain the advice of an expert specializing in importing such as a licensed customs broker, attorney, or consultant.

More specific guidance can be obtained from a customs officer at the port nearest you. Click here to locate a port of entry in Hawaii.

The Hawaii Foreign Trade Zone #9 is a duty-free, secure location authorized by the federal government that is legally outside of the customs territory of the United States. Companies operating in a Foreign-Trade Zone may reduce some of the risks and costs associated with international transactions.

The U.S. Commercial Service is a government resource with offices around the U.S. offering the trade expertise to assist with exporting; guidance and tips on how to grow your business & export successfully.

The Export/Import Bank (Ex-Im Bank) assists in financing the export of U.S. goods and services to international markets. It does not compete with private sector lenders but provides export financing products that fill gaps in trade financing by assuming credit and country risks that the private sector is unable or unwilling to accept. Ex-Im Bank provides working capital guarantees (pre-export financing); export credit insurance; and loan guarantees and direct loans (buyer financing).