Licensing & Compliance · United States

International USA

Crossing a border, with customs and destination requirements.
At a glanceOverview & ScopeRegistrationChecklist
Regulated by Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA)

Before you rely on this

This page summarizes key licensing and compliance requirements for movers arranging international household goods shipments from the United States. Regulations may change. Movers are responsible for confirming current requirements with the FMC, TSA, and destination-country authorities before operating.

RequirementsAt a glance

License Required
Yes
Ocean Transportation Intermediary (OTI) license from the FMC, required for Ocean Freight Forwarders and NVOCCs arranging ocean shipments
Air Carrier Certification
Yes
TSA Indirect Air Carrier (IAC) certification required for arranging air shipments, renewed annually
Export Filing Required
Yes
Electronic Export Information (EEI) filing through AES for shipments over $2,500 per Schedule B classification (most Canada shipments exempt)
Insurance Required
Yes
Liability and cargo insurance; OTI licensees must also maintain FMC-required proof of financial responsibility (surety bond)
Consumer Complaints
FMC
Managed by the FMC's Office of Consumer Affairs and Dispute Resolution Services (CADRS) — complaints@fmc.gov, 202-523-5807

ScopeOverview & Scope

Any U.S.-based company arranging the international ocean transportation of household goods must hold an Ocean Transportation Intermediary (OTI) license from the FMC under 46 CFR Part 515. Any company arranging air transportation of household goods must hold TSA certification as an Indirect Air Carrier (IAC) under 49 CFR Part 1548. International moves also require compliance with U.S. export filing rules and the import requirements of the destination country.

RegistrationRegistration & Compliance Essentials

Movers must:

Obtain an OTI license from the FMC (Form FMC-18) if arranging ocean shipments, as an Ocean Freight Forwarder, an NVOCC, or both.
Post proof of financial responsibility with the FMC — a surety bond, insurance, or other approved security ($50,000 for a licensed Ocean Freight Forwarder, $75,000 for a licensed NVOCC).
Publish and maintain an FMC tariff (for NVOCCs) listing rates, charges, and service terms.
Obtain TSA Indirect Air Carrier certification if arranging air shipments, and maintain an approved security program, renewed annually.
File Electronic Export Information (EEI) through the Automated Export System (AES) for shipments over $2,500 per Schedule B commodity classification (most shipments to Canada are exempt).
Maintain liability and cargo insurance appropriate to the mode of transport and shipment value.
Confirm destination-country import requirements before shipment, including customs declarations, residency/employment documentation, prohibited/restricted goods, duty/tax exemptions, and vehicle import rules, which vary by country.
Report changes to FMC licensing information within 30 days of any change to the details submitted in the original license application.

ChecklistCompliance checklist

FMC OTI License (Ocean Freight Forwarder and/or NVOCC)Yesif arranging ocean shipments
FMC Proof of Financial Responsibility (Bond)Yes
FMC Tariff Filed & Maintained (NVOCC)Yes
TSA Indirect Air Carrier CertificationYesif arranging air shipments, renewed annually
AES/EEI Export FilingYesfor shipments over $2,500 per Schedule B classification
Liability & Cargo InsuranceYes
Destination-Country Import Compliance ConfirmedYes
Licensing & Compliance · United States

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Crossing a border, with customs and destination requirements.
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