The term PGA (Partner Government Agency) refers to any of multiple government agencies that work alongside U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP) to regulate commodities entering the U.S.
Some PGAs include (but are not limited to):
The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)
The Federal Drug Administration (FDA)
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF)
Products that are regulated by PGAs often require permits or other additional documentation, so many PGAs have their own set of import guidelines. It is the importer’s responsibility to be aware of what they need in order to import a product into the U.S.
If a PGA refuses an import shipment, CBP will consequently not allow the goods to enter the country. As a result, the goods will need to be re-exported, or forfeited/destroyed.