How to Import Isopropyl Alcohol

How to Import Isopropyl Alcohol
Seeking supplies of isopropyl alcohol often means securing inventory in foreign markets. Once that’s done, how to ship it to the U.S. is next on the list of questions. We’ve outlined the import process for isopropyl alcohol.
March 26, 2020
Last Modified: January 16, 2024
Share This Article
copy-link-to-clipboard Copy URL to Clipboard

As today’s economic and health climate continue into uncertainty, many goods are in short supply. This includes isopropyl alcohol, an important antiseptic. Some suppliers and vendors are seeking rubbing alcohol made outside the United States to meet consumer demand. Knowing how to import isopropyl alcohol is important to keeping up with market needs.

When you know how to import isopropyl alcohol, you know how to keep this part of your supply chain moving. USA Customs Clearance, powered by AFC International, offers Import Consulting Services to help you get this essential liquid across the border, through customs, and into the hands of consumers. From filing BATF permits to getting the right customs bond, we’re here to help.

What is Isopropyl Alcohol and Where Does it Come From?

What is isopropyl alcohol and where does it come from?

Isopropyl alcohol is an essential ingredient in many disinfectants, antiseptics and sanitizers. It is the main component in rubbing alcohol, which is generally made up of 70-91% isopropyl alcohol or isopropanol.

Hand sanitizer is generally made up of a 60% to 70% solution of alcohol in water. The two ingredients work together to kill bacteria and viruses on the hands when used correctly. Hand sanitizer is especially important in today’s world, as it is an essential tool in the good hygiene required to avoid getting sick.

When used as a disinfectant and sanitizer, isopropyl alcohol is an effective germicide. It can kill many kinds of bacteria and viruses and is especially in demand during pandemics.

The U.S. is the top exporter of isopropyl alcohol, according to the Observatory of Economic Complexity. Germany and the Netherlands aren’t far behind and combined export more than 20% of the world’s supply. When thinking about how to import isopropyl alcohol, it might be wise to consider these two European countries as sources. Other countries to consider sourcing rubbing alcohol and isopropyl alcohol include Canada, South Korea and South Africa.

If you’re sourcing rubbing alcohol from Canada, it might be wise to meet with an expert who specializes in Canada import customs clearance. USA Customs Clearance has a dedicated team that strictly deals with importing goods from Canada. Reach out to our team today at (855) 912-0406 to get the answers and help you need.

When you source a supplier for your isopropyl alcohol, it’s time to start the import process. Signing on for an import consulting session with USA Customs Clearance, powered by AFC International, can help you make sense of the procedures that go with importing foreign goods into the U.S. From getting the right paperwork on file to selecting the customs bond you need, we can help make sure that your imported alcohol arrives on time and ready to hit the market.

Importing face masks is also important in today’s climate. Get the low down on this process with a customs consulting session.

What is Hand Sanitizer?

Hand sanitizer is an essential product for good hygiene and is especially in demand during global pandemics. The main ingredient in hand sanitizer is isopropyl alcohol. In fact, one of the reasons the demand for  isopropyl alcohol is growing is because many people are making their own hand sanitizer to help them stay clean and healthy.

You can use hand sanitizer to reduce the number of microbes on your hands. To be effective, hand sanitizer needs to contain at least 60% isopropyl alcohol. 

Hand sanitizer gel has been around for a long time. It was invented in 1966 by a student nurse. Consumers can make their own hand sanitizer gel with isopropyl alcohol by combining the alcohol with aloe vera gel and an essential oil. Use a 2:1 ratio of isopropyl alcohol to aloe vera and just a few drops of the oil.

What Are the Rules and Regulations for Importing Isopropyl Alcohol?

When you import isopropyl alcohol, you need to follow guidelines set by the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (BATF).

A BATF permit must be filed with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)  before you import rubbing alcohol or isopropyl alcohol. This permit is required with imports of non-beverage alcohol. A skilled customs broker is essential when navigating the paperwork and red tape around dealing with federal agencies. 

Many importers that choose to forego working with a customs broker encounter severe importing difficulties. In early June 2020, numerous importers had various PPE and other medical products seized at the border. Working with an experienced and Licensed Customs Brokers minimizes the chances that situations like this will occur.

You can arm yourself with the necessary information to comply with rules and regulations for importing isopropyl alcohol by opting in for import and customs consulting. USA Customs Clearance, powered by AFC International, is able to walk you through the import process and ensure you comply with all federal and customs regulations. We can help you pull and file the right permits and more.

How to Import Hand Sanitizer to USA

How to Import Hand Sanitizer to USA

The rules and regulations for importing hand sanitizer are a little different. Hand sanitizer is considered a topical anesthetic product and it is regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). According to the FDA, hand sanitizer must contain ingredients that are proven to be microbial agents. 

You might be able to source hand sanitizer to import from China. Because of the global pandemic, many manufacturers or alcohol-containing products like perfumes, colognes and alcohol beverages have turned operations around to produce hand sanitizer. This opens up the options for sourcing and importing hand sanitizer. You might also consider sourcing hand sanitizer from France and other countries.

You need to provide specific information when importing hand sanitizer because it is an FDA regulated product. You need to include the manufacturer, shipper FDA importer, delivered-to party and the brokers information on all import documents.

If you need help making sense of all the red tape to cut through when importing hand sanitizer, opt for a import customs consulting session from USA Customs Clearance, powered by AFC International. We know how to import hand sanitizer to USA and can walk you through the process. Let us show you how we can help you with a 30-minute or 60-minute consulting session.

Do I Need a Customs Bond to Import Isopropyl Alcohol or Hand Sanitizer?

Do I Need a Customs Bond to Import Isopropyl Alcohol

You will need a customs bond when you import isopropyl alcohol. According to information from CBP, you need a customs bond when the goods you are importing are subject to regulations from another government agency or when the goods are valued at more than $2,500. Because a BATF permit is required, a customs bond is required regardless of your shipment’s value.

Customs bonds are essentially proof of an insurance policy. The bond promises that all duties and fees on the imported goods will be paid. A customs bond is a 3-way agreement between all the parties involved: CBP, the company supplying the bond and the importer of record.

All of your questions about customs bonds can be answered during your import consulting session. We can share our knowledge and expertise. After your session, you’ll know how to get the bond you need when importing face masks.

Learn How to Import Isopropyl Alcohol and Hand Sanitizer with Customs Consulting

You’ll find many benefits to taking advantage of customs and import consulting offered by USA Customs Clearance, powered by AFC International. We’ll walk you through the process of importing and teach you how to import isopropyl alcohol and other essential goods. This will make getting crucial disinfectants into the hands of consumers and medical professionals easy and hassle-free. You won’t have to worry about your goods being stuck in customs or not making it across the border when we’re on your side.

There are two main options for customs and import consulting services. You can choose to consult with a Licensed Customs Broker or an Import Expert. If this is your first time importing, meeting with an Import Expert might be the best choice. If you’ve imported before or just have questions about customs bonds, tariffs or anything else, a session with a Licensed Customs Broker might be your preferred option. If you need more time or have additional needs, we can scale a solution for your individual consulting needs.

No matter what consulting option you select, we’re here to help. Count on USA Customs Clearance, powered by AFC International, to get your goods through customs and into the market.

Isopropyl alcohol is needed more today than ever in the United States. Don’t wait for production here to catch up to the demand. You can import this essential disinfectant from other countries and start meeting market needs today. Keep this essential supply in stock and available.

Consider scheduling an expert and licensed customs broker to learn how to import isopropyl alcohol or hand sanitizer and get your supply chain moving again. No matter whether you’re importing from South Korea, South Africa or beyond, we’re here to help. USA Customs Clearance, powered by AFC International, is ready to be your strategic partner. Rely on our experience, expertise and know-how to get your imports through customs and into the U.S.

Share This Article
copy-link-to-clipboard Copy URL to Clipboard

Leave a Reply

Latest comments (2)

USA Customs Clearance
315 NE 14th St #4122
Ocala, FL 34470
(855) 912-0406
Copyright AFC International LLC. All Rights Reserved.
magnifiercross