How to Import UV Lights for Disinfecting

UV lights are a powerful disinfecting tool. Ultraviolet light has serious antimicrobial properties, which means it can be used to kill viruses and bacteria. As both businesses and individuals ramp up cleanliness standards and antiviral efforts, demand for UV lights is surging. One way to meet demand is learning how to import UV lights for disinfecting.

When you import UV lights for disinfecting, you’re adding crucial supplies to the supply chain. Imports of products that emit radiation, like UV C lights, are regulated by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and EPA (Environment Protection Agency). This helps make sure your UV disinfection products are safe and effective for use. 

How Effective is UV Light for Disinfection?

UV technology is very effective when it comes to disinfection. In fact, studies indicate that UV light kills up to 99% of bacteria, viruses and fungi on a surface or even in the air. Hospitals use UV light on high-touch surfaces and to sanitize rooms. UV light emitting devices are essential for combating Coronavirus and other illnesses.

Devices that emit UV light for disinfecting can be as small as something you hold in your hand to quite large. Handheld devices can be used to disinfect phones and other small, high-touch objects. Large lamps can be used to disinfect hospital rooms, waiting areas and other sizable areas.

There are 3 types of UV light wavelengths, UV A, UV B and UV C. It is important to know that only UV C light is known for its anti-germicidal properties. UV C light has been used to fight against germs since the mid-20th century. 

How Does UV Light Effect Germs?

The way UV light kills germs is a very scientific process. In the simplest terms, a microorganism, like a strain of bacteria or a virus, can absorb light at a UV-C wavelength. When the light is absorbed, it leads to a process called photo disassociatiation, which kills the cells. It stops the virus or bacteria from being able to replicate.

UV lights are a very effective weapon against COVID-19 and other illnesses. One way to make sure there are enough of these essential devices in the hands of those that need them is to import them from other countries. When you import UV lights for disinfecting, you are combating a global pandemic and keeping people safe from illness.

Another important tool in combating airborne bacteria are air purifiers. To learn about importing these essential products, check out our article on importing air purifiers to the U.S.

How Are UV Lights for Disinfection Regulated?

Regulations exist to make sure products on the market are safe and effective. UV lights are no exception. 

Both the FDA and the EPA oversee regulations related to UV lights. This means you’ll need to be aware of the rules when you import UV lights for disinfection. UV lights used for disinfecting must meet the guidelines set by the FDA’s regulations for electronic devices. Additionally, because the EPA defines microorganisms as pests, UV lights for disinfecting are considered pesticidal devices. The EPA regulates these kinds of devices. This means companies that produce the products must be registered with the EPA.

Failure to comply with government agency regulations can have serious consequences. In June 2020, the CBP seized a large volume of products upon their arrival to the United States. A portion of these products were labeled as counterfeit. Other products were seized due to non-compliance with required restrictions. Working with a licensed customs broker can aid in avoiding this importing nightmare.

Making sense of government regulations can be a headache. One simple solution to cutting through the red tape is opting for Import Consulting Service from USA Customs Clearance, powered by AFC International. You can choose to meet with an Import Export to get answers to basic questions or meet with a Licensed Customs Broker to get more specific information. The level of service is up to you. 

UV lights aren't the only pandemic-related supplies that are seeing a surge in demand met by imports. Learn more about importing face masks, importing medical swabs and importing PPE.

Do I Need a Customs Bond to Import UV Lights for Disinfecting?

Because UV lights for disinfecting are subject to regulations set by government agencies and can cost more than $2,500, you’ll need a customs bond to import them into the United States. This makes obtaining a customs bond an essential piece of the paperwork required for importing UV lights.

A customs bond is essentially an insurance policy. The bond serves as an agreement that all associated fees and duties will be paid. The 3 parties involved in the bond agreement are the importer of record, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the surety company that supplies the bond.

USA Customs Clearance, powered by AFC International, makes it easy to get the bond you need. We’ll walk you through the process and provide all the right paperwork. There’s more than 1 kind of customs bond, so we’ll help you make sure you get the right type of bond to suit your needs. 

Where Are UV Lights for Disinfecting Made?

UV lights for disinfecting come from many different countries around the world. One major company that makes UV lights for disinfecting is Atlantic Ultraviolet, which is based in the U.S. Other suppliers and manufacturers are based in Asia and around the world.

Countries that produce UV LED lights for disinfecting include:

• Japan
• China
• Korea

You’ll find UV germicidal lamp suppliers all over the world. There are many places to look when sourcing these products. 

It’s also important to note that the fees and tariffs you pay when you import UV lights might vary based on country of origin. For example, Chinese made goods might be eligible for tariff exemption. 

Customs Consulting to Import UV Lights for Disinfecting

Customs consulting can make it easy to import UV lights for disinfecting. When you meet with a specialist from USA Customs Clearance, powered by AFC International, you’ll get importing advice scaled to your needs. No matter whether this is your first time importing goods or you’re an experienced industry veteran, we’ll make sure you’re armed with the information you need to get your UV devices through customs and into the hands of those who need them most. 

See what sets us apart from the competition. Our individualized services make it easy to get goods across the border, which means we’ll focus on the legwork while you focus on your business. No matter whether you’re importing from China or anywhere else, our consulting services will make the process simple. 

Reach out to USA Customs Clearance, powered by AFC International, when you need to import UV lights for disinfecting. Let us show you what sets us apart from the rest.