Small companies usually have to process several permits. In Hispanic Entrepreneurs we tell you which ones Federal licenses and permits that are needed to open a business in the US.
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Why process licenses and permits?
Applying for licenses and permits is essential to open a business so that you can run your business smoothly. In the United States these documents are required, that is why if you do not comply with the regulations you are subject to sanctions.
These documents are important because they authorize the company to do business in a specific jurisdiction. Every business with any amount of income must have licenses and permits that show that it is operating legally.
You should know that the permits are in charge of tracking the funds or income for taxes. Whereas, the licenses shows the level of experience. For this reason, lawyers and others who engage in commercial activity must have professional licenses. This proves that the company is trustworthy and meets the conditions to protect the health and safety of the user.
Federal licenses and permits you need to open a business in the US
The requirements to request the licenses and permits They vary according to the activity of the company, the location and the agency that issues it. The first thing you should be clear about is that if your business activity is regulated by a federal agency, you have to obtain a federal license or permit.
In the event that you import or transport animals, products of animal or vegetable origin. As well as biological products or biotechnology from one state to another, it is necessary to request a permit from the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.
This agency of the United States Department of Agriculture provides import permit applications and interstate movement permits, as well as transit, clearance, application tracking, renewals, amendments, and copies of permits. It also issues certifications to exporters.
You also require it if you manufacture, wholesale, import or sell alcoholic beverages at a retail location. Go to the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Office. Also before the Local Control Board of Alcoholic Beverages.
Each state is authorized to regulate the production, sale, and distribution of alcohol within its borders. So they can require other precautions apart from the federal requirements. They may even be as restrictive as the latter.
You must process with the Federal Aviation Administration the respective permits for your operating aircraft, transporting merchandise or people. Even for maintaining airplanes. It grants permits to pilots, aircraft, airports and space ports.
Likewise, you must request a permit for firearms, ammunition and explosives.. This applies to companies that manufacture, market, and import firearms, ammunition, and explosives. It takes place in the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Fishing and wildlife permits and licenses are requested in case the business engages in wildlife-related activity. Includes the import or export of wild products and their derivatives. You should go to the Fish and Wildlife Service.
Other federal permits and licenses
Permits and licenses are managed for the fishing industry when engaging in commercial fishing of any kind. The Fisheries Service of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is in charge of granting them.
Another license is the maritime transport license if you offer maritime transport or facilitate cargo transport by sea. The Federal Maritime Commission is in charge of issuing it. Mining and extraction applies to companies that drill to extract natural gas, oil and other mineral resources. It is managed in the Office of Environmental Regulations and Safety.
The US government also requires permits for commercial nuclear power producers. If you are a company with a nuclear fuel cycle facility or distribute or dispose of nuclear materials. It is under the regulation of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
Companies that disseminate information by radio, television, telegraphy, satellite or cable must apply for the broadcasting license by radio and television. They must do it before the Federal Communications Commission.
Transport and logistics must be requested when the company uses a large or heavy vehicle. These federal licenses and permits are issued by the US Department of Transportation.
Ideally, you should check with the government of the city or county where the business is located If you are not clear about which license you need. Officials can guide you to identify it.
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