Yes — you can start an import/export company yourself, and hiring an agent is optional. It mostly depends on how confident you are with paperwork and U.S. compliance.

The process usually involves:

Registering a legal entity (such as an LLC or Corporation) at the state level.

Getting an EIN from the IRS for tax purposes and business identification.

Applying for any required import or export licenses or permits through U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and other relevant federal agencies (like the FDA, USDA, or BIS) depending on your product type.

Setting up a business bank account and an international payment system.

Complying with trade, shipping, and tariff regulations, including customs declarations and recordkeeping.

If you’re comfortable with U.S. forms and regulations, you can handle these steps yourself online.
However, many non-U.S. residents prefer using an experienced agent or service provider to avoid errors, especially when dealing with compliance, taxes, and cross-border logistics.

Optional services like Business Globalizer help non-residents form LLCs, obtain EINs, and guide them through import/export registration and licensing, making the process smoother and compliant from day one.

In short: you can absolutely do it yourself, but using a reliable service can save you time, prevent costly mistakes, and help your business stay legally sound from the start.