VCM is a gas at ambient conditions and must be transported as a liquefied gas under pressure, requiring specialized pressure-rated tank vessels, railcars, or ISO tanks rated for the compound's vapor pressure. This contrasts with liquid aromatics that move in standard chemical tankers. Port reception facilities must be equipped to handle pressurized transfers, which limits the number of US terminals capable of receiving VCM imports.

At entry, importers must submit EPA TSCA certification. Beyond customs, OSHA's vinyl chloride standard sets a permissible exposure limit and requires medical surveillance for workers with potential exposure. EPA's National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) for vinyl chloride impose emission controls on facilities that process or store VCM. Importers should ensure downstream buyers are aware of these obligations before finalizing supply agreements.