Food imports have several requirements that are separate but often encountered together. A shipment may require valid food facility registration, Prior Notice and FSVP information, in addition to compliant food and labeling.
Food facility registration
Facilities that manufacture, process, pack or hold food for consumption in the United States are generally required to register with FDA unless an exemption applies. Required food facility registrations must be renewed every other year during FDA's biennial renewal period.
Prior Notice
FDA must receive Prior Notice before covered food is imported or offered for import into the United States. Prior Notice can be transmitted as part of the customs/ACE process or through FDA's Prior Notice System Interface in applicable situations.
FSVP
The Foreign Supplier Verification Programs rule generally requires the FSVP importer to verify that the foreign supplier is producing food in a manner that meets applicable U.S. food-safety standards. Exemptions and modified requirements exist for certain products and circumstances.
Shipping checklist
- Confirm the manufacturer/facility identity.
- Confirm food facility registration where required.
- Determine who is acting as the FSVP importer and obtain the required entry data.
- Prepare Prior Notice information.
- Confirm the FDA Product Code and IUC.
- Review labels for U.S. compliance.
- Check applicable Import Alerts where risk exists.
Do not wait until the parcel reaches the U.S. to identify the FSVP importer or correct facility-registration problems.