When food crosses the border, CBP is not the only agency involved. FDA has its own requirements, and they have to be met before the goods can be released.

What FDA adds

  • Prior notice of the shipment. The timing depends on how the goods arrive, and for trucks it is short, so it cannot be left to the plaza.
  • Product and manufacturer information that must be accurate and match the invoice.
  • Facility registration for the food facility involved, where required.
  • Possible FDA review or examination.

What to have ready

  • The full product description and the manufacturer's name and address
  • The FDA registration details for the facility, where they apply
  • The commercial invoice and packing list
  • Anything that affects the product category (for example, ingredients, packaging)

Where delays come from

  • Prior notice that was late or does not match the invoice
  • Missing manufacturer details
  • A product description FDA cannot match to the category filed

Tell us early what you are shipping and how often. A regular food importer should have the data set up once, not re-send it each load.