How To Import Food In USA

Attention all importers of food! There are a few important factors to consider before you can bring in food from abroad. It is crucial to make sure that all parties involved in the shipment, such as suppliers, manufacturers, importers — whoever is involved at the facilities who process, pack, or hold food, are registered with the U.S. FDA (Food and Drug Administration).

Find out more about Guidance Regulation and Food Facility Registration here: https://www.fda.gov/Food/GuidanceRegulation/FoodFacilityRegistration/default.htm

As of December 12, 2003, FDA must be notified in advance of any shipments of food for humans and other animals that are imported into the U.S.,

Prior Notice of Imported Foods

• Spirit CHB Inc. can help you file this Prior Notice to the U.S. FDA through our electronic systems — only takes about a few minutes to get FDA response!

Imports & Exports Guidance Documents & Regulatory Information

There is a new program called Foreign Supplier Verification Program (FSVP), which states that importers must meet the requirements of the final FSVP rule.

• Verify that their foreign suppliers are producing food in a manner that provides the same level of public health protection as the preventive controls or produce safety regulations

• Importers are responsible for actions that include

  • Establish and follow written procedures to comply

  • Develop, maintain and follow an FSVP for each imported food

  • Perform re-evaluation activities every three years

  • Conduct hazard analysis

Here are some helpful resources for them to read if they are not ready for this new FDA program.

• Am I Subject to FVSP?

  • http://www.fda.gov/downloads/Food/GuidanceRegulation/FSMA/UCM472461.pdf

• What FSVP may I have if I am a very small importer or I am importing certain food from certain small foreign suppliers?

  • https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfCFR/CFRSearch.cfm?fr=1.512

• What You Need to Know About Registration of Food Facilities; Small Entity Compliance Guide:

  • https://www.fda.gov/Food/GuidanceRegulation/GuidanceDocumentsRegulatoryInformation/ucm331957.htm

• FSMA Final Rule on Foreign Supplier Verification Programs (FSVP) for Importers of Food for Humans and Animals

  • http://www.fda.gov/Food/GuidanceRegulation/FSMA/ucm361902.htm

• FDA Dun and Bradstreet lookup and Registration link:

  • https://fdadunslookup.com/

Do not hesitate to reach out to info@spiritchbinc.com or call 714-738-1196 if you have any questions are concerns about importing food into the United States.