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How do I import food (canned goods, meat, vegetables, fruits, bulk foods, etc.) for resale?
If you are interested in importing food for commercial purposes, you may want to consult with a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) import specialist at the U.S. port of entry through which you intend to import. The import specialist can let you know what is required, which varies depending on the type of food, the country of origin of the food, as well as whether or not there are quota or other restrictions on what you want to import. As an importer, you have the option of hiring a Customshouse broker to file your entry with CBP, or you can do it yourself - although there are so many details to handle when importing food items, we strongly advise using a broker. To obtain a list of brokers, click here to find a port in the state your goods will arrive in. Lists can be found on each individual port page. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) determines the admissibility of food being imported into the United States and CBP enforces those laws. All commercial imports of food and beverage products require the filing of Prior Notice with FDA, and foreign manufacturers and/or distributers of food products must register with the FDA before their goods may be admitted. (These requirements DO NOT apply to food accompanying a traveler into the U.S. or being sent by an individual - not a business - for personal use.) CBP will not release food shipments without proof that prior notice has been filed with FDA. Therefore, it is imperative that the PN satisfied number is submitted to CBP along with the entry documents. The PN satisfied number should be annotated on the shipping documents (i.e. bill of lading or airway bill). For additional information on the Bio-Terrorism Preparedness and Response Act regulations and assistance with filing prior notice, please contact the Food and Drug Administration 1-800-216-7331, if outside the U.S. call (301) 575-0156. In addition to the prior notice requirement, once the goods arrive in the U.S., FDA may collect a sample or tell CBP to proceed with releasing the shipment. If a sample is in violation of FDA regulations, you will receive a Notice of Detention from FDA. To find out the status of food that has been detained by FDA, call the number referenced on the detention notice or the main number for Import Operations and Policy at (301) 443-6553. To inquire about FDA regulations on food imports, call (301) 436-2413. If the product you wish to import is a plant or farm animal product, you should consult with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The product may be prohibited or restricted from entering the United States. To inquire about the admissibility of meats, livestock, poultry and their products intended for resale, call the Food Safety and Inspection Service, Import Division, at (202) 720-9904. This number cannot provide information about personal importations of food products. They can only advise about requirements for commercial (resale) imports. For fruits, and vegetables call the Plant division of APHIS at 301-734-8295. Baked goods, seafood, canned and packaged goods, candy and chocolate, etc. must be labeled with country of origin, ingredients, and nutrition information. The Office of Food Labeling can help you with specifics, call them at 202-205-4606.
Customs & Border Protection (CBP), Department of Homeland Security
http://www.cbp.gov/
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