FDA and USDA compliance for food and beverage imports, from facility registration and FSVP to labelling, Prior Notice and customs.
Talk to usFacilities that manufacture, process, pack or hold food for consumption in the United States must register with FDA before starting and renew every other year between 1 October and 31 December of even-numbered years. Foreign facilities must designate a U.S. agent. FDA charges no registration fee (21 CFR 1.230, 1.231(c)). Global Import Agent handles registration, renewal and U.S. Agent representation for you.
Learn more about FDA Registration AgentLearn moreA U.S. agent is the person in the United States that a foreign food facility names on its FDA registration as its link with FDA, for routine and emergency communications. The agent must live or have a place of business in the US, and can't be a mailbox or answering service (21 CFR 1.227). Global Import Agent can act as your U.S. agent.
Learn more about FDA US Agent ServiceLearn moreUnder FSVP, the importer is the U.S. owner or consignee of the food at entry. If there isn't one, the importer is the foreign owner's U.S. agent or representative, confirmed by a signed statement of consent (21 CFR 1.500). That importer must verify its foreign suppliers. Global Import Agent can act as your FSVP agent.
Learn more about FSVP Agent & AssessmentsLearn moreFood sold in the United States must carry a label that meets FDA's rules in 21 CFR Part 101: a statement of identity, net quantity of contents, ingredient list, Nutrition Facts, and the name and place of business of the manufacturer, packer or distributor, plus a major food allergen declaration. Global Import Agent reviews your labels against these rules before you print.
Learn more about FDA Labelling ComplianceLearn moreFDA labelling training teaches the people who create, review or sign off labels how to meet US food labelling rules, mainly 21 CFR Part 101: statement of identity, net quantity, ingredient list, Nutrition Facts, allergen declarations, and name and place of business. We run it for food and supplement teams online, as live webinars or in person.
Learn more about FDA Labelling TrainingLearn moreUSDA import compliance for agricultural products, meat, poultry, dairy and plant-based goods entering the US.
Learn more about USDA Import RequirementsLearn moreSupport for importers whose shipments are detained, refused or placed on FDA Import Alert.
Learn more about FDA Detention AssistanceLearn morePrior notice tells FDA in advance about food being imported or offered for import into the United States. It must be submitted and confirmed before arrival: at least 2 hours ahead by road, 4 hours by rail or air, and 8 hours by water (21 CFR 1.279). Global Import Agent files prior notice for your shipments.
Learn more about Prior Notice FilingLearn moreCustoms documentation, classification and clearance support for goods entering the United States.
Learn more about US Customs Documentation & SupportLearn moreHelp for businesses whose products or suppliers have been placed on FDA Import Alert.
Learn more about Import Alerts RemovalLearn moreFSMA compliance software for risk assessments, food safety records and supplier verification.
Learn more about FSMA Compliance SoftwareLearn moreFDA compliance support for Low Acid Canned Foods, from FCE registration to scheduled process filings.
Learn more about Low Acid Canned Food (LACF)Learn more“Global Import Agent have successfully worked with me to land product in the U.S and remain compliant for FDA regulations. I'm really happy with their response times, and easy to use tech platform that facilitates the process.”
Requirements vary by product and destination. These answers outline the starting point for the questions we receive most often.
Ask our teamFDA Registration is mandatory for domestic and foreign food facilities that manufacture, process, pack, or store food for consumption in the US. Registration ensures the FDA can quickly identify and contact facilities in the event of a public health issue. Non-compliance may lead to import detentions or refusal of entry.
Yes, we provide expert support to resolve non-compliance issues quickly and effectively. Whether it’s updating supplier records, correcting labeling errors, or assisting with corrective action plans, we’ll guide you through the process to achieve compliance.
The FSVP is an FDA regulation that requires US importers to verify that their foreign suppliers produce food that meets US safety standards. This includes ensuring the food is not adulterated or misbranded and complies with the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA).
If you’re a foreign supplier shipping food products to the US, you are required to designate a US-based FSVP Agent to ensure compliance with FDA regulations. An FSVP Agent handles verification, record-keeping, and communication with the FDA on your behalf, helping you avoid penalties or import delays.
If your shipment is detained you should contact us immediately, we can assist you with:
Yes, we offer comprehensive labeling compliance services, including reviewing your product labels to ensure they meet FDA requirements for nutrition facts, allergen statements, claims (e.g., "organic"), and more.
Consultation
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