When must prior notice be submitted?
The deadline depends on how the shipment reaches the United States.
| Transport | Minimum notice |
|---|---|
| Road | At least 2 hours before arrival |
| Rail | At least 4 hours before arrival |
| Air | At least 4 hours before arrival |
| Water | At least 8 hours before arrival |
- A PNSI submission can be made no more than 15 calendar days before anticipated arrival; an ABI/ACE submission no more than 30 calendar days before anticipated arrival (21 CFR 1.279(b)).
- For international mail, prior notice must be submitted before the food is sent (21 CFR 1.279(c)).
Filing & Submission of FDA Prior Notice
We handle all aspects of Prior Notice filing so your documentation is submitted correctly and within the required timeframes.
- Electronic submission of Prior Notice to the FDA and CBP
- Verification of correct product classification and documentation
- Filing within the required timeframe before your shipment arrives
Review & Correction of Prior Notice Filings
Mistakes in Prior Notice filings can lead to detentions or refused entry, so we review and correct errors before submission.
- Cross-checking product descriptions, codes, and shipment details
- Ensuring FDA food facility registration numbers are valid
- Correcting errors in shipper, importer, and consignee details
Prior Notice Filing
Expedited & Emergency Prior Notice Filing
If your shipment is already in transit without a Prior Notice, we help you submit one before it arrives.
- Rush filing of Prior Notice to prevent customs delays
- Direct coordination with FDA and CBP officials
- Real-time tracking and status updates through to clearance
Prior Notice Filing for Perishable & High-Risk Products
Perishable goods, dairy, seafood and meat substitutes face stricter FDA scrutiny, so we handle the additional safety and documentation requirements.
- Priority filing for temperature-sensitive and perishable goods
- Compliance with USDA and APHIS regulations for dual-regulated imports
- Submission of additional safety certifications, if required
Prior Notice Filing Compliance Training
For companies that import food and beverages regularly, we offer training so your team can file Prior Notice correctly and avoid penalties.
- Step-by-step guidance on Prior Notice filing procedures
- Identifying common mistakes and compliance risks
- Ongoing support and updates on FDA regulatory changes
Food & Beverage Facility Registration
We handle the full facility registration process for food, beverage, dietary supplement and cosmetic facilities.
- Preparing and submitting your FDA facility registration
- Ensuring accuracy in facility details to avoid delays or errors
- Managing renewals during the biennial renewal period
Ongoing compliance support
Time-Saving
We prepare and submit each Prior Notice, so your team isn't tied up with repetitive filings.
Regulatory Assurance
Filings are checked against product, facility and shipment details before submission.
Peace of Mind
Reduce the risk of holds, refusals and extra scrutiny caused by missing or incorrect notices.
What you'll need
Prior Notice depends on accurate shipment data, filed before arrival.
- Product descriptions and codesCorrect classification for every line in the shipment.
- Valid facility registration numbersFor the facilities that made the food.
- Shipper, importer and consignee detailsNames and addresses that match your documents.
- Shipment timingArrival details so filing happens within the required window.