Global Import Agent
IoR & Other Services

US Importer of Record Services

Under US customs law, goods can be entered by the owner or purchaser, or by a licensed customs broker they designate, and the importer of record is liable for the duties (19 U.S.C. 1484; 19 CFR 141.1). For FDA-regulated food, the importer of record also has to deal with FDA entry review. Global Import Agent can act as your US importer of record.

· By the Global Import Agent team
Overview

What does an importer of record do?

The importer of record is responsible for the customs entry and its duties.

  • The owner or purchaser may make entry, or may designate a licensed customs broker (19 U.S.C. 1484).
  • The importer of record is liable for duties on the merchandise (19 CFR 141.1).
  • For FDA-regulated food, the importer of record must also deal with FDA entry review.
Export-ready goods prepared inside a warehouse

Acting as Your Official Importer of Record

We act as your designated Importer of Record for food, beverage and medical device imports regulated by the FDA, USDA and CBP.

  • Legally acting as the IOR for food, beverages, and medical devices
  • Ensuring accuracy in facility details to avoid delays or errors
  • Providing a US-based IOR for foreign businesses without a US entity

FDA & USDA Compliance for Imported Products

Imported food and beverage products must meet FDA and USDA safety standards, including FSVP and labelling requirements.

  • FSVP compliance verification for foreign food suppliers
  • FDA Prior Notice filing for imported food shipments
  • Food safety documentation review and risk assessments
Cargo containers moving through an international port
IoR & Other Services

US Importer of Record Services

US Customs Clearance & Import Documentation Management

We handle customs paperwork, tariff classification and import duties to support entry into the US.

  • Customs entry filing and HS code classification
  • Calculation and payment of import duties and taxes
  • Support for FDA and USDA inspections at ports of entry

Labelling & Ingredient Compliance for Imported Products

Proper labelling is critical for FDA and USDA compliance and helps prevent misbranding violations and import refusals.

  • Ingredient and allergen declaration verification
  • Medical device labelling compliance under 21 CFR Part 801
  • Country of origin labelling and nutritional facts validation

Record-Keeping & Post-Import Compliance Management

IORs must keep detailed import records for audits and inspections, and we also support FDA recalls and regulatory investigations.

  • Post-market compliance monitoring for food and beverage safety
  • Digital storage of import declarations and safety records
  • Audit-ready documentation for FDA, USDA, and CBP reviews

Resolution of FDA & USDA Import Detentions

If your food, beverage or medical device imports are detained or rejected, we provide corrective actions and regulatory support.

  • Assistance with FDA and USDA import refusals
  • Root cause analysis and corrective action planning
  • Re-submission of documentation to resolve compliance issues

Ongoing compliance support

  • Time-Saving

    We handle customs entries, duties and documentation, so you can focus on selling in the US.

  • Regulatory Assurance

    Imports checked against FDA, USDA and CBP requirements before they arrive.

  • Peace of Mind

    Reduce the risk of holds, refusals and penalties at US ports.

What you'll need

Before we act as your US Importer of Record, we'll need these.

  • Accurate facility detailsConsistent across your records to avoid delays.
  • Product classificationInformation for HS code classification and entry.
  • Supplier food safety recordsFor FSVP verification of foreign food suppliers.
  • LabelsIngredient, allergen and origin declarations to verify.
Free tool

Official sources

Related services: CBP importer of record data accuracy from 18 September 2026 · Executive Order 14411 and US customs enforcement

Client feedback

Trusted support, in our clients’ own words.

“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.”
Jane MckayAstute Beverages
Frequently asked questions

US Importer of Record Services

Requirements vary by product and destination. These answers outline the starting point for the questions we receive most often.

Ask our team

What is an Importer of Record (IOR) for food and beverage imports?

An Importer of Record (IOR) is the legally responsible party for ensuring that imported food and beverages comply with FDA, USDA, and CBP regulations and managing all customs clearance requirements

Who needs an Importer of Record for food and medical device imports?

Any foreign manufacturer, distributor, or exporter that does not have a U.S. entity needs an IOR to legally import food, beverages, and medical devices into the U.S.

What does an Importer of Record do for food and beverage imports?

  • Ensures regulatory compliance with FDA and USDA
  • Manages customs clearance, duties, and tax payments
  • Submits required import documentation and Prior Notices
  • Maintains post-import records for regulatory audits

Can a foreign company act as its own Importer of Record?

No, a foreign company without a U.S. entity cannot act as its own IOR. A third-party Importer of Record must be appointed to handle regulatory compliance and customs clearance

What happens if food or beverage imports do not comply with U.S. regulations?

  • FDA or USDA may refuse entry of non-compliant shipments
  • Importers may face fines and legal penalties
  • Products could be recalled or destroyed at the importer’s expense
  • Additional inspections and compliance checks may be required

How do I appoint an Importer of Record for my business?

You can appoint an IOR by working with a qualified regulatory compliance provider that specializes in food, beverage, and medical device imports, ensuring full FDA and USDA compliance

Read more

Further reading

Discuss your requirements

Talk through your product and target market with our team.

Talk to an expert Get started

Consultation

Tell us what you need to import.

Share your product, target market and compliance question. A member of our team will respond promptly.

Scope your product and target market
Identify the applicable regulatory route
Receive a clear proposal and next steps