What are the USDA import requirements for food and beverages?

The USDA regulates meat, poultry, dairy, organic products, and agricultural imports to ensure safety and compliance with FSIS and APHIS requirements. Importers must obtain permits, labeling approvals, and inspection clearances

Who needs USDA import permits?

Businesses importing meat, poultry, dairy, eggs, fruits, vegetables, and organic products into the U.S. may require USDA APHIS and FSIS import permits depending on the type of product and country of origin

What happens if my food or beverage product is detained by the USDA?

• The USDA may hold or reject shipments due to safety concerns • Importers may need to submit corrective action plans for compliance • Additional testing, re-labeling, or documentation may be required • Our experts help resolve detentions and secure import release

How do I comply with USDA organic certification requirements?

• To be labeled "USDA Organic," products must: Meet USDA National Organic Program (NOP) standards Be certified by an approved organic certifying agent Have documentation verifying organic production and handling Follow strict labeling and ingredient sourcing guidelines

What labeling requirements apply to USDA-regulated food imports?

USDA-regulated food imports must include: • Product identity and net quantity declarations • Ingredient lists and allergen labeling • USDA inspection marks and country of origin labeling (COOL) • Organic certification claims (if applicable)

How can I ensure USDA compliance before importing food products?

You can ensure compliance by: • Obtaining the necessary USDA import permits • Ensuring labeling meets USDA FSIS and APHIS standards • Verifying supplier documentation and safety certifications • Working with a USDA compliance expert to avoid delays

USDA Import Services: Permits & Compliance

Overview

Service overview

We apply for the USDA permits your products need, check labelling and ingredients, and prepare you for USDA inspections at entry.

Export-ready goods prepared inside a warehouse

Why this service matters

The USDA regulates imports of meat, poultry, dairy, organic and other agricultural products.
Some products need USDA import permits before they can enter the US.
Non-compliance can lead to detentions, refusals, recalls and penalties.

USDA Import Permit Assistance

Some food, beverage and agricultural products need USDA import permits before entering the US, and we help with applications and approvals.

Application support for meat, poultry, dairy, and egg products
Guidance on import restrictions and pre-approval requirements
Coordination with USDA agencies to ensure compliance

Cargo containers moving through an international port — IoR & Other Services
USDA Services

USDA Labelling Compliance for Food & Beverage Products

USDA-regulated food and beverage products need accurate labelling to avoid misbranding violations and import rejections.

Label review for meat, poultry, dairy, and organic products
Compliance with USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) guidelines
Ingredient statement and allergen declaration verification

USDA Organic Certification & Compliance

Imported organic products must meet USDA National Organic Program (NOP) standards to be labelled and sold as organic in the US.

Review of organic certification documentation for USDA approval
Verification of organic production and handling methods
Assistance with USDA organic certification applications

Meat, Poultry & Dairy Import Compliance

Meat, poultry and dairy imports are closely regulated by USDA FSIS, and we help you meet its safety and inspection requirements.

Verification of USDA inspection and approval requirements
Assistance with pre-shipment documentation and permits
Support for customs clearance and FSIS import approvals

USDA Inspection Readiness & Audit Support

Imported food may be subject to random USDA inspections, and we help you prepare for inspections and audits.

Pre-import compliance assessments to ensure readiness
Mock USDA inspections to identify potential compliance risks
Assistance with USDA detention resolutions and re-submissions

Import Detention & Corrective Action Resolution

If your products are detained by the USDA, we provide resolution support towards import approval and release.

Root cause analysis to identify compliance issues
Development of corrective action plans for import approvals
Resubmission of documentation to USDA authorities

Ongoing compliance support

Time-Saving
We manage permit applications and USDA paperwork, so shipments aren't held up by missing documents.
Regulatory Assurance
Labelling and ingredient checks aligned with USDA requirements for your products.
Peace of Mind
Reduce the risk of detentions, refusals and extra inspections at US ports.

What you'll need

USDA imports rely on permits and product documents prepared early.

Product typeMeat, poultry, dairy or egg products need permits.
LabelsFor FSIS label review.
Organic certificationIf you sell organic products.
Pre-shipment documentsPermits and paperwork before dispatch.

USDA Services