Big Changes are Here.   We Have the Solutions.

The enactment of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) has radically changed requirements for exporters of food to the U.S.  Food imports by nonresident importers and consignees are no longer permitted under the law.  Instead, they must use a U.S. agent or representative if there is no U.S. buyer or U.S. consignee at the time of entry.  All foreign food facilities are now required to reregister with FDA every two years.  Foreign exporters must also produce food in a manner which meets the standards of the new FSMA Preventive Controls for Human and Animal Food regulations and new FSMA Produce Safety Rule.  U.S. Food Imports knows FSMA.  We provide the tools foreign exporters need to comply with the new requirements and ensure their continued access to the U.S. market.

Foreign Exporter Solutions

We Provide

  • FSMA Agent Services for Nonresident Importers and Consignees

  • U.S. Agent Food Facility Registration Services

  • Importer of Record Services

  • Inland Transportation

  • Audit Assistance

U.S. Agent Supplier Verification Services

The Food Safety Modernization Act prohibits foreign businesses from importing most FDA-regulated foods.  Under the new requirements an importer can only be:

    1. The U.S.purchaser
    2. If there is no U.S. purchaser at the time of entry, then the U.S. consignee at the time of entry
    3. If there is no U.S. purchaser or consignee at the time of entry, then the U.S. agent or representative of the foreign owner

All foreign exporters of food to the U.S. who do not have a U.S. buyer or purchaser at the time of entry must appoint a U.S. agent or representative to act as the importer of the food and perform verification in compliance with the Foreign Supplier Verification Program Regulation that the foreign exporter meets the standards of:

  • FSMA Preventive Controls for Human Food Regulation
  • FSMA Preventive Controls for Animal Food Regulation
  • FSMA Produce Safety Regulation
  • U.S. law on adulteration of food
  • Allergen labeling requirements

U.S. Food Imports serves as the agent and representative of foreign food exporters, providing the tools needed to get your food products into the U.S.

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U.S. Agent Food Facility Registration Services

All foreign food facilities that process, pack or hold food for human or animal consumption in the U.S. are required to register with FDA electronically or by paper/fax, before they export food to the U.S. and reregister every two years.  Reregistration must be done on even numbered years from October 1 to December 31.  Foreign food facilities are also required to appoint an agent in the U.S. to serve as a communication link between FDA and the foreign facility.

U.S. Food Imports provides food facility registration services including:

  • Preparing and filing food facility registrations with FDA
  • Serving as the FDA Food Facility Registration Agent
  • Serving as the FDA Emergency Contact for food facilities

U.S. Food Imports Food Facility Registration Service includes:

  • Biennial preparation and filing of Food Facility Registration
  • Advance notification of Food Facility Registration
  • Immediate notification of FDA inquiries
  • Forwarding of all FDA correspondance
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Importer of Record Services

Under U.S. customs law, only the importer of record has the right to make entry.  The importer of record can be:

  • the owner or purchaser of the merchandise
  • a consignee
  • a licensed customs broker designated by the owner, purchaser, or consignee of the merchandise

The importer of record is responsible for:

  • Paying duties, taxes and fees
  • Ensuring that the imported product meets all applicable legal requirements
  • Producing required documentation to customs
  • Fines and penalties related to the imported goods

U.S. Food Imports provides importer of record services.  More information may be found here.

 

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Inland Transportation

We are licensed with U.S. Department of Transportation as freight brokers and assist foreign exporters with obtaining inland transportation services to ensure product is transported from port to customer safely, efficiently and affordably.

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Audit Assistance

Onsite food safety audits are one of the key tools exporters can use to demonstrate that food they produce meets U.S. requirements.  We assist firms in obtaining food safety audits.

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