9-1 - Import Procedures

SCOPE AND PURPOSE

The procedures outlined in this document cover imported merchandise subject to, but not limited to, the following Acts/Regulations:

• Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act as amended
• Fair Packaging and Labeling Act
• Import Milk Act/Filled Milk Act
• Federal Caustic Poison Act
• Radiation Control for Health and Safety Act
• Public Health Service Act, Part F, Subpart 1, Biologic Products
• Title 21 CFR, especially Part 1, Subpart E - Imports and Exports
• Title 19 CFR Customs Duties, especially Part 141, et. seq. dealing with import procedures

The purpose of this chapter is to provide an overview of import procedures for articles subject to the laws and regulations enforced by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The chapter also includes an overview of laws and regulations enforced by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), as they relate to importation of articles regulated by FDA.

The statements in this chapter represent the Agency's current thinking on the application of the Import Procedures as identified by current law and regulation. It is intended only to provide operating guidance for FDA personnel and does not confer any rights on or for any private person, and does not operate to bind FDA or the public.

DIVISION OF AUTHORITY

Primary responsibility for administering the nations laws relating to import, export and the collection of duties is given to the United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP), an agency within the Department of Homeland Security. FDA, however, is responsible for determining whether or not an article offered for importation is in compliance with or in violation of the acts enforced by FDA. This includes the responsibility of determining whether or not a violative article may be brought into compliance with the appropriate statute and/or regulations, and authorizing reconditioning in order to bring the article into compliance.

In order to fulfill their respective responsibilities, CBP and FDA must work in close cooperation. For example: the refusal of admission, and subsequent re-exportation, or destruction of merchandise found to be in violation of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and other Acts enforced by FDA is carried out under the direction of CBP. However, at some ports actual supervision of destruction of violative merchandise may be conducted by FDA pursuant to a local FDA/CBP agreement. In addition, supervision of reconditioning plans is exercised by either FDA or CBP as mutually arranged by district personnel. At ports in reasonably close proximity to an FDA office, such supervision is ordinarily exercised by FDA. At remote ports, such supervision is ordinarily exercised by CBP.

ENTRIES

Entry Processing

The FDA district office receives notification from CBP of all formal and informal entries of articles under FDA jurisdiction at ports of entry located in the district's territory. Through the use of CBP's Automated Commercial System and FDA's Operational and Administrative System for Import Support (ACS/OASIS) some electronic entries may be forwarded to off-site districts for processing during certain periods of time, e.g., late night coverage of air carrier hubs. Automated Broker Interface (ABI) Filers using the CBP's ACS for cargo release are required to provide FDA with information on entries submitted through ACS. The means of receiving notification for non-ABI/OASIS entries can be arranged through local CBP/FDA District agreements.

The most satisfactory and efficient means for FDA to receive notification is through FDA's electronic entry system-the Operational and Administrative System for Import Support (OASIS). Entries processed through this system will be electronically screened against criteria developed by FDA.

Electronic entries include all required CBP entry information, including entry number, entry date, importer identification, port of entry, vessel/voyage information, filer identification, Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) code(s) for product described in importing documents (tariff code), information on foreign shipper, country of origin, quantity, and value. Through the screening process in ACS, CBP determines if the article is subject to FDA jurisdiction.

The CBP ACS uses specific codes within ACS to help it identify which articles are subject to which agency's jurisdiction. These codes are known as "Other Government Agency" (OGA) flags. FDA flags are "FD0", "FD1" and "FD2". FD0 indicates that FDA has determined the article, even though subject to FDA's laws and regulations, is acceptable for CBP release without further presentation of entry information to FDA. For entries flagged FD1, the article may or may not be subject to FDA regulation. The filer may, based on information received from the importer regarding the intended use of the article, specify that the entry is not subject to FDA regulation and "Disclaim" the entry. Otherwise, information required by FDA laws and regulations must be submitted. FDA will periodically review "Disclaimed" entries to confirm the accuracy of the declaration. Entries covered by an FD2 flag are considered subject to FDA jurisdiction and must include information required by FDA laws and regulations.   Note:  As of this update additional "Other Government Agency" (OGA) flags have been added.   If necessary, further guidance on OGA flags can be obtained by contacting the Division of Import Operations and Policy (DIOP) HFC-170.

FDA's electronic screening of the CBP ABI/ACS entry requires the filer to provide the following additional information: (1) FDA product code (FDA's product code is not the same as the HTS codes used for CBP screening purposes). (2) The MID code of the foreign manufacturer (MIDs are used by Customs as the "Manufacturer's Identification", and it has now been extended to cover all foreign firms). The MID includes, at a minimum, the two-letter identification of the foreign country, the name of the foreign firm (which is generally made up of the first three letters of the first and second names of the firm, where applicable), up to 4 numbers of the firms address, if present in the address, and the first three letters of the city where the firm is located. This code is subsequently transmitted to FDA's screen as the un-coded name of the identified firm. (3) The MID information of the foreign shipper, including city and country, which may or may not be the same as the foreign manufacturer. (4) The country of origin (which may be different from the country of origin identified for CBP purposes).

FDA has also established Affirmation of Compliance (A of C) codes which provide FDA district employees with information concerning the article offered for import (example: medical device listing number). Use of the A of C is voluntary, and may or may not provide for a more expeditious screening of the entry.

In OASIS, the FDA forms identified as "Notice of Sampling," "Release Notice," "Notice of Detention and Hearing," and "Notice of Refusal of Admission," are no longer issued as specific forms. OASIS will instead generate a "Notice of FDA Action," which will provide more specific information on the actions taken broken down by each entry line (e.g., "sample collected" or "intended for sampling", "detained", "released", or "refused"). As the status changes for a particular line, a new "Notice of FDA Action" will be issued to advise the appropriate individuals of the changes. The use of the designation "Product Collected by FDA," "Detained," "Released," "Refused," or similar language on the "Notice of FDA Action," should be considered as satisfying the requirements of the law for "giving notice thereof to the owner or consignee." (See 21 USC 381(a).)

An example of a "Notice of FDA Action" showing various decisions for products in an entry is attached to this chapter as Exhibit 9-12.

OASIS notices will usually be mailed to the addressees listed on the Notice. A copy of each notice is produced for the filer, importer of record, and consignee designated on the entry. (If the same firm fills one or more of those functions, only one copy is produced for the firm.) Notices are official documents communicating FDA decisions on entries. The distribution of the notices should be made by FDA, not the filer, to ensure proper notification to the parties involved (i.e., FAX, express pick-up services, postal service, etc.) The key is for FDA to distribute to the responsible firm directly without an intermediary.

Formal Entries

All articles offered for import into the U.S. (entries) that have a value greater than $2000 (current) are considered by CBP to be formal entries.   Entry procedures for formal entries are set largely by statute, the most important requirement of which is a bond. Under the terms of a formal entry bond, imported articles may be unconditionally released to importers pending a determination of the admissibility and amount of duty to be paid on the articles. The bond requires importers to redeliver the articles to CBP, upon demand of CBP at any time; for example, to allow FDA sampling or for re-exportation following refusal of admission. If the importer fails to redeliver the goods, CBP, after consultation with FDA, may institute proceeding to collect the liquidated damages provided for in the bond. (See 19 CFR 113.62(k) and 21 CFR 1.97.)

Generally, importers notify CBP of an entry by the electronic submission of information to the CBP Automated Commercial System (ACS). The information is forwarded to FDA through ACS. FDA can then review the entry on screen to determine if further action is needed, or if additional paper documentation must be submitted. If FDA requires further documents for review, the filer (or importer, where appropriate) will provide FDA with copies of the CBP Entry documents (CBP 3461/33461ALT, or other CBP entry forms) and other documents, such as a copy of the invoice. If an entry is not filed electronically, the accompanying documents will be submitted directly to FDA at the time CBP entry is made in accordance with local port operations. Note: As of December, 1996, all entries of FDA-regulated articles filed electronically are automatically forwarded to FDA through ACS and must include FDA required data.

Note: the FD 700 set (Importers Entry Notice) and FD 720 set (Land Port Entry Notice) are no longer used for FDA notification. In lieu of these forms, CBP entry documents (CBP 3461/3461ALT/7501 or alternate), along with appropriate commercial documents and/or other required documents, will be submitted to FDA.

Informal Entries

Under current CBP procedures, entries with a value less than $2000 do not require posting a redelivery bond. All informal entries of articles under FDA jurisdiction that are entered by filers electronically will be forwarded to FDA through the CBP/FDA ACS interface. Informal entries not filed electronically will be processed by FDA in the same manner as non-electronic formal entries.

When informal entries that include articles under FDA jurisdiction are to be sampled, or FDA believes the articles may be in violation of FDA law, FDA may request CBP convert the informal entry into a formal entry, which requires the posting of a redelivery bond. "Section 321 entry" is a term CBP uses for those entries with a value of $200 or less. These entries have a fair retail value of $200 or less, as evidenced by the bill of lading (or other document filed as the entry). They pass free of duty and tax, and are imported by one person on one day. The use of the 321 entry process should not apply to multiple shipments covered by a single order or contract, sent separately for the express purpose of securing free entry, and avoiding compliance with pertinent laws or regulations.

Mail/Personal Baggage

In the case of articles imported by mail or in personal baggage, FDA districts should develop procedures with their local CBP International Mail Office or border crossing office to cover such products. The procedures should set out such information as who is responsible for coverage and when.

CBP is responsible in the first instance for examination of personal baggage. If, in the course of their examination of an individual's personal baggage, CBP determines the individual is entering a product subject to FDA review, the CBP officer will determine if the article should be brought to the attention of the local FDA office. Personal importations meeting the criteria of entry will be processed in accordance with procedures for non-electronic entries. Generally, since most personal importations are small in size and value, guidance has been developed for evaluating these importations. (See RPM subchapter "Coverage of Personal Importations.")

 SAMPLING

Ports Covered by FDA

Most ports of entry into the U.S. are covered by FDA personnel, acting in cooperation with CBP. At these ports, where electronic entry submissions are filed, filers receiving a message indicating FDA review is required will provide appropriate additional entry information to the FDA office in whose territory the port of entry is located. For those entries submitted by paper, all appropriate entry documents should be included with the package sent to the local FDA office.

After the entry has been evaluated and a decision for additional documentation is made, FDA will take appropriate action. If FDA decides to collect a sample, it will provide the filer, importer, owner and/or consignee, where appropriate, with a Notice of Sampling and advise: (1) whether the entry is to be held intact for FDA examination or sampling; or, (2) specify only those items that need be held. Generally, when FDA wishes to sample, it will be acting upon its authority in the Customs regulations (19 CFR 151.4) to collect its own samples for examination.

Ports not Covered by FDA

There are a number of ports where CBP does not maintain its ACS electronic entry process and FDA does not generally cover the port under its normal operating schedule. To cover these ports, the responsible FDA district office will coordinate coverage with the responsible CBP Port manager to ensure FDA notification. If FDA decides to examine or sample articles offered for import through such a port, CBP, the importer, and broker will notified.

Generally, for these entries, examination and/or sampling can take place at the point of destination. Under certain conditions, however, FDA may ask CBP to collect a sample at the point of entry and forward it to the FDA servicing laboratory. Appropriate information on the entry, sample requirement, and requirements for holding the entry will be provided to the CBP officials and importer by the responsible district.

Entry Sampling

FDA may request an examination or sample of articles under its jurisdiction. If no examination or sample is requested, FDA will so notify CBP and the filer, who is responsible for notifying the importer or other designated parties. This is referred to as a "May Proceed Notice," and indicates that the shipment may proceed without further FDA examination. In the ACS/OASIS process this may occur as a result of the initial FDA/OASIS screening prior to the information being forwarded to the district office, or after the district performs an "On-Screen-Review" of the information provided. (Note: Should the article, at a later time, be found in violation of the law, FDA is not prevented from taking legal action (e.g., seizure, injunction) because it allowed admission of the article without examination at the time of importation.)

If FDA requests an examination or sample, FDA will notify CBP and the broker or filer, importer, or other designated parties through the electronic entry system or other form of notification (e.g., Notice of FDA Action) of its intent to sample, requesting the relevant party to hold the entry. FDA will indicate the specific articles to be sampled.

Notice of Sampling

Whenever FDA intends to sample an article offered for import, it issues a Notice of Sampling to the importer of record, consignee, and filer of its intent to sample the article. Where an entry is manually processed, a copy of the Notice of Sampling may or may not be issued to CBP, depending on local FDA/CBP agreement. Where an entry is processed electronically and CBP collects the sample for FDA, the district will input the information of the entry/sample into OASIS and provide the Notice of Sampling to the importer of record, consignee, and filer specifying which articles were sampled.

For those entries where specific entry lines are not sampled or examined, the Notice of FDA Action will be amended to indicate which entry lines are "May Proceeded." (See RPM subchapter "Notice of Sampling" for guidance.)

Payment for Samples

The FDA will pay for all physically sampled articles found to be in compliance with the requirements of the Act and applicable regulations (21 CFR 1.91). In addition FDA will pay for samples collected as FDA audits of private laboratory reports of analysis submitted to FDA in response to a detention when and the article is found to be in compliance. FDA does not pay for samples taken in connection with the supervision of a reconditioning.

Where an owner or consignee seeks reimbursement it shall bill the FDA district office in whose territory the shipment was offered for import. FDA will not pay for a sample if the article is initially found to be in violation, even if the article is subsequently released.

Procedure When no Violation is Found

If the article is found to be in compliance after examination, the importer of record, consignee (where applicable), filer, and CBP are notified by a Notice of Release that the article may be admitted as far as FDA is concerned. (See RPM subchapter "Notice of Release" for guidance.)

Procedure When Products Cannot Be Sampled or Examined

Under certain circumstances, FDA decides not to sample or examine articles offered for import. In these cases, if the entry is made through ACS/OASIS, the shipment should be "May Proceeded" through OASIS; if a manual (paper) entry, the shipment should be released by issuance of a paper "Notice of Release." The paper "Notice of Release" should be annotated to indicate that the article is "May Proceeded" and that FDA has made no determination as to the article's compliance with the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, or other related acts or regulations.

In the OASIS system, if a notice is issued for the collection or examination of an article and the sample is not collected, or where an examination of the sampled article could not be accomplished, the filer will be so advised through a revised Notice of FDA Action indicating the article is "May Proceeded." The system will print a status of "May Proceeded" in the Line Summary and also print a detail section "Lines Which May Proceed."   If the article FDA chose not to sample was part of a multi-line entry where other articles were collected for examination, the Notice of FDA Action automatically updates the status of the other articles not released.

 In OASIS, the following are definitions used to describe "May Proceed" or "Release" actions:

 May Proceed: "Product may proceed without FDA examination. FDA has made no determination the product complies with all provisions of the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act or other related acts. This message does not preclude action should the article later be found violative." (No compliance decision has been made.)

 Release: "The product is released after FDA examination. This message does not constitute assurance the product complies with all provisions of the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act or other related acts and does not preclude action should the article later be found violative." (A compliance decision has been made.)

 Districts will follow the appropriate guidance under each of the above procedures according to their import operations.

PROCEDURES WHEN VIOLATION IS FOUND

"Notice of Detention & Hearing"

 Examination or sampling of an article offered for import may indicate that the article appears to be in violation of the Act (e.g., section 801(a)), or may be subject to refusal of admission under acts and regulations enforced by FDA (e.g., section 510(i) or 801(d)(1)). If, after examination or sampling detention is the chosen course of action, the filer, owner, and consignee where applicable, are issued a "Notice of Detention and Hearing" that shall specify the nature of the violation charged. The owner or consignee is entitled to an informal hearing before FDA, in order to provide testimony in support of admissibility of the article. As a result, the "Notice of Detention and Hearing" shall designate a place for the owner or consignee (or authorized representative) to provide testimony as to the admissibility of the article. FDA regulation 21 CFR 1.94, "Hearing on refusal of admission," provides that the notice must specify a place and a period of time during which the owner or consignee shall have an opportunity to introduce testimony. It has generally been FDA's procedure to give the owner or consignee 10 working days to provide FDA with testimony or evidence. However, if for some compelling reason the district determines that 10 working days is insufficient, such as inordinate mail delays due to holiday mailings, this time period may be extended. On the OASIS generated "Notice of FDA Action", this date is identified as the date to "Respond By". A copy of this Notice is also sent to Customs. (See RPM subchapter "Notice of Detention and Hearing" for guidance.)

Request for Authorization to Relabel or Perform Other Acts

In addition to presenting evidence as to the admissibility of the article, the importer may propose a manner in which an article, detained under section 801(a)(3), can be brought into compliance with the Act or be removed from coverage under the Act. ("rendered other than a food, drug, device or cosmetic.") As provided for under 801(b) and 21 CFR 1.95, FDA may authorize relabeling or other action upon the timely submission of an "Application for authorization to relabel and recondition" form FD-766 or another appropriately completed notice (such as a letter), and the execution of a good and sufficient bond ("CBP redeliver bond") by the owner or consignee (see 21 USC 381(b)). The redelivery bond remains on file with the District Director of CBP for the particular importation. The bond applies to any relabeling or other authorized action, and a new bond will not have to be filed.

After review of the application to relabel or recondition, FDA will notify the importer of its approval or disapproval. If approved (see 21 CFR 1.96 "Granting of authorization to relabel and recondition"), the conditions to be fulfilled, and the time limit within which to fulfill them will be noted. The original application will be sent to the applicant. Notification to other parties will be made where appropriate. A copy will be retained in the district files. (See RPM subchapter "Response to Notice of Detention and Hearing", and RPM subchapter "Reconditioning" for guidance.)

Inspection After Completion of Authorization to Bring Article into Compliance

After the relabeling or reconditioning operation has been completed, the applicant will submit the "Importer's Certificate" (Form FD-766) or provide the district with such notification of completion of the reconditioning. At this point FDA may conduct a follow-up inspection and/or sampling to determine compliance with the terms of the authorization, or may accept the statement from the importer with no further follow-up. The follow-up inspection and/or sampling may be made by an officer of FDA or CBP, depending on the location of the reconditioning and agreements between the district and the local CBP office. The "Report of Inspector" (reverse side of FD-766, or other appropriately completed summary of reconditioning) shall be completed by the inspecting officer and forwarded to the appropriate FDA office.

Procedure When Conditions of Authorization Have Been Fulfilled

If the conditions of the authorization to relabel or recondition have been fulfilled, the district will notify the owner or consignee through a Notice of Release indicating that the admissible portion of the article is no longer subject to detention or refusal of admission. This notice is usually identified as "Originally Detained and Now Released." A copy of the Notice is also sent to CBP and the filer. Where there is a non-admissible portion of the article (rejects), the portion must be destroyed, or re-exported under FDA or CBP supervision. A Notice of Refusal of Admission should be issued for the rejected portion, with copies distributed to the same parties receiving the Notice of Release. Normally, FDA will include in its approval of the reconditioning a provision for any non-admissible portions (rejects) of the reconditioned article be destroyed that should not be permitted to be exported.

Procedure When Conditions of Reconditioning Have Not Been Fulfilled.

If an importer's initial attempt at relabeling or reconditioning is not successful, FDA should not consider a request for authorization for a second relabeling or reconditioning unless the authorization includes a change or adjustment from the original authorized method, and the applicant provides reasonable assurance that the second attempt will be successful. If the importer fails to fulfill conditions of an authorization, FDA issues a "Notice of Refusal of Admission" to the importer, consignee, where applicable, and the filer, with a copy of the Notice to CBP.

Procedure After Hearing - "Notice of Release"

After the hearing on admissibility, the district may determine that the article does not appear to be in violation and should be released. In this situation, the importer of record and consignee are issued a "Notice of Release" for the detained article. The Notice will indicate that the detained article is no longer subject to detention or refusal of admission. The Notice will also be identified "Originally Detained and Now Released" and, where appropriate, explain the reason for the change of action. A copy of the Notice is sent to CBP, and all parties receiving the Notice of Sampling/Notice of Detention. (See RPM subchapter "Notice of Release" for guidance.)

Procedure After Hearing - "Refusal of Admission"

If, after consideration of all evidence, the district decides that the articles still appear to be in violation, the articles may be refused admission. In this situation, FDA notifies the importer, owner, and consignee, where applicable, by issuing a "Notice of Refusal of Admission." On this Notice, FDA states the charge(s) exactly as shown on the original (or amended) Notice of Detention and Hearing. A copy of the Notice is also sent to CBP. (See RPM subchapter "Notice of Refusal of Admission" for guidance.)

If an article is refused admission, such article must be destroyed or exported under CBP's supervision within 90 days of receiving the Notice of Refusal (see 21 USC 801(a)), or within such additional time as specified by CBP. The FDA file for the import remains open until the district receives notification, usually from CBP, indicating that the article was either destroyed or exported. FDA is responsible for the protection of the U.S. public regarding foods, drugs, devices, electronic products and cosmetics, and that responsibility exists until the violative article is either destroyed or exported.

Some districts and their local CBP offices have developed combination Notice of Refusal of Admission and Notice of Redelivery documents. At this time, use of the combined Notice of Refusal of Admission and Notice of Redelivery has not been approved for national applications. Until the format of combined notices is authorized, districts should continue to follow local procedures as instituted.

Under the OASIS procedures for issuing the Notice of Refusal of Admission, the notice will contain language which includes the reference to the requirement for redelivery. The notice will contain all the above required information concerning the product and charge(s) and will also include the following statements:

"A request has been made to CBP to order redelivery for all the above product(s), in accordance with 19 CFR 141.113, which were conditionally released to you under terms of the entry bond. Failure to redeliver to CBP custody will result in a claim for liquidated damages under the provisions of the entry bond."

"These products must be exported or destroyed under CBP supervision within 90 days from the date of this notice, or within such additional time as the District Director of CBP specifies. Failure to do so may result in destruction of the products. Distribution of the products may result in their seizure and/or injunction or criminal prosecution of persons responsible for their distribution."

PAYMENT OF COSTS OF SUPERVISION OF RELABELING AND/OR OTHER ACTION

After completion of the authorized relabeling or other action, FDA will submit to CBP National Finance Center a detailed statement of expenses incurred by officers or employees of the FDA during the supervision of the authorized relabeling or other action. (See 21 USC 801(c).) Expenses include travel, per diem or subsistence, and supervisory charges (Form FD-790 Charges for Supervision).  The expenses shall be computed based on the following:

• Inspector's time
• Analyst's time
• Per diem allowance
• Travel other than by auto - actual cost of such travel
• Travel by auto (mileage, toll fees, etc.)
• Administrative support

Charges for the above will be in accordance with existing regulations. (See 21 CFR 1.99 and RPM subchapter "Supervisory Charges" for guidance.) CBP, upon receipt of the charges for supervision, will send a notice for payment to the identified importer of record. The expenses shall include charges of supervision of destruction of the article or rejects as provided for by the Tariff Act of 1911, as amended (see 19 U.S.C. 267). The owner or consignee shall remit payment to CBP. Payment of supervisory charges should not be accepted by FDA district offices.

EXPORTATION OF MERCHANDISE REFUSED ADMISSION

As provided under Section 801(b), CBP supervises exportation of refused articles in accordance with regulations which have been or may be prescribed by the Secretary of Treasury. However, if after a reasonable time, FDA has not received notification of exportation or destruction of articles refused admission, the district should investigate the status of disposition. Districts should also consider, under certain conditions, verifying that the refused articles have been held intact pending exportation or destruction. Guidance on refusals to be verified may change based on the reason for detention.

BOND ACTION

Under the provisions of section 801(b) of the Act (21 USC 381(b)) and CBP regulations (19 CFR 113.62), a bond is required for all conditionally released articles offered for importation. This bond provides for relief to the government should the bond holder default on the conditions of the agreements identified by the CBP regulation. Default will result in the payment of liquidated damages in the amount specified in the bond order.

Bond actions are taken when an entry is distributed after the importer receives notification of FDA's intent to examine or sample the article, and the article is distributed and can not be redelivered. Bond actions also are taken when an article has been detained and refused, and the article is not destroyed or exported in accordance with the requirements of the law.

If FDA has evidence that the entry, or any portion of an entry subject to FDA jurisdiction, was disposed of in violation of the terms of the appropriate act or its regulations, or of the terms of the bond (see 19 CFR 113.62(k)), it should immediately send such evidence to CBP.

 If FDA receives evidence that a refused article was not exported or destroyed, it shall immediately investigate the matter and send a detailed statement to CBP. The statement will show the importer's liability under the redelivery bond or other applicable CBP bond. If the facts warrant, when the article was under detention, and the Notice of Refusal of Admission has not been issued, FDA should immediately issue a Notice of Refusal to the owner or consignee, with a copy to CBP.

Upon the receipt of a bond holder's application for relief (appeal for Mitigation or Cancellation of Assessed Liquidated Damages) as provided under CBP regulations, CBP may cancel the liability for liquidated damages incurred under the bond. CBP will do so upon the payment of a lesser amount, or upon such other terms and conditions as shall be deemed appropriate under the law and in view of the circumstances. However, for assessment of liquidated damages involving FDA merchandise, CBP may not act unless the FDA district having jurisdiction at the port of entry is in full agreement with the action. (See 21 CFR 1.97(b) and RPM subchapter "Bond Actions" for guidance.)

(Exhibit 9-12 of Notice of FDA Action is a model and should not be considered all inclusive. The format and language in the actual Notice of FDA Action issued by districts from the Operational and Administrative System for Import Support (OASIS) may also appear differently.)