FDA Logo U.S. Food and Drug AdministrationCenter for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Prior Notice of Imported Foods

November 2003




Notice to Importers and Filers

New FDA Regulations Will
Affect Imported Food Shipments

WHEN: December 12, 2003

WHICH PRODUCTS: All foods, food ingredients, and food products for humans or animals, EXCEPT food contact substances (including food packaging), pesticides, and meat, poultry, and egg products under USDA's exclusive jurisdiction.

HOW: PRIOR NOTICE
Certain information about the food MUST be provided to FDA BEFORE the shipment arrives in the U.S.

HOW: REGISTRATION
The foreign manufacturer/processor, packer, and/or holder of the food MUST be registered with FDA before the food arrives at the border. The owner, operator, or agent in charge of the foreign facility is responsible for registration. The owner, operator, or agent in charge may authorize another person to register its facility.

WHAT HAPPENS if there is INADEQUATE PRIOR NOTICE or NO REGISTRATION? The food is subject to refusal of admission and, if refused, must be held at the port of entry unless directed to another location.

MORE INFORMATION: www.fda.gov/oc/bioterrorism/bioact.html

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