What is FDA Prior Notice?
Prior Notice tells FDA what food is arriving, who made it, who shipped it and where it's going, so FDA can decide whether to inspect it at the border. It's required under the Bioterrorism Act for food for people or animals imported or offered for import into the U.S., including samples and gifts sent by companies.
Food that arrives without adequate Prior Notice can be refused and held at the port, at your cost.
What we need for each shipment
- Product names, quantities and packaging
- The manufacturer's name, address and FDA food facility registration number
- Shipper and country of production
- U.S. importer, owner and consignee
- Carrier, port of arrival and expected arrival time, or the tracking or airway bill number
If the manufacturer isn't registered with FDA, the food will be held at the port. We can register the facility first.
How it works
- Order online, one per shipment.
- Email us the shipment details with your order number, well before the deadline.
- We file the Prior Notice with FDA.
- You receive the confirmation number to give to your carrier or broker, or to put on the package for mail shipments.
Questions
Doesn't my courier or broker file Prior Notice?
Sometimes. Many customs brokers file it as part of the entry, and some couriers offer it. If yours doesn't, or you send samples or small shipments yourself, we can file it.
Do I need Prior Notice for food samples?
Yes, if they are food sent by a business. Personal gifts sent by an individual are not covered.
Is Prior Notice the same as FSVP?
No. Prior Notice is filed for each shipment. An FSVP is the importer's ongoing program for checking foreign suppliers. Commercial importers usually need both.
I ship every week. Is there a lower price?
Contact us with your shipping volume and we'll quote.