Importing Food
There are many details and components to meet in order to import food into America. DK Express will assist you in this process by helping you file the necessary documents.
Depending on the food product you are importing, there are specific regulations and restrictions set by the following government agencies:
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Animal Plant Health Inspection Services (APHIS)
Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS)
Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS)
These agencies determine which food products are allowed into the U.S. and hold importers responsible for ensuring that the products are safe, sanitary, packaged, and labeled according to the U.S. requirements. If shipments are found to be noncompliant, they will be subject to inspection and possible detainment. Thus, it is imperative that imported food products align with current legal requirements in order to prevent unlawful entry into the U.S. and preventable delays.
In order to expedite the clearance process for your merchandise, you should be mindful of the guidelines below prior to shipping your goods:
-
All ingredients in the food product must be legally safe to enter into the U.S.:
- Previously sanctioned food ingredients | Title 21 CFR 181- Substances generally recognized as safe (GRAS) | Title 21 CFR Part 182
- Direct food substances GRAS | Title 21 CFR Part 184
- Indirect food substances GRAS | Title 21 CFR Part 186
-
The following are regarded as unsafe:
- Any food additive that directly or indirectly affects the component of food as indicated in section 201s.
- Any food additive that is adulterated as listed in section 402a2c.
If you are uncertain about which products are safe, please click here and scroll down to the Food Ingredient Decision Tree in order to determine
whether the shipment is adulterated or misbranded.