Member Avatar for Giorgi

Hi. I was thinkin' about starting exotic food online shop, that would operate from my country, but I heared there are some food import restrictions in USA.

could you give me any more info? products are going to be shipped via FedEX

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Importing food into the U.S. is regulated by several different agencies depending on the product: the FDA covers most packaged foods and seafood safety controls, USDA/FSIS covers meat, poultry and some egg products, and USDA/APHIS handles many live-plant, seed and fresh-produce rules. Under the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) importers also have ongoing supplier-verification duties (FSVP), and most shipments require an electronic prior notice to FDA before arrival. The company listed as importer of record carries legal responsibility for paperwork, duties, and any refused shipments.

A compact checklist to move forward:

  • Identify the regulatory category for each SKU (food, meat/poultry, plant, alcohol) and whether the country of origin is eligible.
  • Assemble documents: commercial invoice, airway bill, packing list, and any required health or phytosanitary certificates or FSIS export certificates.
  • Confirm foreign facility registration and that a U.S. agent/importer of record is in place when required.
  • Prepare compliant labels (ingredient list, allergens, nutrition panel as applicable).
  • Meet FSVP and prior-notice obligations and keep verification records.
  • Choose a carrier and customs broker experienced in perishable/food imports and plan cold-chain timing.

Common pitfalls to avoid include incorrect product classification, missing certificates (phytosanitary or FSIS), undeclared allergens, and underestimating cold-chain transit times (which can turn a legal shipment into waste). Detentions and refusals are expensive; budget for testing, possible re-export or destruction, brokerage fees and duties.

As suggested, agency guidance is the place to start, but practical compliance usually needs a customs broker or a U.S.-based importer/liaison. and were right that a liaison can be essential — make sure whoever you hire understands FSVP and importer-of-record responsibilities. For a first step, pick one product, trace its exact regulatory path, and run a trial import with an experienced broker before scaling.

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Member Avatar for Ancient Dragon

This and are probably the places to start. But you may need the services of a lawyer to get specific information about the food you want to import.

Member Avatar for wilson2

I think you should check with USA Customs Forms and FDA forms eligibility and their terms & conditions as applicable for this kind of business and hopefully you will need a liaison who will work for you operating from USA.

Member Avatar for Giorgi

What exactly is "Liason?"

Member Avatar for bobchrist

A liaison is an individual or a company who has link or connection with particular authority with expertise to accomplish the specific task.

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