Transport Security

US Food and Drug Administration Biosecurity Regulations

New rules are being implemented from 12 December 2003 by the US FDA (Food and Drug Administration) that require all domestic and foreign facilities that manufacture, process, pack or hold food (as defined in the regulation) for human or animal consumption in the USA to register with the FDA.

They will, at the same time, introduce rules requiring the goods be declared prior to arrival (at least four hours before, but not more than five days prior to arrival).

Below is a link to articles that explain the new rules in full and highlight everything that shippers need to know.

» USFDA Registration

Maersk Line encourages all exporters to the USA who meet the requirements of the regulations to familiarise themselves with the details and if they have not already, to register themselves and facilities accordingly. Also, they will need to put in place a process to provide the US FDA advance notice which is most easily done by a broker or agent in the USA. It is important to realise that cargo may be held up by authorities upon arrival if these regulations are not complied with.

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