FDA and CBP Customs Clearance for Food Imports

Licensed customs broker for all food, beverage, and agricultural product imports to the USA.

What You Need to Import Food & Beverages to the USA

Importing food & beverages requires compliance with regulations from the FDA, USDA, and CBP. Here’s what you need to know before your shipment arrives.

Required Documents

Commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, FDA Prior Notice, food facility registration number, and FSVP documentation.

Key Agencies

FDA (Prior Notice, food safety), USDA FSIS (meat/poultry), USDA APHIS (agricultural), CBP (duties, admissibility).

Duty Considerations

Food duty rates vary widely — 0% for many items to 20%+ for specific categories. Some agricultural products face seasonal tariffs and TRQs.

Common Challenges for Food & Beverages Importers

FDA Prior Notice

All food shipments require FDA Prior Notice — at least 2 hours before arrival for air, 8 hours for ocean. Missing Prior Notice results in shipment refusal at the port.

Cold Chain Integrity

Perishable food requires controlled temperature logistics throughout. Cold chain breaks result in product rejection and financial loss.

FDA Automatic Detention

Products from facilities with prior violations may face automatic detention for sampling and testing. We monitor your supplier's FDA compliance status.

How FreightClear Handles Food & Beverages Imports

Upload Your Documents — Share your commercial invoice, bill of lading, or packing list. Our AI extracts everything instantly.
We Classify and File — FreightClear classifies your HTS codes, files your ISF, and prepares your CBP entry.
Your Goods Are Released — Our licensed US customs broker manages CBP release and arranges last-mile delivery.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is FDA Prior Notice and when must it be filed?

FDA Prior Notice is a mandatory pre-arrival notification for all food shipments entering the US. It must be filed at least 2 hours before arrival for air and 8 hours for ocean freight.

Do I need a Foreign Supplier Verification Program?

Yes — US importers of food must have an FSVP verifying foreign suppliers meet FDA safety standards. FreightClear advises on FSVP compliance.

Can I import meat or poultry from China?

Only from USDA FSIS-approved facilities. This is a highly restricted category — only specific approved facilities are eligible to export meat/poultry to the US.

What happens if my food shipment is detained by FDA?

Detention means your shipment cannot be delivered until FDA sampling and testing is complete — this can take 1–6 weeks. Our team coordinates with FDA on your behalf.

Ready to Import Food & Beverages to the USA?

FreightClear is a licensed US customs broker. We make imports simple — from document upload to delivery.