Food Imports & Exports
Under provisions of the U.S. law contained in the U.S. Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, importers of food products intended for introduction into U.S. interstate commerce are responsible for ensuring that the products are safe, sanitary, and labeled according to U.S. requirements. (All imported food is considered to be interstate commerce.)
Firms exporting products from the United States are often asked by foreign customers or foreign governments to supply a written export certification for products regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). FDA may provide this certification in a form the agency determines appropriate. For food products, FDA provides written certification for exports in the form of certificates and lists of eligible exporters for specific products or destinations. Please note that FDA does not require written certification for exports.