FDA Entry Review Process
FDA Entry Review Process
Customs clearance is the process of obtaining permission from the government to import or export goods across international borders. In the United States, the customs clearance process is carried out by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agency, which enforces customs laws and regulations. For FDA-regulated products, the clearance process involves additional steps to ensure that the products meet the regulatory requirements of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
FDA-Regulated Products
The FDA is responsible for regulating a wide range of products, including food, drugs, medical devices, cosmetics, and tobacco products. These products must meet specific safety and effectiveness standards, and their labels must include certain information to inform consumers about the product's intended use and potential risks.
Customs Clearance Process for FDA-Regulated Products
The customs clearance process for FDA-regulated products can be complex and time-consuming. The following steps outline the basic process:
- Product Registration: Before importing an FDA-regulated product, the product must be registered with the FDA. The registration process involves submitting specific information about the product, such as its intended use, ingredients, and labeling.
- Customs Documentation: To clear the product through customs, certain documentation must be submitted to the CBP. This documentation includes a commercial invoice, bill of lading, and packing list.
- FDA Review: After the product is registered and the customs documentation is submitted, the FDA will review the information to ensure that the product meets all regulatory requirements. This review may include an inspection of the manufacturing facility to ensure that it follows good manufacturing practices.
- FDA Clearance: Once the FDA review is complete and the product meets all regulatory requirements, the FDA will issue a clearance letter. This letter must be submitted to the CBP to clear the product through customs.
- CBP Examination: After the FDA clearance letter is submitted, the CBP will examine the shipment to ensure that it matches the documentation and that it meets all regulatory requirements.
- Release and Delivery: If the CBP examination is successful, the product will be released and delivered to its intended destination.
The customs clearance process for FDA-regulated products can be complicated, but it is necessary to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the products being imported. By following the regulatory requirements of the FDA and working with experienced customs brokers and regulatory consultants, companies can ensure that their products meet all necessary standards and avoid costly penalties and legal action.
FDA-Regulated Products and Import Requirements
- What is Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA)?
- Prior Notice of Imported Foods
- Food Facility Registration
- Risk-Based Preventive Controls for Human Food
- Risk-Based Preventive Control for Animal Food
- Standards for the Growing, Harvesting, Packing, and Holding of Produce for Human Consumption
- What is Foreign Supplier Verification Program (FSVP)?
- Protect Food against Intentional Adulteration
- FDA Regulated Product in Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ)
- Entry Review Process for FDA Regulated Products
- Country of Origin VS Country of Manufacture
- Foods Regulated by FDA or USDA: What is the Difference?
- Label and Labeling Claims for Conventional Food and Dietary Supplements
- What is USDA Country of Origin Labeling (COOL)?
- Import for Export of FDA Regulated Products
- FDA Regulated Products in Personal Baggage or Sending by Mail or Courier
- International Mail Facility (IMF) and FDA Regulation
- Importing Biological Product Regulated by CBER
- Importing Cosmetics and Voluntary Cosmetic Registration Program (VCRP)
- Importing Drugs into the U.S.
- Importing OTC Drugs into the U.S.
- Importing Veterinary Drugs into the U.S.
- Importing Tobacco Products into the U.S.
- Importing Medical Devices into the U.S
- Importing Food Products into he U.S.
- Importing Radiation-Emitting Products into the U.S.
Customs Clearance and Import Requirements
- Entry of Imported Merchandise
- What is Section 321 Entry?
- What is Automated Commercial Environment (ACE)
- What is an Automated Broker Interface (ABI)?
- Who is Ultimate Consignee?
- What is Non-Resident Importer Program?
- Country of Origin of Imported Merchandise
- What is the Country of Assembly?
- What if the FDA's Country of Manufacture?
- Marking of Country of Origin on U.S. Imports
- What is Customs Bond?
- Reconciliation Prototype and Bond Rider
- Who Needs a Customs Broker?
- What is Customs Ruling Program?
- Classification of Imported Goods
- How is imported merchandise appraised?
- What are Import Quotas?
- What are Trade Remedy Duties?
- Antidumping Duty (AD) and Countervailing Duty (CVD)
- What is Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ)?
- What is Importer Security Filing (ISF)?
- What is Temporary Importation under Bond (TIB)
- What is In-Bond Process?