Who is responsible for FDA food import compliance?

The U.S. importer of record. The FDA holds the importer — not the customs broker or the foreign supplier — accountable for facility registration, Prior Notice, the FSVP, and a compliant product.

Do I have to register if I only import, not manufacture?

The foreign facility that makes, processes, packs, or holds the food must register. As the importer, you are responsible for confirming that registration is current and for maintaining your own FSVP.

What happens if Prior Notice is late?

The shipment can be refused or held at the port until adequate Prior Notice is provided. Because the clock runs from the FDA’s confirmation, file well ahead of the minimum window for your mode of transport.

When is the next food facility registration renewal?

October 1 through December 31, 2026. Renewal is required every even-numbered year, and a missed deadline cancels the registration automatically. Bringing food into the U.S. market rewards getting the paperwork right before the container ships. Reidel Law Firm advises importers on FDA registration, Prior Notice, and FSVP compliance on flat-fee terms. Get an import compliance memo.

FDA Food Import Rules: A Compliance Guide

Importing food into the United States means meeting four core FDA requirements: register the foreign facility, file Prior Notice for every shipment, maintain a Foreign Supplier Verification Program (FSVP), and ship a product that is correctly labeled and not adulterated. Miss any one and the shipment can be detained at the border. This guide walks through each requirement and the deadlines that actually matter.

The FDA and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) share the border. CBP controls entry; the FDA decides whether a food article is admissible. The importer of record — not the broker, not the foreign supplier — is responsible for getting it right.

The Four Requirements at a Glance

Requirement	Who it applies to	When