Skip to content 
If you are an importer of low-value food and cosmetic shipments into the United States, you must read this blog. Effective August 29, 2025, the De Minimis exception, which has been in place by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for these products for 30 years, has ended. This means that every shipment, whether one with a few bars of chocolate or a single bottle of supplements, is no longer
In 2025, the U.S. is tightening trade policies with stricter customs rules, updated tariffs, and new export controls, impacting shipments from China, Mexico, and Canada in early February 2025. A key change is the suspension and then a delay of the Section 321 de minimis entry for China origin shipments. On February 1, 2025, President Trump signed an executive action ending duty-free entry for shipments under $800. Initially set for
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is a federal agency that regulates food, drugs, cosmetics, medical devices (including those that emit radiation), vaccinations, and veterinary products in the United States. If you intend to import any food product that falls under their purview, you must file an FDA prior notice to obtain customs clearance. While this pre-screening process has set guidelines and timelines, there may be instances where importers need to
Recent unrest in the Middle East has thrown a wrench into the usual global trade routes. Now, many marine cargo carriers find themselves navigating longer, more expensive paths. But that’s just part of the story. Since the pandemic ended, there’s been a huge jump in demand for goods, and transport capacities just can’t keep up. As a result, global logistics costs have skyrocketed. Data from Freightos and Drewry reveal shocking
Trade compliance has traditionally been a real headache for businesses. It is often seen as a hassle, filled with endless paperwork and stringent regulations. Just last year, international trade sanctions and export controls became significantly more complex. This shift was not arbitrary – it was driven by escalating geopolitical tensions and a conscious decision by regulators to impose heavier due diligence responsibilities on private companies. However, amidst these challenges, there
If you have ever had a meal, used a cosmetic product, or taken medication in America, there is a high likelihood that all of the above have been regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA has only one goal: promoting and protecting public health. America is the largest importer of food in the world. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the U.S. imported $194 billion worth of
Understanding FDA Prior Notice Every country has its own indigenous food, ingredients, packaging processes, and regulatory mandates for maintaining safety standards. When importing food or drug items from another country, the native country must consider the potential health and safety risks that these differences could likely cause the citizens. Every importer of such items in the USA must, thus, notify the FDA, or the US Food and Drug Association, about
Importing goods into the United States involves navigating through a multitude of regulatory processes. As food safety and security have become paramount concerns, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) plays a pivotal role in safeguarding the public from potential threats and emergencies. One critical aspect of this process is complying with the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Prior Notice requirements. This comprehensive guide explores the intricacies of FDA Prior Notice
International Trade is one of the key sectors that drive economic growth. First and foremost, it allows countries to capitalize on their natural resources or production of goods and services in which they have a competitive edge. Secondly, it expands market opportunities for businesses, promoting investment and capital inflows. That being said, a slow and inefficient customs clearance process can have a detrimental effect on international trade and hinder economic growth. Thankfully,
Introduction The US government has several import and export regulations to ensure that the goods and services exchanged across borders are safe for citizens and public use. Additionally, several customs clearance requirements are imposed on all FDA imports that enable traders to import the eligible items duty-free. The imports in February 2023 amounted to as high as $321.7 billion and suggest a rising trend. It is high time that traders