International Exhibitors - Permit and Licenses
Here are some helpful tips, frequently asked questions and links for International exhibitors - particularly for new-to-market companies:
FDA Bioterrorism Act Registration
FDA Bioterrorism Act Registration is required for virtually all food and beverage products. To obtain an FDA number,
please log into the FDA's website and follow the instructions. http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~furls/ovffreg.html
This site is very clear and easy to use and should only take 15-60 minutes to register.
How long does it take to get the USDA Number?
This is a tricky question depending on the country of origin and if the US has accepted the standards and certifications
of their equivalent agencies to our FDA, USDA, etc. For instance, absolutely no meat, poultry or egg products from
Portugal are allowed into the US. However, these same products, if produced in Spain, are allowed. This is called
the Equivalence Process; see http://www.fsis.usda.gov/regulations_%26_policies/obtaining_equivalence_certification/index.asp
How long does it take to get an Importation License?
FDA/USDA Jurisdictional Chart: http://www.fda.gov/ora/inspect_ref/iom/exhibits/x311.html
US Import Tariffs
US import tariffs on food and beverage products and equipment uses the harmonized commodity codes where the first 6 digits are used
worldwide to identify products.
Please see this link: http://www.usitc.gov/tata/hts/bychapter/index.htm.
Be aware that at any given time, certain items may be subject to anti-dumping and countervailing duty or bond requirements.
Alcoholic Beverages
If you plan to import alcohol and alcohol-related products into the United States, it requires a valid Alcohol Importer
License from a U.S. company registered to import alcoholic products. Customs brokers/freight forwarders are available
to interface between your company, the U.S. Importer and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) in order to
clear your goods. In addition to your FDA registration number, regulations require that FDA be provided "Prior Notice"
of product shipments being imported into the U.S.
All bottles must be labeled in English and include the following:
- Not for sale, for Trade Show Purposes only.
- GOVERNMENT WARNING: (1) According to the Surgeon General, women should not drink alcoholic beverages during
pregnancy because of risk of birth defects. (2) Consumption of alcoholic beverages impairs your ability to
drive a car or operate machinery and may cause health problems.
- Contains Sulfites. (Only if it does)
TTB Basic Alcohol Permit for alcoholic beverages will take approximately 1-2 months, domestic entities generally: http://www.ttb.gov/alcohol/permits.htm.
TTB Label Approvals for alcoholic beverages will take between 7 to 30 days. https://www.ttbonline.gov
Freight Forwarder/Customs Brokers Deadlines:
Ocean Freight: Due to heightened Homeland Security at least 2 full weeks are required before move in for
goods to arrive at final destination city (Not Just Port of Arrival.) The date your products must leave
from their own country to make this deadline varies depending upon where they are located and what type
of transportation you are using.
Air Freight: Requires 8-10 days prior to move in. In the case of food, it can be done in 4 days
using carriers with cold storage containers.
Note: Pack goods appropriately for international transport. Realize that there are significant inspection
possibilities by U.S. Customs and depending upon the inspection this can be extremely time consuming,
necessitating early arrivals. Be sure to send a list of products prior to shipment so that it may be
reviewed for proper format and acceptability of products.
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