How to Learn Food Importation Regulations
Many travellers wish to bring some wonderful food from foreign countries back home to the United States. However, food importation regulations are often strict and unbending regarding overseas transport of food. Learning these rules can be overwhelming, especially when you just want to import your favorite cheese from Parma; all the bureaucracy can be maddening. But you can learn food importation regulations and import food the safe and legal way.
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Instructions
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Begin by learning the new FDA regulations of food importation enacted in 2005. Understand that the FDA has an entirely different definition of food than you might, and understand this discrepancy.
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Note that farms, some restaurants, or food packaging distributors are generally excluded from the bulk of these food regulations. Become well versed in the role of the food transporter. The FDA's definition of food transporter is "persons who have possession, custody, or control of an article of food in the United States for the sole purpose of transporting the food, whether by road, rail, water or air".
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Contact the FDA for in depth information on what importation regulations need to be followed in reference to your individual situation. Ensure that you inquire what records or information needs to be provided to the FDA to ensure the successful and safe transport of the food item(s) being transported.
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Make sure before you import food (if you are not a food transporter by definition of FDA regulation) that you clearly identify the identity of all previous food transporters including name, phone number, country, and the specific type of food that is being transported. Include detailed information of the recipient (if it is you indicate that) and exactly where the food is going, quantity of food and the person(s) who packed or manufactured the food.
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Closely follow all food importation regulations as a failure to do so could result in legal repercussion. Pay special attention to the bio-terrorism laws enacted in 2002 as this document directly refers to the specific variations in importation, if necessary acquire a FDA regulation attorney for more information.
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Tips & Warnings
If importing food to another country, research that specific country's food importation laws since they vary from place to place.
Do not attempt to import food without following these guidelines; it could be viewed as a terrorist act if proper regulation is not followed.
