Anyone does food importing into the US?

[Xeon]

I'm selling some private label dry food stuff (sourced from China, UK and AU), and will be sending them to the warehouse in the US, from which they'll then fulfil orders for me.
These will be sold online.

I understand there's some laws about selling food in the US, and it seems for foreign companies doing that, they need to have a contact person in the US who is registered with the FDA. Ones like these guys: FDA Agents - FDA Registration and U.S. Agent Representation

So, if I understand correctly, these guys will handle all the messy documents and law-related stuff for me, and I can just focus on the things I'm supposed to be doing?

 

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[G-Man]

Depends on what it is (packaged, fresh, perishable, etc), but make sure even if you have an agent that you understand at a high level where the big points of liability are. Make sure to ask if there are any special storage requirements or if you can put it in a normal old warehouse.

Either you or the agent or the 3PL will need to keep track of code dates and batch numbers even for packaged food, at least to manage your liability. An insurance policy is also a good idea if you're selling something somebody is gonna eat.

 

[Xeon]

Depends on what it is (packaged, fresh, perishable, etc), but make sure even if you have an agent that you understand at a high level where the big points of liability are. Make sure to ask if there are any special storage requirements or if you can put it in a normal old warehouse.

Either you or the agent or the 3PL will need to keep track of code dates and batch numbers even for packaged food, at least to manage your liability. An insurance policy is also a good idea if you're selling something somebody is gonna eat.

Thanks for the tips! For the insurance, I've contacted a few insurance companies about food / public liability insurance but most either don't reply, or hint that they only deal with bigger corporations.
So, I'm going without these for now and will think about those if the things gets bigger after the product validation phase.

 

[SEBASTlAN]

@Walter Hay

 

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[Azure]

The appointment of US Agents is a mandatory requirement for foreign companies who wish to market their food products in USA.

Are you drop shopping? If so, your supplier will likely already have an established Food Facility Registration # and FDA agent. It may be worth speaking to them first.

 

[Walter Hay]

I understand there's some laws about selling food in the US, and it seems for foreign companies doing that, they need to have a contact person in the US who is registered with the FDA. Ones like these guys: FDA Agents - FDA Registration and U.S. Agent Representation

That company and others like them can handle the huge amount of red tape that you need to be sure you are complying with FDA regulations. The cost may be high but it is worth it rather than try DIY in such important matters.

I doubt that they would help you locate a compliant warehouse, so I suggest you look at Logistics & Warehouse Services | USA Fulfillment They have been in the game for over 35 years.

Walter

 

[Xeon]

The appointment of US Agents is a mandatory requirement for foreign companies who wish to market their food products in USA.
Are you drop shopping? If so, your supplier will likely already have an established Food Facility Registration # and FDA agent. It may be worth speaking to them first.

Didn't thought about this. I'm not drop-shipping but private-labelling.
They're based in Europe but have offices in the US, so I'll check with them. Thanks!

I doubt that they would help you locate a compliant warehouse, so I suggest you look at Logistics & Warehouse Services | USA Fulfillment They have been in the game for over 35 years.

Didn't know even the warehouse needs to be compliant lol. I've seen their website but from the looks of it, it seems they're more for big players. Not sure if they've a monthly minimum order. Will check.

 

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