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A type of import that can be challenging when starting is importing olive oil to the U.S. The reason is due to the various regulations and procedures that the shipper must follow. Organizations like the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and CBP (Customs and Borders Protection) dictate these policies. Despite this, the U.S. is the 2nd largest importer of olive oil globally. In 2020, the U.S. had a share of 17.9% of all world imports and brought in over 403 thousand tons. Many benefits of olive oil have caused an uptake in the amount brought in recently, especially for restaurants and retail. With the growing push for healthier nutrition, shippers can benefit from importing olive oil.
There are numerous things shippers should know before bringing olive oil into the U.S. It is essential to understand the various regulations for importation. The country of origin also has numerous guidelines a shipper must follow before exporting. The FDA is the U.S.’s primary regulatory body and can be very strict on requirements. Examples of FDA prerequisites include a food facility registration, Foreign Supplier Verification Program (FSVP), prior notice of import, etc. The FDA also mandates that olive oil ships from an approved region follow safety standards and be labeled correctly. Failure to follow requirements can result in a delay or rejection of your import.
Along with the FDA, a shipper must adhere to regulations the CBP sets. The CBP is in charge of enforcing trade laws for the U.S., ensuring importers comply. This is to prevent any dangerous or prohibited cargo from entering the country. Additionally, the CBP ensures that import duties are issued and collected upon entry. Duties on olive oil shipments are based on the value of shipments. The blend of olive oil, such as virgin, extra virgin, and certified organic, also determines duties. The CBP may also require that the shipper obtain a customs bond in oil shipments valued at or over $2500.
Before leaving the country of origin, the shipper must ensure that the cargo has the proper product labeling. Labeling includes crucial information like expiration dates, specifications, quality certificates, etc. The importer must also prepare the documentation beforehand to prevent holdups and delays. Some of the documents for importation include:
Olive oil also requires other certificates like the Phytosanitary Certificate and the Certificate of Analysis. Two primary ways that olive oil ships internationally are by air and sea. Using the assistance of a freight forwarder can help find a suitable carrier regardless of the conveyance method. Once the shipment reaches the U.S., the CBP (U.S. Customs and Border Protection) will stop and inspect the shipment. When customs releases the shipment, you can move it to the final destination by trucking service.
The process of importing olive oil into the U.S. can be complex and could take more steps than the ones described in the article. Having assistance from a freight forwarder and customs broker can help streamline the process. A1 Worldwide Logistics has both services and more to ensure the success of your shipment. Reach us at 305-821-8995 to begin importing into the U.S. from anywhere internationally. Whether you bring in olive oil or any other commodity, we guide you through the process.
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