While it is an excellent opportunity for shippers, there are numerous considerations to understand before importing tea into the U.S. Tea is one of the most commonly consumed beverages in the U.S., and over 159 million Americans drink it daily. Nearly 80% of all American households have tea products. While typical, bringing tea to the U.S. has many regulations and steps importers should know. Failure to comply with these guidelines can result in customs holding your goods and cargo loss. This article will explain what to be aware of beforehand and what to expect during the importation process.

What Should You Know Before Importing Tea Into The U.S.

Before deciding to import tea into the U.S., it is essential to understand the regulations involved. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is the primary federal agency that regulates tea importation. When importing, it gives specific food safety standards you must follow before bringing it to the U.S. According to the FDA, all food facilities must register and provide advanced notice to the department before importing tea. The Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) further states that facilities that manufacture, process, or pack foods like tea must submit additional information and allow the FDA to inspect registered facilities. Tea-producing facilities must renew registration with the FDA every other year.

Along with filing a notice to the FDA before importation, tea must have proper labeling before importing. The Nutrition Labeling and Education Act (NLEA) provides information on what the FDA package label should contain. Some of the info includes the tea name, quantity, nutrition facts, ingredient statement, allergen declaration, etc. To assist the FDA in determining if your tea abides by requirements, shippers can provide Affirmation of Compliance Codes. While not necessary for importation, providing A of C codes can help quicken the screening process.

Documents Required For Importation

For all cargo coming into the U.S., a shipper must provide necessary documentation to the Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Not filing the paperwork correctly can lead to delays and financial penalties for the importer. Some of the documents that the CBP requires for importation include:

• Bill of Lading
• Commercial Invoice
• Packing List
• Certificate of Origin

Shipments arriving in the U.S. by ocean must also submit an Import Security Filing (ISF). The ISF explains the content of the cargo, who is importing it, the product, and more. Along with having the proper documentation, the shipper must have the correct HTS Code.  A Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) code determines the appropriate duty rate for the cargo. Tea has specific codes depending on the package, type, origin, and intended use. You can find the proper HTS code using an online lookup tool or speaking to a customs broker.

How To Start?

Once the tea arrives in the U.S., it may also be vital to arrange domestic shipping and warehousing. With all the requirements to bring tea into the U.S., it can be challenging for inexperienced importers. An ideal way to begin is by using the assistance of a customs broker. A broker is a company or individual that clears goods that enter a country on behalf of an importer. They do this by ensuring the shipment complies with regulations, preparing documentation, calculating duties, etc. Reach A1 Worldwide Logistics at 305-425-9456 or info@a1wwl.com  to speak to a customs broker regarding importation.