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Known as a confusing import in the international shipping industry, this article explains how to import acidified foods. Acidic foods are low-acid foods with a pH level of 4.6 or below. Some examples include vinegar, fermented pickles, lemons, artichokes, pickled vegetables, berries, and certain sauces. Due to the nature of these goods, they are subject to stringent regulatory requirements and scrutiny by agencies. Along with having to comply with regulations from the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP), they are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Along with explaining what the importer should understand before bringing in acidified foods, the article will also explain the process.
Before deciding to import acidic foods, the shipper must verify whether the goods even qualify as acidified foods. This can be done by consulting a process authority, who evaluates equilibrium pH levels and water activity. It is also important that the foreign manufacturer registers their food imports with the Food and Drug Administration FDA. Along with registration, they must also file a scheduled process with the FDA. A scheduled process confirms that the food is properly formulated and processed by the importer to achieve commercial stability. Shippers should also determine the import tax amount by finding the correct Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) code of the cargo.
Along with the registration and process filings, the importer must ensure they have the standard import documents, including the:
Once ready to ship, the shipper must decide on a mode of transport, such as air, sea, or land. In addition to filing a US CBP entry, the importer must submit a Prior Notice to the FDA before the shipment arrives in the US, allowing the agency to review it. Once the goods reach the US, documentation and prior notice will be required to clear them through customs. After customs clearance, domestic shipping services can be used to move the goods to the final destination.
While importing acidified foods may seem intimidating, it should not stop you from starting the process. Shippers should, however, take the necessary steps to prevent disruptions that could delay importation. In addition to the information mentioned in the article, this can also be done by speaking with a customs broker. Brokers are licensed individuals or companies that coordinate the clearance of shipments through customs. In the US, they act as intermediaries between shippers and the CBP. They do this by ensuring regulatory compliance, providing documentation, calculating duties, filing entries, and more. Contact A1 Worldwide Logistics at 305-440-5156 or info@a1wwl.com to speak with a broker about your shipment’s success.
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