Choosing a customs broker is an important decision for any business or individual importing goods into the United States. Your broker can help prepare your customs entry, classify your goods, calculate duties, manage documentation, and communicate with U.S. Customs...
Shippers may soon face higher costs as the Panama Canal fees continue to rise. Over the last few months, various scenarios have driven transit fees higher. Major carrier companies have begun raising their Panama Canal Surcharge from $100 per TEU to $130 and nearly...
Although importing cars from Canada can benefit importers and businesses, it can be confusing for the average shipper. Canada’s proximity to the US makes cross-border vehicle transportation relatively accessible. In addition to offering easy access, Canada is an...
Tariffs on imports into the US remain a constant issue, with President Trump continuing to impose tariffs on various countries. On July 15, the Trump Administration announced a 25% tariff on numerous imports from Brazil. The levies will be effective on July 24...
What is the FSMA?
Share This Article
What is the FSMA?
“The FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), the most sweeping reform of our food safety laws in more than 70 years, was signed into law by President Obama on January 4, 2011. It aims to ensure the U.S. food supply is safe by shifting the focus from responding to contamination to preventing it.” – FDA.Gov
How will the FSMA reform Food Safety?
To take a more proactive stance against food safety risks, several programs are broken up into “rules.” These rules are taken as in rules of law.
Final Rule for Foreign Supplier Verification Programs (FSVP) – FSVP is the most important rule for importers out of all the ones on this list. This mandates that Importers be food safety certified and can vouch for the quality of the food arriving per their trade route.
Final Rule for Preventative Controls for Human Food – This ruling is declared for food processing farms and plants across America to ensure there are proper preventative measures in places such as Hazard analysis and oversight management/prevention.
Final Rule for Produce Safety – The ruling that standardizes proper produce procurement and management. This is in place to ensure that all domestic vegetables are safely grown, harvested, packed, and safe for human consumption.
Final Rule on Accredited Third-Party Certification – This ruling is created for those who wish to pursue careers and employment opportunities in enforcing and auditing these standards.
How do these Affect me?
As importers and customs brokers, it is necessary to know everything you can about FSVP. This is a large reform meant to make food consumption healthier for Americans. This means widespread reform for the industry and world trade in general.
If you are a producer of American food, then odds are you’ve already adhered to the ruling because the only ruling here that is not yet fully implemented is FSVP.
A1WWL
If you are finding it difficult trying to determine if you need to be FSVP compliant or if you are having trouble becoming FSVP compliant, give us a call. We are working closely with the government to ensure that your imports are affected as little as possible, and we can help you out! Call us today!
Choosing the right customs broker can make a major difference when importing goods into the U.S. From classifying and calculating duties to managing documentation and communicating with CBP, a knowledgeable broker can prevent costly surprises.
Panama Canal costs are rising—and shippers may soon feel the impact. Higher transit fees, carrier surcharges climbing from $100 to nearly $150, and auction prices exceeding $2 million for a single crossing are putting pressure on shipping costs.
Global trade is facing another wave of tariff changes. The Trump Administration has announced new 25% tariffs on numerous imports from Brazil and 50% tariffs on certain Canadian imports.
From warehousing and inventory management to order fulfillment, shipping, and returns, 3PLs help e-commerce businesses streamline operations, and reduce costs.