FDA prior notice checklist for food shipments
Prior notice is required before arrival. Use this checklist to avoid the most common submission gaps.
1. Submit before arrival, by mode
FDA timing rules differ by transport. Vessel and air shipments advance-window requirements are not the same as truck or rail. Confirm the mode-specific cutoff before you file; late prior notice can mean refusal on the tarmac or delayed discharge at port.
2. Confirm manufacturer, shipper, and consignee fields
Name, address, and contact should be consistent across the bill of lading and FDA prior notice. Discrepancies between the BOL and prior notice are a frequent trigger for FDA hold or CBP follow-on review.
3. Product details first
Prior notice asks for article/commodity, manufacturer info, and growing location. Have HTS and product details ready — mixed pallets with multiple SKUs can complicate article-level substitution rules.
4. Save confirmation numbers
Keep the FDA confirmation number with your shipment docs. If CBP or FDA asks during inspection, you want it immediately available. For repeat shipments from the same supplier, reuse the verified party profile only after updating any changed address or facility registration.
Citations and resources
- FDA Prior Notice of Imported Foods: fda.gov/food/guidance-documents-regulatory-information/prior-notice-imported-foods
- FSMA and foreign supplier verification: fda.gov/food/guidance-documents-regulatory-information/foreign-supplier-verification-programs
Disclaimer: This is a planning reference only and does not constitute legal, FDA, or customs advice. Prior notice rules vary by article type, facility registration, carrier mode, and FDA staffing. Always confirm requirements with current FDA guidance and a qualified importer or broker.