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Printable Version Fast Food to the U.S. Shipping Food Items to the U.S. for Personal Use?
If your food shipment to the U.S. is for personal, non-commercial use then you do not need to arrange Prior Notice that is required for all commercial food imports. ‘Non-commercial’ means shipments to and from individuals and covers homemade or manufactured food items.
It’s a good idea to make sure that all shipping documentation has a full description to ensure that these goods are exempt from Prior Notice (PN). As always, clear and detailed information will help your shipment pass quickly through customs.
The Air Waybill and Commercial Invoice should show an individual's name as the shipper and consignee. You should also state ‘Homemade - For personal use.’ You must also enter the product description. An example of a good description is ‘Homemade chocolate cookies, for personal use, not for resale.’
In general, non-commercial food items of any value do not need PN filing with the U.S. FDA (US Food and Drug Administration). However, if the total value of the shipment exceeds USD 200, the shipment requires an import declaration to the FDA.
If a food shipment is for commercial purposes, you will need to make a PN declaration. Indeed, if a company name is shown anywhere on the air waybill or commercial invoice, PN will be required at any value. The FDA has a web-based Prior Notice automated system that shippers can use to submit PN and receive a confirmation number, a hard copy of which should accompany the shipment and the PN confirmation number should be shown on the commercial invoice.
For more information on Prior Notice, and on commercial and non-commercial shipments, please visit the FDA website.