FDA & Customs Process Management

For manufacturers that want to export nuts, dried foods, frozen foods, packaging adhesives, dietary supplements, cosmetics and medical products to the United States, the most important step is setting up FDA and customs process management correctly and completely.

An incorrect or incomplete registration can lead to products being held at U.S. customs, sales being rejected on platforms such as Amazon, or agreements with distributors being cancelled.

“At Export Partners, together with our official partners in the U.S., we provide FDA registration service, D-U-N-S number setup, annual renewals, U.S. Agent service and customs management from a single point of contact.”

FDA and Customs Process Management for Nuts and Dried Foods

• FDA Food Facility Registration: Facilities that produce and pack products such as hazelnuts, walnuts, almonds, raisins and figs need to be registered in the FDA system.
• Labeling: Nutrition Facts, allergen declaration (e.g. “Contains Tree Nuts”), net quantity and country of origin are required.
• Customs Process: Keep in mind that products may be inspected by CBP (U.S. Customs and Border Protection) for risks such as aflatoxin and pesticide residues.

FDA & Customs Processes for Frozen Food

• Food Facility Registration + U.S. Agent: Every production facility that ships frozen food to the U.S. needs to be registered in the FDA system.
• Labeling: A “Keep Frozen” statement, storage conditions and a Nutrition Facts panel are required.
• Cold Chain Logistics: U.S. customs may check whether products arrived with the cold chain maintained.
• Customs Management: CBP may check for microbiological risks (Listeria, Salmonella, etc.).

Packaging Adhesives and FDA Compliance

Adhesives used in packaging production are also subject to FDA regulations:

• PVA.c: Paper/cardboard boxes → FDA 175.105 (Indirect food contact)
• Polyurethane: Flexible packaging in contact with fatty foods → FDA 176.170
• Hotmelt: Cardboard boxes for dry foods → FDA 176.180
• Solvent-Based Adhesives: Labeling and specialty packaging applications (FDA 175.105)

We manage product-level FDA compliance analysis, technical document review and preparation for customer audits.

Read our article FDA-Compliant Adhesives and Food Packaging.

FDA Processes for Food, Cosmetic and Medical Products

• Food Facility Registration (Food)
• Cosmetic Establishment Registration (MoCRA 2022)
• U.S. Agent Services
• Label & Ingredient Review
• FDA Product Registration (VCRP, Cosmetic Product Listing)

Read our article on the FDA Process for Selling Food and Cosmetics in the U.S.

Special Categories: LACF, Pet Food, Hazmat

• LACF (Low Acid Canned Food): FCE & SID numbers are obtained for canned products.
• Pet Food: USDA APHIS VS-16 permit process for cat & dog food.
• Hazmat Products: For flammable products such as perfume, deodorant and sprays, DOT and CBP regulations apply rather than FDA rules.

Customs Process Management

FDA registration alone is not enough. When products enter the U.S., customs process management should be handled professionally.

Our customs services:

• Management of U.S. and Canada customs processes
• Customs Bond setup
• Customs registration for the importer
• Preparation of duty and cost declarations
• DDP (Delivery Duty Paid) shipment support
• Customs clearance for hazmat and cold chain products

This way, manufacturers can manage both FDA compliance and the customs process through a single point of contact and enter the U.S. market more smoothly.

How Do You Get FDA Approval?

1. The product list, labels and manufacturer information are collected.
2. The FDA regulations that apply to each product are identified.
3. Facility registration and U.S. Agent designation are completed.
4. Labels and ingredient lists are brought in line with FDA rules.
5. FDA registration numbers are obtained and delivered to the client.
6. For customs clearance, the customs bond, importer registration and duties are organized.
7. Documents are uploaded to Amazon Seller Central and the product goes live for sale.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is there an FDA certificate?
  → No, the FDA does not issue certificates. There is only a registration and compliance process.
• Is FDA registration required for nuts and dried foods?
  → Yes. Food products entering the U.S. generally need to come from a facility registered with the FDA.
• Are there special rules for frozen food?
  → Yes, a “Keep Frozen” statement and cold chain monitoring are required.
• Why are packaging adhesives subject to the FDA?
  → Because adhesives that come into direct or indirect contact with food fall under FDA regulation.
• Is FDA registration needed to sell on Amazon?
  → Yes, Amazon may request FDA documents from sellers.
• Do you also manage customs processes?
  → Yes, in addition to FDA registration, we manage U.S. and Canada customs processes end to end.

Conclusion:

Export Partners is your partner for nuts, dried foods, frozen foods, packaging adhesives, dietary supplements, cosmetics and medical products, handling FDA registration, label review, product listing and customs processes from a single point of contact.