Are you hoping to sell food on Amazon in the United States?

Hello, and welcome to Tim Forrest Consulting! As we celebrate our 26th anniversary, I’m excited to share our expertise, particularly with Amazon vendors navigating the complexities of importing food and supplement products into the USA. With years of experience under our belt, we understand the intricacies of FDA regulations and the FSVP (Foreign Supplier Verification Program). Let’s dive into this essential guide, crafted from our rich history of assisting businesses just like yours.

What is FSVP and Why is it Crucial?

FSVP stands for the Foreign Supplier Verification Program, a crucial part of the FDA’s Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). While FSMA mandates safety plans for U.S. businesses, FSVP ensures that non-U.S. food and supplement producers meet the same safety standards. As an Amazon vendor, understanding and complying with FSVP is key to your success in the U.S. market.

The Role of an FSVP Agent:

When you don’t have a U.S. presence, such as selling on Amazon U.S., appointing an FSVP Agent is vital. This agent acts as your representative for FDA compliance, ensuring that your products meet all safety and documentation requirements. At Tim Forrest Consulting, we’ve been navigating these waters for years, and we’re here to be your trusted FSVP Agent.

Global Standards and Your Compliance:

Similar to the U.S., other countries have stringent safety standards for imported products. It’s essential to comply with these regulations to ensure the safety and success of your products globally. Our team at Tim Forrest Consulting is well-versed in these global standards and can guide you through them.

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Selling on Amazon U.S.: Navigating Customs Clearance

Amazon and most U.S. retailers won’t act as consignees due to product safety liability, which means as a foreign owner, you need an FSVP Agent. This includes being listed as the Foreign Importer of Record and ensuring all your manufacturers are FDA registered. Don’t worry, though – we have the experience and expertise to make this process seamless for you.

Celebrating 26 Years of Expertise

As we mark our 26th anniversary, we reflect on our journey helping businesses like yours thrive. We’ve seen the e-commerce landscape evolve and have adapted our strategies to keep you ahead of the curve, especially in compliance and FDA regulations.

Importing and Selling Food Online in the U.S.: A Simple Guide

1. Amazon’s Role as a Consignee:
   • Amazon, or any other U.S. retailer, will not be the consignee for your product. Why? Because they don’t own it.
   • If they were consignees, they’d be responsible for your product’s safety and compliance.
   • As an online seller, you are considered the ‘foreign owner’ by U.S. law.
2. Your Role as the Foreign Owner:
   • On the Commercial Invoice, you must be listed as the ‘Foreign Importer of Record.’
   • This means you are legally recognized as the person bringing the product into the U.S.
3. FSVP Agent Details:
   • You need to appoint an FSVP (Foreign Supplier Verification Program) Agent.
   • Include your FSVP Agent’s details on the Commercial Invoice.
4. Filing a US FDA Prior Notice:
   • For every shipment to the U.S., you must file a ‘US FDA Prior Notice.’
   • Your customs clearance agent might do this, but it’s your job to make sure it’s done.
   • After filing, you’ll get a confirmation number. Keep this number and share it with your customs broker.
5. FDA Registration for Manufacturers:
   • Every manufacturer of your product must be registered with the FDA.
   • Arrange this before shipping to the U.S. It’s a common requirement for entry.

Ready to navigate the FSVP landscape with confidence? Let’s make your venture into the U.S. market a success story. Book a video meeting with us at timforrestmarkets.com, and let’s start crafting your path to compliance and success.

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