Customs Glossary

What is FDA?

A plain-English definition for UK importers and exporters.

The FDA (US Food and Drug Administration) is the US agency that regulates food, drinks, cosmetics, medicines and medical devices, including imports of those products into the United States.

What does FDA stand for?

FDA stands for the US Food and Drug Administration. It works alongside CBP at the border: CBP clears the goods for customs, while the FDA decides whether regulated products may enter.

Who needs to deal with the FDA?

Businesses shipping food and drink, health and beauty products, medicines or medical devices to the US. Food imports, for example, need prior notice to the FDA before they arrive.

How it relates to classification

Many HTSUS codes are flagged for FDA review, so the tariff code you declare can decide whether your goods are held for FDA checks. A wrong code can trigger checks you didn't expect, or miss ones you needed.

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