“Global Import Agent have successfully worked with me to land product in the U.S and remain compliant for FDA regulations. I'm really happy with their response times, and easy to use tech platform that facilitates the process.”
Jane MckayAstute Beverages
“I had hit a brick wall trying to get my FDA number for export of my rum to the USA. Ryan and James knew all the right contacts to sort this out for me. I could not have done it without Global Import Agent. They even sorted out my prior notification paperwork for me. I can highly recommend them.”
James SinglehurstRevival Rum
“Ryan, Chris and their team were exceptional in getting our food supplement product FSVP compliant. Pretty good experience with Global Import Agent overall.”
Kelvin YeoAdvagen
“Great level of service in the 3 months we have been working with Global Import Agent to date. From the first call with Fabrizzio to the comms with Ryan, James & Carlos, all has been good and the progress we are making is fantastic!”
Jeff WebsterHunter & Gather
“I recently had the pleasure of working with Ryan and his team for a label review of a dietary supplement, which was intended for commercialization in the United States. My experience was overwhelmingly positive, as they provided exceptional and professional support throughout the process.”
Renato Di LorenziLoli Pharma
“We use Global Import Agent as our FSVP agent for importing dietary supplements into the US from the EU. They've provided us with professional high-quality service thus far. Recommend!”
Keiu KadarikEcosh Life
“We were a start up working on our first import, and Global Import Agent was superb in taking care of our documentation and import process. Highly recommend.”
Hee Joong KimMuom Life
“Ryan is very helpful from the beginning to end. He responds super fast and he is on point to the issue / objectives.”
Wonsik WooLifeLab
“James, Ryan and Carlos have been really helpful all along our FSVP. Great service.”
Anahi Cabrera HerreraScience In Sport
“Flexible and helpful FSVP agent. After comparing a couple of agents, this one is the one we picked. No regrets!”
Andreas EdströmSwedish Signature AB
“they are fast, efficient, and always open to help. They have been a great support for me and my company”
Alba RodríguezGricha
“Great to deal with, cost efficient and professional, highly recommended”
Stephen GoumentGolden Turmeric
Frequently asked questions
Clear answers for regulated market entry.
Requirements vary by product and destination. These answers outline the starting point for the questions we receive most often.
Do I need FDA registration or clearance to sell my product in the United States?
Requirements depend on the product and its regulatory pathway. Food and beverage facilities may need registration, while products must meet labeling and Prior Notice requirements; supplements must meet applicable GMP, labeling and new-ingredient requirements; medical devices may require 510(k) clearance or another premarket pathway, listing and establishment registration based on classification; and cosmetics must meet registration, listing, labeling and ingredient-safety requirements where applicable.
What is FSVP, and who is responsible for it?
The Foreign Supplier Verification Program is a requirement under the Food Safety Modernization Act. It places responsibility on U.S.-based importers to verify that foreign suppliers meet FDA food-safety standards. Foreign manufacturers need a U.S.-based FSVP representative, while U.S. importers are responsible for maintaining supplier and verification documentation.
What is an Importer of Record, and do I need one?
An Importer of Record is the party legally responsible for imported goods meeting U.S. laws and regulations. That includes customs documentation, FDA entry requirements, duties and taxes. A foreign business without a U.S. entity must appoint an Importer of Record to import regulated goods such as food, supplements, cosmetics and medical devices.
What are the FDA labeling requirements for food and supplements?
Required elements can include a correctly formatted Nutrition or Supplement Facts panel, an ingredient list using common names, allergen disclosures, net quantity in U.S. and metric units, product identity, manufacturer or distributor details, and appropriate disclaimers for claims. The exact requirements depend on the product.
I’m importing food to the UK or EU. What steps should I follow?
UK imports must meet applicable FSA and Trading Standards requirements, including allergen labeling, nutritional declarations and Port Health checks. EU labels must meet Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011, including language, allergen and ingredient-list rules. Some high-risk or organic foods may also need certificates or third-country listing, and both markets require a responsible importer or food business operator.
What happens if my shipment is detained by the FDA or USDA?
A shipment can be detained for missing documentation, non-compliant labeling, undeclared allergens or ingredients, or a failed inspection. The agency will issue a notice that requires a prompt response. Support can include reviewing the root issue, correcting documentation, coordinating reconditioning requests, communicating with the agency and addressing longer-term Import Alert issues where necessary.
