If you are one of the 5000 Australian food facilities registered with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) you have between 1 October and 31 December 2014 to renew that registration. Failure to renew will result in cancellation of your registration and limit your ability to export foods to the US.
REGISTRATION SYSTEM
Since 2003 Australian businesses that manufacture/process, pack or hold food for human or animal consumption in the United States are required to register with the FDA. Registration is part of the FDA taking steps to protect the US public from a threatened or actual terrorist attack on the US food supply. Registration requires the Australian business to nominate a US resident agent that will act as a communications link between the FDA and the business.
REGISTRATION RENEWAL
Since 2012, renewal of registration has been required every
second year. For a registrant where there has been no change in
details, an abbreviated renewal process is available. If
registration is not renewed by 31 December 2014 the registration
will be considered expired and the account removed from the
FDA's system.
Registration renewal can be completed online at www.fda.gov/Food/.
WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU FAIL TO RENEW
It is crucial that your renewal be performed prior to 31 December 2014 as a failure to be registered when required can result in prosecution by US authorities. Further, food that is exported to the US from a facility that is not registered is likely to be held at the US port of entry.
WHAT FOODS IS COVERED
It is important to remember that on top of what we might
ordinarily think of as food, the registration requirement extends
to dietary supplements, infant formula, beverages, raw agriculture
commodities, live food animals and animal feed and pet food.
If you are unsure whether you need to be registered with the FDA
or have questions about the renewal process, please feel free to
contact us.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.