Issue 404, June 2, 2003
Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced the streamlining of "Prior Notice" on imported foodstuffs.

According to the press release, CBP and FDA have agreed to allow the Prior Notice to be transmitted through CBP's Automated Commercial System (ACS) in most circumstances.

The Bioterrorism Act originally proposed using an FDA web-based Prior Notice System and not ACS. However, this would have resulted in a duplication of transmission.

Prior notice for imported food will be required not later than December 12, 2003. Both agencies have agreed that the single transmission will support a more efficient process, and make it easier for food importers to comply with the new law.

To read further on the subject, go to http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2003/NEW00911.html, P03-44 dated 5/27/03.

Our contributing writer, Darlene Liskiewicz is the Import Compliance Manager for DHL Danzas Air & Ocean in Buffalo, New York. If you have any questions or require further information, please contact Ms. Liskiewicz at darlene.liskiewicz@dhl.com or 716 447-2246.

Please note that due to the complex nature of the subject matter, DHL Danzas Air & Ocean cannot be responsible for actions taken by the reader in reliance on the information contained herein without prior consultation with DHL Danzas Air & Ocean.