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US legislation on food items sent to the USA

Effective 12th December 2003 the US Government has introduced new laws affecting food items sent to the USA by individuals through the post. Before posting any food items to the USA, you may need to complete an online form to pre-advise the US authorities of its arrival.

This applies to any manufactured food or drink for either humans or animals being sent to the USA, including personal gifts. But does not apply to homemade foods being sent as a personal gift to individuals in the USA. Parcels or packets containing food or drink may be returned to you or even destroyed.

This move by the US Government is to help protect the USA from the possibility of a bio-terrorist attack via food items sent into the country by post and applies to all countries around the world.

Find out more on the US Food and Drugs Administration website

• http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~pn/pnoview.html
• New Zealand Trade and Enterprise: NZ Export News Press release: Grace period ends for US food laws - August 12th
• Website on compliance with US food laws and filling out forms for shipping food to the US www.fdaregistrar.com