News Releases

DATE:	August 25, 2004
CONTACT:	Alexis Ellicott
	(703) 837-8140

FDA Prior Notice Deadline for Imported Food Shipments

On August 12, 2004, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the U.S. Bureau of Customs and Border Patrol began full enforcement of the FDA’s interim final rule requiring electronic submission of prior notice of imports for food.

Since December 12, 2003, FDA and CBP have been gradually increasing prior notice enforcement for food. In a recent guidance from PDA on Prior Notice, the following advisement was given regarding seed:

“If the seed will be used for the production of edible sprouts, such as alfalfa seeds, then you must provide prior notice to FDA before the seeds are imported or offered for import. By contrast, if you are any other person importing or offering the seed reasonably believe that the seed will only be used for cultivation (even if it is used to grow a plant that will subsequently be consumed as food), then prior notice is not required”.

Please refer to the ASTA Website (www.amseed.org) for further information on Registration of Food/Feed Facilities and Prior Notice, or contact Alexis Ellicott at (703) 837-8140.

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Founded in 1883, the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA), located in Washington, DC, is one of the oldest trade organizations in the United States. Its membership consists of about 900 companies involved in seed production and distribution, plant breeding, and related industries in North America. As an authority on plant germplasm, ASTA advocates science and policy issues of industry importance. Its mission is to enhance the development and free movement of quality seed worldwide.