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Exporting to the United States (US)

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18 November 2003

TO: EXPORTERS OF FISH PRODUCTS

SUBJECT: EXPORTING TO THE UNITED STATES (U.S.)

The purpose of this communique is to advise you of the U.S. Registration of Food Facilities and Prior Notice of Imported Food regulations under the FDA Bioterrorism Act which will take effect on December 12, 2003. These regulations will affect both the Canadian domestic industry involved in exporting fish products to the U.S., as well as other companies who tranship product to the U.S. through Canada.

The Fish, Seafood and Production Division will be providing more specific information concerning the export of fish products to the United States. Please link into CFIA’s website at:

http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/anima/fispoi/export/cert10/unietae.shtml

For the latest information from USFDA on these regulations, please refer to the following website:

visit: http://www.fda.gov/oc/bioterrorism/bioact.html

For information on Canadian industry outreach activities, please visit:

http://ats.agr.ca/us/bioterrorism_e.htm

Registration of Food Facilities Domestic or foreign facilities that manufacture, process, pack, distribute, receive, or hold food or animal feed for consumption in the US must register with the FDA by December 12, 2003. There is no fee associated with registration.

Prior Notice of Imported Food As of December 12, 2003, FDA must receive advance notice for all food shipped to the U.S. Prior notice is to be provided electronically either through the US Customs ACS/ABI interface or through the FDA Prior Notice (PN) System Interface. Advance notice is to be submitted as follows: 2 hours before arrival by land/road; 4 hours before arrival by air or by rail; 8 hours before arrival by water; and before mailing for food being imported by international mail.

More details on the information required by the FDA on Registration of Food Facilities and

Prior Notice of Imported Food can be found on the USFDA website mentioned above.

Sincerely,

Original signed by

Mary Ann Green
Director
Fish, Seafood and Production Division
Animal Products Directorate
Canadian Food Inspection Agency
(613) 221-7028