Government regulations for shipping food to the United States
All customers (business and individuals) processing or distributing food products for shipping to the United States are required to include their U.S. FDA registration and Prior Notice numbers on the customs documentation for any shipments containing food destined for the United States.

Food that is purchased by an individual and sent as a personal gift must also be registered and include a Prior Notice number. Customers can obtain an FDA registration number and Prior Notice number by calling (301) 575-0156 or visiting http://www.fda.gov/oc/bioterrorism/bioact.html.

The following are excluded from the government regulations:
Food that is made by an individual in his/her personal residence and sent by that individual as a personal gift (for non-business reasons) to an individual in the United States. These shipments must be clearly identified as a gift/home-baked food item, listing the specific item (for example, cookies, etc.), on the customs documentation or on the Purolator U.S./international Bill of Lading.

Food that is purchased by an individual and sent as a personal gift does not require a Prior Notice number. This does not include shipments sent from a retailer or distributor to an individual. Such shipments still require a Prior Notice number.

Samples of food for non-consumption do not require a Prior Notice number. This includes shipments identified as samples destined for food manufacturers or testing labs, but does not include shipments to retailer or individuals.

Food is considered anything that can be consumed by a human or animal, including chewing gum.

Examples of food include, but are not limited to:

• dietary supplements and dietary ingredients
• beverages (including alcohol and bottled water)
• raw agricultural commodities for use as food or components of food
• bakery goods, snack food, and candy (including chewing gum)
• infant formula
• fruits and vegetables
• canned and frozen foods
• fish and seafood
• dairy products and shell eggs
• live food animals
• animal feeds and pet food

Additional information

• All companies within the international courier and transportation industry must comply with the same FDA regulations for all food shipments to the United States.
• Purolator cannot offer service guarantees for food shipments to the United States.
• Food shipments destined for the United States may incur additional charges by Purolator Trade Solutions, where applicable.