United States · Food Contact

Food Contact Import Declaration in the United States

A practical guide to Food Contact Import Declaration for food contact sold in the United States: who it applies to, what to prepare, and the mistakes that cause rejection.

Who needs it

Importers must declare food contact articles and hold compliance evidence at the border; Brands selling packaging, tableware, or kitchenware in the United States

Authority

U.S. Food and Drug Administration

Legal basis

21 CFR Part 170

Local representative

The importer is normally responsible for compliance

Timeline

Before sale; testing usually takes weeks

Cost

Migration testing is the main cost

If you do not comply

Withdrawal, recall, and fines

Who needs this

Importers must declare food contact articles and hold compliance evidence at the border
Brands selling packaging, tableware, or kitchenware in the United States

Documents you need

Import declaration for food contact goods
Food contact declaration of compliance
Migration test reports
Material composition and supplier declarations

Compliance checklist

Tick each item as you collect it. Saved in this browser only.

Import declaration for food contact goods
Food contact declaration of compliance
Migration test reports
Material composition and supplier declarations

How to comply

Attach compliance evidence to the customs file
Confirm the material is in scope of food contact rules
Review composition against the positive list
Test migration where required

Brief for your lab or agent

Copy this into an email, then edit the product and channel.

Request: Food Contact Import Declaration — United States
Product category: Food Contact
Authority: U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Legal basis: 21 CFR Part 170

Documents we already have:
  1. Import declaration for food contact goods
  2. Food contact declaration of compliance
  3. Migration test reports
  4. Material composition and supplier declarations

Questions:
  1. Does our product fall under Food Contact Import Declaration in the United States?
  2. Which test standards or evidence do you accept?
  3. What is the current fee and lead time?
  4. Is a local representative required, and can you act as one?

Cost and timeline

Before sale; testing usually takes weeks.

Migration testing is the main cost.

Common rejection reasons

Articles cleared without compliance evidence
No declaration of compliance
Migration limits exceeded
Non-authorised substance in the formulation

Registration, notification, or certification is not the same as approval. Keep the technical file current and make sure the label, listing, and submitted data match.

Official sources

FAQ

Who needs Food Contact Import Declaration in the United States?

Importers must declare food contact articles and hold compliance evidence at the border Brands selling packaging, tableware, or kitchenware in the United States.

What documents are required for Food Contact Import Declaration?

Import declaration for food contact goods; Food contact declaration of compliance; Migration test reports; and material composition and supplier declarations.

What is the first step for Food Contact Import Declaration?

Attach compliance evidence to the customs file. Before sale; testing usually takes weeks.

How long does Food Contact Import Declaration take?

Before sale; testing usually takes weeks.

How much does Food Contact Import Declaration cost?

Migration testing is the main cost.

What happens if I sell without it?

Withdrawal, recall, and fines.

Who regulates Food Contact Import Declaration in the United States?

U.S. Food and Drug Administration.