Registering as a food importer means officially notifying U.S. regulatory agencies - primarily the FDA and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) - that your company is legally authorized and compliant to bring food products into the country.

This process isn't just bureaucratic. It ensures public health standards, food safety, and supply chain traceability are maintained from the producer to the consumer. Registering also paves the way for easier customs clearance and business growth.

Why register?

• Legal requirement: U.S. law mandates importer registration for commercial food shipments.
• Prevents shipment delays: Proper registration is the #1 way to avoid refused entry or customs holds.
• Builds business credibility: Suppliers, distributors, and customers trust registered importers.

You must register if you:

• Import any food, beverage, or dietary supplement for commercial sale or distribution.
• Are a wholesaler, grocery chain, food distributor, online retailer, or specialty restaurant sourcing food directly from overseas.
• Serve as the official “Importer of Record” on customs documents.

Note: Personal imports (small quantities for personal use) may not require this process, but nearly every business operation does.

1. FDA Food Facility Registration

Almost every food facility - including foreign producers shipping to the USA and U.S.-based warehouses - must register with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

• Registration Key Points:Applies to both domestic and foreign facilities that manufacture, process, pack, or store food for consumption in the United States.
• Must be renewed every even-numbered year.
• Fast, free, and done online.
• You, as an importer, must ensure both your supplier and your own storage/distribution facility (if applicable) are registered.

Register here: FDA Food Facility Registration

2. Prior Notice

Every single shipment of food must have a “prior notice” submitted electronically to the FDA before it arrives at a U.S. port or border. This can be done through the FDA Prior Notice System Interface.

3. Importer of Record (IOR) with U.S. Customs

As the "Importer of Record," you’re legally responsible for compliance on customs paperwork and tariffs.

• How to Obtain IOR Status:Register your U.S. business entity (LLC, corporation, etc.)
• Get an Employer Identification Number (EIN)
• File proper import documentation with CBP (customs broker usually manages this)

Learn about the full process of importing food (from regulations to logistics) in our article: Importing Coffee to the USA: What You Need to Know Before Getting Started.

4. State and Local Licenses

Some states require additional food importer registrations or wholesale licenses. Always check your state’s Department of Agriculture and local government sites for extra requirements.

Penalties for failure to register as a food importer can be severe:

• Seizure or destruction of goods at the border
• Fines or legal action
• Suspension of importing privileges
• Reputational damage

The regulatory environment has tightened globally due to food safety concerns, and authorities use importer registers as a core tool to ensure compliance.

Registration is not a “once and done” affair. Keep in mind:

• Renewal Requirements: Many authorities require annual or bi-annual renewals.
• Recordkeeping: Maintain records of imported goods, shipments, and suppliers.
• Updates: Inform regulators of changes to your business, such as address, product scope, or ownership.

United States (FDA Food Facility Registration): Required for all facilities that manufacture, process, pack, or hold food. Re-registration every even-numbered year.

United Kingdom (Food Standards Agency Register): All food businesses ncluding importers must register at least 28 days before starting to trade. UK FSA guidance

European Union Member States (National Registers): Each EU country manages its own register, but all follow rules set out in the EU General Food Law.

Australia: Importers of certain high-risk foods need to be registered with the Imported Food Control Program. See Department of Agriculture guidance.

Based on working with food startups and established brands, the registration process often feels daunting - but with organized paperwork and proactive engagement, it can be completed in just a few days. Take a hypothetical Vietnamese coffee importer: They’ll need to gather business registration, warehouse location, and contact information, submit the form to their national food safety authority, then wait for a registration number before their first shipment lands.

Here’s my advice:
Start early. Some registrations can take weeks.
Double-check your entries. Simple errors lead to frustrating delays.
Consult with experts if unsure - your customs broker, lawyer, or local chamber of commerce.

You’ll need a strategy to get your products into the hands of buyers - whether that’s ethnic supermarkets, gourmet stores, restaurants, online marketplaces (like Amazon or Walmart), or through your own eCommerce site.

Practical Steps:

• Attend food trade shows in the US for networking and product demo opportunities.
• Develop clear marketing materials with unique selling points of your imported foods.
• Build relationships with food distributors or local retailers.

Many successful importers also build an online presence (through a dedicated website and social media channels) to generate buzz and reach consumers directly.

Registering as a food importer is an essential and mandatory step for any business wishing to bring edible goods into a new market. The food importer register is a key piece of the food safety puzzle, enabling traceability, consumer confidence, and swift recall action if needed.

By understanding requirements, gathering the right documents, and being proactive, you make international trade smoother and safer for everyone.

And if you’re looking for export-ready products with full documentation support, MR.VIET offers Vietnamese coffee, chocolate, and tropical snacks that are already sold in 20+ countries — and ready for yours.