When is Prior Notice required?

Prior Notice is generally required for food imported or offered for import into the United States. Timing requirements vary depending on the mode of transportation and shipment details.

Who is responsible for submitting Prior Notice?

Prior Notice may be submitted by an importer, broker, freight forwarder, or other authorized party. Responsibility depends on the import arrangement and who is handling the shipment filings.

What happens if Prior Notice is missing or incorrect?

Missing or incorrect Prior Notice can result in shipment holds, delays, refusal of admission, or other enforcement actions. FDA Registration Assistance helps reduce these risks by supporting accurate submission and documentation readiness.

What information is needed to submit Prior Notice?

Information typically includes product details, shipper and consignee information, manufacturer details, facility registration details, country of origin, and transportation and arrival information. Requirements vary by shipment.

Can you help with Prior Notice for Amazon FBA shipments?

Yes. We can support Prior Notice documentation and submission planning for shipments destined for Amazon fulfillment centers, depending on the product type and import structure.

Prior Notice | FDA Registration Assistance

Q: What is FDA Prior Notice?

FDA Prior Notice is a requirement to notify FDA in advance of food shipments arriving into the United States. Prior Notice helps FDA review food shipments before arrival and supports import screening activities.

Fee: $35 USD Each Prior Notice Filing
(Discount On Multiple Filings)

FDA Prior Notice Filing Services for Imported Food & Animal Feed

The Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act of 2002 requires the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to receive Prior Notice for all food and animal feed that is imported or offered for import into the United States.

Prior Notice allows the FDA—working in coordination with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)—to review shipment details in advance, target inspections more effectively, and help protect the U.S. food supply from public health emergencies and potential security threats.

What Is FDA Prior Notice?

FDA Prior Notice (also known as Advance Notice of Imported Food) is an electronic submission that provides the FDA with detailed information about a food or animal feed shipment before it arrives in the United States.

This requirement applies to:

Human food
Animal food and feed
Shipments imported by air, ocean, truck, rail, or mail

When Must FDA Prior Notice Be Filed?

Prior Notice must be submitted before the shipment departs for the United States and within FDA-specified timeframes based on the mode of transportation.

Failure to file Prior Notice correctly or on time may result in:

Shipment detention or refusal
Delays at the port of entry
Increased storage or demurrage fees
Regulatory enforcement action

Why Accurate Prior Notice Filings Matter

FDA Prior Notice filings can be complex and time-sensitive. Even minor errors—such as incorrect product descriptions, facility information, or shipment details—can lead to costly delays or refusals.

FDA Registration Assistance is trusted by importers and logistics partners to ensure:

Accurate and complete Prior Notice submissions
Timely filing within FDA requirements
Reduced risk of shipment delays or FDA enforcement issues

FDA Prior Notice Filing Services

FDA Registration Assistance provides professional FDA Prior Notice filing services to help ensure your shipments move smoothly through U.S. ports.

Our services include:

FDA Prior Notice submissions for food and animal feed
Review of shipment and facility information
Ongoing compliance support
Fast, reliable filing for time-sensitive shipments

To have FDA Registration Assistance file your FDA Prior Notice submissions, please contact us today.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is FDA Prior Notice?

FDA Prior Notice is an advance electronic notification required for all food and animal feed imported or offered for import into the United States.

Who is responsible for filing Prior Notice?

Prior Notice may be filed by the importer, broker, agent, or an authorized representative, but the importer is ultimately responsible for compliance.

When must Prior Notice be submitted?

Prior Notice must be filed before the shipment departs for the United States, within FDA-specified timeframes depending on the transportation method.