FDA Food Import
& U.S. Agent Service
One Broker, One Filing.
Licensed U.S. Customs Broker filing FDA & CBP together via ABI / ACE. We handle Prior Notice, Foreign Facility Registration as U.S. Agent, and the FDA PGA Message Set in a single entry transmission — no duplicate portal filings, no port hold delays.
Simple Pricing. Zero Surprises.
No recurring club fees. Direct invoice via Stripe or PayPal upon request.
U.S. Agent Service
Foreign facility designates Appalachian Customs as its U.S. Agent for FDA communications under 21 CFR § 1.227.
- 24/7 U.S. Agent Emergency Contact
- Same-day FURLS email verification
- Biennial renewal filing support
- Englewood Cliffs, NJ physical address
Prior Notice Filing
Filed directly through ACE via ABI alongside CBP entry 3461. Eliminates delay and duplicate portal entries.
- Direct ABI to CBP/FDA
- Prior Notice Confirmation (PNC) number
- FDA PGA Message Set
- Synchronized with B/L for 1C release
Certificate + Entry Bundle
Registration + Certificate of Registration + Prior Notice + Customs Entry (3461) in one seamless file.
- FDA Registration / Renewal in FURLS
- Certificate of Registration issued by Appalachian Customs
- Prior Notice via ABI
- CBP 3461 customs clearance & 1C release
- ISF coordination if ocean freight
Certificate of Registration
FDA does not issue certificates, but buyers, banks, and marketplaces often ask for one. We issue a Certificate of Registration on Appalachian Customs letterhead showing the facility, its FDA registration number, its U.S. Agent, and the date we checked its status in FURLS.
Certificate of Registration
This confirms that, when we checked FDA's FURLS system on the date below, the food facility named here held a current FDA food facility registration naming Appalachian Customs Service LLC as its U.S. Agent under 21 CFR 1.227.
Clear Answers on FDA Compliance
Do you file Prior Notice through FDA PNSI portal or ACE?
We file through ACE as part of your CBP entry via ABI. That is the broker standard — one transmission covers both CBP and FDA. FDA PNSI at access.fda.gov is the alternate method for non-ABI filers. We never file both for the same shipment; duplicate PN causes an FDA review hold. You get a PN confirmation number via our ACE query.
What is the FDA Facility Registration vs. Certificate?
FDA does NOT issue a certificate. FDA only issues an 11-digit registration number when a foreign food facility registers. What Amazon / buyers call a 'certificate' is a third-party document issued by a U.S. Agent or registration service. We issue the same: a Certificate of Registration showing facility name, registration number, U.S. Agent, and expiry — for your buyer documentation. The registration itself is recorded in FDA's FURLS database.
Why does FDA say my registration is invalid even though I paid an agent?
Three common reasons: (1) Agent refused designation — FDA sends a verification email to the U.S. Agent, who must accept it. Some agents ignore it. We accept same-day. (2) Not renewed during biennial renewal (Oct 1 - Dec 31 of even years). (3) Facility info changed but not updated. When invalid, FDA will hold shipments under Import Alert. We check status in FURLS before filing PG01.
Do I need a U.S. Agent if I already have a U.S. importer?
Yes, if you are a foreign facility manufacturing / processing / packing food for U.S. consumption. U.S. Agent is required by 21 CFR 1.227 for FDA registration — separate from FSVP Importer (21 CFR 1.500) and CBP Importer of Record. U.S. Agent must be in U.S. and available 24/7 for FDA emergency contact. Appalachian Customs maintains a dedicated phone for FDA contact as your Agent.
What data do you need for PG codes? PG01, PG02, PG19 etc.
PG01 = FDA product code + FCE (facility registration) + intended use (FD00/FD1). PG02 = Manufacturer identifier per product — name, address, MID. PG06 = quantity (FDA units, not commercial). PG19/20/21 = entity roles: MF=manufacturer, DEQ=shipper, FD1=FSVP importer, DFP=deliver-to. We build this from your Data Sheet. Missing MID or invalid product code = ACE reject, entry won't file.
How far in advance must Prior Notice be filed?
Under 21 CFR 1.279, FDA must confirm the Prior Notice no less than 2 hours before arrival by road, 4 hours by rail, 4 hours by air, and 8 hours by water. Through ABI/ACE it can be filed up to 30 days before arrival (15 days through FDA PNSI). Food sent by international mail needs Prior Notice before it is sent. If your commercial invoice arrives late, we hold the 3461 until the Prior Notice window is met. For air freight, we recommend sending documents 24 hours before departure.
Request FDA Assistance
Submit your foreign facility details below. We review your submission and send a secure Stripe or PayPal invoice to your email. Once paid, Min confirms your registration in FDA FURLS and issues your Certificate.
Start with Your FDA Shipment.
Submit your facility details. We issue a Stripe/PayPal invoice, verify in FDA FURLS, and prepare your entry under licensed customs broker supervision.