Importing food from China to the US is very doable — if you treat the paperwork like part of the product. 🇺🇸 Here is the 2026 sequence.
The Step-by-Step
Register your facility with the FDA, confirm the supplier’s FDA-registered plant, then file Prior Notice for each shipment. Add the right HTS codes, allergen labelling and, depending on the product, a label/third-party lab check.
| Step | Where | When |
|---|---|---|
| Facility registration | FDA | Before importing |
| Prior Notice | Per shipment | Before arrival |
| HTS + duties | Customs | Product-dependent |
| Label compliance | FDA/FDA-FPLA | English, allergens |
| Lab / verification | Risk-based | Per commodity |
Common Stumbles
- ❌ Missing Prior Notice — leads to holds and destruction notices
- ❌ “FDA registered” claims without a verifiable number
- ✅ Verify the facility’s FDA number before the PO
US customs rewards preparation. The paperwork is your product’s first impression. 📋
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the first steps to import food from China to the US?
Register your facility with the FDA, confirm the supplier's FDA-registered plant and file Prior Notice for each shipment.
What labelling and codes does US customs expect?
Correct HTS codes, a compliant Nutrition Facts panel and allergen labelling, plus any product-specific requirements.
Why does US customs reward preparation?
Complete paperwork avoids holds and delays, and it is effectively the product's first impression on regulators.
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바이어인데 import food from China to USA을(를) 알아보고 있습니다. 최소 주문량이 어떻게 되나요? 🙋
import food from China to USA 수입 3년 차입니다. 말씀하신 그런 공급업체가 우리가 거래를 유지하는 유형이죠. 🤝
Bewaard voor later. 🔖
Artículo muy útil — aplicamos exactamente esto con import food from China to USA. ¡Gracias! 👏
Very useful article — we have applied exactly this when dealing with import food from China to USA. Thanks! 👏
Our tip from experience with import food from China to USA: agree on the specification in writing before signing anything. ✍️
Learned something new today. 💡 More posts like this please — hard to find real experience online. 🙏
Great article, thanks! 👍
Solid content. We adjust our import routine around import food from China to USA and it pays off. We will apply this on our next shipment for sure. 👍
Отличный материал. Часть про import food from China to USA подтверждает наш опыт, полученный дорогой ценой. 👍
Sangat informatif. 🙏
Năm thứ ba nhập import food from China to USA — nhà cung cấp bạn mô tả đúng là loại chúng tôi giữ lại. 🤝
일부 반대합니다. 가격만 중요한 게 아니고 서류 작업이 소규모 수입업체를 힘들게 해요. 😕 import food from China to USA으로 같은 걸 시도해 보신 분 있나요? 결과가 궁금하네요.
Mit den Lieferzeiten bei import food from China to USA hatten wir schlechte Erfahrungen — plant immer 2 Wochen Puffer ein. ⏳
Are certifications (BRC/ISO/HALAL) available for import food from China to USA? Please share. 📋
Netter Artikel, aber unser erster Container entsprach nicht der Mustercharge. Die Qualitätskontrolle ist seitdem strenger. 😤
Unser Tipp aus Erfahrung mit import food from China to USA: die Spezifikation schriftlich festlegen, bevor man unterschreibt. ✍️
Very useful article — we have applied exactly this when dealing with import food from China to USA. Thanks! 👏 Do you think import food from China to USA works for smaller volumes too?
Częściowo się nie zgodzę: cena to nie wszystko, to papierologia dobija małych importerów. 😕
Rất hữu ích. 🙏 Chắc chắn chúng tôi sẽ áp dụng điều này ở lô hàng tới. 👍