Import Alerts: Gloves, Rice, Chocolate, Tobacco, and Vitamins Among Restricted Food Imports
Food and Drug Administration import alerts have been recently issued or modified, affecting various products from different countries. These import alerts serve as a notification to FDA field staff that certain products may be in violation of FDA laws and regulations. As a result, these products can be detained without physical examination upon entry into the US.
The newly issued or modified import alerts include:
– Anchovies from Korea
– Antibiotics from Korea
– Basmati rice from Pakistan
– Chocolate bars from Canada
– Dried cabbage from Hong Kong
– Dried strawberries from Thailand
– Exam gloves from China
– Eye shadow from China
– Frog legs from China
– Melon seeds from Vietnam
– Noodles from India
– Prickly pear from Mexico
– Radishes from Mexico
– Smokeless tobacco from Sweden
– Vitamins from Canada
Import alerts can cover products from specific countries, manufacturers, or shippers. Products on the “red list” of an import alert are subject to Detention Without Physical Examination (DWPE). However, products on the “green list” have met the criteria for exclusion and are not subject to DWPE. Some import alerts also have a “yellow list” which entails intensified surveillance for certain firms, products, and/or countries. These measures are taken due to the nature of the violations detected.
While products subject to DWPE can be refused entry, there are situations where importers can still bring them into the US. If importers provide sufficient evidence to overcome the appearance of the violation, the product may be allowed entry.
If you want more information on FDA issues or need assistance, please contact FDA consultant Domenic Veneziano at (202) 734-3939 or via email.
Source: [Sandler, Travis & Rosenberg, P.A.; WorldTrade Interactive, Inc.](https://www.strtrade.com){target=”_blank”}