FDA Prior Notice for Food Imports: What Freight Teams Need Before Arrival
Who files prior notice, and when must it be confirmed?
Start with the exact product and shipment
Prior Notice is an advance notification requirement for food offered for import. It is separate from a freight booking and should be coordinated with the filer responsible for the entry.
Make the handoff actionable
Agree who submits the notice, confirm product and facility data with the importer, and make sure the confirmation/reference is available to the parties who need it before arrival. Build the applicable mode-specific deadline into the shipment calendar using current FDA instructions.
Confirm the boundary before cargo moves
A vessel departure confirmation is not proof of a valid Prior Notice. Never reuse a notice number for a different shipment without the responsible filer confirming it is valid.
Prepare a quote request
Include the product name and model, supplier city and pickup address, destination ZIP code, cargo-ready date, total pieces, packed dimensions and gross weight. State whether freight is palletized, stackable, temperature-sensitive or subject to special handling. For regulated or restricted goods, attach the current product documents and request written carrier review before delivery to the warehouse. Review the [relevant ANELGO service page](/) and send the details through the [shipment inquiry form](../index.html#quote).
Related guides
- Importing Food from China to the USA: FDA and Freight Checklist
- FSVP and Freight: Roles to Confirm Before Shipping Food from China
- Who Files FDA Prior Notice for a US Food Import? Roles for Buyers to Confirm
- Browse all shipping guides