Guide
Shipping FDA-regulated goods from Canada to the US
Food, supplements and cosmetics can ship to US customers, but they need more than a label. Here is what to check, with links to the FDA's own pages, and how we handle it.
Before you ship
What to check
- Is it FDA-regulated? Food, dietary supplements, cosmetics, drugs and medical devices are.
- Food and supplements: prior notice before arrival, and facility registration for the maker. FDA prior notice
- Cosmetics: facility registration and product listing under MoCRA, with some small-business exemptions. FDA cosmetics listing
- Product data: an HTS code, a clear description, a value and the country of origin for every product.
This page is a starting point, not legal advice. The FDA's pages are the source of truth.
How we handle it
Regulated goods with ShipSavvy
FDA and other partner-agency goods supported, limitations apply. Some carriers and services do not take regulated goods, so send us your product list and we confirm before you ship.
Formal (Type 01) and informal (Type 11) entries. On SavvyBroker shipments, your entries are filed by licensed customs brokers on your behalf.
Add 1 business day for FDA or other regulated goods.
Duty is shown before you pay: it is calculated live and charged when you buy the label. See how to offer DDP.
FDA shipping questions
Which products does the FDA regulate?
Among others: food, including dietary supplements, cosmetics, drugs and medical devices. If your product is eaten, drunk, put on the body or used for health, check the FDA import program before you ship.
Do food shipments need anything before they cross?
Yes. FDA requires prior notice for food imported into the US, sent before the food arrives. See Prior Notice of Imported Foods.
Does my food facility need to register?
Facilities that make, process, pack or hold food for US consumption generally must register with the FDA. See Registration of Food Facilities.
What about cosmetics?
Under the Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act (MoCRA), cosmetic facilities register with the FDA and cosmetic products are listed, with some exemptions for small businesses. See Registration and listing of cosmetic product facilities and products.
Can ShipSavvy ship my FDA-regulated products?
FDA and other partner-agency goods are supported, limitations apply. Some carriers and services do not take regulated goods, so send us your product list and we confirm before you ship. Add 1 business day for regulated goods.
Tell us what you ship
Send your product list and monthly volume. We price your US orders by the next business day and confirm what we can ship.