FDA rules for shipping food from Canada to the USA

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What Is the FDA’s Role in Food Imports?

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is responsible for protecting public health by regulating food products entering the United States. Any edible item shipped across the border—commercially or personally—may be subject to FDA review.

When food is shipped from Canada to the USA, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) works with the FDA to determine whether the shipment complies with U.S. food safety laws, labeling rules, and import requirements.

Key point:
Personal use does not exempt food shipments from FDA oversight.

How FDA Regulations Affect Shoppers Buying Food From Canada

1. FDA Prior Notice Is Often Required

Most food shipments entering the U.S. must have FDA Prior Notice submitted before arrival. This applies even to small packages shipped by mail or courier.

If Prior Notice is missing or incorrect:

  • The shipment may be held
  • Delayed for inspection
  • Returned to sender
  • Refused entry

2. Not All Food Products Are Allowed

Some edible items are restricted or prohibited due to safety, contamination risk, or regulatory classification.

Common categories that face issues:

  • Homemade or unlabeled foods
  • Fresh or perishable foods
  • Meat, poultry, and dairy products
  • Items with unapproved additives
  • Foods making health or medical claims

3. Labeling Matters

FDA requires proper labeling, including:

  • Product name
  • Ingredient list
  • Net quantity
  • Manufacturer or distributor information
  • Country of origin

Missing or non-compliant labels can trigger FDA holds.

Common Canadian Food Items Shoppers Ask About

Generally Allowed (with proper declaration)

  • Packaged snacks (chips, candy, cookies)
  • Shelf-stable, commercially packaged foods
  • Factory-sealed chocolates
  • Some vitamins and supplements (non-medicated)

Frequently Restricted or Flagged

  • Fresh cheese and dairy
  • Jerky, meat snacks, or meat-based broths
  • Honey (depending on origin and processing)
  • Herbal products with medicinal claims
  • Homemade foods or bakery items

Important: Approval is case-by-case and not guaranteed.

Step-by-Step: How to Ship Edible Food From Canada to the USA Safely

Step 1: Verify the Food Is Shelf-Stable

Avoid perishable, refrigerated, or fresh items unless you understand FDA risk.

Step 2: Check Labeling

Ensure the product is commercially packaged with clear ingredient labeling.

Step 3: Declare the Item Accurately

When creating the shipment:

  • Use precise food descriptions
  • Declare the correct value
  • Upload the purchase invoice if requested

Step 4: Expect FDA Review

Even compliant shipments may be inspected. This is normal and not an error.

Step 5: Plan for Delays

FDA inspections can add time. Food shipments should never be time-sensitive.

Common Mistakes Shoppers Make

  • Assuming “personal use” means no FDA rules
  • Shipping homemade or unpackaged food
  • Using vague customs descriptions like “snacks”
  • Shipping restricted items without checking regulations
  • Expecting guaranteed delivery for edible products

Can I ship candy from Canada to the USA?

Yes, commercially packaged candy is usually allowed if properly declared and labeled.

Are vitamins or supplements allowed?

Some are allowed, but supplements making medical claims or containing restricted ingredients may be detained.

Does FDA always inspect food shipments?

No, but FDA has authority to inspect any food shipment and frequently does random checks.

What happens if FDA refuses my shipment?

The package may be returned to sender, destroyed, or held pending documentation.

Is shipping food from Canada to the USA guaranteed?

No. FDA approval is never guaranteed, even for compliant shipments.