Notice -  6.21.2004

Notice of FDA Bioterrorism Rule -
third phase of implementation will begin June 4

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) begun implementing the 2002 Bioterrorism Act (BTA) on June 3rd, and will refuse entry of food and related products that have not given advance notice of arrival as required by the law.  

The prior-notice rule applies to commercial food shipments, excluding items such as eggs, meat and poultry. Businesses importing food by cargo ships require eight-hour notices.

Under Phase III, importers failing to provide prior notice to the CBP or FDA on the type of foods being imported will result in the goods being refused entry in the United States. Food cargo may be held at the port of entry or FDA facilities and the importer will have the chance to voluntarily export them back to the country of origin.
 
The act was passed following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks to help the nation defend against bioterrorism and other public health emergencies.

For more information on the Bioterrorism Act: http://www.fda.gov/oc/bioterrorism/bioact.html

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