Some major trading partners (such as the European Union and China) require that companies importing certain products be certified by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This is because these countries have certain restrictions on imports of some products. Common products requiring placement on an approved export list are dairy, honey, seafood, collagen/gelatin, and infant formula. Criteria for inclusion in the FDA Export List depends on the country of export and products being exported.   

For example, the EU only accepts live, chilled, and processed shellfish harvested in certain U.S. approved production facilities in certain states that have equivalency arrangements with the EU. These facilities will appear on the EU Interstate Certified Shellfish Shippers List (ICSSL).  

The only currently approved states on the ICSSL are Massachusetts and Washington. If your shellfish was grown and harvested in these states then you are eligible to apply for certification to export your ...

Certain countries require U.S. exporters to be listed in FDA’s export list for certain products. Without a spot on the  export list, U.S. exporters of certain food products are barred from access to applicable foreign markets. If you’re wondering whether your U.S. food export business is subject to these requirements, keep reading to learn more about the FDA’s export list.

What products are required to be on an FDA export list?

Although each country requires export lists for different products, the types of products include:

•  Dairy
•  Seafood
•  Shellfish
•  Infant formula
•  Collagen products
•  Gelatin products

Which countries require exporters to be listed?

Each country has their own requirements for the types of products appearing on export lists., so U.S. exporters’ eligibility may differ from one country to another. The three countries/territories that require exporters to be listed on the FDA export list for certain products are: 

•  European Union — The EU uses certain co...