ISF, 10+2 News
Just a reminder, 10+2 is in its penalty phase and Importers are required to comply. CBP is moving to the liquidated damages phase and if compliance is not met, Importers can face fines up to $5,000 for each violation. Claims for liquidated damages could come as soon as the next few months and without notice. The primary focus will be on those who are still not complying with the 10+2 final rule and those Importers not filing or committing egregious errors. As an extreme enforcement measure, holds and DNL’s will be considered on a case by case basis. If you have not been in compliance or not sure if you are correctly filing you may contact us anytime (310-322-4366) or you may want to get familiar again by checking the Customs website.
Food Safety Bill
President Barack Obama signed into law on January 4, 2011 the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) which lays the foundation for a prevention-based, 21st century food safety system that makes everyone in the global food chain responsible for safety. This law will change the way food businesses operate. It will require most food businesses to establish food safety plans consistent with the HAACP system. It will increase FDA’s power giving them mandatory recall authority. For imports there are some new requirements such as: Importers must verify the safety of foreign suppliers and imported food and Prior notices filed with the FDA for imported foods must include the name of any country that refused entry to the food. Additionally the new law will add 4000 new inspectors with expanded inspection authority to review records and facilities. To find out more on this check this website.
Required Information for Importing Cheese
· What kind of cheese?
· Is it hard or soft?
· Is it fresh or unpinned or uncured?
· Is it grated, processed or other?
· What animal is the milk from?
· Is it soft ripened cow’s milk cheese?
· How is it packed;
o Are they in original loafs?
o Are they wheels? Need weight per wheel?
o Are they bulk chunked?
o Retail, how many boxes in each master carton?
o Do you have a dairy license?