Food and Drug Administration Filing

U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) requires that all products entering the United States be declared. That means that all goods being brought into the U.S. must be detailed beforehand to ensure compliance with U.S. laws and regulations.

The CBP works alongside agencies like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to ensure that products brought into the U.S. are safe and as declared. Food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices all must be approved and be made from approved ingredients or materials. These products must also conform to laws and regulations relating to their labeling.

Because there are very strict laws and regulations relating to products that require FDA approval, it is wise to work with a customs brokerage service. At Joe Shipping & Logistics, we can help you prepare documentation and respond to any requests for additional documentation or verification.

To begin the import process, the importer or customs broker must submit the required customs details. The CBP then forwards the information to the FDA. The FDA will then request additional information or documents, or will approve the import. It is very common for the FDA to request additional documentation to ensure compliance.

While this process can be complicated and can take time, working with Joe Shipping & Logistics can streamline and simplify the process so you can focus on your business. We can help you complete your FDA filing step-by-step, including the following:

• Register with the FDA: Importers and receiving facilities in the exporting and importing locations must register.
• Entry Identifier: The FDA will assign a seven-digit identifier that you will use for FDA Prior Notice.
• FDA Product Code: Find the FDA product code, which describes the product or group. If you aren’t sure, we can help you find it in the FDA database.
• File FDA Prior Notice: Once your registration is complete, you can file FDA Prior Notice before shipping.
• Provide Information to the FDA: The FDA requires certain information during the customs clearance process. You may be asked to provide the following:
  • FDA product code
  • FDA manufacturer code
  • FDA supplier code (if provided by the supplier)
  • Importer Federal Establishment Identifier (FEI)
  • FDA shipper number (your shipper will supply this)
  • Manufacturer Processor FDA number (the manufacturer will supply this)

Once you have completed the FDA filing, your goods will undergo an FDA exam. The FDA may then request additional information, will process paperwork, and then will release your shipment. In some cases, they require a physical exam of the goods.

Importing a product that is regulated by the FDA can be complicated. It is a process that is most successful when managed by a professional customs brokerage service. To get help with your FDA filing, contact Joe Shipping & Logistics. Or, get a free quote online.

International Shipping Services

If your business is looking to break into international trade, you will need to find international shipping options that work for you. At Joe Shipping & Logistics, we can help you with both export and import processes. From initial quotes and document preparation to tracking and delivery – our team has what it takes to get your products where they need to go.

Joe Shipping & Logistics offers a variety of services to help your international shipping efforts be successful. We have years of experience managing international shipping, imports and exports, and U.S. customs processes. Our goal is to provide high-quality services and value to each and every client.

When you work with Joe Shipping & Logistics, the first thing you can expect is a careful assessment of your needs. We will identify your needs and potential challenges and will provide you with a quote based on your individual needs.

We offer the following international shipping services and solutions:

• Purchase Order Management
• Vendor Management
• Destination Management
• Transportation Management
• FDA and USDA Processing
• Payment and Processing of Tariffs and Duties
• Customs Entries
• Application for Importer ID
• Coordination of Customs Examinations
• Negotiations for Domestic and International Freight

These services provide you with the tools you need to ship your products or import products from outside the U.S. Our services are beneficial to multiple industries, including retail, consumer products, and manufacturing.

International shipping is an aspect of business that is complex. By working with Joe Shipping & Logistics, you can be confident that your shipping and logistics needs are being handled by professionals. The benefits of working with us include:

• Access to cost-effective solutions designed to meet the needs of your business
• Account management services
• Special rates and incentives for return clients
• A flexible and agile supply chain platform
• Access to ocean, air, and trucking services
• Reduced time-to-market

When you work with us, you are establishing a partnership that is built to last. We pride ourselves on providing solutions for individuals and businesses that meet their needs and support growth and development.

Contact us to learn more about our services, or use our online quote feature to get started now. Our team of professionals can help you with all of your international shipping needs.

Importer Security Filing, or ISF

When products are imported into the United States, there is a series of processes that exporters and importers must follow. For importing products, one of those processes is the Importer Security Filing, or ISF. The ISF is one of the first steps for importing goods into the U.S.

The ISF requires certain information be transmitted to the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol at least 24 hours prior to goods being loaded onto a ship. The required information includes:

• Buyers name and address
• Sellers name and address
• Country of origin
• Ship-to party (final destination of the goods)
• Importer of record number
• Manufacturer or supplier
• Consignee number (if applicable)
• Container stuffing location
• Consolidator (stuffer)

At Joe Shipping & Logistics, we make it easy for you to complete the ISF process. We can help you prepare documents and complete filing, which can eliminate problems at the port. Once we have completed the ISF filing, we will submit the documentation to U.S. Customs to ensure your shipment gets where it needs to go.

Our goal is to prevent delays or disruptions that could negatively impact your business.

Why is ISF Compliance So Important?

It is important to comply with the ISF as there are strict consequences that could impact your goods and business.

As of January 2010, importers who fail to meet the ISF requirement face fines of up to $5,000 for each inaccurate, incomplete, or late filing. Complete failure to submit an ISF can result in more serious enforcement, such as larger fines, seizure of the goods, storage fees, and possibly liquidated damages.

At Joe Shipping & Logistics, we can help you with your ISF filing. Our team can assist with completing documentation and filing the ISF on your behalf.

Why Choose Joe Shipping & Logistics

Collecting and submitting the proper ISF documentation can be challenging and confusing. It is a common source of stress for importers. By working with Joe Shipping & Logistics, you can relieve that stress and have confidence that your shipment is on track. Our team takes care of the ISF filing so you can continue to focus on your operations, rather than worrying about delays or complications.

To find out how we can help you with your shipping needs, contact us. If you aren’t sure which service is right for you, get a quote and let us help you assess your needs.

Trucking

Our vast network of commercial trucking company partners offer a range of services related to the transportation of goods. These services can vary depending on the specific company, its size, and its specialization. Here are some common services provided by our commercial trucking companies:

* Freight Transportation:

– Most commercial trucking companies specialize in transporting freight from one location to another. This can include local, regional, or long-haul transportation.

* Full Truckload (FTL) Services:

– Companies may offer FTL services where an entire truck is dedicated to a single customer’s shipment. This is often more cost-effective for large shipments.

* Less Than Truckload (LTL) Services:

– LTL services involve combining smaller shipments from multiple customers into one truck. This is cost-effective for smaller loads and helps reduce shipping expenses.

* Specialized Freight Services:

– Some companies specialize in transporting specific types of freight, such as refrigerated goods (reefer trucks), hazardous materials, oversized loads, or fragile items.

* Intermodal Transportation:

– Companies may provide intermodal transportation, combining trucking with other modes like rail or ocean freight for efficient long-distance transport.

* Logistics and Supply Chain Management:

– Larger trucking companies often offer logistics and supply chain management services. This includes route optimization, inventory management, and distribution services.

* Warehousing and Distribution:

– Some trucking companies have their own warehouses and distribution centers, offering storage and fulfillment services.

* Expedited or Express Shipping:

– Expedited services cater to time-sensitive shipments, ensuring faster delivery compared to standard shipping.

* Technology and Tracking Services:

– Many trucking companies use advanced technologies for real-time tracking, providing customers with visibility into the location and status of their shipments.