FDA Tracks Your Overseas Chocolate Before It Hits the Border
Published Date: 9/25/2025
Rule
Summary
Starting October 1, 2026, anyone sending food to the U.S. by international mail must include the mail service name and tracking number in their prior notice to the FDA. Also, food businesses need to send certain info faster after their shipments are refused or held. These changes help the FDA keep our food safe and speed up the process without extra costs for most folks.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Faster Post-Refusal Submission Rule
The rule requires food businesses to submit prior notice and facility registration information within a set timeframe after the FDA issues a notice of refusal or hold, or after a response to an FDA review request. This makes businesses act faster to provide required information when a shipment is refused or held.
Mail Tracking Required on Prior Notice
Starting October 1, 2026, anyone sending food to the U.S. by international mail must put the mail service name and a mail tracking number into the FDA prior notice. This tells the FDA exactly which shipment is coming and helps speed inspections and safety checks.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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