It’s always time to think about your renewals, since state requirements do not follow a calendar year cycle for Animal Feed and Pet Food licenses and registrations. Even if you are new to the market, now is the time to get your registration in and your labels in compliance.
Each state has its own registration or licensing requirements for animal feeds and pet foods. Most states require registration of individual products, and some also require registration of the manufacturing or distributing facility. Renewal periods vary by state, so it is critical to review your status with each state to ensure that you do not miss the renewal period and thereby encounter late fees or possible stop sale orders (which force retailers to pull your products statewide).
In many states, a successful registration not only includes an application and fee, but also includes labels that are compliant with Association of American Feed Control Officials (AFFCO) Model Rules, and timely filing of tonnage reports and fees.
Don’t forget the Feds!
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also has regulatory authority over animal feed and pet foods, requiring safe ingredients, compliance labels, federal Bioterrorism Act food facility registration, U.S. Agency for foreign facilities, and compliance with new FSMA rules such as Preventive Controls and Foreign Supplier Verification. U.S. domestic firms not in compliance with FDA regulations can be subject to FDA Warning Letters, as well as civil action, while foreign manufacturers can be subject to Import Alerts which lead to automatic detentions at the US Ports.
Whether you are new to the market or veteran, foreign or domestic, we can handle all your state compliance needs, from filing registrations, renewals, and tonnage to expert label reviews and state-by-state advocacy. We recognize the goal of safeguarding health and protecting consumers while maintaining good business practices, and we assist our clients in understanding the import process and achieving their goals. If you need assistance with animal feed or pet food products, please contact us.
