In October, FDAImports.com Partner Rick Quinn attended an event with the American Chamber of Commerce in Colombia and spoke about the regulatory basics of exporting to the United States. Mr. Quinn explained the regulatory agencies involved in imports in the U.S., the import process, and basic requirements, and then gave a detailed introduction to FDA’s Food Safety Modernization Act, before speaking briefly on USDA requirements for importing meat, poultry, and animal products.
The event was well-attended, with many firms interested in understanding more about the complex requirements for bringing products to the highly-regulated United States market. Officials at the event requested that FDAImports.com return again next year, for a much bigger event in February which will include many more countries. Mr. Quinn was accompanied by Angélica Amaya Cassino of Asesores & Abogados Corporativos, FDAImports.com’s partner in the region.
Many products sold in the United States, such as coffee and fresh fruit, are currently imported from Colombia, and the updated Free Trade Agreement of 2012 will continue to increase the flow of goods from Colombia to the United States. More and more firms will find themselves encountering the issues involved in entering and staying in the U.S. market, including numerous and complex regulations, overlapping agency jurisdictions, and related business risks. Exporters of food, drugs, medical devices, and other FDA-regulated products can contact us for assistance with and advice on all issues related to getting in and staying in the U.S. market.
