US Processed Food Suppliers: A Buyer’s Guide
Snacks, cereals, sauces, bakery products, beverages, ingredients and pet food: the product is rarely the problem. What holds up a food import is the health registration and the label.
| Industry | Processed foods |
|---|---|
| Main tariff headings (Harmonized System) | Chapters 16 to 21, Chapter 22, 2309 |
| U.S. agencies involved | Food and Drug Administration (FDA); U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) |
| Official sources cited | 2 |
| Last reviewed | 2026-10-07 |
Tariff headings you should know
- Chapters 16 to 21: preparations of meat, sugars, cocoa, preparations of cereals and bakery products, preparations of vegetables and fruit, and miscellaneous edible preparations (such as sauces and condiments).
- Chapter 22: beverages.
- 2309: preparations used in animal feeding.
Documents on the U.S. side
According to the FDA, a certificate is not required to export food, but foreign governments may ask for an official assurance that the product can be legally marketed in the United States. For that purpose the FDA issues the Certificate to Foreign Government, available for conventional foods, additives, food contact substances and infant formula that comply with U.S. law.
Requirements in your country (examples from Latin America)
- Colombia: INVIMA approval in the VUCE. Peru: health registration and DIGESA authorization in the VUCE. Ecuador: health notification from ARCSA. Chile: authorization of use and disposal from the regional health office (SEREMI de Salud). Costa Rica: registration with the Ministry of Health. Panama: health registration with the APA. Bolivia: food safety permit from SENASAG. Argentina: import authorization from ANMAT/INAL in TAD.
- Mexico: standard NOM-051-SCFI/SSA1-2010 sets the labeling of prepackaged food and non-alcoholic beverages.
- Consider shelf life: transit and clearance take time, and the product has to arrive with enough margin to be sold.
How to choose and verify the supplier
- Ask for the specification sheet, the full list of ingredients and the manufacturer’s quality certificates.
- Place a small trial order to validate the label and the registration before you buy in volume.
- Check that the company exists: business registration in its state, physical address, website and references from other buyers.
- Check that it does not appear on the U.S. restricted-party lists, and ask for a formal quotation with the Incoterm, lead time and payment terms.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a health registration to import food from the United States?
Most countries in Latin America have a health registration, notification or authorization for processed foods; the list on this page gives examples. In any other country, ask the health authority before you buy.
Does the FDA require a certificate to export food?
No. But if the destination country asks for one, the FDA can issue a Certificate to Foreign Government.
Official sources
This page is general information to help you get started. It is not legal, tax or customs advice, and regulations change. Confirm current requirements with the official sources above or with a licensed customs broker, freight forwarder or trade compliance professional.