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FDA Prior Notice Deadlines by Transport Mode

FDA must receive and confirm Prior Notice at least 2 hours before arrival for food arriving by road, 4 hours by rail or air, and 8 hours by water (21 CFR 1.279). For international mail, file before the food is sent. You can file no earlier than 15 calendar days before arrival in FDA's PNSI, or 30 days through CBP's ABI/ACE.

Deadlines

  • Land, road: 2 hours before arrival at the port of arrival
  • Land, rail: 4 hours before arrival
  • Air (including express couriers): 4 hours before arrival
  • Water: 8 hours before arrival
  • International mail: before the food is sent; write the PN confirmation number on the CN22/CN23 customs form
  • Food carried by a traveler that is not exempt: same times by mode; the confirmation must travel with it

Earliest filing

  • PNSI (FDA web): up to 15 calendar days before arrival
  • ABI/ACE (customs brokers): up to 30 calendar days before arrival

Note

  • Some courier web pages still say "no more than 5 days in advance"; the current rule is 21 CFR 1.279.

Related: FDA renewal deadline calendar · Do I need a U.S. Agent? · US Agent Desk pricing

Sources

General information, not legal advice. Last reviewed October 21, 2026.