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FDA Prior Notice for International Mail

For food sent by international mail, Prior Notice must be filed before the package is sent (21 CFR 1.279), and the Prior Notice confirmation number goes on the CN22/CN23 customs declaration. Mail arriving without it can be held for 72 hours and returned or destroyed.

Steps

  • File Prior Notice before mailing
  • Write the confirmation number on the CN22/CN23
  • Keep the confirmation PDF

Required for mail (21 CFR 1.281)

  • Product, manufacturer and registration number
  • Shipper and country shipped from
  • The U.S. recipient's name and address

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.