News Updates
Return to Newsletter Index
DGX - Dependable Global Express
5/15/2017
DGX FMC License Number
To eliminate redundancy and confusion, we cancelled our DHX-Dependable Hawaiian Express, Inc. FMC OTI license, since it is not required in the domestic trades. Our Dependable Global Express, Inc. FMC license remains in effect and is currently being maintained for our International import and export business.
DGX Memorial Day Sailing Schedule
CFS:
Atlanta, Chicago, New York, Houston - Cargo cut off, Thursday May 25th @ 1600
Los Angeles (by destination):
Guayaquil, Puerto Quetzal, and Singapore - Friday May 26 @ 1600
All other lanes - no change
Please refer to our DGX sailing schedule @ www.dgxglobal.com
DGX FSVP Implementation Date
The Food & Drug Administration (FDA) will begin implementing their Foreign Supplier Verification Program (FSVP) on May 30, 2017.
A central feature of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), the FSVP is intended to be a flexible, risk-based program to verify foreign suppliers and the safety of the food they produce. FSVP will require identification of the "FSVP Importer" for food products imported into the U.S.
The FSVP Importer is responsible for establishing foreign supplier verification programs to verify that their foreign suppliers are using safe processes and procedures and that the food is not adulterated or misbranded.
The FSVP Importer might be, but is not necessarily, the same party as the Importer of Record. The FSVP Importer must be a U.S. party with a direct financial interest in the food product. Specifically, the FSVP Importer is the U.S. owner or consignee of the product (The FDA defines U.S. owner/ consignee as the person who, at the time of entry, owns the food, has purchased the food, or has agreed in writing to purchase the food).
As the importer, it will be your duty to provide us with the FSVP Importers contact information, DUNS # and food facility registration number. If the Importer of Record is the U.S. owner or consignee, they are by definition the FSVP Importer. (Please note, Customs Brokers, warehouses or other similar intermediaries are not considered by the FDA to be the FSVP Importer because they are not an owner or consignee and do not have a direct financial interest in the food product).
If the owner of the food product is not a U.S. person, then the foreign owner can designate a U.S. agent, with the agent's consent in writing, who will then become the FSVP Importer responsible for ensuring that supplier verification activities are conducted for each food product importer. This role requires affirmative steps to ensure that supplier verification by a qualified individual takes place. A number of FSVP oriented consultants are available to assume this role. The FSVP agent should not be confused with the agent for food facility registration. They serve separate and distinct roles.
After MAY 30, 2017, you as the importer must provide to DGX or your designated Customs Broker the name, contact info, and DUNS number of the FSVP Importer for each line entry of food products offered for import into the U.S.
Options available to importers to comply with FSVP requirements include:
· Establishing your own internal program to verify the suppliers
· Using an in-house "qualified individual"
· Using a third-party entity qualified to assist with the verification
While the FDA allows flexibility in determining how to verify depending on the circumstances, it is very clear the program must be rigorous enough to assure that imported food is safe. For example, the FDA identifies the following as examples of verification activities: onsite audition, sampling and testing of a food, review of the foreign supplier's relevant food safety records, and other activities that are appropriate based on the evaluation of the risk posed by the food and the foreign supplier performance.
Useful information can be found by clicking here and the final rule can be found by clicking here.
Here is a list of exempted foods:
· Meat, poultry and egg products subject to USDA regulation;
· Suppliers covered by the seafood or juice HAACP regulations
· Raw materials or ingredients for use in a food produced under the seafood or juice HAACP regulations
· Alcoholic beverages
· Food imported for research or evaluation provided it is not for retail sale, is properly labeled and is accompanied by an electronic declaration at entry
· Food transshipped through the US for export
· Food imported for processing and future export
Other foods, such as raw fruits and vegetables, low-acid canned foods and dietary supplements, are subject to modified requirements.
In addition, because Canada, New Zealand and Australia are recognized as having food safety systems comparable to the U.S., the verification activities for foods produced in aforementioned countries are greatly reduced. Note the FSVP Importer will still need to be identified on the Customs Entry.
Under the FSVP, "food" is defined broadly to include "food contact substances," such as food packaging materials and containers. However, the FSVP deadline for food contact substances has been delayed for two years - until May 28, 2019. Therefore, imports of food contact substances will not be subject to the FSVP data entry requirements for other food imports on May 30, 2017.
Should you have additional questions, please contact your local representative or call our corporate office at 1-888-488-4888 or 1-310-669-8888.
Thank you for your business - we appreciate it!
Sincerely,
Brad Dechter
President