What are the primary regulations importers need to follow when importing pet food into the U.S.?

Importers must adhere to regulations from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as outlined in the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA). Key requirements include proper labeling, the registration of foreign facilities with the FDA, and filing prior notice before shipments arrive. Pet food must be labeled accurately with the product's identity, ingredient list, and manufacturer details. Additionally, the food must be safe, wholesome, and free from harmful substances.

What is required for pet food to be labeled as 'organic'?

To be labeled as ‘organic,’ pet food must comply with the USDA’s National Organic Program (NOP) standards. A product labeled "100% Organic" must contain 100% organic ingredients, while products labeled simply as “Organic” must contain at least 95% organic content. Products with less than 70% organic content may list specific organic ingredients but cannot use the USDA organic seal.

Which countries are the top exporters of pet food to the U.S.?

In 2023, the top exporters of pet food to the U.S. were Canada ($1.5 billion), China ($484 million), Mexico ($394 million), Japan ($208 million), and South Korea ($121 million). Importers sourcing from these countries should ensure compliance with FDA regulations and other U.S. import requirements.

The Complete Guide to Importing Pet Food to the U.S.

If you need to import pet food or other animal products to the U.S., this complete guide will walk you through regulations, which partner government agencies are involved, and more.

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It’s no secret that Americans love their pets and furry friends. Whether you need to import pet food personally or as part of your business, you’ll want to understand all the ins and outs involved.

Key Takeaways

Importers in the United States brought over $4 billion of animal feed into the country in 2023.
The top exporters of pet food to the U.S. are Canada, China, Mexico, South Korea, and Japan.
Animal feed is regulated by The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and all foreign suppliers must register with the FDA first.
To be labeled as “organic”, animal feed must meet certain percentages of organic composition.

The following guide will outline what you need to know about importing pet food to the U.S. and how to do it successfully.

Importing Animal Feed Into the United States: Facts and Figures

In 2023 alone, the United States imported over $4 billion worth of animal feed from other countries. I’ve listed the top five countries that exported this product to the U.S. in the table below.

An infographic titled “Top Five Exporters of Animal Feed to the US in 2023”. It is labeled “Rank” on the upper left, “Country of Origin” in the middle, and “Value of Imported Feed (USD)” across the bottom. The information is presented in the form of a bar graph and reads as follows:

Canada, $1.5 billion
China, $484 million
Mexico, $394 million
Japan, $208 million
South Korea, $121 million

Many types of animal feed are duty free, but others incur duty rates of up to 7.5% of the shipment’s total value. Goods imported from countries involved in the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) will usually be duty-free when exported to the U.S.

As a multi-billion dollar industry, importing pet food can be a lucrative way for importers in the U.S. to enhance their profits. To do so successfully, it’s important to first understand what regulations apply to importing animal feed and which agencies enforce those rules.

What are Requirements for Importing Pet Food to the U.S.?

U.S. Section 801 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) spells out the requirements for imports and exports of FDA regulated products, including pet foods.

Your products may be subject to examination at the port of entry. Here, mistakes and/or violations in labeling and product quality lead to fines, delays, and other punitive actions by CBP.

The use of food products is governed by the provisions of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act), and product regulations are issued under its authority.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is the primary regulatory body of pet food. Their duties and responsibilities include:

Inspections of pet food manufacturing and ingredient suppliers
Pet food investigations done in cooperation with the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO).
Developing laws, defining ingredients, and establishing nutritional requirements for animal feed
Approve or deny pet food additives or processing aids not defined by AAFCO as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) ingredients

Human and animal foods must be safe and wholesome, contain no deleterious, harmful, or unapproved substances, and be truthfully labeled. These requirements are found in Sections 402 and 403 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (the FD&C Act). Federal animal food labeling regulations are found under Title 21 Code of Federal Regulations Part 501 [21 CFR 501].

The Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act of 2002 (the Bioterrorism Act) directs the FDA to take steps to protect the public from a threatened or actual terrorist attack on the U.S. food supply (and other food-related emergencies).

To carry out these provisions of the Bioterrorism Act, the FDA established requirements, such as:

Food Facility Registration: While most foods don’t require the importer to have a particular license, facilities that export foods to the United States must register with the FDA before they can ship into the country.
Prior Notice of Imported Food: Importers need to notify the FDA that a shipment is entering the country prior to its arrival in port.

Some of the most important regulations that apply to foods of any kind are centered on clear labeling, so consumers know what’s going in their (and their pets’) bodies.

How Should Pet Food Be Labeled?

The federal regulations for labeling pet food, enforced by the FDA, establish standards applicable for all animal feeds. These include labeling requirements, such as

Proper identification of the product
Net quantity statement
Manufacturer’s name and address
Listing of ingredients

Some states also have their own labeling laws and regulations, usually based on regulations established by AAFCO. They’re more specific, covering details such as the position of the product name, the guaranteed analysis, the nutritional adequacy statement, feeding directions, and calorie statements.

Pet owners and veterinary professionals have a right to know what they’re feeding their pets and patients. Importers must follow the laws that are in place and be as descriptive as possible to ensure their pet food is not questioned by the authorities.

Related: How to Import Pet Supplies

How Should Organic Pet Food Be Labeled?

If a product is to be marketed as ‘organic’, it must fulfill a more specific set of regulations. You can access a full set of resources that make up the USDA organic standards online.

The term ‘organic’ is used widely today, but as officially defined by AAFCO, organic animal feed meets the production and handling requirements of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Organic Program (NOP).

According to the NOP website, these products are “produced through approved methods that integrate cultural, biological, and mechanical practices that foster cycling of resources, promote ecological balance and conserve biodiversity. Synthetic fertilizers, sewage sludge, irradiation, and genetic engineering may not be used.”

As for labeling multi-ingredient products, the following must hold true:

100% Organic: Must contain 100% organic content, excluding salt and water. May use the USDA 100% organic or regular organic seal.
Organic: Products sold, labeled, or represented as ‘made with’ organic products must have at least 95% certified organic content. You can’t use the USDA organic seal on these products.
Made With Organic _____: Products that have less than 70% organic content may identify specific ingredients as organic in the ingredients list. The USDA organic seal can not be used with these goods.

As far as handling goes, handlers need to prevent the commingling of organic with non-organic ingredients.

Costs to Import Pet Food

Aside for the price of the good itself, costs associated with importing pet food to the U.S. include typical import duties and shipping charges. These costs vary based on distance traveled and the USA’s trade relationship with the product’s country of origin.

Duty and tax must be paid upon importation into the U.S. for all goods valued at $800 USD and greater. The rate of duty is determined by the tariff of the commodity being imported, the value of the goods and their origin.

Usually, you won’t need a customs bond unless your shipment is worth $2,500 or more. However, food shipments will always require a bond regardless of value due to their highly-regulated status.
Related: How to Get a Customs Bond

Importing Pet Food With USA Customs Clearance

The potential for pet food to act as a vector for infections to people and animals alike makes it one of the most carefully regulated commodities on the market. To ensure that the import process goes smoothly, many businesses choose to partner with a professional customs broker.

Working with the experienced U.S. licensed brokers at USA Customs Clearance will help you avoid costly mistakes that may occur if you try to import goods alone. When you encounter challenges or have questions during importing, we’re ready to help you have a positive experience when importing pet food to the U.S.

Our full list of services includes:

If you’re hungry for success, give us a call at (855) 912-0406 or submit a contact form online today!