The tragic events of September 11th, 2001, have
changed the importing and exporting communities. The following press
releases and notices have been issued as a result.FDA:
Registration of Food Facilities and Prior Notice Regulations.
Please see the links provided below for the Federal Register
Notices dated October 10, 2003; and links from the FDA website
outlining the responsibilities of food importers and foreign
manufacturers to register and submit prior notice to FDA.
http://www.fda.gov/OHRMS/DOCKETS/98fr/03-25850.pdf
Federal Register Notice Dated October 10, 2003 (Volume 68,
Number 197) [Page 59078]
Risk Assessment for Food Terrorism and Other Food Safety.
http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/14mar20010800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2003/03-25877.htm
Federal Register Notice Dated October 10, 2003 (Volume 68, Number
197) [Page 58975-59077]
Prior Notice of Imported Food Under the Public Health Security and
Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act of 2002
http://frwebgate4.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/waisgate.cgi?WAISdocID=78333226709+4+0+0&WAISaction=retrieve
Federal Register Notice Dated October 10, 2003 (Volume 68,
Number 197) [Page 59078]
Risk Assessment for Food Terrorism and Other Food Safety
http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/fsbtac12.html
Fact Sheet on FDA'S New Food Bioterrorism Regulation:
Interim Final Rule - Registration of Food Facilities
http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/fsbtac13.html
Fact Sheet on FDA'S New Food Bioterrorism Regulation:
Interim Final Rule - Prior Notice of Imported Food Shipments
http://www.fda.gov/oc/bioterrorism/furls/
HHS ISSUES NEW RULES TO ENHANCE SECURITY OF THE U.S. FOOD SUPPLY
News Release
Thursday, Oct. 9, 2003
Contact: FDA Press Office
(301) 827-6242
http://www.fda.gov/oc/bioterrorism/furls/
FDA Bioterrorism Act Website
The U.S. Customs office located in 6 World Trade Center, New York
was destroyed. Luckily, all 750 Customs employees survived the
attack of September 11th. In December, 2001, U.S. Customs announced
the launching of
"Operation Shield America". This initiative seeks to prevent
terrorist organizations from acquiring sensitive U.S. technology,
weapons, and equipment. The U.S. Customs Service began to accept
applications from all importers seeking participation in the
Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) initiative
on April 17, 2002. Details about open enrollment and application
procedures are available on their web site.
The Federal Aviation Administration has issued
Security Tips for passenger travel post September 11th. A good
source for finding out if any major U.S. airports are either
experiencing delays or are affected by a traffic management
initiative could be found at
The National Airport Status Summary, which is provided by the
FAA's Air Traffic Control System Command Center. Their site will
list any airports affected by weather of security issues. Also, the
FAA has also reissued guidelines regarding 'Known' and 'Unknown
Shippers'.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has announced
the imposition of a security service fee in the amount of $2.50 per
boarding on passengers of domestic and foreign air carriers in air
transportation, foreign air transportation, and intrastate air
transportation originating at airports in the United States.
Passengers will not be charged for more than two boardings per
one-way trip or four boardings per round trip. The security service
fee will apply to passengers using frequent flyer awards for air
transportation, but may not be imposed on other non-revenue
passengers.
The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) is asking that
additional safety precautions be taken regarding the transportation
system. Security measures should be reviewed and strengthened as
appropriate. The Department is requesting shippers and transporters
of high-hazard materials to consider altering routes to avoid
populated areas whenever practicable.
The United States and Canadian
governments signed a Smart Border Declaration in December. The
purpose is to collaborate in identifying and addressing security
risks while efficiently and effectively expediting the legitimate
flow of people and goods back and forth across our joint borders.
With increased security, border clearances are sometimes more
delayed than normal. The Canadian Customs and Revenue Agency
maintains a current listing of
border wait times.
U.S. Customs and
Border Protection also provides the same service.
On the ocean front, non-vessel operating common carriers (NVOCCs)
report higher freight rates, increased wait times stemming from
higher port security and public unease in the wake of the September
11 terrorist attacks. Shortly after September 11, high war-risk
insurance surcharges were added by most carriers facing insurance
hikes.
Air, ocean, truck, and rail are not the only means used by importers
and exporters. Small shipments also arrive via the U.S. Postal
Service or other independent carriers. Any shipment arriving in the
country is subject to clearance by the U.S. Customs Service and must
satisfy the requirements as set forth by other government agencies
(Food & Drug, Department of Agriculture, etc). The U.S. Postal
Service has released a
FAQ sheet addressing the security of mail in its possession.
The Food & Drug Administration has proposed antiterrorist food
safety guidelines. New voluntary guidelines to protect the nation's
food supply against intentional contamination by terrorists or
others were published in January, 2002, by the Food and Drug
Administration.
