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Project-based service

Pet Food Importer of Record (IOR) Service

Exporters without a U.S. entity can appoint a U.S.-based Importer of Record (IOR) to clear customs. We review entry elements, file the customs entry, and coordinate FDA release so pet food enters U.S. commerce compliantly.

RegulatorU.S. CBP + FDA
Applies toExporters without a U.S. entity
FilingDays once documents are complete
PrerequisiteFDA registration / FSVP / Bond
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What this service is

The Importer of Record (IOR) is the party legally responsible for the import entry under U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) rules: classification, valuation, payment of duties and taxes, and ensuring the goods meet the requirements of agencies including FDA.

Pet food imports add FDA-side requirements: facility registration, prior notice, and FSVP arrangements must be in place before filing. The IOR service completes the customs-side entry and release on top of those prerequisites.

19 U.S.C. §148419 CFR Part 14121 CFR Part 1 Subpart I

Who needs it

Pet food exporters without a U.S. entity that need a U.S. party to clear customs
Companies selling on DDP terms that must arrange importation themselves
Sellers who need an IOR in place for marketplace fulfillment centers

Prerequisites and sequence

FDA Pet Food Facility Registration→FSVP Importer Agent→Customs Bond→Pet Food IOR
  • The exporter and facility have completed FDA facility registration and can support prior notice filing.
  • The FSVP importer role is filled (your own U.S. party or an appointed FSVP importer agent).
  • Products with animal-origin ingredients hold an APHIS import permit where applicable.
  • A customs bond is arranged.

Who holds regulatory responsibility

The IOR carries legal responsibility for classification, valuation, and duties. We file as IOR within the scope of the appointment; you must provide truthful and accurate goods, value, and ingredient information.

Materials we need from you

Commercial invoice and packing list
Product composition and classification information (HTS code suggestion)
FDA facility registration and prior notice details
Consignee information and transport documents

Process

  1. 01

    Assess completeness of the shipment's compliance documents

  2. 02

    Sign the IOR appointment agreement

  3. 03

    Review entry elements (classification, valuation, country of origin)

  4. 04

    File the customs entry and coordinate FDA release

  5. 05

    Archive entry records and report the release outcome

Deliverables

IOR appointment agreement
Customs entry records (entry summary)
Release and delivery coordination records

Timeline

A single shipment is typically filed within a few business days once documents are complete; ongoing cooperation runs under an annual appointment agreement.

Scope

What we provide

  • Entry element review
  • Customs entry filing
  • FDA/CBP release coordination
  • Entry record archiving

What is not included

  • Duties and taxes themselves (billed at cost)
  • Customs bond fees (see the Bond service)
  • FSVP verification and naming obligations
  • International freight and warehousing

Common pitfalls

Assuming an IOR replaces FDA-side complianceThe IOR solves the customs filing party question; facility registration, FSVP arrangements, and label compliance remain prerequisites of the goods themselves. Shipping before those are in place strands cargo at the port.
Estimating entry elements instead of declaring factsThe IOR carries legal responsibility for classification, valuation, and duties. Inaccurate values, ingredients, or classification from the exporter lead to duty assessments and holds — invoices and packing lists must reflect the actual transaction.
Assuming e-commerce parcels need no IORGoods entering U.S. commerce as commercial imports need an IOR. In marketplace fulfillment models, ignoring this leaves shipments with no one to file the entry — arrange the IOR together with the logistics plan.

Pricing

Pricing depends on your product, quantity, and target market. Submit your product details and we will come back with a defined scope and quote.

Request a quote

FAQ

Do I still need FDA registration if I appoint an IOR?

Yes. The IOR solves the customs filing party question; the facility's FDA registration, FSVP arrangements, and label compliance remain prerequisites of the goods themselves.

Must the IOR and the FSVP importer be the same party?

Not required. The two roles sit under customs and FDA rules respectively and can be held by different parties; aligning them is usually recommended for smoother coordination.

Do e-commerce parcels need an IOR?

Goods entering U.S. commerce as commercial imports need an IOR. The exact setup depends on your marketplace fulfillment and logistics plan and can be fixed after an assessment.

Related services

Customs BondCommercial imports into the U.S. generally require a customs bond before an entry can be filed. We help you choose between single transaction and continuous bonds, connect you with licensed sureties, and complete CBP filing.APHIS VS PermitPet food containing animal-origin ingredients may also need a USDA APHIS Veterinary Services import permit (VS Permit) before entering the U.S. We assess applicability, prepare the application, and follow it through issuance — organized per product, starting from 5 products.FSVP Importer AgentWhen no U.S. owner or consignee exists at entry, a designated U.S. agent must serve as the FSVP importer. Under appointment, we appear as FSVP importer in entry filings, maintain the verification file, and interface with FDA inspections.

Disclaimer

This service is governed by the appointment agreement; IOR liability follows CBP rules. This page is general information, not legal or tax advice.