The documents that clear US customs
Animal-origin pet products need more than a good price to enter the United States. Here is exactly which document is needed and who prepares it.
Every step, owned
| Document / step | What it is | Owner |
|---|---|---|
| FDA facility registration | US facility registration for food/feed, renewed on schedule | We handle |
| US Agent | Required US-based agent for the FDA registration | We handle |
| USDA APHIS import permit | Veterinary import permit for animal-origin products | We handle |
| Prior Notice | Filed to FDA before each shipment | We handle |
| Label review | US labeling checked before production | We + you |
| Customs bond & entry | Import bond and customs clearance at US entry | We handle |
What documents are needed to import dog chews into the US?
Animal-origin dog chews typically need an FDA food/feed facility registration (with a US Agent), a USDA APHIS veterinary import permit, Prior Notice filed before each shipment, and a compliant US label. A customs bond is required to clear entry.
Do I need a USDA APHIS permit for natural chews?
For most animal-origin chews, yes. The permit depends on the species, country of origin and how the product is processed, so it is assessed per product; another company’s permit is not a precedent for yours.
Who is the importer of record?
It can be you or a US partner. If you do not have a US importer of record and customs bond, tell us and we will set out the options.
How long does compliance take?
With complete information, the FDA facility side is usually handled within a couple of weeks; permit timing depends on the agency’s review and cannot be shortened by us, only by sending a complete application.
The US-facing pet line of Export Partners LLC. Wholesale and private-label functional chews, natural dog chews and freeze-dried treats, sourced in Turkiye with FDA and USDA compliance handled on the supplier side.