Local agent requirement affecting food and drink exports from the UK to the United States
Trade barrier summary
This affects exporters of food and drink, including agricultural, horticulture, fisheries, and pet products to the United States. Companies exporting these products are required to have a US-based agent, including a US-based address for all company mail and account information to be sent to. If they do not have a US agent, they can't receive a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 'approved number', which means that they can't export to the US.
This increases the cost of exporting for UK businesses, particularly Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) as they are required to hire a third-party and/or customs broker to act on their behalf.
Sectors affected
- Food and drink
- Agriculture, horticulture, fisheries and pets
Resolved
No
Date reported
9 October 2019
Last updated
18 December 2020
Public ID
PID-GA36O9
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