FDA Requirements for Salt Export to the USA: A Complete Guide for Importers & Exporters
FDA Requirements for Salt Export to the USA: A Complete Guide for Importers & Exporters Key takeaways FDA facility registration is mandatory for all foreign salt manufacturers before exporting to the USA Prior Notice must be submitted 2-8 hours before shipment arrival depending on transportation mode Food-grade certification requires meeting 21 CFR standards and CGMP regulations Proper labeling must include product name, origin, net quantity, and manufacturer details Complete documentation includes commercial invoice, Bill of Lading, and Certificate of Analysis Pakistan exported 1,121+ shipments of Himalayan salt to USA between Nov 2023-Oct 2024 USA salt market consumed 41 million tons worth $2.6 billion in 2023 Working with experienced exporters like Sobaan Salts ensures compliance and smooth customs clearance The United States is one of the world’s largest salt importers, with Pakistan emerging as a key supplier of premium Himalayan pink salt. For B2B exporters and importers, understanding FDA compliance is critical for smooth salt export to USA operations and avoiding costly customs delays. This guide outlines every essential FDA requirement for exporting food-grade salt, helping international importers and B2B buyers navigate the complex regulatory landscape with confidence. Understanding the USA Salt Import Market The USA salt market is large and diverse. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, domestic salt consumption reached 41 million tons in 2023, valued at around $2.6 billion [1]. While the United States produces significant quantities domestically, it still depends heavily on imports to meet demand across various sectors. Did You Know? Pakistan exported over 1,121 shipments of Himalayan salt to the United States between November 2023 and October 2024, marking a 24% growth compared to the previous year [2]. The United States now accounts for 31% of Pakistan’s total salt exports. Import data shows that Chile, Canada, Mexico, and Egypt have traditionally dominated USA salt imports. However, Pakistan’s Himalayan pink salt has grown remarkably in the American market. The pink salt demand in the USA has increased due to consumer preferences for natural, mineral-rich alternatives to regular table salt. For Pakistani exporters, this creates a significant opportunity. The Pakistan to USA salt export corridor has become increasingly important, with competitive pink salt prices in international markets despite premium positioning. Read More: How To Import Himalayan Salt From Pakistan Core FDA Requirements for Salt Importers 1. Food Facility Registration (FFR) The FDA requires all foreign food facilities that make, process, pack, or store food for U.S. consumption to register with the agency before exporting [3]. This rule applies to salt manufacturers and processors in Pakistan, including operations at facilities near the Khewra Salt Mine. Key registration requirements include: Facilities must register online through the FDA’s Food Facility Registration Module (FFRM) Registration must be renewed every even-numbered year between October 1 and December 31 A unique Food Facility Registration Number will be assigned upon successful registration Registration information must be updated within 60 days if any mandatory details change Foreign salt exporters must name a U.S. Agent who serves as the domestic communication representative. This agent must physically live in the United States and have a place of business within the country. The U.S. Agent handles all communication between the FDA and the foreign facility. The Sobaan Salt Company ensures full FDA facility registration for all manufacturing locations, providing clients with verified registration numbers that speed up the import process and build trust with U.S. buyers. 2. Prior Notice of Imported Food Prior Notice is the most critical real-time requirement for salt export to USA operations. The Bioterrorism Act of 2002 requires that FDA receives advance electronic notification before food shipments arrive at U.S. ports [4]. Prior Notice submission timeline by transportation mode: Transportation Mode Minimum Advance Notice Road Transport 2 hours before arrival Rail Transport 4 hours before arrival Air Transport 4 hours before arrival Water/Sea Transport 8 hours before arrival Prior Notice can be submitted through two systems: FDA’s Prior Notice System Interface (PNSI) or U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Automated Broker Interface (ABI). PNSI submissions can be made up to 15 calendar days before arrival. ABI submissions can be made up to 30 calendar days in advance. Required information in Prior Notice includes: Identity and contact information of the submitter FDA Product Code for salt (typically 25010020 for rock salt/Himalayan salt) Complete manufacturer details including facility registration number Shipper, importer, and consignee information Estimated quantity from largest container to smallest package Country of origin and any countries where entry was previously refused Once submitted, FDA reviews the Prior Notice and issues a Prior Notice Confirmation (PNC) Number. This confirmation must come with the shipment and be shown to Customs and Border Protection upon arrival. Not submitting proper Prior Notice can result in shipment refusal at the port of entry [5]. 3. Food Grade Certification and Compliance For salt products meant for human consumption, FDA compliance means meeting specific food safety and quality standards outlined in Title 21 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). Salt is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) when used according to good manufacturing practices. However, colored salts like Himalayan pink salt must meet additional requirements. The FDA’s guidance on colored sea salt says that any substances added to give color must be approved food-grade color additives [6]. Read More: Bulk Himalayan Salt Procurement: Navigating the Pakistani Market Food-grade salt USA requirements include: Products must be produced under sanitary conditions that prevent adulteration Manufacturing processes must follow Current Good Manufacturing Practice (CGMP) regulations Salt must be free from contamination and harmful adulterants Quality control testing should verify mineral composition and purity Products should meet microbiological safety standards Did You Know? Himalayan pink salt gets its distinctive color from trace minerals like iron oxide. The FDA requires that these naturally occurring colorants do not make the salt unsafe or misbranded. According to mineral analysis, authentic Khewra salt typically contains 95-97% sodium chloride with 3-5% trace minerals [7]. 4. Labeling Requirements Proper labeling is essential for FDA compliance. All salt products entering the USA must have labels that provide accurate, complete, and truthful
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