On October 31, 2023, according to the U.S. Federal Gazette, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued No. 2023-24086, proposing to increase the number of international mail shipments arriving in Hong Kong.Imported foodRequirements for submitting mail tracking numbers. The main elements of this proposed rule include:

1. Requirements for mail service name and mail tracking number:
Submitters are required to provide the name of the mail service and the mail tracking number, which will help FDA to effectively identify and inspect the food when it arrives in the United States.

2. Setting of submission deadline:
The rule requires submitters to submit a prior notification within 10 calendar days and food facility registration information within 30 calendar days after a notice of denial or hold is issued.

3. Technical modifications:
These changes may involve updating existing regulations to reflect FDA's technological and procedural improvements.

The purpose of this proposed rule is to more effectively prevent food that may pose a bioterrorism risk from entering the U.S. market. By requiring the mail service name and tracking number, the FDA will be able to work more closely with the U.S. Postal Service (USPS), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and other agencies to track and inspect potentially risky items. This will also help the FDA better plan its inspection efforts and effectively prevent risky items from being delivered to U.S. recipients.

Original announcement：fda-proposes-amendments-its-regulation-prior-notice-imported-human-and-animal-food