Showing posts with label FDA. Show all posts
Showing posts with label FDA. Show all posts

Wednesday, January 22, 2020

FREE Webinar Series on Intellectual Property Rights

Do you want to learn more about intellectual property rights (IPR)? Do you want to understand how IPR and U.S. Customs mix (and don't mix)? Do you want to understand how to properly protect your brand internationally and domestically and what type of enforcement action U.S. Customs can take against infringers? If so, this 3 part FREE seminar series is especially for you. Act now, and reserve your FREE seat while they last. Did we mention it's FREE??
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Date and Time:

Wednesday, January 29, 2020
12:00 PM EST to 1:00 PM EST
FREE Webinar!

Session Highlights:

Thursday, May 30, 2019

Did You Know That Sunglasses Are Regulated by The FDA As Medical Devices?


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Whether you import sunglasses into the United States or sell sunglasses in the U.S. commerce, you are required to comply with the laws and regulations of the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA regulates sunglasses products to ensure their safety and impact resistance. These products are regulated as medical devices as they are intended to mitigate or prevent the effect of the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays on the eyes of a person. The term “Medical Device” is defined in 21 CFR 201(h).

The following are FDA regulations that apply sunglasses. Failure to comply with them may result in CBP and FDA detaining your sunglasses at the U.S. port of entry.

Thursday, March 21, 2019

CBP, BIS, AND OTHER AGENCIES LAUNCH A NEW TASK FORCE TO COMBAT COUNTERFEIT GOODS

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published a press release announcing a new multi-agency task force, The Global Trade Task Force (GTTF), which is designed to protect national security and combat counterfeit goods. The multi-agency task force was launched recently in Detroit and DHS believes the task force could serve as a national model for related investigations.

Wednesday, January 16, 2019

CATCH UP ON DTL’S TOP BLOGS FROM 2018!


Picture Blogs


We want to make sure you stay up to date with the hottest trade topics from 2018. below is a summary of what you missed by category. Enjoy!



Friday, December 28, 2018

HELP US CELEBRATE 2018 SUCCESSES!

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DTL saved clients MILLIONS of dollars in 2018, below we share some of success stories with you. We look forward to assisting you in 2019! U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP)
  • Successfully assisted numerous importers in various seizure cases to assist in getting property returned, despite CBP claims merchandise was drug paraphernalia, counterfeit, etc.

Wednesday, December 5, 2018

Dietary Supplement Labeling Do’s and Don’ts


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You don’t want to miss this one! The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)’s top rationales for detention of dietary supplements include non-compliant labeling, products subject to an Import Alert, unauthorized claims, and more. Consistently, we encounter dietary supplements with outrageous claims turning the intended use of the products into “drugs” instead of Supplements. In this webinar we will explore the confusion surrounding suitable structure/function claims versus disease claims made on Dietary Supplements and the nuances involved behind the FDA’s approach of deciding what constitutes a valid claim. Participants will also what’s required on a dietary supplement label, best practices and how to handle FDA enforcement actions, and much more! Don’t delay, RSVP Today!

Thursday, May 31, 2018

FDA Issues New Guidance to Help Food Facilities Meet Registration Requirements

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On May 25, 2018, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a Small Entity Compliance Guide (SECG) to help food facilities meet their registration requirements under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act).

The FD&C Act requires food facilities engaged in manufacturing/processing, packing, or holding of food for human or animal consumption in the United States to register with the FDA. The Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) added new registration provisions to the FD&C Act. In 2016, FDA issued a final rule to reflect these changes, which include the following:
  • Facilities are required to provide FDA with assurance that they will be permitted to inspect their facility (in accordance with the FD&C Act).
  • Facilities are required to renew their registration every other year.
  • FDA now has the authority to suspend a facility’s registration.
Under the 2016 final rule, additional information is also required that supports FDA’s ability to respond quickly to food-related emergencies and that will also help the agency more efficiently use the resources it has for inspections.

The SECG explains which types of facilities are required to register, and when and how to do that. The guide also explains the consequences for facilities that fail to register or to renew their registration as required. In addition, the guide explains when FDA can suspend a facility’s registration and the effect of a suspension order. To further assist small facilities, the SECG includes an “At-a-Glance” that summarizes all of the key information in the document.

Diaz Trade Consulting provides both registration and U.S. Agent services to food facilities. To register or find more information about registration, owners and operators of facilities should visit www.FDA-USA.com. For More Information check out the Draft Guidance for Industry: Questions and Answers Regarding Food Facility Registration (7th Edition)-Revised.

Tuesday, February 6, 2018

FDA Takes New Steps in Oversight of Imported Foods


FDA-Inspection-Financial-RiskFDA announced that it has recognized the first accreditation body under the voluntary Accredited Third-Party Certification Program created by the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). The organization being recognized is ANSI-ASQ National Accreditation Board (ANAB), an organization jointly owned by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the American Society for Quality (ASQ) based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. This organization is being recognized because it met the applicable FDA requirements, validated through application review and on-site assessment.  FDA is recognizing ANAB for a five year term of recognition. (For more information on FDA’s standards for recognition, see: Key Facts about the Accredited Third-Party Certification Program)

Thursday, January 25, 2018

FDA Announces Enforcement Discretion Under FSMA


diceOn January 4, 2011, Congress enacted the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), aiming to protect the public by ensuring the U.S. food supply is safe through prevention and enforcement. The FSMA included seven foundational rules, which we summarized in our FSMA: Stay Compliant with DTL’s ‘PICTURE’! blog.

Tuesday, January 23, 2018

Food Importers – Want to Expedite Your Importations with FDA?

 earthOn January 2, 2018, FDA announced that it expects to begin accepting applications in early 2018 for its Voluntary Qualified Importer Program (VQIP), which we first advised you of back in 2015. VQIP is a voluntary, fee-based program for importers that will allow expedited review and importation of human and animal foods into the United States for approved applicants who achieve and maintain a high level of control over the safety and security of their supply chains. Below are the most important VQIP questions and answers from the FDA.

Friday, October 6, 2017

UPDATE: FDA Delays Compliance Dates for the New Nutrition Facts Label Rule

complianceIn an earlier article, we detailed some of the new changes that would be implemented with the new Nutrition Facts Label rule. That article also provided the compliance dates for the rule. On September 29,2017, however, the FDA proposed yet another deadline extension for

Tuesday, August 29, 2017

Don’t Miss FDA’s Upcoming Webinar on ITACS

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On September 5th, 7th, and 11th the U.S. Food & Drug Administration will hold three identical webinars, which will provide information on the evolution of FDA’s Import Trade Auxiliary Communications System or ITACS system “to ensure that trade users are familiar with and understand the new ITACS Account Management functionality.”
 

Monday, June 12, 2017

WHAT DO CONTACT LENSES, DENTAL FLOSS, AND PACEMAKERS HAVE IN COMMON?

One might naturally think of a product like a defibrillator as a medical device, but in our business, we find many companies unsure if its products are, in fact, medical devices.
The following is the first of a two part series which you may use as a helpful guide to get you through the medical device maze. First is a description of what medical devices are, and helpful hints so that you may identify if your product is regulated as a medical device. Second is a brief overview of FDA’s regulation of medical devices. The second part of the series will discuss the classes of medical devices, and the FDA registration process.
What is a Medical Device?

Thursday, May 25, 2017

FDA Launches New Webpage to Promote Use of Symbols in Labeling of Medical Device

Today the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) launched a new webpage to assist the public understand the Use of Symbols in Labeling Final Rule. The final rule was issued by the FDA in June 2016 and became effective three months later.
FDA intends the final rule to be an attempt to “harmonize the U.S. device labeling requirements for symbols with international regulatory requirements. As the medical device industry has requested the ability to use stand-alone symbols on domestic device labeling, consistent with their current use on devices manufactured for European and other foreign markets.” This is exciting news for our clients who are Medical Device Manufacturers or Importers – as of September 2016 all medical device labeling may use stand-alone symbols!
What does the Use of Symbols in Labeling Final Rule provide for?
  • Permits the use of symbols in all medical device labeling without adjacent explanatory text. This means "stand-alone symbols" may be used, but only if certain requirements are met.
  • Stipulates the use of symbols, accompanied by adjacent explanatory text is still permitted. This means companies are not required to relabel their products, even if they meet the requirements for the use of "stand-alone symbols".
  • Revises prescription device labeling regulations, now permitting to use the symbol statement “Rx only” or “℞ only” in the labeling for prescription devices.
  • The final rule does not apply to product graphics or pictograms, such as graphics showing the steps for using a device.
Ultimately a Device Manufacture has three options to choose from:
  1. Do not use symbols
  2. Use symbols with adjacent explanatory text, or
  3. Use stand-alone symbols
What are “stand-alone symbols”?
What is required to qualify for use of “stand-alone symbols”?
  • Under the final rule there are two possibilities to permit a medical device label to carry “stand-alone symbols” without adjacent explanatory text.
  1. As long as the standard symbol is recognized by FDA under its authority under section 514(c) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act) (21 U.S.C. 360d(c)) and the symbol is used according to the specifications for use of the symbol set forth in FDA's section 514(c) recognition, OR
  1. If the symbol is not included in a standard recognized by FDA under section 514(c) or the symbol is in a standard recognized by FDA but is not used according to the specifications for use of the symbol set out in the FDA section 514(c) recognition, the device manufacturer otherwise determines that the symbol is likely to be read and understood by the ordinary individual under customary conditions of purchase and use in compliance with section 502(c) of the FD&C Act (21 U.S.C. 352(c)) and uses the symbol according to the specifications for use of the symbol set forth in the SDO-developed standard.
  • In either case, the symbol must be explained in a symbols glossary that is included in the labeling for the medical device and the use of symbols must also comply with other applicable labeling requirements in the FD&C Act.
Who benefits from the Use of Symbols in Labeling Final Rule?
  • Device Manufacturers
  • Importers
  • International trade community
Manufacturers or Importers who have questions about implementing the Symbols final rule are encouraged to contact our office at info@diaztradelaw.com or 305-456-3830.

More information is available at:


Wednesday, May 24, 2017

Here's a Recap of Part II of our #WorldTradeMonth Seminar Series for Compliance Professionals on FDA FSMA and FSVP

Yesterday, we at DTL, had the pleasure of hosting Part II of our #WorldTradeMonth Seminar Series for Compliance Professionals. The second seminar focused on FDA FSMA (Food Safety Modernization Act) Compliance for Importers with expert speakers from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and industry. We had a packed house with an array of attendees such as importers of food, beverages, and medical devices, along with customs brokers, freight forwarders / NVOCCs, lawyers, consultants, and others. We received requests for a re-cap from those who attended and industry members who were not able to attend. You asked and we deliver. Here is our recap:


The morning kicked off with a networking breakfast where experienced and novice industry members were able to engage in meaningful dialogue about overlapping issues they experience in their respective workplaces in dealing with the topic of FSMA. We heard comments from small to large business on their current implementation strategies in place to ensure they meet FSMA requirements by FDA’s compliance dates.

The seminar promptly began at 9:00 am with introductory remarks by our own President, Jennifer Diaz. We had all attendees introduce themselves and include why this seminar was important to attend. We were glad to hear from majority of attendees that their reason for participating was to further their education on FSMA. One attendee commented, “Excited to hear from FDA about FSVP requirements and what the broker’s role is in the process.”

Next Representatives of Miami Free Zone explained their role in international business solutions as it provides users and visitors with convenient international business resources including turnkey FTZ solutions for distribution; a wholesale marketplace; an international business center environment; and premium showroom, office, and warehouse spaces. As well as providing FTZ users with flexible control over their domestic and foreign inventory, duty elimination and deferment, and high security standards for their businesses and valuable merchandise.

The first speaker was Elena O. Asturias, is a licensed U.S. Customs Broker, and Certified Customs Specialist providing customs brokerage services for imports. Elena provided top tips for custom brokers as she has been involved in logistics for over fifteen years, and has experience handling a broad range of commodities. Some helpful tips from here presentation include:
  • Make sure food facilities that must be registered with the FDA pursuant to the Bioterrorism act are registered to avoid delays upon entry into the U.S.
  • A major issue causing FDA to detain food products are product labeling violations
  • Ensure you use correct Affirmation of Compliance (AofC) Codes
    • When the entry is filed with FDA, use AofC codes to affirm the products meets specific import requirements.
    • Depending on the product type, many AofC’s are required, and must be submitted upon time of entry.
    • The AofC is a 3 letter indicator, then the qualifier which will vary in format. In some cases no qualifier is required.
  • FSVP – Unique facility identifier (UFI)
    • As of May 30th, you will need to add the UFI (Unique Facility Identifier) when you transmit the entry.
    • The AofC code being added is FSV, which will require the following:
      • DUNS number (as acceptable UFI)
      • Importer name & address
      • Email address
      • If the importer doesn’t have a DUNS number yet, you can transmit UNK “unknown” temporarily.
    • ENTRY DATA TRANSMISSION PROCESS:
Lundy Patrick followed Mrs. Asturias’ presentation and echoed the significance of being familiar with the importation process. Mr. Patrick is Lieutenant Commander serves as a U.S. Public Health Officer assigned to the Florida District Office of the FDA as an Imports Compliance Officer.  There were questions and answers during his presentation as the attendees had submitted questions prior to the seminar.  Here are highlights from the discussion:
  • Articles are expected to be in compliance AT THE TIME OF ENTRY. Therefore, you need to exercise due diligence to make sure the products you intend to import are in compliance PRIOR to the importation of the goods.
  • The following food imports require Prior Notice:
    • Food imported for use, storage, or distribution in the U.S. (including gifts and trade and quality assurance/quality control and market research samples)
    • Food transshipped through the U.S. to another country
    • Food imported for future export, or food for use in a Foreign Trade Zone, unless it is on the list of exemptions
  • If you fail to provide Prior Notice, the food shipment is subject to refusal and, if refused, must be held at the port of entry unless directed to another location. The importing or offering for import into the U.S. of an article of food in violation of Prior Notice requirements is a "Prohibited Act" under the laws FDA administers.
  • If a food product is assigned for examination/sampling, FDA will examine and will collect samples. Historically between 1-2% get examined/sampled.
  • Lieutenant Commander Patrick echoed the importance of product label compliance and stressed FDA does not pre-approve labels for food products.
  • He stated that the State of Florida, the third busiest district, has had over 8,000+ detention and 2200+ Refusals and provided the top reasons for food product detentions:
    • Labeling Issues:
      • Incorrect or missing statement of identity/name of the food
      • Failure to List potential allergens
      • Failure to declare ingredients
      • Failure to bear nutrition labeling or the nutrition label is in incorrect format.
    • Most common Import Alerts the FDA sees in Florida:
      • IA 16-81 - "Detention Without Physical Examination of Seafood Products Due to the Presence of Salmonella“
      • IA 99-05 - "Detention Without Physical Examination Of Raw Agricultural Products for Pesticides"
    • If Refused Goods are sold and Cannot be Redelivered for Export / Destruction, you may face:
      • Liquidated Damages and/or 19 USC 1592 Penalties
Thereafter, Giselle Jordan took the floor to discuss the hot topic of FSMA Compliance and Foreign Supplier Verification Program. Giselle is a Consumer Safety Officer at the Division of Import Operations of FDA. In August 2016, she joined the newly established Food Safety Verification Program Team. Here are highlights from her presentation:
  • Resources:
    • FDA/FSMA   ß SIGN UP (there is a subscription feature available)
  • FSMA Sec. 301 requires importers to have FSVPs and FDA to issue regulations.
    • The goal for FSMA is FOOD SAFETY
  • Key Principles of FSVP Rule
    • Establishes explicit responsibility for importers to ensure the safety of imported food
    • Risk-based (according to types of hazards, importers, and suppliers)
    • Alignment with PC supply-chain provisions
    • Flexibility in meeting requirements (assessing activities conducted by others)
  • Purpose of an FSVP
    • To provide adequate assurances that:
      • Foreign suppliers produce food using processes and procedures providing same level of public health protection as FSMA preventive controls or produce safety provisions
      • Food is not adulterated or misbranded (as it relates to allergen labeling)
    • Who Must Comply?
      • “Importer” is U.S. owner or consignee of a food at time of U.S. entry.
      • If no U.S. owner or consignee at entry, importer is U.S. agent or representative of the foreign owner or consignee, as confirmed in signed statement of consent to serve as the importer under FSVP (“FSVP Importer”).
      • Note that the responsibility for FSVP compliance lies with the FSVP Importer and the FSVP Importer can be different from the Importer of Record.
    • FSVP Exemptions
      • Firms subject to juice or seafood HACCP regulations
      • Food for research or evaluation
      • Food for personal consumption
      • Alcoholic beverages and alcoholic beverage ingredients (7%)
      • Food transshipped through U.S.
      • Food imported for processing and export
      • “U.S. foods returned”
      • Meat, poultry, and egg products subject to USDA regulation at time of importation
      • Low acid canned food facilities (microbiological hazards only)
    • Appropriate Verification Activities
      • Must document determination, performance, conduct, review and assessment of results
      • Verification activities include:
      • Onsite audits (qualified auditor), sampling and testing of the food, a review of foreign supplier relevant food safety records, other appropriate activities
    • To qualify as a “Very Small Importer”:
      • Must meet definition of a very small importer
      • Less than $1 million/yr. in human food sales
      • Less than $2.5 million/yr. in animal food sales
      • Annually documentation of eligibility
    • Compliance Dates
      • The final FSVP rule was published on November 27, 2015
      • First compliance date: May 30, 2017
      • Last compliance date: July 27, 2020
      • FSMA Food Guidance Regulation
Jennifer Diaz concluded the seminar with best practices for due diligence and best practices for responding to enforcement actions and FDA Notice of Action. Check out DTL’s TOP 10 TIPS for importing food products into the U.S.

For more information on how we can help you through the maze of importing and FSVP email us at info@diaztradelaw.com.

A special thanks to all our prize winner for participating during the seminar. We appreciate your involvement and interest! For pictures of the event LIKE us on Facebook.

Subscribe Today to keep up with the latest Customs and International Trade Law News.

Our next Live Broadcast webinar will be held on Wednesday, May 24, 2017 to discuss Intellectual Property Rights Violations and the U.S. Customs & Border Protections Enforcement. More information is available here.

DTL will also be at the NEI will be hosting the 3rd annual Global Trade Educational Conference held on August 7-8. NEI is bringing customs brokers, freight forwarders, NVOCCs, OTI, service providers, importers, exporters and all global logistics professionals an opportunity to update themselves on industry developments and connect with colleagues old and new. To RSVP - Read more. . .

*****This document is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice nor does use of this constitute the formation of an attorney-client relationship.******

Thursday, April 20, 2017

World Trade Month Seminar Series for Compliance Professionals

In celebration of World Trade Month, Diaz Trade Law is hosting a World Trade Month Seminar Series for Compliance Professionals featuring U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) speakers.
In the first seminar, attendees will learn the ABC’s of Antidumping & Countervailing Duties (AD/CVD) compliance and CBP Enforcement.
In the second seminar, FDA will focus on food importations and discuss the upcoming Foreign Supplier Verification Program (FSVP) requirement under the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA).

The TOP reasons you should attend? 
  1. For a limited time, registration is FREE!
  2. You have the ability to hear DIRECTLY from CBP and FDA.
  3. We want the seminars to be informative and all of your questions answered. In that vain, we are currently taking ANY questions you have related to the Centers of Excellence and Expertise (CEE) and Antidumping & Countervailing Duties (AD/CVD) for CBP, and food importation/FSMA related questions for the FDA. Please email your questions today to info@diaztradelaw.com!
Full details including registration information for BOTH seminars are below. 

May 10, 2017 ( 9 - 11 a.m.)
  • ABC’s of AD/CVD & CBP Enforcement
  • CLICK HERE for our draft agenda
    • Hear directly from CBP Import Specialists & an industry legal expert
    • TOP Tips when Importing to Ensure Compliance with AD/CVD
    • Valuable opportunity to speak direct with Supervisory Import Specialist with U.S. Customs and Border Protection and legal experts to address any concerns relating to CBP’s role in administering and enforcing imports subject to AD/CVD
    • *** CBP WOULD LIKE TO HEAR FROM ATTENDEES OF THE TRADE COMMUNITY ON WHAT ISSUES OR QUESTIONS THEY WOULD LIKE TO BE ADDRESSED DURING THE PRESENTATION. PLEASE SUBMIT QUESTIONS TO INFO@DIAZTRADELAW.COM ***
  • RSVP HERE
May 18, 2017 ( 9 - 1 2 p.m.)
  • FDA FSMA Compliance Seminar for Importers
  • CLICK HERE for our draft agenda
    • Hear directly from FDA & an industry legal expert
    • Overview of FDA requirements for importing food products
    • A discussion of best practices when working with your broker to expedite shipments (ACE, ITACS, PREDICT)
    • Overview of the FSMA, including an overview of the FSVP requirement (which has a compliance date of 5/30/17)
    • Best practices for due diligence and responding to enforcement actions and FDA Notices of Action
    • *** FDA WOULD LIKE TO HEAR FROM ATTENDEES OF THE TRADE COMMUNITY ON WHAT ISSUES OR QUESTIONS THEY WOULD LIKE TO BE ADDRESSED DURING THE PRESENTATION. PLEASE SUBMIT QUESTIONS TO INFO@DIAZTRADELAW.COM ***
  • RSVP HERE 
We look forward to seeing you at our World Trade Month events!

Thursday, April 13, 2017

Import Food Products? Deadline to Comply with FSVP is May 30, 2017!

What is the FSVP Rule?

The Foreign Supplier Verification Program (FSVP) was created on November 27, 2015, as “a significant provision of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA)”. The FSVP “shifts the burden of certifying the safety of food imports from [the] FDA to the importers themselves”. This means that importers must set up a program that verifies that both the foreign supplier of the food and the food itself will comply with United States (U.S.) laws.

Friday, January 27, 2017

Medical Device Registration Made Easy!

This article is a continuation of: "What Do Dental Floss, Bedpans, and Pacemakers Have in Common?", and discusses the three types of medical device classifications and how to register and list those devices with the FDA. 

 FDA’s classes of medical devices:

"The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has established classifications for approximately 1,700 different generic types of medical devices." The device classification is broken up into three regulatory classes (Class I-III), which is "based on the level of control necessary to assure the safety and effectiveness of the device". To determine the device classification, the FDA looks at "the intended use of the device and also the indications for use". According to the FDA's Guidance on Device Regulation, the intended use of a device "means the general purpose of the device or its function, and encompasses the indications for use". Indications for use is "a general description of the disease or condition the device will diagnose, treat, prevent, cure, or mitigate, including a description of the patient population for which the device is intended". (21 C.F.R. §814.20(b)(3)(i)). The class for which your medical device would belong to, determines the type of pre-market submission or application that is required for FDA clearance to sell the medical device in the United States.

Thursday, January 12, 2017

FSMA: Stay Compliant with DTL’s ‘PICTURE’!

Each year, according to the findings of a Center for Disease Control and Prevention study, 48 million people (1 in 6 Americans) get sick, 128,000 people are hospitalized, and 3,000 people die as the result of food-related diseases. Instead of reacting to this news on a yearly basis, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) decided to do something about it (although not fast enough, some would say) by enacting the Food Safety Modernization Act (“FSMA”). This law, which went into effect on January 4, 2011, aims to protect public health and ensure food safety by placing a greater emphasis on prevention, compliance, and enforcement.


We’ve summarized the seven foundational rules of FSMA for you below. The compliance elements which food facility owner/operators, growers, suppliers, importers, consignees, carriers, and/or accreditation/certification bodies should, at a minimum, incorporate into their 2017 actions plans are highlighted in red (information regarding compliance deadlines for different size-based categories of business can be viewed here). Diaz Trade Law has extensive advising clients on FDA matters and welcomes the opportunity to help your company get FSMA compliant.