Phase III of the Bioterrorism Act went into effect June 4th, requiring shippers of food imported into the U.S. for human or animal consumption to provide prior notice for all shipments.
Under the Bioterrorism Act, food products shipped by truck require prior notification two hours before reaching the U.S. border. Rail and air shipments require prior notification four hours ahead of import, and ocean shipments are required to provide information eight hours before arrival.
Under Phase III of the implementation of the Bioterrorism Act, Customs will hold goods where prior notification was not given. The carrier will have the opportunity to voluntarily export the items if compliance with the Bioterrorism Act cannot be accomplished in a timely manner, said the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency.
