Importer guidance draft released

Importer guidance draft released The federal government on Monday published draft guidance to help importers better ensure their products are safe and comply with U.S. regulations.
   The guidelines help implement the Interagency Working Group on Import Safety’s Action Plan for Import Safety: A Roadmap for Continued Improvement, issued in November.
   The “Good Importer Practices” draft consists of four guiding principles:
   ' Establishing a product safety management program.
   ' Knowing the product and applicable U.S. requirements.
   ' Verifying product and company compliance with U.S. requirements throughout the supply chain and product life cycle.
   ' Taking corrective and preventive action when the imported product is not in compliance with U.S. laws.
   The draft guidance urges importers to know the overseas producer of the products they buy and any related entities with which they do business, such as consolidators, trading companies and distributors. The guidance also advises importers to understand the hazards that may arise during the product life cycle and how to control and monitor them.
   The Good Importer Practices draft was issued by the departments of Health and Human Services, Agriculture, Commerce, Homeland Security, and Transportation, in addition to the Consumer Products Safety Commission, Environmental Protection Agency and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative.
   The Good Importer Practices draft is available here. The Health and Human Services Department’s Food and Drug Administration said it would accept public comments on the draft through April 12.