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Sri Lanka exports a wide range of products, with food and agricultural items playing a crucial role in its international trade. The United States of America (USA) is a key destination for Sri Lankan goods, accounting for a significant portion of the country’s export revenue. According to Trading Economics, Sri Lanka's exports to the USA were valued at approximately US$2.79 billion¹ during 2023, with spices, Ceylon tea, seafood, and processed food items being among the most in-demand products.
As of March 1, 2025, 321 Sri Lankan food facilities had registered with the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA)², reflecting the increasing demand and compliance efforts by Sri Lankan exporters. Securing FDA certification is essential for Sri Lankan businesses aiming to export food to the USA. This certification ensures that products meet stringent safety and quality standards, facilitating smooth entry into the market and building consumer trust.
The FDA is responsible for protecting the public health by assuring the safety, efficacy, and security of human and veterinary drugs, biological products, medical devices, the nation's food supply, cosmetics, and products that emit radiation. Its key responsibilities include:
Under the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), all foreign food facilities must be registered with the FDA before exporting to the United States. FDA registration is a legal requirement, and failure to comply may result in shipment detentions, product recalls, or permanent bans from the USA.
Getting a FDA certification is critical for Sri Lankan food exporters looking to ship products into the USA market. The key benefits include:
Strict FDA regulations guarantee that food products are free from harmful contaminants, properly handled, and stored under optimal conditions. This ensures that consumers receive only high-quality and safe food items.
Meeting FDA requirements is a legal necessity. Non-compliance can lead to shipment detentions, financial losses, legal penalties, and reputational damage. Ensuring compliance minimizes risks and facilitates smooth customs clearance.
FDA certification boosts consumer trust by assuring that Sri Lankan food products meet the highest safety standards. This credibility attracts more buyers, strengthens relationships with importers, and increases market penetration in the USA.
Without FDA approval, shipments may be held at the port of entry until compliance is verified, resulting in costly delays and potential product spoilage.
The following Sri Lankan businesses must obtain FDA certification to export food products to the USA:
The following food categories require facility registration with the FDA:
Exporters must verify whether their specific food products require FDA registration to avoid regulatory setbacks and shipping issues.
This process is free of charge, and there is no need to engage third-party services for registration.
Step-by-step guide to FDA registration:
Once the application is submitted, you will be issued a registration number. However, the registration does not imply automatic approval. The FDA may conduct verification procedures, including:
Upon approval, you will receive a unique FDA certification number. To maintain your FDA-approved status for exporting food to the USA, businesses must complete bi-annual renewals and adhere to evolving regulatory requirements.
In addition to registration, all food imports to the USA require FDA prior notice. This notice must be submitted by the importer through U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) or the Prior Notice System Interface (PNSI). This advance notice enables the FDA to effectively target import inspections, safeguarding the food supply chain against potential bio threats and public health emergencies.
Navigating FDA Sri Lanka regulations and managing international food logistics can be challenging. This is where DHL Express steps in. We understand the complexities of shipping food products to the United States and offer expert assistance to streamline your shipping process. Our international shipping services include specialized solutions like cold chain logistics, ensuring your perishable goods arrive in optimal condition.
With DHL Express as your overseas courier services partner, you can focus on growing your business while we handle the intricate details of shipping. Expanding into the USA becomes a more straightforward endeavor, allowing your Sri Lankan food products to reach a wider audience. For hassle-free international food logistics, open a DHL Express business account today and start shipping with confidence.