Shipping Thailand-produced pet food to the US has become a major opportunity for Thai manufacturers, but strict FDA and AAFCO regulations must be followed. In this guide, we explain every step required to export pet food from Thailand to the United States—clearly and simply.
This guide explains everything you need to prepare, including US FDA requirements, AAFCO rules, labels, and import documents—plus tips for smooth shipping from Thailand to the USA.
1. Understand the Regulatory Authorities (FDA + AAFCO + USDA) US FDA (Food and Drug Administration)
The FDA regulates:
- pet food
- pet snacks
- pet treats
- liquid or powdered supplements for pets
All pet food entering the U.S. must comply with FDA regulations under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act).
AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials)
AAFCO sets nutritional standards and label format guidelines.
While not a law, most U.S. states require AAFCO-compatible labels.
USDA
Only applies to products containing meat from specific species.
Most commercial Thai pet treats use chicken, tuna, or fish—these usually fall under FDA.
2. Register Your Facility with FDA (Food Facility Registration)
If you manufacture pet food in Thailand, your facility must be registered with FDA.
- Register via FDA Food Facility Registration
- Must be renewed every even year (2026, 2028…)
- A U.S. Agent is required
Without registration, your shipment will be refused entry.
3. Prepare AAFCO-Compliant Labeling
Every pet food product must include:
- Product Name
- Species (Dog? Cat? Both?)
- Net Weight (US units: oz / lb)
- Guaranteed Analysis
(Protein %, Fat %, Fiber %, Moisture %) - Ingredient Statement (descending order)
- Nutritional Adequacy Statement
- Feeding Directions
- Manufacturer / Distributor Information
- Country of Origin (“Product of Thailand”)
Incorrect labels are the #1 reason shipments are detained.
4. Meet U.S. Import Requirements (FDA + Customs)
Documents Needed
✔ Commercial Invoice
✔ Packing List
✔ Bill of Lading / Airway Bill
✔ FDA Prior Notice
✔ FDA Facility Registration
✔ AAFCO-compliant label
✔ Certificate of Analysis (CoA) (recommended)
✔ Fumigation certificate (if required by carrier)
No Phyto certificate is needed for dry pet food or pet treats.
5. Understand Importer of Record (IOR)
To legally import pet food into the U.S., you need an IOR in the USA.
You can:
- Use your U.S. company as the IOR, or
- Use a service provider (like Terrestrial’s IOR for USA Pet Food Imports)
The IOR is responsible for:
- FDA compliance
- Customs clearance
- Duties & taxes
- Ensuring labels follow U.S. rules
6. Choose the Right Shipping Method (Sea Freight vs. Air Freight)
Sea Freight
- Best for bulk shipments
- Lower cost
- Transit time: 30–40 days (Thailand → USA)
Air Freight
- Best for small quantities or urgent shipments
- Higher cost
- Transit time: 3–7 days
For Amazon FBA, exporters often send by:
- LCL Sea Freight → LA → FBA warehouse
- Air Freight → Amazon AWD → FBA distribution
7. Common Mistakes Exporters Should Avoid
❌ Incorrect labeling (missing guaranteed analysis)
❌ No FDA registration
❌ Not submitting prior notice
❌ Wrong HS/HTS code
❌ Packaging not strong enough for long transit
❌ Using the wrong IOR (no knowledge of FDA rules)
Avoiding these mistakes saves time, money, and reduces the risk of shipment delays.
8. Summary Checklist
Before shipping pet food from Thailand to the U.S., ensure you have:
- FDA Facility Registration
- U.S. Agent
- AAFCO-compliant label
- Guaranteed Analysis (lab test)
- FDA Prior Notice
- Correct HTS Code (e.g., 2309.10.00)
- Importer of Record (IOR)
- Proper packaging
- Commercial documents ready (CI, PL, B/L)
Conclusion
Shipping Thailand-produced pet food to the United States is completely achievable—as long as you comply with FDA and AAFCO requirements. Once you understand the regulations, you can scale your products into Amazon, retail stores, wholesalers, and distributors across America.
If you need help with:
- FDA compliance
- Label review
- IOR service for pet food imports
- Shipping from Thailand to the USA
A professional logistics partner can make the process faster and safer.
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