Welcome to our blog post with detailed information about US-Canada Customs Processes, FDA Records and hazmat logistics. We wish you pleasant reading.
1. FDA Registration Process and Amazon Sales
Companies wishing to send food, food supplements, cosmetics or medical products to the United States must first complete FDA (Food and Drug Administration) registration procedures. These registrations are mandatory to ensure the safety of products, ingredient compatibility and accuracy of labeling information. FDA compliance is critical for selling on platforms such as Amazon and Walmart.
The registration process usually includes the following items:
- Food Facility Registration (FDA Food Facility Registration)
- Cosmetic Establishment Registration (FDA Cosmetic Facility Registration)
- US Agent Representation
- Product content and label compliance review (Label & Ingredient Review)
- FDA Product Registration
We recommend that you review FDA Registration Certification and FDA Process for Selling Food and Cosmetics to the US.
2. Hazmat (Hazardous Product) Logistics
Some products such as perfumes, aerosol sprays, essential oils and similar products are considered as hazardous materials (Hazmat) in air transportation. In the logistics of these products, most cargo companies may have problems with hazmat logistics. However, our partner logistics company:
- Hazmat certified transportation
- Prepares customs declarations completely
- Completes last mile delivery within the US
- Ensures the transportation of products in accordance with Amazon FBA
3. Food and Cosmetics Exports to Canada
Authorities such as Health Canada, not the FDA, are in charge of exports to Canada. However, the process is structurally similar. Our partner in Canada offers support in the following areas:
- Canada Customs Representation
- Food/Cosmetic Product Label Review
- Product Compliance Consulting for Canada
- Product transportation and FBA support for Amazon.ca
Food and Cosmetics Exports to Canada: A Compliance and Customs Guide for Turkish Exporters may be of interest to you.
4. US and Canada Customs Processes (Bond, Agent, DDP)
For shipments to the USA and Canada, the customs clearance process must be carefully planned. Having your company established there allows you to pay customs costs directly.
If you do not have a company, you need to send the goods as DDP (Delivery Duty Paid). With this method, all customs duties and taxes are borne by the sender. Especially for Amazon sellers:
- In the US, customs duties are usually exempt under 800 USD, but this exemption has changed after 2025.
- In Canada, taxes are mostly charged according to the value of the shipment and the type of product.
- If necessary, a 'bond' can be obtained and exported continuously.
5. Current Information: US Tax on Shipments Under $800
As of August 29, 2025, items under $800 shipped to the US via express shipping (FedEx, UPS, DHL) are now subject to a 15% duty.
Example: A $500 shipment will incur a duty of 500 x 0.15 = $75. If you have a company in the US, you can pay this tax directly. Otherwise, for DDP shipments, a DDP fee of 25-30€ per shipment is paid to the carrier. This reduces profitability for small shipments.
Contact now for company formation in America.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is it FDA certified?
No, the FDA does not approve products, it only manages the registration and declaration processes.
- Does Amazon require FDA registration?
In categories such as food, food supplements and cosmetics, yes, it is necessary.
- Can Hazmat products be shipped to Amazon?
Yes, correct packaging and declaration is possible in hazmat logistics.
- Does the FDA apply in Canada?
No, Health Canada is the competent authority.
- Do customs duties apply to every product?
No, it depends on product type, value and shipping method.
- Under 800 USD tax-free?
In the past yes, but as of August 2025 a 15% tax will apply.
