Three food trade associations have added their voice to those who oppose the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) proposed re-inspection fees on imports.
In January, the FDA announced plans to introduce fees on food importers for “re-examining” imported foods, causing concern among importers and related industries.
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The American Council of Independent Laboratories, Association of Food Industries and Cheese Importers Association of America have filed a petition urging the FDA to abandon the fees, claiming it is illegal and could financially cripple small businesses.
Benjamin England at FDAImports, a consultancy on importing goods that fall under the remit of the FDA, has campaigned against the fees since they were announced and claims they could be up to US$224 an hour.
He said: “During a time of worldwide recession, US food importers, most of them small businesses, will soon find themselves unexpectedly impacted by additional costs caused by the FDA’s new fees.”
The FDA has yet to introduce the fees and the agency is still “evaluating comments” about the fees.
“Recognising the particular complexities involved in these issues, FDA is not in a position to assess import re-inspection fees until the agency has resolved these issues and the agency notifies the public”, it added.
It will now accept feedback on the proposed fees until 30 November.
