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Importing Honey to USA: Meet USDA Label Requirements

Importing Honey to USA
Importing honey into the USA is highly regulated and there is a lot to know to get a shipment delivered. Are the right labels affixed? Where does the honey originate? Here’s all you need to know.
June 1, 2020
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Last Modified: January 24, 2024

Did you know the U.S. produces almost 200 million pounds of honey annually? And altogether, Americans eat almost 600 million pounds of honey a year! That means more than 400 million pounds of honey need to be imported annually to satisfy the American population’s demand for this delectable treat. Honey is big business in the world of importing, but if you’re too much of a busy bee to manage importing honey into the USA yourself, then a customs broker can help get your shipment through customs for you!

Importing honey to the U.S. requires adhering to FDA and USDA regulations, which include strict labeling requirements. However, if your honey import is coming from China, it won’t be allowed to pass through customs no matter what. 

Since honey imports are regulated by the FDA and USDA, it’s wise to work with a customs broker to manage these sensitive shipments. USA Customs Clearance, powered by AFC International can manage all aspects of your honey import. From providing you with a customs bond to answering all of your questions through our customs consulting services, we’ll be with you through every step. 

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Regulations for Importing Honey to USA

Regulations for Importing Honey to USA

Before you can get in on this $333.5 million-dollar industry, you’re going to need to understand the laws and regulations for importing honey into the USA in the first place. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is the federal government agency in charge of regulating imports of food products into the United States, including honey. 

There are several things that you will need to do before you can import honey. The first thing is food facility registration. Any facility that is involved with the harvest, creation, storage, packing, or transportation of imported food products must be registered with the FDA before you send your shipment to the border. If your supplier isn’t already registered, you will need to make sure they register all their facilities with the FDA.

Once that is done, you’ll also need to make sure your supplier has implemented a Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) plan, which is a plan for identifying, monitoring, and preventing hazards within the facility to ensure food safety. 

Finally, you will need to alert Customs and Border Protection (CBP) when your shipment of food will be reaching the border, so they can prepare to receive it accordingly. This prior notice requirement is important for making sure your import is inspected and handled quickly, so it doesn’t spoil. 

Looking to import bees or beeswax? You’ll have some additional requirements you’ll need to meet. Check out our article Importing Bees and Beeswax to the U.S. for more information.

Packed Honey Labeling Requirements

When packaging your honey for importing, it’s important to be aware of the regulations involved with labeling those packages. 

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) requires the following on its honey labels to pass import inspection:

  • A grade, sampling or continuous inspection mark
  • The country of origin
  • Words that are legible and in English
  • The words “Product of,” followed by the country where the honey came from

The FDA also requires the following on all food labels:

  • The common name of the product (“Honey” in this case)
  • The net weight of the package
  • The ingredients (Which should be only honey, since it doesn’t require any preservatives or additives)
  • The country of origin
  • The contact information of the shipper, manufacturer, farmer, packager, or distributor

Sometimes, producers will dilute their honey with water or corn syrup, then try to sell it like it’s pure honey. They can stretch their honey supply and make more money, but this is illegal. Failing to report all of the ingredients in a package of food can have serious consequences, and you can be sure your import isn’t getting through customs. This practice is known as “honey laundering.” 

It is your responsibility to ensure that your supplier’s labels are true and accurate, and that the honey you are imported is pure. Failure to label your honey shipments properly will result in their seizure and destruction. You may even face legal repercussions.

Importing Honey from China

Importing Honey from China

Be wary of importing honey to U.S. borders that comes from China. In 1997, a deadly bacteria infected hives all across China and threatened to destroy the honey industry in the entire country. Chinese beekeepers decided to treat their hives with an antibiotic, known as Chloramphenicol to kill the infection, and it worked! But there was one problem: that antibiotic is toxic to humans, too. 

Chloramphenicol is banned in the U.S. and many other parts of the world. Despite the initial treatments taking place decades ago, traces of the antibiotic can still be found in honey from China. Since there is no amount of the drug that is considered “safe,” even the slightest residue of it can cause a batch of honey to be rejected. 

However, simply refusing to import honey from China doesn’t protect you from this problem. China can ship its honey imports to other countries, where the honey is then imported into the United States under a different country of origin. This sneaky practice of smuggling in banned honey is obviously illegal, and like with honey laundering, it can get you in some serious trouble. Always make sure to verify the source of your honey before you try to bring it into the U.S., so there are no surprises at the port of entry. 

Clearing Customs with Honey Imports

Even after you’ve dealt with the FDA and USDA requirements, you still have to contend with the CBP regulations. The CBP protects the U.S. border from elicit materials and dangerous substances, so in order for your import to not be rejected immediately, you need to document everything properly.

To get your honey safely through customs, you will need to submit:

  • A packing list
  • A commercial invoice
  • A Bill of Lading (BOL) 
  • An arrival notice 
  • A customs bond

That last requirement, customs bond, is an important requirement for food imports. A customs bond is like an agreement between the shipper, the CBP, and a third party surety company that ensures the CBP gets paid all duties and fees for processing the import—even if the shipper is suddenly unable to pay. Since honey is regulated by the FDA and USDA, you will need a customs bond no matter what. 

Get Customs Help for Importing Honey to USA

USA Customs Clearance, powered by AFC International, can assist you with importing honey to the USA. We can help you secure a customs bond for your shipment, and we can guide you through the oftentimes complicated process of importing. When there’s so much on the line, you need a trusted partner you can rely on to get the right information fast. With our licensed U.S. customs brokers, you won’t have to worry about getting a bond, submitting paperwork, or finding the right import information on your own—we’ve got you completely covered! 

Interested in our import consulting services, or working with one of our customs brokers? Give us a call at (855) 912-0406 to get in touch with us today!

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46 comments on “Importing Honey to USA: Meet USDA Label Requirements”

  1. Hi, I would like to export raw honey from UK. It is my first time considering international market. What would be my best option for US market. Thanks in advance.

  2. Hello ! it seems to me that everything is clear with the documents that must be prepared for import from Ukraine or from another country, but what to do next with that honey? Is there any wholesale delivery market in America after delivery? then what permits should be obtained in Ukraine before crossing the border? thank you.

  3. Hello,

    This is Sedef from Turkey. I have good quality honey, royal jelly and other bee products and want to export honey from Turkey. Can you please help me with the regulations and procedures?

    Thanks in advance,

  4. Hi, I am honey producer in Ghana, West Afriaca and will want to export honey to united stated of America.how can you help me get registered with FDA and also get buyers for my products

  5. Buenas tardes,

    I would be interested in knowing what I need to do to be able to export honey from Paraguay to the United States.

    If you can contact me as soon as possible I would be grateful.

    Thank you!

  6. Hi, I’ll like to import honey and honey products from Macedonia, pls run down your fees, how long is the process and what’s the requirements. Thank you in advance

    1. Hi Alexsander,

      Thank you for inquiry. We can provide all of information that you’re looking for through our customs consultations. We highly recommend consulting with an expert given the strict regulations surrounding imported honey.

      You can learn more about and sign up for a consultation at the link below. We look forward to helping you!

      Import Consulting Services

  7. Hi, thank you for all the information, I’m planing to import raw organic honey from West Africa to the US. Can you please provide me with information regarding labeling, FDA standards, organic certification and other certification needed. And also on imports requirements and any other information needed. Thank you.

    1. Hi Bambie,

      Our import consulting sessions are designed for exactly what you’re looking for! During our consulting sessions, you work 1-on-1 directly with our Licensed Customs Brokers. They go over everything that will be needed for your specific import including required documents, expected duties and fees, and more. When you’re ready, use the link below to sign up for your consulting session. We look forward to helping you!

      Customs Broker Consulting Session

  8. Hi there
    Looking at exporting Aussie honey into the US (some of it may be active ingredients similar to manuka so I can show that certification) to sell via Amazon US and grateful to receive info re packaging, customs, FDA and other compliance requirements and costs and a reliable customs clearance agent to use if I go ahead. Also if it is honey that contains other seeds will that make it a more complex process? Thanks
    Melissa

    1. Hi Melissa,

      We’ll be more than happy to help you with your request. One of our Customs experts will reach out to you shortly. We look forward to working with you!

    1. Hi Can,

      If you’re referring to registering a facility where food is manufactured, processed, packed, or held there isn’t a fee for registration. Registration can be completed at the following link- Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

      In order to import food into the U.S. you’ll have to take some additional steps. One of our import experts will reach out to your shortly to discuss these steps. We look forward to helping you.

  9. Hi, I’m looking into exporting my honey from Colombia to the US. What certifications and paperwork would be required?

    1. Hi Nicolas,

      All food products imported into the U.S. will need to come from a foreign establishment that’s registered with the FDA. Domestic facilities will also need to register. There are many other details that need to be in place in order to safely import food. We advise consulting with our Licensed Customs Brokers. They’ll provide a detailed overview of what’s required to import your honey to the U.S. as well as answer your specific questions. You can use the link below to purchase a consulting session. We look forward to helping you!

      Import Export Consulting Services

  10. Hi. I want to export Honey from India to USA. I want to know about:
    (i) The Packaging. What types of containers are to be used for packaging.
    (ii) Certificates that I need which ensure the quality of honey.

    I live in an area which is hub of Natural honey production and I would love to export quality Honey to USA.

    Please help in whatever way possible. Thank You.

    1. Hi Gaurav,

      One of our import experts will reach out to you shortly to provide assistance in regards to the information you’re looking for. We look forward to helping you!

    1. Hi John,

      One of our customs experts will reach out to you via e-mail. We look forward to helping you!

  11. Hi! I’m planing to import raw organic honey from Ukraine to the US. Can you please provide me with information regarding labeling, FDA standards, organic certification and other certification needed? And also on imports requirements. Thank you in advance! Anna

    1. Hi Anna,

      We can definitely help you with all of this! One of our customs experts will reach out to you shortly via e-mail. We look forward to helping you!

  12. Please send me additional information on importing honey from Nepal and India to the US and a run down cost of your fees and process.

    Thanks, Aibek

    1. Hi Aibek,

      One of our customs experts will reach out to you via e-mail with the information that you requested. We look forward to assisting you!

  13. Hello there,
    Thank you for the useful information, I’m interested in importing honey from New Zealand. Can you please send more details about the regulations and if possible information on end-to-end supply chain services.
    Thank you!

    1. Hi Mohammed,

      One of our customs experts will reach out to you shortly via e-mail with the information that you requested. We are able to provide end-to-end supply chain services and will be happy to help you!

    1. Hi Maya,

      One of our import experts will reach out to you shortly to provide you with an overview of how we can help you. We look forward to working with you!

  14. Please send me additional information on importing honey from Nepal to the US and a run down cost of your fees and process.
    Thanks
    John

    1. Hi Johnny,

      We’ve sent you an e-mail with the information that you requested. We look forward to working with you!

  15. Hi I would like to export honey to us from Peru. Can you be so kind to send me more information on the procedures, also any recommendation will be greatly appreciated.

  16. Hi,

    Is the organic label for imported Turkish honey sufficient to be labelled as organic in the US. whether yes or no, please send me the details.

    1. Hi Abdallah,

      Per the USDA, “Imported organic products must either be certified to USDA organic regulations or to an authorized international standard under an established U.S. trade partnership.” Our Licensed Customs Brokers can evaluate your shipment and even submit the details to CBP prior to your import arriving. This process makes it possible to know whether or not your import is compliant and what to do in order to bring it into compliance.

  17. Hi, I’m honey producer from turkey, I would like to export my product however, as you mentioned the process above, there are several mounts to climb.

    I would like to receive formal e-mail about this process.

    Thank you.

    1. Hi Ozan,

      We’ve sent you some additional information regarding the process to import honey. We look forward to working with you!

  18. Hi! I’m planing to import honey with nettle seeds from Europe to US. Can you please provide me with informations regarding labeling, FDA standards and certification needed?

    Thank you!

    1. Hi Branka,

      We’ve sent you an e-mail with the information that you requested. We look forward to working with you!

  19. Hi
    I am looking to import honey in jars and honeycomb from New Zealand. I am intending to sell it on amazon usa . Can you advise what labelling requirements are needed and what other regulations I need to be aware of.
    Is there an agency that can handle all the paperwork for me to ensure safe import into the USA. Thanks Philippa

    1. Hi Philippa!

      We can absolutely assist you in locating and completing all of the necessary paperwork to safely import your honey products! Additionally, we can provide you with other supply chain services including warehousing, transportation, order fulfillment, and more. We’ve responded privately with the information you requested regarding labeling requirements. We look forward to working with you.

  20. Hi. My name is Xavier
    I will like to know about how to import pure honey to the US. I have a small operation nothing big. But our honey is 100% pure
    Can you send me info on what can I do to send my honey to the US. Please send

    1. Hi Xavier,

      In order to legally import honey into the U.S. you’ll need to be compliant with numerous FDA regulations. This includes certifying your processing and storage facilities according to FDA standards. FDA regulations are in additions to standard customs procedures.

      We’ve responded privately with additional information to assist you.

    1. Hi Guiliano,

      We’ve sent you an e-mail with additional information. We look forward to working with you!

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