## Understanding the FDA Prior Notice Requirement
If you are importing matcha green tea powder from Japan into the United States, compliance with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is mandatory. One of the most critical steps in this process is submitting an **FDA Prior Notice (PN)** before your shipment arrives at the port of entry.
Failure to submit an accurate Prior Notice will result in your matcha shipment being delayed, detained, or even destroyed at customs.
## When Must the Prior Notice be Submitted?
The timeframe for submitting the Prior Notice depends on the mode of transportation:
- **By Air:** No less than 4 hours before arrival.
- **By Ocean Vessel:** No less than 8 hours before arrival.
- **By International Mail:** Before the package is shipped from Japan.
## Information Required for Submission
To successfully file a Prior Notice for Japanese matcha, you must provide:
1. The manufacturer’s FDA Registration Number (the Japanese tea farm or processing facility must be FDA registered).
2. The exact product description and Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) code for green tea powder.
3. Importer and Consignee details.
4. Port of entry and estimated arrival time.
## How Wagyu Ninja Simplifies FDA Compliance
Navigating FDA regulations can be daunting for first-time importers. Wagyu Ninja acts as your comprehensive export partner. We ensure that the Japanese tea farms we source from hold valid FDA registrations, and our logistics team handles the Prior Notice submissions on your behalf, guaranteeing your premium matcha clears US customs without delays.
Karen Hashimoto
Curator & Export Compliance Director · WAGYU NINJA
Karen sources directly from Japanese producers and handles export compliance for B2B buyers in 50+ countries. Based in Fukuoka, Japan. @konnichiwa.karen