Are you considering entering the lucrative olive oil import business? You’re not alone! The U.S. imports massive quantities of this liquid gold yearly, but the process can feel overwhelming if you’re new to the game. What about FDA olive oil import regulations? Don’t worry – I’ve got you covered with this comprehensive guide that breaks down everything you need to know about bringing olive oil into the American market.

How to Start an Olive Oil Import Business?

Importing olive oil into the US isn’t just about finding a supplier and shipping some bottles. It requires careful planning and understanding of various regulatory requirements. The process might seem daunting at first, but once broken down into steps, it becomes much more manageable.

You’ll need to navigate both FDA and CBP requirements while ensuring your product meets strict quality standards.

1- Meet Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Requirements

The Food and Drug Administration takes food imports very seriously, and olive oil is no exception. Your olive oil must meet the same standards as domestically produced products to enter the U.S. market. This means working with reputable suppliers who understand American quality expectations.

You must file Prior Notice with the FDA 15-30 days before your shipment arrives. This isn’t optional – it’s a requirement that gives authorities time to review your import documentation. Additionally, you’ll need proof of food facility registration, country of origin documentation, and evidence of participation in the Foreign Supplier Verification Program (FSVP).

Consider participating in the FDA’s Voluntary Qualified Importer Program (VQIP) if you’re planning regular shipments. While it involves fees, this program can significantly expedite your customs clearance process.

2- Navigating Customs and Border Protection Requirements

CBP works hand-in-hand with the FDA to ensure all imported food products meet U.S. standards. They’ll enforce FDA regulations while also handling the collection of all applicable duties and taxes on your shipment.

For shipments arriving via cargo ship, you’ll need to complete Importer Security Filing (ISF). This crucial step helps CBP track and manage potential security risks. Missing or incomplete filings can result in significant delays or even rejection of your entire shipment.

Remember that even after initial acceptance, CBP reserves the right to conduct additional reviews of your shipment to verify proper duty assessment. Always be prepared to provide additional documentation if requested.

3- Understanding Duty Rates and Tariffs

Duty rates for olive oil depend on several factors, creating a complex pricing structure you’ll need to navigate carefully. The rates vary based on quality grade, processing method, and organic certification status.

Most olive oil imports face general duty rates between 3.4¢ to 5¢ per kilogram, but additional tariffs may apply. For example, blanket tariffs of 10% ad valorem have been applied to various imports in recent years, including olive oil in some cases.

The country of origin also significantly impacts your duty rates. Unfortunately, the top olive oil exporters (Italy, Tunisia, and Spain) aren’t among U.S. free trade partners, meaning imports from these countries don’t qualify for duty exemptions.

Here’s a breakdown of the factors affecting olive oil duty rates:

Factor	Impact on Duty Rate
Quality Grade (Virgin/Extra Virgin)	Higher grades may face different rates
Processing Method	Different processes may fall under different HTS codes
Organic Certification	Can affect classification and rates
Country of Origin	Major impact on applicable duties and tariffs
Weight of Shipment	Duties often calculated per kilogram
Value of Shipment	Ad valorem duties are based on declared value

4- Securing a Customs Bond

A customs bond is essentially insurance that guarantees you’ll comply with all import regulations and pay all required duties and fees. This legal contract involves you (the importer), CBP, and a surety company or broker.

Any olive oil shipment valued over $2,500 requires a customs bond. Additionally, because olive oil requires FDA oversight as a food product, a bond is mandatory regardless of value in most cases.

The bond protects your shipment during the liquidation process, when CBP completes their final assessment of tariff categories and values. If additional duties are owed after this review, your bond ensures payment, preventing potential seizure of future imports.

The Critical Role of HTS Codes in Olive Oil Imports

When importing olive oil, you’ll quickly become familiar with HTS (Harmonized Tariff Schedule) codes. These numerical codes classify your product and determine the duty rates you’ll pay. For olive oil, understanding these codes is essential to your import strategy and bottom line.

Olive oil products generally fall under two main HTS base codes:

• 1509
• 1510

The specific subclassifications within these codes will determine exactly how much duty you’ll pay. Getting this right from the start can save you significant headaches down the road.
Remember that duty rates are charged per kilogram of product, often including the weight of the container. Current rates typically range between 3.4 cents to 17.6 cents per kilogram, depending on the exact classification. This might not sound like much, but it adds up quickly when importing commercial quantities!

Top Olive Oil Import Partners

Understanding the global olive oil market can help you make informed decisions about sourcing your products. As of 2020, ten countries dominated olive oil exports to the United States, with three controlling over 76% of the market.

Rank	Country	Export Volume (tons)	Value (USD millions)	Market Share (%)
1	Italy	127,000+	$524+	38.3%
2	Tunisia	100,000+	$282+	20.6%
3	Spain	84,000+	$240+	17.6%
4	Portugal	–	–	9.9%
5	Greece	–	–	3.2%
6	Turkey	–	–	3.0%
7	Chile	–	–	2.2%
8	Argentina	–	–	1.9%
9	Morocco	–	–	1.4%
10	Israel	–	–	0.6%

Challenges When Importing Olive Oil into the U.S

Even experienced importers face hurdles when bringing olive oil into the U.S. market. Being aware of these challenges helps you prepare effective strategies to overcome them.

1- Quality Control and Counterfeits

Unfortunately, counterfeit or adulterated olive oil represents a significant problem in the industry. Some estimates suggest a substantial portion of imported olive oil may be counterfeit or mixed with other oils to increase profit margins.

This makes supplier selection absolutely critical. You need to thoroughly vet your suppliers and potentially invest in independent quality testing to ensure you’re getting genuine products. Your reputation and business depend on product authenticity and consistency.
Remember that customers who purchase olive oil often have discerning tastes and expectations. One bad shipment could damage your brand irreparably, so never compromise on quality verification.

2- Regulatory Compliance Complexity

The web of regulations surrounding food imports can feel overwhelming. Multiple agencies have oversight, and requirements can change with limited notice. The FDA and CBP have different but overlapping concerns, and missing any requirement can result in costly delays.

Documentation requirements are extensive and must be completed precisely according to regulations. Even small errors or omissions can lead to shipments being held at ports of entry for extended periods.
Consider investing in specialized import compliance software or working with experienced logistics partners who understand the specific requirements for olive oil imports. The cost is often justified by avoiding expensive delays or rejections.

3- Volatile Tariffs and Duties

The trade policy landscape can shift rapidly, affecting your bottom line. Tariffs can change based on evolving trade relationships between the U.S. and your source countries. These changes might occur with minimal advance notice, affecting your pricing and competitiveness.

Government decisions regarding international trade can significantly impact your import costs. What was profitable yesterday might be marginal today due to new tariffs or duties.
Maintaining flexibility in your supply chain and possibly diversifying source countries can help mitigate these risks. Additionally, staying informed about potential trade policy changes through industry associations gives you time to adjust your strategy accordingly.

How to Get FDA Olive Oil Import License?

Importing olive oil to the United States presents both challenges and opportunities. While the regulatory landscape may seem daunting, understanding the process thoroughly helps you navigate it successfully. From meeting FDA requirements to securing customs bonds and paying appropriate duties, each step requires attention to detail and careful planning.

The market for quality olive oil continues to grow in the U.S., creating space for well-prepared importers to build profitable businesses. By focusing on quality control, regulatory compliance, and possibly working with customs experts, you position yourself for success in this competitive industry.
Remember that your first few shipments will involve a learning curve, but the process becomes more manageable with experience. Stay flexible, build strong relationships with reliable suppliers, and keep up with changing regulations to ensure your olive oil import business thrives for years to come.

Ready to start your olive oil import journey? Begin by researching potential suppliers in the top exporting countries and connecting with a licensed customs broker who specializes in food imports. Your path to successful olive oil importing starts with these first crucial steps!

FAQ

1. Does the FDA approve olive oil imports to the US?
   No, the FDA doesn’t “approve” individual olive oil imports. However, importers must ensure products are safe, sanitary, and properly labeled according to US requirements.
2. What are the main regulatory bodies overseeing olive oil imports?
   Two main agencies regulate olive oil imports: the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for safety and labeling requirements, and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) for trade law enforcement and duty collection.
3. Do I need to register my facility with the FDA to import olive oil?
   Yes. All facilities that produce, store, or handle products for US import must be registered with the FDA, and you must provide prior notice of incoming shipments.
4. What is Prior Notice and why is it required?
   Prior Notice is an FDA requirement for all food imports to give advance knowledge of shipments entering the US. This allows the FDA to review documentation and decide whether to inspect the merchandise upon arrival.
5. What documentation is required for importing olive oil?
   Key documents include: FDA Prior Notice, Bill of Lading, Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Phytosanitary Certificate, Certificate of Analysis, and Customs Bond.
6. What information must be included on olive oil labels for US import?
   Labels must include: product name, net quantity, ingredients, manufacturer/distributor information, country of origin (in English), nutrition facts, and allergen information if applicable.
7. Are there specific nutritional labeling requirements for imported olive oil?
   Yes. The nutritional label must follow strict FDA formatting requirements and include information on calories per serving, cholesterol, sodium, potassium, carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.
8. Can I make health claims on my imported olive oil labels?
   Health claims on labels are strictly regulated and generally not allowed unless they meet specific FDA requirements and have been previously approved by the agency.
9. Does the FDA test imported olive oil for purity?
   The FDA does conduct sampling and testing of imported olive oils, particularly after a 2016 House Agriculture Committee directive to address olive oil fraud concerns.
10. What olive oil standards does the FDA enforce?
    While the FDA doesn’t have mandatory olive oil standards yet, there’s a push for the adoption of enforceable standards. Currently, many importers follow International Olive Council standards or USDA voluntary standards.
11. What happens if my olive oil shipment fails FDA inspection?
    If requirements are overlooked or standards aren’t met, your shipment could be significantly delayed, re-exported, or destroyed. Importing Olive Oil into the U.S.
12. What testing does the FDA do to detect adulterated olive oil?
    The FDA has developed FT-NIR spectroscopic methodology to rapidly test for economically motivated adulteration and to detect if extra virgin olive oil has been mixed with refined oils.
13. What is the Foreign Supplier Verification Program (FSVP)?
    The FSVP requires importers to verify that foreign suppliers produce food in a manner providing the same level of public health protection as US regulations, and that the food isn’t adulterated or misbranded. FSMA Final Rule on Foreign Supplier Verification Programs (FSVP) for Importers of Food for Humans and Animals | FDA
14. Do I need a separate FSVP for each olive oil supplier?
    Yes. Importers are required to develop, maintain, and follow an FSVP for each food brought into the US and for each foreign supplier of that food. Final Rule on Foreign Supplier Verification Programs (FSVP) Key Requirements | FDA
15. What is the Voluntary Qualified Importer Program (VQIP)?
    VQIP is a voluntary, fee-based FDA program that provides expedited review and import entry for food importers who demonstrate a high level of control over their supply chains.
16. What are the import duties on olive oil?
    General duties on olive oil range from 3.4¢ to 5¢ per kilogram, plus 10% ad valorem duties on most imported goods. Importing Olive Oil into the U.S.: What are the Requirements? | USA Customs Clearance Rates vary based on quality (virgin, extra virgin), processing method, and organic certification.
17. Is a customs bond required for olive oil imports?
    Yes. Since olive oil falls into a regulated food category, all shipments must be covered by a customs bond regardless of their value.
18. Do I need FDA approval to import olive oil for personal use?
    For small personal amounts, formal FDA approval isn’t typically needed, but your shipment is still subject to inspection at entry points. Large quantities may trigger commercial import requirements.
19. As a US service member returning from overseas, can I bring olive oil back with me?
    Yes, in reasonable quantities for personal use. However, if importing large quantities, you may need to comply with commercial import requirements.
20. Are there pending changes to olive oil import regulations?
    Yes. In 2022, industry groups including the American Olive Oil Producers Association and North American Olive Oil Association submitted a joint petition to the FDA requesting enforceable, science-based olive oil standards to ensure quality and authenticity.