PBB
Launches On-line Resources for Food Exporters
“
Must know”answers and advice on rapidly-approaching
new FDA rules
Fort
Erie, Ontario –November 13, 2003 –With
only a month to go before new Food
and Drug Administration (FDA) import
regulations come into effect, PBB Global
Logistics is advising Canadian food
exporters to start preparing immediately
to protect their access to markets
in the U.S. As a service to the trading
community, the company recently launched
a new section of its Web site dedicated
exclusively to the new FDA rules at
www.pbb.com/fda.
“Many
of our clients in the food industry are very
concerned about the impact of the new FDA
rules,”said Jack Rafferty, Managing
Director, Corporate Regulatory Services,
PBB Global Logistics. “The changes
are quite comprehensive, and we strongly
advise any business shipping food to the
U.S. to take action right away in anticipation
of the new FDA regimen.”
The http://www.pbb.com/fda/ site
offers a comprehensive resource center
for food exporters, including fact sheets,
questions and answers, a white paper, forms
and helpful links to the FDA’s own
registration Web site. “We developed
this on-line service to help traders access
the most comprehensive information and
tools for complying with the new rules,
in an easy-to-understand, jargon-free format,”said
Mr. Rafferty.
The
new rules fulfill the FDA’s mandate
under recent American legislation to strengthen
the security of the U.S. food supply through
increased regulatory oversight. Consequently,
food facilities worldwide must register with
the FDA before the new rules come into effect
on December 12, 2003. Canadian and other
foreign-based companies will also be required
to appoint a U.S.-based agent as a communications
link with the FDA, affecting up to 200,000
food facilities.
Furthermore, under the new rules, all cross-border
food shipments must be reported to and
confirmed by the FDA, 2 to 8 hours before
arrival at the border, depending on the
mode of transport. For many companies,
this prior notice requirement represents
a significant challenge to existing shipping
and Customs procedures.
Many
in the food business are looking to logistics
service providers like PBB for guidance as
well as implementation solutions under the
new framework. “By representing companies
in their dealings with FDA, we are ensuring
our commitment to being the single point
of contact for all cross-border supply chain
needs,”said Mr. Rafferty. “With
services covering logistics, Customs clearance
and representation in FDA matters, PBB truly
offers an efficient and cost-effective solution
for food exporters.”
In
addition to serving as an agent, PBB is assisting
a number of businesses in establishing systems
and procedures to help prevent penalties
and possible detention of shipments at the
border. With its Trade & Regulatory Services
expertise and its comprehensive Customs Brokerage
infrastructure, PBB can offer efficient handling
of the prior notice process, the provision
of greatest concern to the food industry,
especially where perishables are involved.
PBB
Global Logistics is a leading provider of
third party international logistics services,
facilitating the movement of goods across
North America and around the world. Founded
in 1946, PBB has expanded its core Customs
brokerage and freight operations and now
provides supply chain solutions, from the
point of origin of goods to the point of
consumption, as well as corporate travel
management and professional trade services.
With approximately 900 employees in over
70 strategic locations throughout North America
and an established global network of logistics
service providers, PBB has the technology,
expertise, and infrastructure to meet every
supply chain need. PBB Global Logistics is
a wholly owned subsidiary of PBB Global Logistics
Income Fund with units trading on the Toronto
Stock Exchange under the symbol PBB.UN.
