For
Immediate Release
Logistics provider
will serve as U.S. agent under FDA’s new
food registration rules
Fort
Erie, Ontario –September 22, 2003 –PBB
Global Logistics announced today that
it will be among the first international
trade specialists to offer agency services
to agri-food customers who ship food
and food-related products to the U.S.
The service is designed to help exporters
ensure access to the critical U.S. market
in anticipation of a comprehensive series
of new regulations being developed by
the U.S. Food and Drug Administration
(FDA).
The overall direction of the FDA’s
plans is to strengthen its ability to protect
the U.S. food supply through increased regulatory
oversight. Consequently, food facilities
worldwide will be required to register with
the FDA before the new rules come into effect,
expected 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 FDA. Such U.S.-agent
may handle the registration only if specifically
authorized, while U.S. facilities must register
themselves directly with FDA.
PBB
is ideally positioned to serve as an agent,
thanks to its long history of working with
the FDA in Customs and other trade matters.
The new service is an extension of the company’s
Trade & Regulatory Services, which provides
expertise ensuring compliance with complex
international trade rules for hundreds of companies
worldwide.
In
addition to serving as an agent and handling
the registration process, PBB can also assist
in establishing systems and procedures to help
prevent penalties and possible detention of
shipments at the border. “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 Jack Rafferty, Managing
Director, Corporate Regulatory Services, PBB
Global Logistics. “With services covering
logistics, Customs clearance and now representation
in FDA matters, PBB truly offers an efficient
and cost-effective solution for food exporters.”
In
its capacity as Customs broker, PBB can also
offer efficient handling of the prior notification
process, another key provision of the FDA’s
upcoming changes. Under the new rules, all
cross-border food shipments must be reported
to the FDA. For many companies, this prior
notice requirement represents a significant
challenge to existing shipping and Customs
procedures, which can be simplified considerably
through PBB’s single integrated approach.
“Any
business operating directly or indirectly in
the agri-food industry is wise to familiarize
itself with the changes –and challenges –to
come,”said Mr. Rafferty. “With
implementation just around the corner, companies
should begin planning now for the FDA’s
new regulatory framework.”
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.
For
more information contact:
1-800-924-4466
ext. 3634
info@pbb.com
www.pbb.com
|
