Getting the U.S. Agent Wrong

It's Not Just a Name on a Form

Cause: U.S. Agent poorly assigned / left unmanaged Ongoing Increased Scrutiny Prevention: Use a dependable U.S. Agent

Situation

In 2021, a kimchi manufacturer asked a trading company in LA to serve as its U.S. Agent for free — purely a name-only arrangement.

Problem

That trading company closed in 2025, and the manufacturer had no idea. In March 2026, FDA sent a labeling inquiry that went unanswered, and after 30 days FDA flagged every container from that facility for Increased Scrutiny.

Timeline

2021 — an acquaintance's company is formally named U.S. Agent
2025 — the U.S. Agent's company closes; the manufacturer doesn't notice
March 2026 — FDA inquiry goes unanswered; after 30 days, all shipments face increased scrutiny
April onward — average delay of 7–14 days per container, cumulative losses over six months

Losses

Repeated 7–14-day delays per containerSix months of accumulated losses

📌 A U.S. Agent isn't just a name on a form — it determines how much the facility itself is trusted.

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U.S. Import FDA Guide

Getting the U.S. Agent Wrong

Situation

Problem

Timeline

Losses

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