FDA Detention Sampling & Testing Coordination

FDA detention sampling is the coordinated collection of representative samples from imported products that FDA has detained, so those samples can undergo analytical testing. Depending on the detention circumstances and the applicable charge or Import Alert, samples may need to be collected from the detained product and tested by a qualified laboratory to provide evidence for FDA's review.

Yes. We coordinate analytical testing with qualified independent third-party laboratories based on the requirements of your case, including the product, the charge, and any applicable Import Alert. We help match the appropriate laboratory and testing method to what the detention calls for.

No. FDA Detention Sampling coordinates sample collection and laboratory testing. The analytical testing itself is performed by qualified independent third-party laboratories, not by FDA Detention Sampling.

Yes. Sampling assignments can be coordinated throughout the United States at warehouses, ports, distribution facilities, and other locations where detained goods are available for examination, through qualified field sampling resources.

We can assist with sampling and laboratory coordination where testing is appropriate for a product subject to an Import Alert. Import Alert requirements vary by alert and product, and no specific outcome can be guaranteed; FDA makes the final decision.

Helpful documents include your FDA Notice of Action, entry information such as the FDA Entry Number, product and ingredient information, the detention location, and the Import Alert number if applicable. Sharing these up front lets us evaluate the case and coordinate next steps more quickly.

Timing depends on the detention location, product accessibility, sampler availability, and laboratory requirements. Because detentions are time-sensitive, we encourage urgent cases to call so the case can be prioritized during business hours.

Yes. Customs brokers frequently contact us when an importer receives an FDA detention. We can coordinate directly with the importer, warehouse, and laboratory while keeping the broker informed throughout the process.

No. A laboratory test result is evidence for FDA to consider, but it does not guarantee release. FDA ultimately makes admissibility and enforcement decisions on detained shipments.

DWPE stands for Detention Without Physical Examination. It means FDA may detain a product at entry based on an import alert or history, without physically examining each shipment first. To move a detained shipment forward, the importer generally must submit evidence — often independent laboratory testing on representative samples — for FDA to review.

An FDA Notice of Action is the notice FDA issues about the status of an entry, such as a detention. A detention notice typically states the reason (the charge), the products involved, and a period within which the importer may respond with evidence. Because these notices are time-sensitive, it helps to begin coordinating sampling and testing quickly.

Turnaround depends on the product, the number of analytes and lots, sampler and laboratory availability, and the specific test methods required. Some analyses complete in a few days; others take longer. Timing also depends on how quickly samples can be collected and shipped. For urgent deadlines, calling lets the case be prioritized during business hours.

Cost is quoted case by case because it depends on the product, the required tests, the number of lots or lines, the sampling location, and laboratory fees. Sampling, shipping, and third-party laboratory charges are typically separate. Sharing your detention details lets the case be reviewed so the likely scope and known third-party charges can be outlined.

Review the Notice of Action to understand the charge and the response window, gather your entry and product documents, and act promptly because deadlines are short. Coordinating representative sampling and appropriate laboratory testing early gives you evidence to submit for FDA's review. You can send your detention details to have the case evaluated.

Chain of custody is documentation that tracks a sample from collection through delivery to the laboratory, recording who handled it and when. It supports the integrity and traceability of the sample and its results. Complete chain-of-custody records, collection reports, and photographs help demonstrate that testing was performed on the detained product.

We coordinate sampling and laboratory testing for a range of FDA-regulated imports, including foods, beverages, dietary supplements, cosmetics, and other consumer products. The appropriate tests and laboratory depend on the product, the charge, and any applicable import alert, since not every laboratory performs every analysis.

Import alert removal is a separate FDA process with its own requirements, and outcomes cannot be guaranteed. Where testing is appropriate, we can coordinate the sampling and laboratory analysis that may support a shipment or a broader effort. FDA ultimately decides on release and on any import alert removal request.

A Private Laboratory Package (sometimes called a PLP) is the set of documentation an importer submits to FDA to support the admissibility of a detained product, typically including laboratory results, methods, sampling information, and chain-of-custody records. We can help coordinate the sampling and testing that go into assembling this evidence.

No. We work with importers directly and with customs brokers acting on behalf of their clients. Many detentions come to us through brokers, and we can coordinate directly with the importer, warehouse, and laboratory while keeping the broker informed throughout the process.

Depending on the product and the charge, testing may include microbiological analysis (such as Salmonella or Listeria), pesticide residues, heavy metals, color additives, mycotoxins, product identity, and other FDA-requested analyses. The specific tests and the qualified laboratory are matched to the requirements of your detention or import alert.

A detention holds a shipment while the importer has an opportunity to respond with evidence. A refusal is FDA's decision that the product may not enter U.S. commerce, which generally requires it to be exported or destroyed within a set timeframe. Acting during the response window — including coordinating any needed testing — is important before a detention becomes a refusal.

Sampling can be coordinated across the United States at ports, warehouses, distribution centers, and other locations where the detained goods are available for examination, through qualified field sampling resources. Availability and timing depend on the location and product accessibility.

A detention notice generally identifies the entry, the products detained, the charge or reason for detention, any applicable import alert, and the timeframe to respond. Providing this notice, along with your entry documents and product information, lets the case be evaluated and the appropriate sampling and testing coordinated.

Send your FDA Notice of Action, entry number, and product and location details so the case can be reviewed and next steps coordinated. You can submit your detention through the request form on this page, call for sampling assistance, or share documents by email or WhatsApp. Urgent deadlines are prioritized during business hours.

Yes. We coordinate detention sampling and laboratory testing for foods, beverages, dietary supplements, cosmetics, and other FDA-regulated consumer products. The right testing approach and qualified laboratory depend on the product category, the charge, and any import alert that applies.