Certifications for imported equipment and machinery
We are planning to import a machine from China, but we are unsure about the certifications that we need to have for these machines. Does it have to be FDA approved as well as NSF certified to be operated in the USA? It does touch our food product so does SQF require it to be NSF certified?
Machines do not usually have a FDA or NSF certification. The expectation is that the machine will be constructed and maintained in a manner that it will not be a risk to food safety.
SQF 11.1.7 indicates that you should have procedures on how to select and purchase equipment. many people use a checklist that is commonly available on-line. I have attached two common ones.
Attached Files
Equipment shall meet the necessary standards for food safety and hygiene. It is crucial that food contact equipment is constructed using durable materials that are capable of withstanding repeated cleaning. These materials should be compatible with the intended products to ensure the safety and quality of our food. Additionally, product contact surfaces must be constructed from materials specifically designed for food use. These surfaces should be impermeable and free from rust or corrosion.