The short answer
Fiji exports kava, bottled water, ginger, sugar and tuna to the U.S. Kava is the product that needs the most care: how it is sold decides whether it is allowed.
What Fijian exporters should watch for
🌿 Kava
Kava root sold on its own — for example powder to steep in water — is treated as a single-ingredient food. FDA does not consider kava GRAS, so adding it to other foods or drinks makes it an unapproved food additive. Kava supplements are allowed, but FDA issued a 2002 consumer advisory about liver injury.
💧 Bottled water
Bottled water is an FDA-regulated food: the plant registers with FDA, follows the bottled water processing rules (21 CFR 129) and must meet U.S. quality standards, with labels matching the water type.
🫚 Ginger
Fresh ginger needs USDA APHIS entry conditions; dried or processed ginger is an FDA food — the processor registers and tests for Salmonella and pesticides.
🐟 Tuna and seafood
Tuna processors follow FDA’s seafood HACCP rule with histamine control; canned tuna needs FCE/SID filings.
Common reasons Fijian shipments are stopped
- Kava added to foods or drinks (unapproved food additive)
- Disease or relaxation claims on kava supplements that sound like drug claims
- Bottled water outside U.S. quality standards
- Histamine in tuna
- Facility not registered or no Prior Notice
🏢 No U.S. company to act as FSVP importer? Orionex can be your U.S. FSVP importer (FSVP agent) for food and dietary supplements — from $80 per shipment, with the program and Qualified Individual included.
What you need to register — and what it costs
| Product type | FDA requirement | Orionex price |
|---|---|---|
| Food, beverages, supplements | Food facility registration + U.S. Agent, renewed every 2 years; Prior Notice for each shipment | $300/year or $450 for 2 years |
| Cosmetics | MoCRA facility registration (every 2 years) + product listing + U.S. Agent | $300/year or $450 for 2 years; listing $150/product |
| Medical devices | Establishment registration (yearly, FDA fee paid separately) + device listing; 510(k) for many Class II devices | $550/year; listing $50/device |
| Drugs (incl. OTC) | Drug establishment registration (yearly) + NDC labeler code + drug listing | $550/year; listing $350/product |
Every Orionex registration includes the U.S. Agent service, D-U-N-S number set-up where needed and a Certificate of Registration. All prices →
Tell us your products — we’ll confirm what you need to register, in writing, by email.
Frequently asked questions
Can Fijian kava be sold in the U.S.?
Yes, depending on how it is sold. Single-ingredient kava (such as root powder for steeping) can be sold as a food, and kava can be sold as a dietary supplement with a Supplement Facts panel and no disease claims. Adding kava to other foods or drinks is not allowed because FDA does not consider it GRAS. The processing facility must register with FDA.
Does Fijian bottled water need FDA registration?
Yes. Bottled water is a food in the U.S., so the bottling plant must register with FDA, name a U.S. Agent, follow 21 CFR Part 129 and meet U.S. bottled water quality standards. Each shipment needs Prior Notice.
Sources
- California Department of Public Health — Kava consumer facts (FDA position summarized)
- NIH Office of Dietary Supplements — Kava
- eCFR — 21 CFR Part 129, Processing and bottling of bottled drinking water
Checked against FDA and other official sources on November 11, 2026. This guide is general information, not legal advice.