The short answer
Jordan exports generic medicines, Medjool dates, Dead Sea cosmetics, tahini and olive oil to the U.S. Its pharmaceutical industry is the largest FDA-regulated sector, while cosmetics are where claims cause trouble.
What Jordanian exporters should watch for
💊 Medicines
Jordanian drug plants making products for the U.S. need FDA drug establishment registration, NDC and drug listing every year, and FDA inspects them. JFDA approval does not apply in the U.S.
🌴 Medjool dates
Date packers register with FDA and file Prior Notice; dates are checked for insects and filth, and labels need Nutrition Facts and net weight in ounces and grams.
🧴 Dead Sea cosmetics
Mineral and mud products are cosmetics under MoCRA (facility registration, product listing, U.S. contact on the label). Claims to treat psoriasis, eczema or acne make them drugs.
🥣 Tahini and olive oil
Sesame products are tested for Salmonella (Import Alert 99-19); olive oil is watched for economic adulteration (99-47).
Common reasons Jordanian shipments are stopped
- Drug claims on Dead Sea cosmetics
- Salmonella in tahini and sesame products
- Insects and filth in dates
- Drug listings not renewed
- Labeling — Arabic-only text, undeclared sesame
🏢 No U.S. company to act as FSVP importer? Orionex offers an FSVP agent service 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 Dead Sea products claim to help skin conditions in the U.S.?
No. A product that claims to treat or prevent a disease such as psoriasis, eczema or acne is a drug in the U.S. Dead Sea products sold as cosmetics must keep to cosmetic claims (cleansing, moisturizing, beautifying) and meet MoCRA registration and listing.
Does JFDA approval count for U.S. FDA?
No. JFDA approvals apply in Jordan only. Jordanian manufacturers need FDA registration and a U.S. Agent, and medicines must be approved or legally marketed in the U.S. with an NDC and drug listing.
Sources
- FDA — Is it a cosmetic, a drug, or both?
- FDA Import Alert 99-19 — Salmonella (notes separate alerts for black pepper from India and Brazil)
- FDA — Registration & Listing of Cosmetic Product Facilities and Products
Checked against FDA and other official sources on November 11, 2026. This guide is general information, not legal advice.