Fonio (Digitaria spp.)

The Netherlands and United Kingdom function as re-export and consolidation hubs: West African fonio — primarily from Senegal and Guinea — is processed or repackaged there before being shipped onward to US buyers. The country of origin for customs purposes remains the West African growing country, not the transshipment point, so importers must ensure origin documentation accurately reflects the actual production source.

Fonio is an FDA-regulated food commodity. Importers should ensure the foreign shipper is registered with FDA as a food facility, that prior notice is filed before the shipment arrives, and that labeling complies with US food labeling regulations. FSMA's Foreign Supplier Verification Program (FSVP) obligations also apply to importers of human food.