Products regulated by the agency that are made in other countries must meet the same standards as foods, drugs, cosmetics, and medical devices manufactured domestically. The rapid increase in the development of products and process standards by international and other organizations, and the dramatic rise in imports of FDA-regulated products into the United States have helped to focus the agency's attention on its international role. The agency can better fulfill its mandate to protect and promote the public health by collaborating and cooperating with its foreign regulatory counterparts and international standards-setting organizations to facilitate the compliance by imported products with FDA standards. Given the increase in imports, FDA is continually seeking ways to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of its international inspection, technical cooperation, and harmonization efforts. By imparting a clear explanation of FDA requirements to all nations and firms that import FDA-regulated products to the United States, the agency is able to assist in facilitating exports of products that meet its requirements and discouraging those that are violative.
International activities take place in virtually every component of the agency.