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# FDA Delays Foreign Inspections Through April
- URL: https://www.fdaweb.com/fda-delays-foreign-inspections-through-april/
- Published: 2020-03-12T12:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-14T16:06:53.000Z
- Author: David McFarland
- Tags: FDA Policy/General, #legacy-id-D5146316

FDA said 3/10 it is postponing most foreign inspections through April due to the Covid-19 outbreak. An Alston & Bird *FDA Compliance and Enforcement Advisory* [says](https://www.alston.com/en/insights/publications/2020/03/fda-postpones-foreign-inspections?ref=fdaweb.com) that inspections outside the U.S. deemed to be “mission-critical” will be considered on a case-by-case basis. The advisory says the agency [notice](https://www.alston.com/en/insights/publications/2020/03/fda-postpones-foreign-inspections?ref=fdaweb.com) referenced additional tools available as part of its multi-pronged and risk-based approach to enhance the safety of imported products including **(1)** denying entry of unsafe products into the U.S.; **(2)** physical examinations and/or product sampling at the U.S. border; **(3)** reviewing a firm’s previous compliance history; **(4)** using information sharing from foreign governments as part of mutual recognition and confidentiality agreements; and **(5)** requesting records in advance of or in lieu of on-site drug inspections.

The advisory lists these key areas for FDA-regulated industries to consider: mission-critical inspections, a potential increase in domestic inspections, record requests in advance of or in lieu of drug establishment inspections, waiving current good manufacturing practices under an emergency use authorization, foreign inspections of medical device manufacturers, focus on *in vitro* diagnostics, and increased scrutiny over Foreign Supplier Verification Rule implementation for domestic food manufacturers.

“Regulated industry should continue to monitor FDA’s approach to foreign inspection and oversight of regulated products imported into the U.S. and be able to respond accordingly,” the advisory concludes.