What is the BTA?

The Public Health Security Act and Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act of 2002, commonly known as the “Bioterrorism Act,” or BTA, requires that certain information be provided electronically to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) prior to the arrival of a shipment of food in the United States.  U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers, in conjunction with the Food and Drug Administration’s authorities, are responsible for enforcing the Bioterrorism Act at all United States ports of entry.  Although this law became effective on December 12, 2003, the FDA and CBP are phasing in the enforcement of the law.