Back in 1991, FDA enforced an import alert for all the stainless steel instruments being exported to the US. The alert allowed FDA to detain any consignment for testing purposes even when a company was following cGMP guidelines and holding regular audits. Needless to say, this caused unnecessary problems and delays with the authorities and between customers.
On 17th October, 2011, FDA was kind enough to reconsider their alert and now has effectively removed this alert so free-er trade can once again prosper.
More information available on FDA’s website.