In an effort to enhance its ongoing import safety plan, the FDA will establish its first permanent offices abroad before the end of this year to monitor imported devices, drugs and food.

Over the next year, the agency expects to spread more than 60 agency regulators across China, India, Europe and Latin America.

The first overseas offices will be established in Beijing and New Delhi with eight U.S. nationals in China and 10 in India. Additional staff will be posted in Shanghai and Guangzhou, China, and at least one other location in India has yet to be determined.

Foreign-based officials will provide technical advice, conduct additional inspections and work with government agencies and private groups interested in developing certification programs. The FDA said it plans to work closely with local authorities and industries that ship medical products and food to the U.S.

While a formal agreement has been made between the U.S. and China to establish these offices, HHS is in the process of getting India’s permission. HHS signed a memorandum of understanding with China last year to create product-tracking systems and share more information.