This FAO manual on Risk based imported food control aims to support competent authorities in improving the effectiveness of the control measures they are overseeing, based on an analysis of their specific country situation. It discusses the different types of approach to managing risks related to imported food, and provides concrete illustrations of how Codex guidelines can be implemented in different ways. While respecting the principles, guidance and objectives agreed by the Codex Alimentarius Commission, different options for control measures can be selected and combined to implement a coherent set of import controls to best fit the needs of each country. Different examples, as implemented by a number of countries, are provided to show that there are often several options to reach a common goal. It also provides insights on the legal and institutional frameworks, as well as on the necessary support services to effectively implement risk based food controls.