CBP Updates HTSUS Flags, Warns of Errors for Organic Imports

U.S. Customs and Border Protection has issued a message providing the following two updates regarding imports of organic agricultural goods.

HTSUS Flags

On Feb. 13 the Agricultural Marketing Service tariff flag code for the following HTSUS numbers will change from AM7 (may file) to AM8 (must file) with reject severity.

– 0201.30.5091

– 0202.30.5091

– 0202.30.8015

– 0709.51.0110

– 0709.70.0010

– 0710.80.9723

– 0804.30.6010

– 0804.50.8020

– 0811.10.0075

– 0811.90.2025

– 0811.90.5010

– 0811.90.5210

– 1104.12.0010

– 1513.19.0030

– 1801.00.0010

– 1513.19.0030

– 1801.00.0010

– 2008.99.1010

– 2008.99.9150

– 2009.79.0040

– 2009.89.7095

– 2202.99.9130

– 3504.00.5010

Errors

CBP also notes that AMS is encountering two common errors with trade-submitted import filing data in ACE for organic shipments.

Wrong certificate numbers. Filers are non-conforming data (e.g., 10-digit NOP ID numbers for certified operations in supply chains) in place of National Organic Program import certificate numbers. CBP emphasizes that organic imports without a valid NOP-IC number are subject to reexport, donation (with restrictions), or destruction and that organic imports with nonconforming NOP-IC data may be subject to increased scrutiny or rejected.

Wrong message set. Filers are also using the wrong message set in ACE. The OR2 message set must be used to enter all 21-character NOP-IC numbers as well as special codes for American certified organic goods returned, non-retail samples/donations, and personal goods/e-commerce. Filers must use the OR1 message set to file manually-generated NOP-ICs and have a copy of the non-electronic NOP-IC with the continuity of operations plan code available to complete the entry.

More information on import requirements for organic products can be found here.