Organic Imports
U.S. Customs and Border Protection reports that, effective Sept. 19, the Department of Agriculture will no longer allow the use of the temporary filing code 999-999-T in the Automated Commercial Environment for organic entries without a National Organic Program import certificate. Brokers and filers are reminded not to use this code for filing in the OR message set after that date as shipments using it will be subject to adverse actions or additional enforcement actions.
The import certificate must be obtained from the exporter prior to the shipment departing the foreign port of lading. If a valid certificate is not available at time of filing the shipment must either be changed to a conventional (non-organic) status or reexported.
In addition, U.S. importers facilitating organic trade must be certified organic under USDA’s organic regulations.
Dairy TRQ License Fees
The USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service has announced that it will charge a $325 fee (down from $350) for the 2025 tariff-rate quota year for each license it issues to a person or firm authorizing the importation of certain dairy articles that are subject to TRQs set forth in the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the U.S. These articles (which include butter, dried milk, and various cheeses) may only be entered into the U.S. at the in-quota tariff rates by or for the account of a person or firm to whom such licenses have been issued and only in accordance with the terms and conditions of the regulation. Licenses are issued on a calendar year basis and each license authorizes the holder to import a specified quantity and type of dairy article from a specified country of origin.
Meat Exports to Mexico
The USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service has issued a reminder that, starting Nov. 4, all FSIS meat and poultry product export certificates for products exported to Mexico (except casings and egg products) will be generated, issued, and officially maintained in FSIS’ Public Health Information System. All export certificates (FSIS Form 9060-5 series) generated through PHIS will be digitally signed by FSIS and printed on plain paper by industry personnel with PHIS access. These forms must include the PHIS-generated watermark.
FSIS encourages industry members to ensure that establishment information in PHIS is aligned with Mexico’s approved establishment list because misaligned information risks held or rejected shipments upon Mexico’s implementation in PHIS.
Milk Exports to India
FAS reports that India’s Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying has granted another three-month extension, from Aug. 1 to Nov. 1, in the implementation of the integrated veterinary health certificate for imports of milk and milk products. As a result, shipments of milk and milk products from all exporting countries after Oct. 31 must have a bill of lading and an integrated VHC.
Illegal Imports from Myanmar
FSIS has issued a public health alert for various meat and poultry products illegally imported from Myanmar, which is ineligible to export such goods to the U.S. The products and labels in this list are subject to the public alert regardless of product date. They do not bear any import marks on their labels and were shipped to retail locations nationwide.
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