How to Import Fresh Fruit to USA: USDA APHIS Permit Guide

Key takeaways

The USDA APHIS FAVIR database determines fruit admissibility by commodity and country of origin, listing entry status, required phytosanitary declarations, and mandated treatment schedules such as T107-a cold treatment.
FAVIR statuses include Admissible (standard inspection), Admissible with Treatment (pre-clearance or port treatment required), and Prohibited (no commercial pathway unless a pest risk analysis petition is approved).
A USDA APHIS ePermits account requires Level 2 eAuthentication or Login.gov identity proofing; the account holder is legally responsible for all permit activities and compliance violations.
PPQ Form 587 is the standard permit for commercial fresh fruit consumption imports, carries a $130 fee, processes in approximately 30 business days, and remains valid for up to three years.
The exporting country's NPPO must issue a phytosanitary certificate in English referencing the specific USDA import permit number and exact additional declarations for quarantine pests like Lobesia botrana or Bactrocera dorsalis.
Phytosanitary certificates are typically valid for 14 to 30 days from issuance date; re-issuance requires NPPO re-inspection or traceability audit and is not automatic.
Over 80 countries participate in the IPPC ePhyto Hub, allowing electronic certificate transmission to USDA APHIS prior to arrival, which accelerates clearance compared to paper documents.
FDA Prior Notice must be filed 2 hours (road), 4 hours (air/rail), or 8 hours (vessel) before arrival via PNSI or ACE; late filing triggers automatic detention and potential refusal.
Foreign fruit facilities must renew FDA Food Facility Registration biennially between October 1 and December 31 of even-numbered years and designate a US Agent; lapse results in detention of all shipments.
The US FSVP importer must maintain a written hazard analysis and verification records for each product and supplier for at least two years, available to FDA within 24 hours of request.

Importing fresh fruit into the United States requires navigating a layered regulatory framework where a single missing document or incorrect code can trigger costly delays, re-export, or destruction of perishable cargo. The process hinges on three federal agencies: USDA APHIS governs plant health and pest risk through the FAVIR database and ePermits system, FDA enforces food safety via Prior Notice, facility registration, and the Foreign Supplier Verification Program, and CBP manages customs entry, classification, and duty collection. This guide walks through the complete workflow from verifying commodity admissibility in FAVIR to securing the correct PPQ permit, obtaining compliant phytosanitary certificates, meeting FDA's three-pillar requirements, and filing a clean customs entry with accurate HTS codes and trade agreement claims. You will learn how to interpret FAVIR treatment schedules, select between PPQ 587 and PPQ 588 permits, manage phytosanitary certificate validity windows, calculate Prior Notice timing by transport mode, and structure an FSVP plan that withstands FDA scrutiny.

Confirm Your Fruit Is Admissible: FAVIR Search Walkthrough

Step-by-step guide to using the FAVIR database to determine commodity admissibility, treatment requirements, and country-specific pest restrictions.

Navigate FAVIR commodity and country search filters

Navigate FAVIR commodity and country search filters by visiting the USDA APHIS Fruits and Vegetables Import Requirements database and selecting the "Commodity" tab to enter the scientific or common name of your fruit. Choose the "Country of Origin" dropdown to specify where the fruit was grown, as admissibility often hinges on pest prevalence in that specific region. The system returns a summary page listing the commodity's entry status, required phytosanitary certificate declarations, and any mandated pre-clearance or treatment schedules. Always verify the "Last Updated" timestamp on the results page because pest outbreaks can trigger immediate federal orders that override published FAVIR entries.

Interpret admissible with treatment vs prohibited statuses

Interpret admissible with treatment vs prohibited statuses by reading the "Status" column on the FAVIR results page. "Admissible" means the fruit may enter with a standard phytosanitary certificate and inspection at the port of entry. "Admissible with Treatment" indicates the commodity requires a specific mitigation such as cold treatment, fumigation, or irradiation before entry is authorized; the required schedule will be hyperlinked in the "Treatment" column. "Prohibited" means no commercial import pathway currently exists for that commodity from that country, though you may petition APHIS for a new pathway through a pest risk analysis. Never assume a treatment schedule listed for one country applies to another; each country-commodity pair carries a unique determination.

Identify required cold treatment or fumigation schedules

Identify required cold treatment or fumigation schedules by clicking the treatment code link (for example T107-a or T101-f) in the FAVIR results to open the official PPQ Treatment Manual schedule. The schedule specifies the exact temperature, duration, and commodity core temperature verification method required to satisfy quarantine requirements. For cold treatment, the fruit must typically be held at or below a specific temperature (often 1.1°C or 2.2°C) for a defined number of days with continuous temperature recording. Fumigation schedules detail the chemical (methyl bromide or phosphine), dosage rate, exposure time, and temperature minimums. Confirm that your cold chain provider can maintain the required parameters throughout transit and that the treatment facility is APHIS-approved before booking shipment space.

FAVIR Status	Entry Pathway	Key Document	Common Treatment Codes
Admissible	Standard inspection at POE	Phytosanitary Certificate	None required
Admissible with Treatment	Pre-clearance or port treatment	Phytosanitary Certificate + Treatment Certificate	T107-a (Cold), T101-f (MB Fumigation)
Prohibited	No commercial pathway	Petition for Pest Risk Analysis	Not applicable

The table above maps the three primary FAVIR statuses to their corresponding entry pathways and documentation needs. An "Admissible" status requires only a valid phytosanitary certificate and standard port inspection. "Admissible with Treatment" mandates both the certificate and a treatment certificate referencing the specific schedule code such as T107-a for cold treatment. "Prohibited" commodities have no commercial entry route unless APHIS completes a pest risk analysis following a formal petition. Use this matrix to quickly scope documentation and logistics requirements before engaging suppliers.

Secure Your USDA APHIS Permit: ePermits Application Step-by-Step

Detailed walkthrough of the ePermits system for PPQ 587, PPQ 588, and Controlled Import Permits with application checklist.

Create and verify ePermits account credentials

Create and verify ePermits account credentials by registering at the USDA APHIS ePermits portal using a valid email address and creating a Level 2 eAuthentication account or Login.gov credential. After registration, you must complete identity proofing either online through Login.gov or in person at a USDA Service Center to gain full application privileges. The system sends a verification email; click the link within 24 hours to activate your account. Once logged in, navigate to "My Permits" and select "Apply for a Permit" to begin. Keep your username and password secure because the account holder is legally responsible for all permit activities and compliance violations.

Select correct permit type for commercial fresh fruit

Select correct permit type for commercial fresh fruit by choosing PPQ Form 587 "Application for Permit to Import Plants and Plant Products" for most fresh fruit destined for consumption. If you are importing fruit for propagation or planting, use PPQ Form 588 "Application for Permit to Import Plant Pests or Noxious Weeds" or a Controlled Import Permit for post-entry quarantine material. The ePermits wizard prompts you for the commodity scientific name, country of origin, intended port of entry, and estimated annual volume. Imports accounted for approximately 59 percent of all fresh fruit in the US in 2024 according to Fresh Fruit Portal citing USDA data, underscoring the volume of commercial permits processed annually. Select "Commercial" as the import purpose and ensure the permit covers all varieties you plan to ship during the validity period.

Upload supporting documents and pay fees

Upload supporting documents and pay fees by attaching the required PDFs in the ePermits "Attachments" section before submission. Typical attachments include a copy of your IRS Employer Identification Number letter, a signed importer declaration, and any foreign phytosanitary certificate templates if requested by APHIS. The application fee for a PPQ 587 permit is currently $130 per permit, payable by credit card or USDA user fee account through Pay.gov. After payment confirmation, APHIS reviewers typically process complete applications within 30 business days, though complex commodities or new country pathways may require 60 days. You will receive an email notification when the permit is approved, at which point you can download the signed permit PDF from your ePermits dashboard. The permit must accompany every shipment and match the invoice commodity descriptions exactly.

Permit Form	Primary Use Case	Application Fee	Typical Processing Time	Validity Period
PPQ 587	Fresh fruit for consumption	$130	30 business days	Up to 3 years
PPQ 588	Propagative material or pests	$130	30-60 business days	Up to 3 years
Controlled Import Permit	Post-entry quarantine required	$130	60+ business days	Per shipment or 1 year

The table compares the three main permit types used for fresh fruit imports. PPQ 587 covers the vast majority of commercial fresh fruit shipments for consumption with a standard $130 fee and roughly 30-day processing. PPQ 588 applies when the fruit is intended for planting or propagation and often triggers additional scrutiny. Controlled Import Permits are required for material that must enter post-entry quarantine facilities, resulting in longer review times. All permits share the same base fee but differ in validity and operational complexity, so select the form that matches your exact end-use to avoid delays at the port.

Obtain Phytosanitary Certificate from Origin Country NPPO

The phytosanitary certificate is the official document issued by the National Plant Protection Organization (NPPO) of the exporting country certifying that the consignment meets USDA APHIS import requirements. It must accompany every commercial shipment of fresh fruit and be presented to CBP and PPQ at the port of entry. The certificate must be issued in English or include an English translation and reference the specific USDA import permit number under which the fruit is entering. Without a valid original or electronic phytosanitary certificate, the shipment will be held for inspection, re-exported, or destroyed at the importer's expense. Imports represented 34.8 percent of US fresh fruit availability in 1990 according to Fresh Fruit Portal (citing USDA data) https://www.freshfruitportal.com/news/2026/02/12/imported-produce-us/.

Required additional declarations for specific pests

Required additional declarations for specific pests are mandatory statements the exporting NPPO must include on the phytosanitary certificate confirming the consignment is free from quarantine pests of concern to the United States. These declarations are commodity and origin specific and are listed in the FAVIR database entry for each fruit. For example, table grapes from Chile require a declaration for Lobesia botrana (European grapevine moth) while mangoes from India require a declaration for fruit flies including Bactrocera dorsalis. The NPPO must use the exact wording prescribed by APHIS; paraphrased or generic "pest free" statements will be rejected at the port. Importers should provide their foreign supplier with the exact additional declaration text from FAVIR before harvest to ensure the NPPO inspector can verify the conditions during field and packinghouse inspections.

Certificate validity timeline and re-issuance rules

Certificate validity timeline and re-issuance rules dictate that a phytosanitary certificate is typically valid for 14 to 30 days from the date of issuance depending on the commodity and the exporting country's bilateral agreement with APHIS. Perishable fruit such as berries often carry a 14 day validity window while citrus may allow up to 30 days. The clock starts on the issuance date not the vessel departure date so air shipments have more buffer than ocean freight. If the shipment cannot arrive within the validity window the NPPO must re-issue a new certificate which requires re-inspection of the lot or a verified traceability audit. Re-issuance is not automatic and some NPPOs charge additional fees. Importers should build a two to three day buffer into the shipping schedule to account for port delays that could push arrival past the expiration date.

Electronic phytosanitary certificate (ePhyto) acceptance

Electronic phytosanitary certificate (ePhyto) acceptance is now standard at all major US ports of entry through the IPPC ePhyto Hub. The exporting NPPO transmits the certificate data electronically to the Hub where USDA APHIS retrieves it prior to arrival. This eliminates the risk of lost paper documents and accelerates the clearance process by allowing PPQ officers to review the certificate before the cargo is unloaded. Over 80 countries currently participate in the ePhyto exchange including major fruit exporters Chile Peru Mexico South Africa and the EU member states. Importers should confirm their foreign supplier's NPPO is connected to the Hub and request the ePhyto reference number for their records. Paper certificates remain valid but require physical presentation which adds handling time at the port.

FDA Compliance: Prior Notice, Facility Registration & FSVP

FDA compliance runs parallel to USDA requirements and covers three distinct obligations: Prior Notice of importation, Food Facility Registration for the foreign manufacturer, and the Foreign Supplier Verification Program (FSVP) for the US importer. In 2024 US fresh fruit imports reached $33 billion according to Fresh Fruit Portal citing USDA data. Every shipment requires a timely Prior Notice submission, every foreign facility must hold a current registration, and the US importer must maintain a written FSVP plan for each product and supplier. Failure on any one of these three pillars results in detention, refusal, or placement on Import Alert 99-32.

Prior Notice timing calculator by transport mode

Prior Notice timing calculator by transport mode determines the minimum advance filing window FDA requires before a shipment arrives at the first US port. For road transport the notice must be submitted at least 2 hours before arrival. For air transport the window is 4 hours before arrival. For rail transport it is 4 hours before arrival. For vessel transport the notice must be filed at least 8 hours before arrival. These are minimum windows; best practice is to file 24 hours in advance for ocean shipments to allow time for FDA review and potential requests for additional information. Prior Notice is submitted through the FDA Prior Notice System Interface (PNSI) or via the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) by the customs broker. The confirmation number must be provided to CBP at entry. Late or missing Prior Notice results in automatic detention and may trigger refusal under Section 801(m) of the FD&C Act.

Food Facility Registration biennial renewal deadline

Food Facility Registration biennial renewal deadline requires every foreign facility that manufactures, processes, packs, or holds fresh fruit for US export to renew its FDA registration between October 1 and December 31 of each even-numbered year. The registration expires on December 31 if not renewed. Foreign facilities must appoint a US Agent who resides in the United States and is available to communicate with FDA on behalf of the facility. The registration number must appear on the Prior Notice submission and the commercial invoice. If a facility's registration lapses or is suspended, FDA will detain all shipments from that facility until the issue is resolved. Importers should verify their suppliers' registration status in the FDA public database quarterly and request proof of renewal before the December deadline. A suspended registration often signals unresolved inspection findings or unpaid re-inspection fees.

FSVP importer identification and hazard analysis

FSVP importer identification and hazard analysis places the legal burden on the US owner or consignee at the time of entry to develop and maintain a Foreign Supplier Verification Program for each fresh fruit product. The FSVP importer must be identified by name and address on the entry filing using the unique FSVP importer identifier (usually the DUNS number). The program requires a written hazard analysis identifying known or reasonably foreseeable biological, chemical, and physical hazards for each fruit type such as Salmonella on cantaloupe or pesticide residues on grapes. The importer must verify the foreign supplier controls these hazards through audits, sampling and testing, or reliance on third-party certification such as GFSI-recognized schemes. Records must be kept for at least two years and made available to FDA within 24 hours of request. Importers who cannot demonstrate an adequate FSVP face detention without physical examination under Import Alert 99-41.

Requirement	Responsible Party	Frequency / Timing	Key Document / System	Consequence of Non-Compliance
Prior Notice	Importer / Customs Broker	Per shipment (2-8 hrs pre-arrival by mode)	PNSI / ACE Confirmation Number	Detention, Refusal, Import Alert 99-32
Food Facility Registration	Foreign Facility (Packhouse / Processor)	Biennial Renewal (Oct 1 - Dec 31 even years)	FDA Registration Number, US Agent	Detention of all facility shipments
FSVP Plan & Hazard Analysis	US FSVP Importer (Owner/Consignee)	Per product/supplier; Records kept 2+ years	Written FSVP Plan, Supplier Verification Records	DWPE, Import Alert 99-41, Warning Letters

The table summarizes the three FDA compliance pillars for fresh fruit imports. Prior Notice is a per-shipment filing with strict pre-arrival windows that vary by transport mode. Food Facility Registration is a biennial obligation on the foreign packhouse or processor requiring a US Agent. The FSVP Plan is an ongoing supplier-specific program owned by the US importer requiring written hazard analysis and verification activities. Each pillar operates independently; compliance with one does not substitute for another. A single shipment can be detained for Prior Notice failure while the facility registration is current and the FSVP plan is adequate. Importers should track all three expiration dates and filing deadlines in a compliance calendar integrated with their ERP or customs broker's system.

Customs Entry: HTS Codes, Duties & Required Commercial Documents

Essential commercial documentation package including HTS classification for top fruits, duty calculation, and trade agreement preferences. The core document set consists of a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading or air waybill. The commercial invoice must state the seller, buyer, merchandise description, quantity, value in US dollars, country of origin, and HTS code for each line item. The packing list details gross and net weights, package count, and marks and numbers matching the invoice. The bill of lading serves as evidence of the contract of carriage and title transfer. Missing or inconsistent data across these three documents triggers CBP Form 28 requests or intensive exams that delay perishable cargo. In 2024 US fresh fruit imports reached $33 billion according to Fresh Fruit Portal citing USDA data, underscoring the volume of paperwork processed daily at major gateways.

Commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading requirements

Commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading requirements form the minimum entry package for CBP and USDA clearance. The invoice must include the IRS number or CBP-assigned number of the importer of record, the HTSUS classification to six digits minimum, and the Incoterms basis for valuation. Packing lists require container and seal numbers, pallet counts, and carton-level detail for mixed loads. The bill of lading must show the notify party as the customs broker or importer with a valid US address and phone number. Discrepancies between the manifest, invoice, and packing list are the leading cause of perishable cargo exams at Los Angeles Long Beach and Philadelphia ports. Brokers file entry summary CBP Form 7501 within ten working days of release using ABI/ACE.

HTS code lookup table for top 20 imported fruits

HTS code lookup table for top 20 imported fruits enables accurate duty assessment and quota eligibility. The table below lists the primary eight-digit HTS codes and general column 1 duty rates for the highest volume fresh fruit imports. Rates shown are general rates; preferential rates under USMCA, CTPA, or AGOA may reduce duties to zero when proper origin claims and certificates are presented. Classification disputes often center on variety distinctions such as Hass versus green skin avocados or fresh versus chilled categories. Importers should obtain a binding ruling from CBP National Commodity Specialist Division for novel varieties or processed fresh products. Mexico shipped approximately $14.4 billion in fresh fruit to the United States in 2024 according to Fresh Fruit Portal citing USDA data, making USMCA preference claims a routine part of high-volume clearance.

Fruit	HTS Code (8-digit)	Description	General Duty Rate	Primary Trade Agreement	Quota Applicable
Avocados (Hass)	0804.40.00	Fresh or dried	11.2¢/kg	USMCA	No
Bananas	0803.90.00	Fresh, other than plantains	Free	AGOA / CBI	No
Blueberries	0810.40.00	Fresh	Free	USMCA / CTPA	No
Clementines/Mandarins	0805.21.00	Fresh	1.9¢/kg	USMCA	No
Grapes (Table)	0806.10.00	Fresh	Free	USMCA / CTPA	No
Lemons/Limes	0805.50.20	Fresh	2.2¢/kg	USMCA	No
Mangoes	0804.50.40	Fresh	6.6¢/kg	USMCA / ATPA	No
Melons (Cantaloupe)	0807.19.20	Fresh, cantaloupes	12.8%	USMCA	No
Oranges	0805.10.00	Fresh	1.9¢/kg	USMCA	No
Pineapples	0804.30.20	Fresh, not reduced in size	0.51¢/kg	CTPA / AGOA	No
Raspberries	0810.20.10	Fresh	Free	USMCA	No
Strawberries	0810.10.20	Fresh, if entered Jun 15-Sep 15	Free	USMCA	No
Strawberries	0810.10.40	Fresh, other	1.1¢/kg	USMCA	No
Watermelons	0807.11.30	Fresh, entered Dec 1-Mar 31	9%	USMCA	No
Watermelons	0807.11.40	Fresh, entered Apr 1-Nov 30	17%	USMCA	No
Papayas	0807.20.00	Fresh	5.4%	USMCA / AGOA	No
Peaches/Nectarines	0809.30.20	Fresh	Free	USMCA / CTPA	No
Pears	0808.30.20	Fresh	Free	USMCA	No
Plums	0809.40.20	Fresh	Free	USMCA	No
Cherries (Sweet)	0809.29.00	Fresh	Free	USMCA / CTPA	No

Tariff-rate quota tracking and claim procedures

Tariff-rate quota tracking and claim procedures apply to a limited number of fresh fruit categories such as certain prepared or preserved products but rarely to fresh whole fruit. When a TRQ applies, the importer must claim the in-quota rate at time of entry using the specific HTS subheading ending in .10 or .20 series and provide a valid export certificate from the licensing authority of the beneficiary country. Out-of-quota rates are significantly higher and can render a shipment unprofitable. CBP publishes TRQ fill rates weekly in the Quota Bulletin. Importers should monitor fill rates through their broker's ACE portal and coordinate shipping schedules to arrive before quota exhaustion. Failure to claim the correct subheading results in automatic assessment at the over-quota rate with limited post-entry correction options. Fresh vegetable imports rose to 36.3 percent of US availability in 2024 according to Fresh Fruit Portal citing USDA data, a reminder that quota dynamics in adjacent produce categories often signal policy shifts for fruit.

Port of Entry Operations: Inspection Protocols & Cold Chain Handoff

Operational guide to CBP/USDA inspection workflows, NARP participation, risk-based sampling, and maintaining cold chain integrity during clearance. Fresh fruit shipments move from vessel or aircraft to a CBP-bonded facility where USDA PPQ conducts phytosanitary inspection. The inspection sequence begins with document review of the phytosanitary certificate, permit, and manifest. Physical examination follows a risk-based sampling protocol targeting high-risk pathways and historical non-compliance. Temperature-sensitive fruit must remain in refrigerated storage throughout the hold period. Importers should pre-arrange cold storage capacity at the port of entry to avoid demurrage and quality loss during peak season volumes.

Plant inspection station locations and hours

Plant inspection station locations and hours determine where and when USDA PPQ can examine fresh fruit. Major stations operate at Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Miami, New York, Houston, Chicago, Atlanta, and Honolulu with extended hours during peak import seasons. Smaller ports may have part-time inspectors or require advance appointments for perishable exams. The USDA PPQ website publishes a searchable directory with contact numbers, after-hours emergency procedures, and commodity-specific capabilities such as cold treatment verification or irradiation facilities. Importers routing fruit through non-major ports must confirm inspector availability before vessel arrival to avoid multi-day holds. Some stations specialize in specific commodities; for example, Philadelphia handles high-volume Chilean grape and stone fruit programs while Miami focuses on tropical fruit from Central America.

National Agriculture Release Program enrollment

National Agriculture Release Program enrollment allows qualified importers to receive expedited release of low-risk fresh fruit shipments without physical examination at the port of arrival. NARP participants submit entry data and supporting documents electronically through ACE prior to arrival. USDA PPQ reviews the package remotely and issues a release or hold decision before the cargo reaches the dock. Eligibility requires a minimum of one year of compliant import history, a valid USDA permit, and a written quality assurance plan covering supplier verification and traceability. Participants must maintain a compliance rate above 95 percent to remain in the program. NARP reduces average dwell time by 24 to 48 hours for enrolled importers, a critical advantage for highly perishable items like berries and cherries. The application is submitted through ePermits with supporting SOPs and a facility diagram showing inspection areas.

Cold storage protocols during USDA holds

Cold storage protocols during USDA holds preserve fruit quality while regulatory issues are resolved. When a shipment is held for inspection, treatment, or documentation correction, the importer must move the cargo to a USDA-approved cold storage facility within the port area. These facilities maintain temperature logs accessible to PPQ officers and provide segregated areas for held versus released pallets. The importer bears all storage, handling, and transport costs during the hold period. Typical hold durations range from four hours for document review to fourteen days for mandatory cold treatment if live pests are intercepted. Facilities must be listed on the USDA Approved Cold Storage list and meet requirements for temperature recording devices calibrated annually. Importers should negotiate storage rates and capacity guarantees with providers before peak season. Cold storage solutions for exporting fruits details facility selection criteria and cost benchmarks for major US gateways.

Conclusion

Verify admissibility in FAVIR before any purchase commitment, secure the correct PPQ permit through ePermits with Level 2 authentication, and confirm the exporting NPPO can issue phytosanitary certificates with the exact additional declarations and permit number references required. Align certificate validity windows with transit time, file FDA Prior Notice within the mode-specific deadline, and ensure the FSVP importer maintains current hazard analyses and verification records for each supplier. Maintain continuous FDA facility registration and designate a responsive US Agent to prevent automatic detention of perishable shipments.

Coordinate cold chain capabilities with mandated treatment schedules such as T107-a before booking freight, and use the IPPC ePhyto Hub where available to accelerate port clearance. For ongoing market access and buyer discovery, explore Global Trade Plaza alongside trade shows and government export-promotion resources.

Frequently Asked Questions

how to import fresh fruit to usa from europe?

Verify admissibility in the USDA FAVIR database for the specific fruit and European country of origin. Secure a USDA APHIS PPQ 587 permit via ePermits, obtain a phytosanitary certificate from the EU member state NPPO with required additional declarations, file FDA Prior Notice by the modal deadline, and submit a CBP entry with correct HTS codes.

how to import fresh fruit to usa requirements in germany?

Germany follows EU phytosanitary standards; the German NPPO (Julius Kühn-Institut) issues the phytosanitary certificate with declarations required by FAVIR for that commodity. The fruit must meet any mandated treatment schedule such as cold treatment T107-a before departure, and the German exporter must hold valid FDA Food Facility Registration.

how to import fresh fruit to usa requirements in sap?

Configure SAP Global Trade Services to store the USDA permit number, phytosanitary certificate data, FDA Prior Notice confirmation number, and HTS classification for each fruit SKU. Set up document determination rules to block goods issue if the phytosanitary certificate validity window has expired or the FDA Prior Notice timestamp is missing.

how to import fresh fruit to usa documents required?

Required documents include the USDA APHIS import permit (PPQ 587), original or ePhyto phytosanitary certificate from the origin NPPO referencing the permit number, commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading or airway bill, FDA Prior Notice confirmation, and CBP entry summary (CBP Form 7501) with HTS codes.

what is a controlled import permit for fresh fruit?

A Controlled Import Permit authorizes entry of fruit that requires post-entry quarantine at an APHIS-approved facility rather than immediate release. It is used for propagative material or high-risk commodities where pests cannot be mitigated by pre-shipment treatment alone, and carries a $130 fee with 60-plus business day processing.

which fruits are prohibited from entering the usa?

Prohibited fruits vary by country of origin; FAVIR lists each commodity-country pair as Admissible, Admissible with Treatment, or Prohibited. Common examples include fresh citrus from most Mediterranean countries due to citrus canker risk and certain stone fruits from areas with Mediterranean fruit fly infestations unless a systems approach is approved.

how long does customs clearance take for fresh fruit?

Clearance typically takes 4 to 24 hours for air shipments with complete paperwork and clean inspection, but can extend to 48 hours or more if PPQ inspects for pests, treatment verification is needed, or FDA Prior Notice was filed late. Perishable cargo exams are prioritized at designated cold storage ports.

do i need a customs broker to import fresh fruit?

You are not legally required to use a customs broker, but the complexity of HTS classification, PGA message sets for USDA and FDA, and bond requirements makes a licensed broker practical for most commercial importers. The broker files the CBP entry, coordinates PPQ inspection appointments, and manages duty payment.

what happens if usda finds pests in my fruit shipment?

PPQ will issue an Emergency Action Notification ordering treatment (fumigation or cold treatment if feasible and approved), re-export, or destruction at the importer's expense. The shipment is held under CBP custody; treatment availability depends on the pest, commodity, and port facilities. Repeated violations can trigger increased inspection rates or permit revocation.

how to get phytosanitary certificate for usa import?

The exporter requests the certificate from the National Plant Protection Organization (NPPO) in the country of origin, providing the USDA import permit number and exact additional declarations listed in FAVIR. The NPPO inspects the consignment, verifies treatment records if required, and issues the certificate in English or with an English translation, increasingly via the IPPC ePhyto Hub.

fda prior notice timing requirements for air shipment?

FDA Prior Notice must be filed at least 4 hours before the aircraft's estimated arrival at the first US port for air shipments. Filing is done via the Prior Notice System Interface (PNSI) or ACE; late or missing filing results in automatic detention, refusal of admission, and potential re-export or destruction of the perishable cargo.

tariff rate quotas for fresh fruit imports usa?

Tariff-rate quotas (TRQs) apply to specific fruits such as watermelons, mandarins, and certain melons under HTS chapters 0807 and 0805, allowing a defined volume at a low in-quota duty rate with higher over-quota rates thereafter. Quota allocations are often country-specific under trade agreements; importers must claim the correct HTS subheading and provide origin documentation to receive the preferential rate.

Sources

Fresh Fruit Portal (citing USDA data) (2024): US fresh fruit imports (value)