Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Import Manual 1 - Phytosanitary ...

Introduction
Preparation
Procedures
Introduction
The information presented in this Procedures chapter includes general
inspection procedures for clearing commercial and noncommercial
importations of fruits and vegetables, and special procedures for specifically
described importations of fruits and vegetables. The special procedures are
cross-referenced from the decision tables in the Reference chapter of this
manual.
Before beginning inspection, complete the preparatory tasks described below.
Information Needed
Do some solid investigating and be creative when collecting the necessary
information which can be obtained from a variety of sources. Refer to
Table 2-1 for information sources. HOLD all consignments until you have the
needed information.
Scientific or common name of the commodities
Origin of the commodities (where they were grown or harvested, not the
port of lading)
Destination of the commodities where they will be used (not always the
port of entry)
Size and kind of consignment: commercial or noncommercial
Presence or absence of required import permits, foreign phytosanitary
certificates, and PPQ Form 203 (APHIS preclearance documents)
Make sure that the information is accurate. Manifests often show the port of
lading, but not the origin of the commodity; therefore, you may need to check
other documents for the country of origin. Consult reference materials and
PPQ specialists (botanist, entomologist, and plant pathologist) through proper
channels when you are not sure what is being imported.
06/2011-146 Fruits and Vegetables Manual 2-3
PPQ