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

Appendix B: Permits and Foreign Phytosanitary Certificates
Phytosanitary Certificates
Do not confuse phytosanitary certificates with import permits. A phytosanitary
certificate is a statement of fact, while an import permit is an authorization to
do something. In most instances, the lack of either document alone is not
sufficient reason to deny entry to a consignment. Therefore, unless the
Reference section of this manual instructs differently, PPQ and CBP regulatory
officials should do the following when clearing an importation accompanied
by a phytosanitary certificate:
1. If an importation only lacks a phytosanitary certificate, then do not
prohibit entry to the consignment (refer to the Reference chapter of this
manual for exceptions)
2. Inspect all importations of plants and plant products, except for those
from Canada accompanied by a phytosanitary certificate
3. If there is an operational preclearance program for the imported plants or
plant products in the country of origin, then inspection may be waived
for precleared consignments bearing a U.S. Department of Agriculture
release stamp on the foreign document. Occasionally spot check
precleared consignments.
B-2 Fruits and Vegetables Manual 11/2009-89
PPQ