EXPORT STANDARDS FOR AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS TO THE USA AT SMARTLINK

The potential for exporting agricultural products to the USA is vast. However, to succeed, businesses need to prepare thoroughly and understand the current standards for importing agricultural products into the USA. Follow the article below to explore the export standards for agricultural products to the United States.

USA – The Largest Export Market for Vietnamese Agricultural Products

As of February 2023, seven types of agricultural products are allowed to be exported to the USA with increasing turnover, including mango, longan, lychee, dragon fruit, rambutan, star apple, and green-skinned pomelo. According to data from the General Statistics Office, in the first two months of 2024, the USA was Vietnam’s largest export market with an estimated turnover of $17.4 billion. In the first two months of 2024, the trade surplus to the USA was estimated at $15.2 billion, an increase of 36.6% compared to the same period last year.

Export Standards for Agricultural Products to the USA

With over 300 million consumers, the USA is a potential market but also very stringent about the quality and origin of imported products. Here are some standards to note when exporting agricultural products to the USA:

Trade Quality and Labeling All agricultural products imported into the USA must comply with the standards of the Market Division under the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Businesses need to register for quality inspection with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and register their business establishments to obtain a business number. According to the US Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002, exported agricultural products must be labeled with the country of origin (COOL). Therefore, before exporting, Vietnamese businesses need to register their packing facilities with the FDA and ensure that labeling fully complies with FDA standards.

Food Safety Regulations Exported agricultural products must not have pesticide residues. If violated, the shipment will be returned or destroyed, and the USA may issue a warning or ban on exports. Therefore, businesses need to understand food safety regulations. The maximum residue levels of pesticides are set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and monitored by the FDA.

Traceability of Origin Under the Bioterrorism Act, agricultural exporters must register with the FDA and provide prior notice before the shipment arrives in the USA. The country of origin labeling program (COOL) requires certain agricultural products to be clearly labeled, affecting the traceability of origin regulations.

Plant Quarantine Inspectors from the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) check and certify all shipments before customs declaration. If signs of pests or diseases are found, the shipment may be fumigated, returned, or destroyed.

Customs Declaration US Customs only grants import permits after the shipments have been inspected by APHIS and the FDA. After determining the quantity, value, and origin, exporters must pay the necessary taxes immediately at the place of import.

Important Notes When Exporting Agricultural Products to the USA

To successfully export agricultural products to the USA, businesses need to comply with the standards set by the USA, be ready to meet on-site inspection requirements, and prepare complete food safety documentation from the production facility.

Businesses need to understand the export standards for agricultural products to the USA to fully exploit the market’s potential. We hope the information shared by Smart Link will be useful for individuals and export units. If your business needs a reputable unit to perform export procedures, please contact Smart Link for the fastest consultation.

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If you require assistance with international import and export of goods, please contact our team at Smartlink Logistics. We are available to provide you with professional guidance on our services and the necessary customs procedures.

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