Starting 1 January, 2015, importers of U.S. fresh citrus (oranges and lemons) are required to obtain an import permit, and shipments will need a phytosanitary certificate with attestations related to freedom from fruit flies and citrus greening.
These new requirements will not apply to shipments that departed prior to 31 December, 2014, and that arrive before 28 February.
The new conditions include requirements that importers obtain an import permit (IP) to import citrus, and that a phytosanitary certificate (PC) will need to accompany each shipment. The IP has to be obtained before each consignment is shipped, then the importer must inform the U.S. exporter of the IP reference number, and that IP reference number has to be stated on the PC’s Additional Declaration.
In addition, according to the Department of Agriculture’s new regulations, the additional declaration must state that the citrus is free from:
- “fruit flies species (based on the list of fruit flies present in the exporting country)”
- Liberobacter asiaticum (Citrus Greening)
- Liberobacter africanum (Citrus Greening)
DOA’s full description of the requirements can be found by clicking here.
These new requirements will not apply to shipments that departed prior to 31 December, 2014, and that arrive before 28 February.
The U.S. exports about $25 million in citrus to Malaysia annually. Due to the U.S. growing season, shipments peak during the first six months the year. Local importers are not well aware of the new requirements, which could result in some trade disruptions as these new regulations are introduced during the peak citrus shipment period.
Please visit gain.fas.usda.gov for more information.
Source: Freshplaza