What types of products require USDA approval before importation?

The USDA regulates imports of: - Meat, poultry, and dairy products (FSIS-regulated) - Fruits, vegetables, and nuts (APHIS-regulated) - Animal and plant-based food products - Organic foods requiring USDA certification

Do I need a USDA import permit for my product?

Certain agricultural goods require a USDA permit, depending on their risk classification. We assess your product and help obtain the necessary permit if required.

What is a phytosanitary certificate, and do I need one?

A phytosanitary certificate is issued by the exporting country’s plant health authority to confirm that plant-based products are free from pests and diseases. It is required for most fresh produce and plant imports.

How can I prevent my shipment from being detained by USDA inspectors?

To avoid USDA import detentions, ensure: - You have the proper import permits and certifications - Your product meets labeling and packaging requirements - Your foreign suppliers comply with USDA regulations We provide pre-import compliance reviews to minimize the risk of detentions.

What should I do if my agricultural shipment is detained?

If your product is detained, we can: - Determine the cause of detention - Communicate with USDA inspectors and CBP officials - Assist in re-exportation or re-labeling (if required) - Implement a corrective action plan to prevent future issues

Do imported organic products need additional USDA certification?

Yes. Imported organic products must be certified under the USDA’s National Organic Program (NOP). We help ensure that your organic certification meets USDA standards.

USDA Import Requirements & Compliance Support

Overview

Service overview

We secure the USDA permits and certifications your products need and help you meet APHIS and FSIS requirements for meat, poultry, dairy and plant-based imports.

Cargo containers moving through an international port

Why this service matters

The USDA regulates agricultural imports to protect US consumers and the domestic food supply.
Certain foods need permits, certifications, inspections or labelling checks before entry.
Non-compliance can mean refusals or detentions at US ports, destruction or re-export costs, and fines.

USDA Import Permits & Certifications

Many agricultural products need USDA permits or certifications before import, and we help you obtain the approvals required.

USDA import permit application and approval
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) permits
Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) import certification
Phytosanitary certificates for plant-based imports

Product documentation being reviewed for compliance — Food & Beverage
USDA Import Requirements

Meat, Poultry & Dairy Product Import Compliance

USDA FSIS oversees imports of meat, poultry and dairy products, and we help importers work through its requirements.

Verifying approved foreign suppliers and slaughterhouses
Ensuring product labelling and packaging compliance
Coordinating FSIS import inspections at US ports
Reviewing documentation for certificates of wholesomeness

Fresh Produce & Plant-Based Import Regulations

Fruits, vegetables, nuts and plant-based products must meet APHIS rules that keep pests and diseases out of the US, and we help with phytosanitary requirements.

Phytosanitary certificate verification services
Pest and disease risk assessment for fresh produce
Plant quarantine and treatment guidance
Compliance with the Lacey Act for timber and plant-based imports

USDA Labelling & Packaging Compliance

Imported agricultural products must meet USDA labelling and packaging standards, and incorrect or missing labelling is a common cause of detention.

USDA Country of Origin Labelling (COOL) compliance
Ingredient and allergen labelling verification
Ensuring packaging meets nutrition and identity statement requirements
Compliance with organic certification and labelling (if applicable)

Customs Documentation & USDA Prior Notice Submission

Accurate documentation supports a smooth USDA-regulated import, so we help prepare and review the paperwork.

USDA Prior Notice submission guidance and assistance
Verification of customs entry documentation
Coordination with Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and USDA inspectors
Assistance with importer record-keeping requirements

Corrective Actions for USDA Detentions & Non-Compliance

If your shipment is detained, refused or flagged for non-compliance, we work with you to resolve the issue and regain compliance.

Identifying the cause of USDA detentions
Communicating with USDA and FSIS officials to resolve issues
Revising and resubmitting compliance documentation
Implementing corrective actions to prevent future detentions

Ongoing compliance support

Time-Saving
We coordinate USDA permits, certificates and paperwork, so shipments are ready before they leave.
Regulatory Assurance
Stay aligned with APHIS and FSIS import rules for your product category.
Peace of Mind
Reduce the risk of refusals, re-exportation costs and product destruction at US ports.

What you'll need

USDA-regulated goods need their paperwork lined up before shipping.

Import permitsAPHIS or FSIS permits for your product type.
Phytosanitary certificatesFor plant-based and fresh produce imports.
Approved supplier detailsForeign suppliers and slaughterhouses for meat, poultry or dairy.
Customs entry documentsThe entry paperwork CBP and USDA will review.

USDA Import Requirements