Imports
Organic Imports
The AMS National Organic Program (NOP) oversees imports of organic agricultural products into the U.S. Organic imports must be associated with an NOP Import Certificate.
Learn more about the NOP Import Certificate >
Specialty Crops
The AMS Specialty Crops Program administers Marketing Orders and Section 8e Import regulations that apply quality standards to certain fruits, vegetables, and specialty crops entering the United States. These standards ensure that consumers have access to high-quality products and ensure that the American produce industry and imports are competing on a level playing field.
See the specific requirements for regulated imports through links provided at Section 8e & Imports.
Since July 23, 2016, CBP has required all importers to submit their entry filings through the ACE as part of a government-wide deployment of the new International Trade Data System (ITDS). The ACE electronic interface is accelerating the processing of entry filings for all importers by automating clearance processes by all government agencies, including AMS. To accomplish this, CBP requires each government agency to electronically message back to ACE with the status of each entry filing. With ACE, importers will be able to determine the entry status under AMS or any other Agency’s requirements that determine release by CBP for entry into the United States. Presenting your products for AMS inspection segregated by Customs Entry Number allows AMS to notify CBP so that your products can be released into the channels of commerce quickly and efficiently.
Shell Eggs
AMS routinely inspects egg imports for compliance with U.S. quality standards, including storage and transportation temperature requirements.
Learn more about breaking stock >
Exports
AMS oversees compliance with the Export Apple Act and Export Grape and Plum Act, through regulations promulgated by AMS/MOAD. See 7 CFR Part 33 for regulations applicable to exporting apples from the United States. See 7 CFR Part 35 for regulations applicable to exporting grapes and plums from the United States.
Shell Eggs
When preparing to export shell eggs to a foreign country for use in the table egg or breaking stock market, it is highly recommended that industry representatives visit the Livestock and Poultry Program’s Shell Egg Export Restrictions Dashboard, prior to shipment. The list was developed to help industry become aware of recently issued HPAI restricted areas located within the United States. Restricted areas may consist of an individual county located within a state, multiple counties located within a state, an entire state located within the United States of America, or the entire United States of America, depending on individual foreign country specific requirements. In all cases, the exporting company maintains responsibility of confirming certification requirements prior to shipment.