February 4, 2020 – The Department of Commerce (DOC) announced in a notice that inspection requirements will begin April 6, 2020 on imports of fresh tomatoes from Mexico.
On September 19, 2019, Commerce (DOC) and signatory producers/exporters signed the 2019 Suspension Agreement implementing an inspection program. This program specified that all loads of fresh tomatoes shall be subject to a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) inspection for quality and condition defects near the border after entering the United States.
The inspection program outlined in Section VII.C of the 2019 Suspension Agreement applies to all fresh tomatoes from Mexico except for:
- Tomatoes on the vine
- Specialty tomatoes
- Grape tomatoes in retail packages of 2 pounds or less
Importers of tomatoes subject to inspection must request the USDA inspection and pay the associated USDA fees. After inspection, the importer will receive an inspection certificate, which must be maintained by the importer and is subject to submission to, and verification by Commerce (DOC).
If you have any questions regarding Mexican tomato inspections, Livingston can help! Please contact either your Livingston account manager or our regulatory affairs department at [email protected]