SPS measures, plant and animal regulations
Sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures and other regulations are at the fundamental level aimed at protecting human and animal life from the risks and threats arising from additives, contaminants, toxins or disease-carrying organisms in food, beverages or feedstuffs, and to reduce the risk of the spread and establishment of pests.
Examples of SPS and animal or plant health measures include inspections of products for microbiological contaminants, setting maximum allowable levels of pesticide and other residues in food, obligating the specific treatment or fumigation of products entering the United States (or other country) or requiring that products originate from specific disease-free areas.
This section provides resources that will assist producers and exporters gain a better understanding of the United States requirements relating to SPS, plant and animal health safety issues, as relevant to African exporters accessing the United States market.
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APHIS Commodity import approval process for agricultural products into the US
To obtain access to U.S. markets for a fruit, vegetable, plant, or plant product that is not already an approved commodity, one must initiate a commodity import request. There are 4 steps in the process: Determine if the commodity is an approved commodity or currently undergoing a pest risk analysis If it is not approved or currently undergoing a pest risk analysis, submit a commodity import request APHIS will conduct a pest risk analysis...
APHIS Permitted fruit and vegetables into the US - APHIS Guide 2012
The Fruits and Vegetables Import Manual provides the import requirements for regulating imported articles of fresh, usable parts of plants such as fruits, stems, leaves, roots, and flowers (herbs and vegetables). These imported articles are not intended for planting or growing, but they might serve to introduce exotic pests.
Questions and Answers: Importing irradiated fruit into the United States
Factsheet produced in 2008 by the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, United States Department of Agriculture, on importing irradiated fruit into the United States
AGOA Countries: Challenges and considerations in exporting horticultural products to the United States
Congress, the Administration, and other stakeholders continue to be involved in serious efforts to improve upon the African Growth Opportunity Act (AGOA), which was first signed into law a decade ago, on May 18, 2000. To meet its objective of enhancing U.S. market access for subSaharan African countries that are pursuing market reforms measures, the AGOA preferential trade legislation was designed to encourage and support countries in this...
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