Pests, permits and paperwork behind agricultural holds
An agricultural hold means an inspector wants to verify documents, or has seen a possible plant pest or disease risk, before the cargo moves. The hold can apply to food and plant shipments and also to general cargo packed with wood. Some holds only mean the shipment has not been inspected yet and lift once it is. Others reflect a confirmed problem that needs corrective action.
- Wood packaging without a valid ISPM 15 treatment mark
- Plants or plant products that need a permit or certificate
- Animal products that do not meet APHIS requirements
- Signs of pests or soil on cargo or containers
Wood packaging can hold up general cargo
Solid wood pallets, crates and dunnage must be treated and marked under the international ISPM 15 standard, with the IPPC logo, a country code, a facility number and a treatment code. APHIS says shipments containing noncompliant wood packaging will not be allowed to enter the country. Typical outcomes include re-exporting the shipment or other corrective steps the inspectors direct, all of which add time and cost. Ask suppliers to confirm compliant packaging before cargo is stuffed.
Working a USDA hold with your broker
The terminal shows that a USDA hold exists, but the detail comes through the customs broker and the inspection paperwork. If inspectors confirm a problem, they issue an Emergency Action Notification that explains what they found and the options for resolving it. Act quickly, since terminal time may keep accruing while the hold is open, and ask whether the hold is still waiting for inspection or reflects a confirmed issue.
Example
An inspector finds wood pallets without an ISPM 15 mark in TCNU8173559, so the container goes on a USDA hold and the importer receives an Emergency Action Notification listing its options.
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Official sources
Questions
What does USDA Hold mean?
A USDA hold is a hold on an import for U.S. agricultural requirements, such as plant pest risks, wood packaging rules or missing permits. Despite the name, a CBP inspector usually places it, applying USDA's APHIS rules at the port.
Who places a USDA hold, USDA or CBP?
Usually CBP. APHIS explains that although a hold may be labeled USDA, a CBP inspector places it in most cases, applying APHIS requirements at the port. APHIS sets the rules and may help resolve the issue.
Is a USDA hold the same as an FDA hold?
No. USDA holds concern agricultural pests, diseases and APHIS permits, while FDA holds concern food, drugs, devices and other FDA-regulated products. A single shipment, such as fresh produce, can face both.