Effective October 5, 2026, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has announced updated entry requirements for potatoes originating from Prince Edward Island (PEI), Canada. The changes are outlined in Federal Order DA-2026-28 and are intended to strengthen plant health protections while supporting the safe movement of agricultural products into the United States.
Key Requirements
Under the new requirements:
- Bulk shipments of potatoes (50 lbs. or larger) may only be imported through USDA APHIS-approved facilities that have signed compliance agreements outlining waste-handling procedures.
- Cull potatoes from PEI are prohibited from import into the United States.
- All shipments must maintain full traceability, including tracking from the production site to the packinghouse, as well as through any U.S. repackaging activities, to support complete trace-back and recall capabilities.
- Potatoes must be thoroughly washed and free of soil prior to arrival. CBP may require brushing and rinsing procedures, and potatoes must be completely soil-free upon inspection at the port of entry.
- Potatoes must be treated with an approved sprout inhibitor, and export documentation must identify both the product used and the date of application.
- Each shipment must be accompanied by a Canada Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) certificate containing the required Additional Declaration.
- Potatoes imported for consumption may not be repurposed as seed potatoes.
For additional information, stakeholders may contact CBP’s Agriculture Programs and Trade Liaison (APTL) team at aptlprocessres@cbp.dhs.gov.
https://content.govdelivery.com/bulletins/gd/USDHSCBP-42e07c7?wgt_ref=USDHSCBP_WIDGET_C62