As a reminder, importers handling potatoes from Prince Edward Island (PEI) should be aware of APHIS requirements related to shipment type, transportation, destination, and intended use.
Bulk Shipments Require Additional Controls
Bulk loads imported for packaging, repackaging, or processing must be transported by a U.S. bonded carrier and delivered to an APHIS-certified facility operating under a compliance agreement. APHIS currently recognizes two approved facilities: J. Maheras in Chelsea, Massachusetts, and Folkland Foods in Waterford, Pennsylvania.
Consumption Entries Still Permitted
Although these shipments must move on a bonded carrier, APHIS clarified that the potatoes themselves are not required to enter a bonded facility. Importers and brokers may continue to file a standard consumption entry at the port of entry.
Direct Retail and Food Service Exemption
The bonded carrier and certified facility requirements do not apply to shipments intended solely for direct retail sale or direct food service use. To qualify for the exemption, APHIS requires:
- Documentation identifying a destination that matches the manifested destination.
- Documentation clearly stating the intended use as direct retail sale or food service.
- A manifested destination engaged in retail sale or food service, not planting, animal feed, processing, packaging, or repackaging activities.
APHIS has emphasized that shipments destined for wholesalers, distributors, or other parties involved in packaging, repackaging, planting, processing, or animal feed do not qualify for this exemption.
Additional Requirements for All PEI Potato Shipments
Regardless of shipment type, all PEI potato imports must be accompanied by the required certification statement confirming compliance with USDA Federal Order DA-2026-28. In addition, APHIS requires full traceability from production through export to support traceback and recall activities.
Importers should review the latest APHIS guidance and ACIR updates to ensure shipments continue to meet all applicable entry and documentation requirements.
Voluntary Statement available here: https://mrp-cir.my.salesforce.com/sfc/p/#t0000000Gzh0/a/SJ00000DsLrB/1jpcN8tz.mZzZwHdYWyzAIoDTwf3SSo9dA7cCcKjFN0