As the interest in new culinary trends and practices continues to expand in America, there’s also a corresponding growth in the demand for exotic fruits in the U.S. market.
Thailand is a key exporter of a wide variety of the most popular tropical exotic fruits in the world. However, if you’re a U.S.A.-based grocer eager to start importing fruits and vegetables from Thailand into the U.S., you should deal only with experienced and GLOBALG.A.P certified Thai produce suppliers.
Partnering with an experienced and certified exporter will help streamline the sometimes daunting number of regulations, standards, forms and certificates needed to satisfy both the Thai and U.S. governments in shipping fresh produce from Thailand to the U.S.
However, the documents are only one facet of importing fresh Thai fruits into the U.S. at the perfect stage of ripeness. You also need to partner with an exporter with experience in cold-chain management.
We’ll start by explaining the documents needed to begin the importation process.
Documents You Need to Import Thai Fruits to the U.S.A.
We’ll start by explaining the documents needed to begin your importation exercise.
1. Phytosanitary Certificate
This is issued by Thailand’s National Plant Protection Organization (NPPO). It tells the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Services (APHIS) of the U.S. that the goods being imported were inspected and, if necessary, treated before the shipment left port in Thailand, and the shipment meets U.S. health standards.
2. Import Permit (PPQ Form 587)
This document is required for most fruit imports and can be obtained from APHIS.
3. Customs Bond
You’ll need a customs bond that ensures payment of duties and compliance with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regulations. The customs bond is a guarantee between the importer, a third-party surety company and the CBP.
4. Customs Entry Forms
You’ll need two forms from the CBP to import goods into the U.S.:
- CBP Form 3461: Customs Release Form
- CBP Form 7501: Entry Summary
5. Prior Notice to FDA
Mandatory notification to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is required to be made before the shipment arrives in a U.S. port.
6. Commercial Invoice and Bill of Lading
The commercial invoice is a receipt of the import transaction which contains all costs and fees to both the importer and exporter. It also contains the contact information for both parties and information about the country of origin.
The bill of lading is an important document in the importation process. It also contains contact information for both parties, as well as billing information and special instructions. It also serves as the contract between the shipper and consignee.
Importation Process
When you partner with an experienced Thai exporter they can help guide you through the importation process. After obtaining all necessary documents and having them accepted by the proper agencies, you’ll be requested to decide between a single-entry or continuous bond based on import frequency if you want to import Thai fruits often.
You’ll also be required to prepare and submit entry documents and participate in inspection and clearance upon arrival (Your shipment may be inspected by CBP and APHIS for compliance).
Compliance and Best Practices
The compliance and best practices of importation worldwide, include:
- Ensure accurate and complete documentation to avoid delays.
- Stay updated on regulatory changes through official channels
- Consider working with experienced customs brokers or import consultants
Partner with Fresh Point: Your Trusted Thai Fruit Exporter
Fresh Point is a reputable Thai produce supplier specializing in Thai fruits. We are a GLOBALG.A.P certified company and have been in the global export business for over 29 years. We maintain a commitment to excellence and quality products and we comply with international standards.
It’s crucial that you thoroughly understand the import process and required documentation to ensure a seamless importation experience. We encourage businesses to streamline operations by working with experienced exporters like Fresh Point.
If you’re interested in directly importing the exotic flavors of a variety of Thai fruits to boost the profitability of your business in the U.S., contact us at info@freshconnect.in.th, or give us a call at +668 4996 9894.
