USDA to start implementing faster produce import permit system this fall

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Plant Protection and Quarantine is developing a new online permitting system called eFile.

Beginning in fall 2020, importers will be able to use the eFile to apply for and receive fresh fruit and vegetable import permits, in many cases, within the same day. Until then, APHIS will continue issuing fresh fruit and vegetable import permits through ePermits.

ePermit phaseout 

To help transition from ePermits to eFile, all fresh fruit and vegetable import permits issued from ePermits after June 1, 2020 will be valid for one year only. This will allow us to gradually phase out the ePermits system for fresh fruit and vegetable import permits. Unfortunately, we are unable to transfer active permits from one system to the other.

Once we transition to eFile, stakeholders will be able to renew existing fresh fruit and vegetable import permits or request new ones in eFile. All fresh fruit and vegetable import permits issued from eFile will be valid for three years.

If you have any questions, email to [email protected].