Northwest Horticultural Council
Export Manual
UNITED STATES of AMERICA
Capital: Washington, D.C.Population: 341,963,408 (2024)
Currency: U.S. dollar
Language: English
I. CHEMICAL MAXIMUM RESIDUE LEVELS (MRLs)
The NHC’s MRL Database is a resource only available to U.S. growers, packers, and shippers of apples, pears, and sweet cherries who are located in the states of Idaho, Oregon, and Washington, and those that work with them. It is intended to be an initial guide for those U.S. Pacific Northwest companies interested in exporting tree fruit to select markets of interest. Commercially important information should be rechecked and verified with knowledgeable parties in the country of interest prior to sales or shipment. This Database utilizes global MRL data partially funded by the USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service and managed by FoodChain ID. By accessing and using the NHC’s MRL Database, you acknowledge and agree that you have read and accept the foregoing terms and conditions of use and agree to be bound by them as an express condition to your continued use of the Database.
To access the MRL Database, click here.
II. CHEMICALS AND ADDITIVE INFORMATION
A. Chemical residue standards:
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approves the use of pesticides and sets maximum residue level tolerances for fruits. The U.S. maintains a national list for pesticides which are published in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) under Title 40 Part 180.
B. Monitoring chemical residues:
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and U.S. Food & Drug Administration enforce chemical residue levels on imported and domestically produced fruits.
C. Restrictions on use of waxes:
Under review.
III. ORGANIC FRUIT REGULATIONS
The USDA National Organic Program (NOP) oversees organic regulations in the United States. More information about national organic policy and Pacific Northwest organic tree fruit production can be found on the Organics page of this website.
IV. TARIFFS
| HTS Code | Description | General Rate of Duty |
| 0808.10.00 | Apples | Free |
| 0808.30.20 | Pears – Imported from April 1 to June 30 | Free |
| 0808.30.40 | Pears – Imported any other time | 0.3 cents/kg |
| 0809.10.00 | Apricots | 0.2 cents/kg |
| 0809.29.00 | Cherries | Free |
| 0809.30.20 | Peaches & nectarines – Imported from June 1 to November 30 | 0.2 cents/kg |
| 0809.30.40 | Peaches & nectarines – Imported any other time | Free |
| 0809.40.20 | Plums – Imported from January 1 to May 31 | Free |
| 0809.40.40 | Plums – Imported any other time | 0.5 cents/kg |
| 2008.40 | Pears (canned)* | 15.3% |
| 2008.99.05 | Applesauce | 0.9 cents/kg |
| 2009.71 | Apple Juice | Free |
| 2009.89.20 | Pear Juice | Free |
* Under the terms on the U.S.-Chile Free Trade Agreement (entered into force in 2004) the duty on canned pears is being gradually reduced. Canned pear imports entering in 2013 are assessed a 5.1 percent duty so long as they enter valued at 59.4¢/kg or higher for containers holding less than 1.4 kg. The same tariff rate applies for containers weighing more than 1.4 kg and valued at 58.5¢/kg. Higher tariff rates are applied on a sliding scale if product is imported below the minimum price.
* Under the terms on the U.S. – Australia Free Trade Agreement (entered into force in 2005) the duty on canned pears is being gradually reduced. Canned pear imports entering in 2013 are assessed a 7.5 percent duty so long as they enter valued at 58.5¢/kg or higher for containers holding less than 1.4 kg. The same tariff rate applies for containers weighing more than 1.4 kg and valued at 52.2¢/kg. Higher tariff rates are applied on a sliding scale if product is imported below the minimum price.
V. NON-TARIFF BARRIERS
A. Labeling requirements:
Please see the NHC’s Fresh Fruit Labeling Manual.
B. Licenses and quotas:
Quotas – none.
C. Currency Issues:
None.
D. Pest and plant disease restrictions:
Information for this section is under review.
