Category Archives: citrus

USDA allows citrus imports from China as part of Phase One trade deal.

April 24, 2020 By in citrus, trade deal, Uncategorized Tags: , , , , , , Leave a comment
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Photo by Lena Khrupina on Pexels.com

As part of the “Phase One” trade deal between the US and China, market access for Chinese citrus products was one requirement. However, US citrus growers, specifically those in Florida’s citrus industry sent a letter opposing the import of Chinese citrus. The main reasons for opposing citrus from China was the risk of invasive pests and diseases, specifically the fruit fly pest that may damage Florida citrus products and potentially damage other crops such as avocados, blueberries, peaches, peppers, persimmons and tomatoes.

In addition to natural risks, critics also cite the economic disadvantage of foreign competition during the COVID-19 crisis. The letter to the USDA also cited a topic covered previously on our blog – the dumping allegations of Mexican tomato growers. Florida tomato growers are already impacted by the competition of Mexican tomatoes, and the last thing tomato growers need to worry about is the risk of invasive pests from potential imports of Chinese citrus products.

Other opponents to the Phase One trade deal allowing access to Chinese citrus producers include Florida Farm Bureau Federation, Florida Department of Agricultre and Consumer Services and the Highlands County Citrus Growers Association.

While there is strong opposition to these imports, the opposition will likely not be enough to change Phase One of the trade deal.

If you will be importing citrus fruits – be sure you are in compliance, give David Hsu a  call/text at 832-896-6288 or by email at attorney.dave@yahoo.com.

Flying back to the US after the holidays? Be wary of these items that are prohibited from entering the U.S.

January 4, 2018 By in Attorney, citrus, Customs Lawyer, Import, Import Export Attorney, Kinder Eggs, moon cakes, prohibited foods, Travel, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Uncategorized Tags: , , , , , Leave a comment

pexels-photo-123013.jpegTraveling overseas is a great opportunity to take a break from work, visit family, or just visit and explore what the world has to offer.

After a nice trip abroad, it is easy to forget about the many prohibited items U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) does not allow to enter the US. Here’s a summary of some prohibited items from CBP’s most recent revisions as of December 8, 2017:

Please note, that all passengers carrying fruit, vegetables, meat and/or poultry products still must declare these products to CBP for inspection – regardless whether or not it is allowed into the US.

Prohibited:
1. Muraya or “orange jasmine” is used in the construction of alters. Orange jasmine greenery may carry the Asian Citrus Psyllid, an insect that carries citrus greening disease.
2. Oranges, Grapefruit, Tangerines, Sour Oranges, Sweet Limes, Guavas, Mangoes, Peaches, Pomegranates from Mexico are prohibited.
3. Most fruits from outside the US.
4. Cut flowers with berries.
5. Kinder eggs, they pose a choking hazard and are illegal for consumption in the US.
6. Moon cakes containing egg, beef, poultry or pork NOT from Canada. If CBP officer can not confirm the filling of a non-Canadian mooncake, it may be denied entry.

Allowed:
1. Fruit from Canada with proof of origin.
2. Cut flowers (does not include dried, bleached, dyed, or treated plants, filler, greenery, fern fronds.
3. Ethrogs, also known as Citrus medica is allowed after inspection. Travelers will need to open the container and unwrap it. In the event insect stings or pests are found, the ehtrog will be prohibited from entering the US.
4. Twigs of myrtle and palm fronds require inspection.
5. Gift baskets may be allowed after inspection by FDA, CBP and USPS (if mailed)
6. Baked goods (bread, cereal, crackers, cakes).
7. Moon cakes with verified Canadian origin.

Safe travels everyone! If you or anyone you know has had property or currency seized by CBP, give us a call for a free consultation at 832.896.6288 or attorney.dave@yahoo.com

Import Advisory – citrus fruits cannot be brought into the US from Canada.

December 13, 2017 By in citrus, Customs Lawyer, Import, Import Export Attorney, Uncategorized Tags: , Leave a comment

Citrus Fruits

CBP issued a media release yesterday reminding travelers that mandarin oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruit and pomelo are banned from non-commercial import into the US.

During the holiday season, CBP notices an uptick of travelers bringing in ‘Christmas Oranges” (mandarin oranges). The main reason for banning the importation of citrus fruits is because the fruits may be infected with highly contagious diseases such as citrus canker, sweet orange scab, and citrus black spot. These diseases can easily be transferred through coming into contact with infected fruit or by people carrying the infection on their hands, clothing or equipment.

Fortunately these diseases are not harmful to humans, but they do result in production declines, leading to loss of income for growers and costly quarantines.

Also, don’t forget to declare all fruits, vegetables, plants, meats, processed animal products (soup mixes and pet food), pets, wood products (including firewood) to CBP at your port of entry. Failure to declare could result in fines of up to $1,000.00.

Travel safe everyone.