AMS Allows Electronic Submission of Inspection Applications

The Agricultural Marketing Service is amending its regulations to provide for electronic submission of inspection applications for imports subject to federal marketing orders, in an interim final rule (here). Imports of commodities regulated under marketing orders are prohibited unless they meet comparable grade, size, quality or maturity requirements as those in effect for domestically produced commodities. The interim final rule allows submission of the information required in AMS form SC-357, “Initial Inspection Request for Regulated Imported Commodities,” via the International Trade Data System, AMS said. The change takes effect Dec. 22. AMS also seeks comments on the interim final rule, due by Feb. 19.