AMS Finalizes Rules for Electronic Submission of Inspection Applications

The Agricultural Marketing Service finalized changes to its regulations to provide for electronic submission of inspection applications for imports subject to federal marketing orders, it said in a final rule. The final rule is the same as the interim final rule the AMS issued in 2016 (see 1612200032), it said. 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 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 rule takes effect June 13.