Quarantine
Also known as: Customs Quarantine, Import Quarantine, Phytosanitary Hold
Definition
Quarantine holds shipments for inspection by agricultural, health, or customs authorities. It prevents invasive species, diseases, and contaminated goods from entering a country.
Types of Quarantine
| Type | Authority | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Agricultural | USDA/APHIS | Prevent pests, plant diseases |
| Health | CDC/FDA | Stop disease spread |
| Customs | CBP | Security, contraband |
| Environmental | EPA | Hazardous materials |
Common Quarantine Triggers
Agricultural:
- Wood packaging (requires ISPM-15 treatment)
- Fresh produce
- Plants and seeds
- Animal products
- Soil contamination
Health:
- Food products
- Medical supplies
- Live animals
- Disease outbreak origin
Quarantine Process
- Shipment flagged for inspection
- Goods held at port/facility
- Inspection by relevant agency
- Treatment if required (fumigation, etc.)
- Release or rejection/destruction
Avoiding Quarantine Delays
- Proper documentation
- ISPM-15 compliant pallets
- Accurate product descriptions
- Phytosanitary certificates
- Pre-clearance when available
Quarantine Costs
- Storage fees during hold
- Inspection charges
- Treatment costs (fumigation)
- Demurrage/detention
- Potential cargo destruction
High-Risk Items
- Fresh fruits and vegetables
- Wooden packaging from certain countries
- Animal products
- Plants and seeds
- Used agricultural equipment
Ready to ship?
Ship internationally with confidence
Try Free