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We can issue certificates for less than the amount listed on the 921-2 form, but not more. Similarly, we cannot issue a certificate with a lot number or container number different from that listed on the 921-2. When we find an error between the application and 921-2, we will return the application in PCIT for you to correct. Sometimes the error is on the application, while other times it is on the 921-2. It is up to the issuing company to determine if a 921-2 form can be revised and reissued with a different weight, lot number, or container number. Please pay attention to conversion factors if you have the 921-2 issued in metric units but apply for a phytosanitary certificate in pounds (or vice versa). Incorrect calculations have delayed many certificates because the phytosanitary certificate application is for a greater quantity than is stated on the 921-2. Even if it is just a calculation error, we cannot exceed the amount listed on the 921-2.

Another reason for the rejection of a 921-2 is that the inspection date listed on the form exceeds 30 days. The USDA policy states that a phytosanitary certificate must be issued within 30 days of the inspection date listed on the 921-2. An exception is made if the commodity left the U.S. within 30 days (by bill of lading date). In those cases, we can issue a phytosanitary certificate up to 60 days from date of inspection. IMPORTANT: Each lot or container listed on an application must have been inspected within the 30 days. The inspection date is counted as day number 1. Since several months have more than 30 days, your inspection will likely expire 1-2 days before the same date the following month. For example: An inspection done on October 10 will expire on November 8. BE ADVISED THAT SOME COUNTRIES HAVE A 14 DAY INSPECTION TO ISSUANCE TIMELINE. We cannot issue a certificate if the destination country time limits have been exceeded. It is imperative to the success of your export process that you know the timeline established by the destination country. Application on the date of expiration is not acceptable. The certificate must be issued before expiration, not just applied for. You must apply at least three business days prior to expiration to ensure your phytosanitary certificate is issued in time.

Why have my application and/or 921-2 forms been returned or rejected?

We can issue certificates for less than the amount listed on the 921-2 form, but not more. Similarly, we cannot issue a certificate with a lot number or container number different from that listed on the 921-2. When we find an error between the application and 921-2, we will return the application in PCIT for you to correct. Sometimes the error is on the application, while other times it is on the 921-2. It is up to the issuing company to determine if a 921-2 form can be revised and reissued with a different weight, lot number, or container number. Please pay attention to conversion factors if you have the 921-2 issued in metric units but apply for a phytosanitary certificate in pounds (or vice versa). Incorrect calculations have delayed many certificates because the phytosanitary certificate application is for a greater quantity than is stated on the 921-2. Even if it is just a calculation error, we cannot exceed the amount listed on the 921-2.

Another reason for the rejection of a 921-2 is that the inspection date listed on the form exceeds 30 days. The USDA policy states that a phytosanitary certificate must be issued within 30 days of the inspection date listed on the 921-2. An exception is made if the commodity left the U.S. within 30 days (by bill of lading date). In those cases, we can issue a phytosanitary certificate up to 60 days from date of inspection. IMPORTANT: Each lot or container listed on an application must have been inspected within the 30 days. The inspection date is counted as day number 1. Since several months have more than 30 days, your inspection will likely expire 1-2 days before the same date the following month. For example: An inspection done on October 10 will expire on November 8. BE ADVISED THAT SOME COUNTRIES HAVE A 14 DAY INSPECTION TO ISSUANCE TIMELINE. We cannot issue a certificate if the destination country time limits have been exceeded. It is imperative to the success of your export process that you know the timeline established by the destination country. Application on the date of expiration is not acceptable. The certificate must be issued before expiration, not just applied for. You must apply at least three business days prior to expiration to ensure your phytosanitary certificate is issued in time.

No

We can issue certificates for less than the amount listed on the 921-2 form, but not more. Similarly, we cannot issue a certificate with a lot number or container number different from that listed on the 921-2. When we find an error between the application and 921-2, we will return the application in PCIT for you to correct. Sometimes the error is on the application, while other times it is on the 921-2. It is up to the issuing company to determine if a 921-2 form can be revised and reissued with a different weight, lot number, or container number. Please pay attention to conversion factors if you have the 921-2 issued in metric units but apply for a phytosanitary certificate in pounds (or vice versa). Incorrect calculations have delayed many certificates because the phytosanitary certificate application is for a greater quantity than is stated on the 921-2. Even if it is just a calculation error, we cannot exceed the amount listed on the 921-2.

Another reason for the rejection of a 921-2 is that the inspection date listed on the form exceeds 30 days. The USDA policy states that a phytosanitary certificate must be issued within 30 days of the inspection date listed on the 921-2. An exception is made if the commodity left the U.S. within 30 days (by bill of lading date). In those cases, we can issue a phytosanitary certificate up to 60 days from date of inspection. IMPORTANT: Each lot or container listed on an application must have been inspected within the 30 days. The inspection date is counted as day number 1. Since several months have more than 30 days, your inspection will likely expire 1-2 days before the same date the following month. For example: An inspection done on October 10 will expire on November 8. BE ADVISED THAT SOME COUNTRIES HAVE A 14 DAY INSPECTION TO ISSUANCE TIMELINE. We cannot issue a certificate if the destination country time limits have been exceeded. It is imperative to the success of your export process that you know the timeline established by the destination country. Application on the date of expiration is not acceptable. The certificate must be issued before expiration, not just applied for. You must apply at least three business days prior to expiration to ensure your phytosanitary certificate is issued in time.

The USDA has a formal petition and review process through which they handle these situations case-by-case. Typically the USDA will grant a ONE-TIME exception to a company. This exception is company specific and not "reason" related. The company gets one exception, not an individual.

What if I experience a delay and miss the 30-day deadline?

The USDA has a formal petition and review process through which they handle these situations case-by-case. Typically the USDA will grant a ONE-TIME exception to a company. This exception is company specific and not "reason" related. The company gets one exception, not an individual.

No

The USDA has a formal petition and review process through which they handle these situations case-by-case. Typically the USDA will grant a ONE-TIME exception to a company. This exception is company specific and not "reason" related. The company gets one exception, not an individual.

We issue many certificates that identify shipment by weight, bag count, lot number, bag tag or bag markings. You may have a contractual requirement or a customer demand to include container numbers on a phytosanitary certificate. That is a business-related issue. We can issue a phytosanitary certificate using the alternatives mentioned above as distinguishing marks which ensures the timely issuance of a phytosanitary certificate. Such a practice is the single most effective way to avoid missing various certification deadlines. Once the container number is confirmed you can request a replacement certificate that includes the container number if you choose. You will be responsible for paying the cost of the replacement certificate, but you avoid the serious problem of exceeding the 30-day limit. Replacement certificates cost the same as original certificates.

What if I don't know the container number(s)?

We issue many certificates that identify shipment by weight, bag count, lot number, bag tag or bag markings. You may have a contractual requirement or a customer demand to include container numbers on a phytosanitary certificate. That is a business-related issue. We can issue a phytosanitary certificate using the alternatives mentioned above as distinguishing marks which ensures the timely issuance of a phytosanitary certificate. Such a practice is the single most effective way to avoid missing various certification deadlines. Once the container number is confirmed you can request a replacement certificate that includes the container number if you choose. You will be responsible for paying the cost of the replacement certificate, but you avoid the serious problem of exceeding the 30-day limit. Replacement certificates cost the same as original certificates.

No

We issue many certificates that identify shipment by weight, bag count, lot number, bag tag or bag markings. You may have a contractual requirement or a customer demand to include container numbers on a phytosanitary certificate. That is a business-related issue. We can issue a phytosanitary certificate using the alternatives mentioned above as distinguishing marks which ensures the timely issuance of a phytosanitary certificate. Such a practice is the single most effective way to avoid missing various certification deadlines. Once the container number is confirmed you can request a replacement certificate that includes the container number if you choose. You will be responsible for paying the cost of the replacement certificate, but you avoid the serious problem of exceeding the 30-day limit. Replacement certificates cost the same as original certificates.

Any information that is related to phytosanitary certification contained in a letter of credit will be reviewed upon request to determine if it is eligible for inclusion. However, information that is not required for the phytosanitary certificate or is business-related will not be placed on the phytosanitary certificate. License number, contract identification, grade, quality or plant variety are not listed on a phytosanitary certificate because it is not considered phytosanitary information. We understand this business information is important to your documentation. However, much of it is not germane to the assessment of pest-free status and phytosanitary compliance and therefore cannot be included on the phytosanitary certificate.

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