USA

Export Requirements

All individuals desirous of exporting fresh produce from Guyana to the USA  must complete the following:

1. Acquire an Import Permit: An APHIS Import permit is required for all fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables entering the United States, except for those items listed on the “ALL COUNTRIES LIST”. The USDA import manual can be found here. It provides a list of the products   that are enterable from ALL countries and from Guyana into the USA.

  • All pertinent permit conditions specific to the commodity/country will appear on the import permit issued by APHIS based on the permit application and current regulations. The importer can apply for the permit here.

2. Register with the US FDA. The Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act of 2002 (the Bioterrorism Act) directs the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the USA, as the food regulatory agency of the Department of Health and Human Services, to take additional steps to protect the public from a threatened or actual terrorist attack on the U.S. food supply and other food-related emergencies. As a consequence all exporters and importers are required to register with the US FDA. Online registration step-by-step help can be found here. Tutorials can be found here.

  • Exporters are also required to submit Prior Notice to the USDA at least two (2) hours prior to the shipment arriving into the US. Additional information and help on Prior Notification can be found here.

3. Register as an Exporter with the Guyana Marketing Corporation and the National Plant Protection Organization (NPPO), National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI), Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara. Tel: 220-5858 Fax: 220-5858 Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

4. Acquire a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN)- This can be obtained from the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), Customs & Trade Administration Department. The following documents must be presented for registration:

  • A completed TIN application form which can be uplifted from any GRA Office or it can be downloaded from http://www.gra.gov.gy/images/Forms/appltin.pdf.
  • Personal Identification: (ID card or Passport) Note: both the original and a photocopy of your ID card or passport are required.
  • Proof of residence (GPL or GT&T bills, etc)
  • In the case of a business, the business registration must be supplied with identification of a representative(s).

5. Decide on mode of shipment (air or sea)

6. Prepare Export Documentation - Customs documentation is required for all commodities being exported from Guyana.  Guyana Marketing Corporation has a Customs Brokerage Service which is available to all exporters.

7. Source Produce from Certified Farms - exporters should ensure that their produce are sourced from certified farming areas and farmers.

8.Prepare produce at Certified Packaging Facilities. Guyana Marketing Corporation has two (2) Certificated Packaging Facilities:

a. Central Packaging Facility.

b. Parika Agro Packaging Facility

 

Persons using the packaging facilities must complete and submit a request to use the packaging facility at least three days before the date required to use the facility.

Contact us for any additional information you may require.