Importing and Exporting Pesticides and Devices

As the coronavirus pandemic continues to evolve worldwide, the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) remains committed to its mission of protecting human health and the environment. Like many employers, the EPA continues to rely on the best available data and science-based health measures to reduce the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) to implement risk-based policies and procedures that safeguard the health and safety of EPA personnel and minimize further transmission of the virus. At the beginning of the pandemic, the EPA shifted to telework-based operations and made adjustments to procedures normally conducted through the exchange of paper documents, such as the filing of some Notices of Arrival of Pesticides and Devices (NOAs/EPA Form 3540-1). As EPA transitions our workforce return to the workplace and expand workplace flexibilities, EPA will continue the temporary process established at the beginning of the pandemic regarding the submission of EPA Form 3540-1 (paper NOAs).

19 CFR 12.112(a) requires an importer or the importer’s agent desiring to import pesticides or devices into the United States to submit, prior to arrival of the shipment in the United States, a Notice of Arrival of Pesticides and Devices on EPA Form 3540-1 or its electronic equivalent via the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE). Filings for most entry types can be accomplished through ACE. Normally, paper NOAs are mailed or delivered to the relevant EPA Import Coordinator at their respective regional offices via USPS or courier. However, EPA will continue to accept paper NOAs via e-mail. If EPA intends to terminate the temporary procedures, EPA will post a notification on this page at least seven days prior to terminating the temporary process. Please contact your regional coordinator for specific instructions. Their contact information is posted on Regional Contacts for Questions Concerning Notices of Arrival (EPA Form 3540-1).

Although the number of electronic NOA filings through ACE has increased over the years, the EPA continues to receive paper NOAs. EPA encourages importers and their agents to file NOAs electronically in ACE, even if you file infrequently. Regardless of the filing method, importers and their agents are encouraged to file NOAs well in advance of their shipment’s arrival at the port of entry. This will maximize the efficiency of the review process and the amount of time available for further information exchange and correcting filing errors.

Exportation of Pesticides and Devices

• Registered pesticides that are exported must bear labeling (or collateral labeling per 40 C.F.R. § 168.69) that is approved by EPA as part of its registration. For the requirements related specifically to the export of registered pesticides, see 40 C.F.R. § 168.69.
• Unregistered pesticides. Pesticides intended solely for export are not required to be registered in the U.S. as long as the exporter complies with the labeling and other applicable requirements in 40 C.F.R. § 168.70 and 168.75, which in most cases will include the submission of a foreign purchaser acknowledgement statement (FPAS) to EPA. (Additional information on how to file an FPAS)
• Pesticide devices that are exported must bear labeling (or collateral labeling per 40 C.F.R. § 168.69) compliant with 40 C.F.R. § 168.71.
• Note that all exporters of pesticides, devices and active ingredients must also:
  • Keep records and permit inspections of those records in accordance with 40 C.F.R. part 169; and
  • Submit annual reports to EPA in accordance with 40 C.F.R. part 167.

  Importation of Pesticides and Devices

  • Importers of all FIFRA-regulated pesticides and devices (including unregistered pesticides) must comply with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regulations set forth at 19 C.F.R. §§ 12.110 - 12.117.
    • Unregistered pesticides may be imported only if the import meets the conditions of one of the specific exceptions in 40 C.F.R. § 152.30.
      • Note: Persons who are importing unregistered pesticides for the sole purpose of exporting them must comply with Pesticide Registration Notice 99-1.
      • For EPA NOA information submitted in paper form, EPA Form 3540-1 must have been signed by the appropriate EPA regional office for the state/territory where the shipment is to arrive and indicate any action to be taken by CBP with respect to the shipment. See the EPA Tips for Trade, link provided below, for a more detailed description of the filing options and instructions.
      • Under the electronic alternative, importers can submit the data required by EPA Form 3540-1 through the Partner Government Agency (PGA) Message Set and upload an image of the on-product market label (final printed label) that is on the product being imported into ACE’s Document Image System (DIS). ACE will complete a series of automatic checks to determine if there are problems with the information submitted and will issue electronic notifications to the importer. A successful filing through the PGA Message Set will trigger a “may proceed” message to CBP via ACE. Filings that do not pass the initial checks will receive a “reject” or “hold intact” notification. EPA staff may review and provide feedback directly to the importer, and the importer may correct the filing.
      • For more detailed information on the EPA NOA filing options and procedures and tips for preventing common filing errors, importers and their brokers may refer to the ACE Tips and Guidelines for EPA Pesticides.
      • For general information on the FIFRA import program and questions and answers asked by the regulated community on filing EPA pesticides in ACE, see the following resources:
        • FAQs of the FIFRA Import Program
        • EPA Responses to Webinar FAQs

        Importing and Exporting Foods Containing Pesticide Residues

        EPA sets limits on how much of a pesticide residue can remain on food and feed products, or commodities. These pesticide residue limits are known as tolerances. Tolerances are set to protect you from harmful levels of pesticides on your food.

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