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Mission
APHIS wants to ensure the availability of domestic and imported foods
in the marketplace, facilitate the exportation of agricultural commodities
to foreign countries, and preserve the health and diversity of our agricultural
resources. Our Safeguarding, Intervention and Trade Compliance Program seeks
to prevent unlawful entry and distribution of prohibited products that
may harbor harmful exotic plant and animal pests, diseases, or invasive
species. These harmful organisms could seriously damage America's crops,
livestock, and environment.
Methods and Objectives for Safeguarding,
Intervention and Trade Compliance
- Conduct smuggling interdiction efforts at air, land, and sea ports
of entry.
- Carry out domestic market surveys for the presence of prohibited products.
- Conduct transit survey and smuggling interdiction efforts at truck
weigh stations inside the country.
- Provide education and outreach to importers, market owners, transportation
companies, retailers, and the public regarding regulatory compliance.
- Provide liaison and cooperative efforts with the State departments
of agriculture and other Federal agencies such as the U.S. Customs Service
(USCS), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Food and Drug Administration,
and USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service.
- Work closely with APHIS Investigative and Enforcement Services and
USDA's Office of Inspector General to investigate potential regulatory
violations and prosecute violators to the full extent of the law.
- Gather information to identify and close down smuggling pathways for
prohibited agricultural products.
If you become aware of potential smuggling of prohibited exotic fruits,
vegetables, or meat products, you can help by contacting the confidential
Antismuggling Hotline number at 1-800-877-3835 and leaving a detailed
message and contact telephone number. USDA protects the confidentiality
of all information sources during an investigation.
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