Certification for Used Farm Equipment from FMD-Affected Countries

Plant Protection and Quarantine

May 2001

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) remains vigilant in its efforts to prevent the introduction of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) into the United States.

USDA is allowing shipments of used farm equipment from FMD-affected countries to enter the United States under certain conditions. Each shipment must be accompanied by an original certificate signed by an authorized official from the national animal health service of the region of origin. The certificate will certify that the equipment has been steam cleaned and is free of all dirt and other material that could carry the FMD virus. All certified equipment will be inspected by USDA inspectors.

If any used farm equipment arrives at a U.S. port-of-entry without the proper certification, USDA inspectors will not examine the shipment. The equipment will not be allowed into the United States. If the equipment has the proper certification, but is found to contain soil or other matter, it will also be refused entry.

Certificates must include the following statement: "The used farm equipment indicated on this certificate has been steam cleaned and is free of all dirt and other particulate matter." Certificates must also include the following information:

Date of issue,
Name and address of the applicant,
Name and address of the consignor,
Name and address of the consignee,
Date equipment cleaned,
Container number or marks,
Serial number for each item,
Name of vessel,
Bill of lading,
Item of description.

The certificate must be signed by an official representative of the national animal health service, the region, or area of origin and have an official seal.

These protective measures ensure that any used farm equipment arriving in this country is free from the threat of FMD before it ever sets sail for the United States.

USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) temporarily prohibited the importation of used farm equipment, effective March 29, 2001, while the agency reviewed its safeguarding procedures. This additional certification requirement for used farm equipment is part of USDA's on-going efforts to keep FMD out of the United States.

The United States has been free of FMD since 1929. For more information on the certification requirement, please contact APHIS' veterinary medical office at (301) 734-7633. For traveler information, call 1-888-SAFGUARD.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, or marital or family status. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD).

To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (202)720-5964 (voice and TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

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