Fresh Cherries (Other Than Sour)

To use line 0809290010 for certified organic cherries, importers must hold documentation from a USDA National Organic Program-accredited certifier confirming the product's organic status. Without that documentation, CBP will classify the shipment under the conventional line (0809290050), which may carry a different duty rate. Organic certification records should travel with the shipment and be available for CBP review at entry.

Fresh cherries have a shelf life measured in days under refrigeration, so any delay at the port of entry — whether from APHIS inspection, CBP examination, or documentation deficiencies — can result in significant commercial loss. Importers typically pre-file entry documentation and coordinate closely with USDA APHIS to schedule inspections, and some use air freight from distant origins like New Zealand or Australia to minimize transit time.