HSChapter 12
Copra — dried coconut kernel from which coconut oil is pressed — is a traditional tropical oilseed commodity entering under a single line (1203000000), with Vietnam as the recorded US import source. As a raw agricultural commodity, copra is subject to FDA prior notice and food facility registration requirements, and USDA APHIS phytosanitary controls may apply given its plant-origin status. Moisture content and free fatty acid levels are the primary quality parameters that affect commercial value and processing suitability, and importers should verify these specifications against contract terms before shipment.
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Moisture content and free fatty acid (FFA) level are the two most commercially significant quality parameters for copra. High moisture promotes mold growth and aflatoxin development, while elevated FFA indicates oxidative degradation that reduces oil yield and quality. Importers typically require a certificate of analysis from an accredited laboratory confirming moisture below a specified threshold (commonly 6–8%) and FFA within contract limits before accepting a shipment.
USDA APHIS generally requires a phytosanitary certificate for copra because it is a plant product that could harbor pests or pathogens. Specific requirements — including whether an import permit is needed — depend on the country of origin and current APHIS regulations. Importers should consult APHIS Plant Protection and Quarantine and review the Fruits and Vegetables Import Requirements (FAVIR) database for the most current admissibility conditions.
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Monthly import values over time