USDA honey color grades (white, extra light amber, light amber, amber, dark amber) are measured by light transmittance using a Pfund grader or equivalent instrument. Importers should obtain a color grade certificate from the foreign supplier or an accredited laboratory, as CBP may request supporting documentation to verify the declared 10-digit line. Misclassification between color grades can affect both the applicable duty rate and antidumping duty scope.

FDA monitors imported honey for adulteration with high-fructose corn syrup or other added sugars, the presence of veterinary drug residues (particularly chloramphenicol), and country-of-origin mislabeling — a concern given historical transshipment of Chinese-origin honey through third countries to avoid antidumping duties. Importers should conduct supplier audits, request laboratory test results for each lot, and maintain chain-of-custody documentation. Shipments found to be adulterated or mislabeled are subject to refusal of entry and may trigger import alerts.