USDA announces annual TRQ allocations by country at the start of each fiscal year. Importers must obtain a valid TRQ certificate or license tied to the specific country allocation and present it at entry. Shipments without proper quota documentation are assessed the over-quota duty rate, which is substantially higher.

APHIS regulates the entry of sugarcane propagative material — such as cuttings or ratoons — to prevent introduction of sugarcane smut, mosaic virus, and other pests. Commercial raw cane for processing is subject to different requirements than planting material, so importers should confirm the specific admissibility conditions for their intended use.