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On December 13, 2024, the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced that it is now considering applications for import inspection establishments located beyond the current 50-mile limit.
Under current regulations, all imported meat, poultry, and egg products must be reinspected by FSIS at an official import inspection establishment, after meeting U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) requirements. Enterprises and facilities wishing to operate as official import inspection establishments must apply for a Federal Grant of Inspection (GOI) under 9 CFR 304.1.
Recently, FSIS has enhanced its security and food safety measures through the implementation of advanced technology and systems, including improved import tracking, the Public Health Information System (PHIS) electronic import component, and import prior notification requirements. As a result, FSIS is updating its GOI issuance process to provide greater flexibility for importers.
Key Updates to the GOI Process:
| Before | After |
| FSIS restricted the issuance of GOIs for official import inspection establishments to those located within 50 miles of conventional entry points, generally located along the U.S. perimeter. | FSIS will now evaluate GOI applications for official import inspection establishments located beyond the 50-mile radius of U.S. land or sea ports on a case-by-case basis. |
Factors for Evaluation:
FSIS will consider the following factors when reviewing GOI applications for establishments located outside the 50-mile radius:
The availability of inspection program personnel to staff the establishment
The expected volume of products to be imported
The operating hours of the facility
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