Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is Providing Clarifying Guidance for Pistachio MO5 Message Set Filings

AMS is issuing this message to inform industry of a filing update. AMS monitors the aflatoxin sampling and testing of raw and blanched, shelled and inshell pistachios under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) codes 0802.52.0000 and 0802.51.0000. These products must be filed under the MO5 message set. _Please ensure to include the Estimated Arrival Date in the MO5 filing._ The MO5 message set must be filed to expedite the release process and reduce unnecessary burdens for raw and blanched, shelled and inshell pistachios.
The testing requirement applies to any importer who handles 5,000 pounds or more of dried pistachios during the pistachio fiscal year (from September 1 to August 31 annually). The level of aflatoxin must not exceed 15 parts per billion in any lot. USDA or USDA-approved laboratories accredited by the AMS, Science and Technology Program will test the aflatoxin levels for imported raw and blanched, shelled and inshell pistachios and will send the results to AMS. Importers may be asked to provide results as verification of sampling. Additional testing requirements and information is available at AMS website: https://www.ams.usda.gov/rules-regulations/section8e/pistachios