Pesticides Regulations for Food Exports to the USA
The United States is one of the countries with the strictest pesticide regulations in the world. EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) and FDA (Food and Drug Administration) rules come directly into play for companies wishing to export food, agricultural products, dried fruits, nuts, pistachios or cosmetic raw materials from Turkey. Misuse of pesticides or under-declaration can result in products being detained at US customs, being placed on the Import Alert list and costly rejections. In this blog, we cover current pesticide regulations as of 2025, critical points specific to Turkish exporters and processes to consider when selling on platforms such as Amazon.
Basic Framework of Pesticide Regulations
EPA (Environmental Protection Agency):
In the US, pesticides are licensed and maximum residue limits (MRLs) are set by the EPA. A pesticide that is authorized in Turkey may be banned in the USA. For this reason, EPA-licensed pesticides must be used before the products are shipped.
FDA (Food and Drug Administration):
During product controls at customs, the FDA conducts pesticide residue analysis. If residues above the limits are detected, the products are rejected and the importer's name may be placed on the Import Alert list.
USDA (United States Department of Agriculture):
USDA inspections come into play, especially for fresh fruits, vegetables and grains. USDA APHIS completes the process with phytosanitary certificates and additional permits.
Critical Points for Turkish Exporters
MRL Compliance Check: Many pesticides authorized in Turkey and the EU are restricted by different limits in the USA. Therefore, products must be analyzed and MRL reports must be obtained before being sent to the USA.
Use of EPA Registered Pesticides: Raisins, figs or apricots treated with a pesticide that is not registered in the US will be rejected at US customs.
FDA Import Alert Risk : If a company's products are repeatedly found to have high residues, the company is placed on the Import Alert list and all subsequent shipments are directly blocked.
Restrictions on Organic Products: Only pesticides approved by the EPA and USDA may be used on products labeled organic in the US.
Amazon and Chain Store Sales: FDA compliance documentation may be required for sales on platforms such as Amazon, Walmart and Target. Missing documentation will result in product listings being closed.
Amazon and E-Commerce Dimension
Pesticide compliance is critical for Turkish exporters who will sell dried fruits, hazelnuts, figs, apricots or cosmetic products on Amazon. FDA records and analysis reports can be requested from the seller when listing products on Amazon Seller Central. An FDA refusal can lead not only to the detention of products at customs, but also to the closure of Amazon listings and damage to brand image.
For more information:
- In the case of dried fruit exports to the US:
For our FDA registration processes in the US:
For customs clearance and bond procurement:
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the FDA or EPA issue a special pesticide certificate?
No. However, pesticide analysis reports and the use of EPA-registered pesticides are official proof of compliance.
Are pesticides authorized in Turkey accepted in the USA?
No. Products using pesticides that are not licensed in the US will definitely be rejected.
Which products are inspected the most?
Raisins, apricots, figs, hazelnuts, citrus fruits, tomatoes are the priority products in terms of pesticides.
Do I need to provide documentation when selling on Amazon?
Yes. FDA compliance documents, analysis reports and customs records may be requested by Amazon.
Conclusion and Communication
When exporting food and agricultural products to the US, pesticide compliance is critical not only for customs clearance but also for Amazon and chain market sales. For companies that want to utilize Turkey's strong production capacity in the US market without any problems, the right consultancy makes a big difference.
- We are happy to support you with pesticide compliance consulting, FDA registration processes and customs management.
