Market
Fresh currants in the United States are a niche fresh-berry category with meaningful reliance on imports under HS 081030 (currants and gooseberries, fresh). UN Comtrade data accessed via WITS shows U.S. imports in 2023 of about USD 9.18 million (about 1.40 million kg), with Colombia and Chile among the reported suppliers. Import market access is shaped by USDA APHIS commodity-by-origin requirements (ACIR) and U.S. port-of-entry inspection processes. Domestic cultivation of Ribes (currants/gooseberries) can be subject to state-level restrictions in some jurisdictions tied to white pine blister rust controls, influencing local availability and sourcing strategies.
Market RoleImport-dependent consumer market
Domestic RoleNiche specialty fruit for fresh consumption and culinary use; domestic production is constrained/variable by state-level Ribes cultivation rules in some areas.
Risks
Phytosanitary Market Access HighU.S. entry for fresh currants is subject to USDA APHIS commodity-by-origin requirements (ACIR). If the origin/commodity pathway is not authorized or if required measures (e.g., treatments, documentation) are not met, shipments can be delayed, held, or refused at the port of entry.Confirm admissibility and all pre-shipment requirements in APHIS ACIR for the exact origin and commodity; align NPPO documentation (including any phytosanitary certificate requirements) and shipping practices to ACIR conditions before dispatch.
Food Import Compliance HighFDA requires prior notice for food imported or offered for import into the United States, and FDA may detain shipments found not in compliance. For applicable foods, FSVP places responsibility on the importer to verify suppliers meet U.S. safety standards.File FDA Prior Notice on time and implement an FSVP program (hazard analysis, supplier approval, verification activities, and records) for each applicable food and supplier.
Logistics MediumFresh currants are perishable; cold-chain or handling failures can drive decay and quality loss, increasing the probability of commercial rejection even if regulatory clearance is achieved.Use validated cold-chain SOPs, specify temperature management requirements in purchase contracts, and perform arrival-quality checks aligned to buyer specifications.
Domestic Supply Constraints MediumIn parts of the U.S., cultivation/movement of Ribes (currants/gooseberries), including European black currant (Ribes nigrum), may be restricted or permitted only under specified conditions due to white pine blister rust controls, limiting or complicating domestic sourcing in regulated areas.For domestic programs, confirm state and local Ribes rules (including cultivar restrictions and quarantine districts) before planting, contracting, or moving plant material; use certified resistant cultivars where required.
Sustainability- State-level Ribes (currants/gooseberries) planting/movement restrictions tied to forest disease management (white pine blister rust, Cronartium ribicola) can affect domestic cultivation and local sourcing.
FAQ
What HS/HTS code is typically used for fresh currants when importing into the United States?Fresh black/white/red currants (and gooseberries) are classified under HS 081030. In the U.S. HTS, this corresponds to 0810.30.00 (commonly shown as 0810.30.0000) for “Black, white or red currants and gooseberries (other than kiwifruit),” with a general duty rate listed as Free.
Which countries supplied most U.S. imports of fresh currants and gooseberries (HS 081030) in 2023?UN Comtrade data accessed via WITS reports that in 2023 the United States imported about USD 9.18 million (about 1.40 million kg) of HS 081030, with Colombia (about USD 8.39 million; about 1.33 million kg) and Chile (about USD 0.77 million; about 78 thousand kg) listed among the reported suppliers.
What are the key U.S. compliance steps to import fresh currants?Importers typically need to (1) check USDA APHIS ACIR for the exact origin/commodity requirements (which may include specific phytosanitary measures), (2) submit FDA Prior Notice before arrival, and (3) comply with FDA importer obligations, including FSVP for applicable foods and suppliers. Shipments are subject to inspection at U.S. ports of entry, and noncompliance can result in holds or refusal.