Benefits
The USDA program issues certificates that are acceptable in all US courts of law as prima facie evidence of product grade and condition. These may be used in litigation cases as proof of meeting or failing user specifications.
Inspected products stamped with a USDA recognized logo (Positive Lot Identification or PLI), shown herein, are exempt from most misbranding violations under the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act. USDA certificates are regularly used to settle disputes under the Act.
Apples, potatoes, onions and blueberries exported to Canada are currently required to be inspected by USDA or Agriculture Canada. USDA certificates are accepted by Canadian Customs at border crossings. USDA certificates and PLI markings, covering most commodities, are recognized and used by the Canadian Board of Arbitration in settling disputes between US shippers and Canadian receivers.