Preclearance
- Pronunciation
- /PREH-klear-ance/
- Category
- Regulatory Entomology
- Singular
- Preclearance
- Plural
- Preclearances
Definition
From a regulatory perspective, this is the certification that in the country of origin, an imported commodity was free of infestation, or produced in a manner that would eliminate risk of infestation. Such commodities are inspected under the supervision of the national plant/animal protection organization of the country of destination.
Etymology
Latin 'pre-' meaning 'before' and 'clearance' meaning 'freedom from obstruction'.
Example
A shipment of fruit destined for export to the United States must undergo preclearance inspection to ensure it is free of pests.