What action should be taken if origin requirements for a domestic shipment are NOT met?

When origin requirements for a domestic shipment are not met, the appropriate action is to refuse to certify the shipment. Certification generally confirms that a shipment meets specific regulatory standards, including origin requirements, which ensure the product is free from pests and diseases and adheres to phytosanitary measures.

If these requirements are not satisfied, issuing a certification could mislead stakeholders regarding the safety and compliance of the shipment. Therefore, refusing to certify protects agricultural integrity, helps maintain biosecurity, and enforces adherence to regulations designed to prevent the introduction and spread of harmful organisms.

Allowing conditional approval or requesting additional documentation are contingent actions that might not adequately address the core issue of unmet origin requirements. Proceeding to certification, when the standards are not met, would undermine the purpose of phytosanitary regulations, jeopardizing plant health and the agricultural ecosystem.