Border Issues Management Program (BIMP)

IMPORTERS OF FRESH FRUITS AND VEGETABLES

BIMP was developed to address the rapidly growing number of international trade/port-of-entry issues faced by importers/exporters of fresh fruits and vegetables.

WHY IS BIMP NECESSARY?

The number and complexity of government regulations and requirements has greatly outpaced the federal government’s ability to efficiently enforce our laws. This, combined with rapidly expanding produce shipments, is a recipe for gridlock at our ports-of-entry. TIPA has the necessary state and federal connections and lobbying experience to help level the playing field for our members.

MEMBERSHIP FEE FOR BIMP

The cost to join BIMP will be calculated based on the number of loads (2.5 ton or larger) crossed per year. Members will be assessed $8 per load with a minimum number of 250 loads/year (or $2000/year) and a maximum cap of 1250 loads/year ($10,000 per year).

Become a BIMP Member today!

REGISTER FOR MEMBERSHIP

What are some specific examples of issues that BIMP is currently working on?

  • Streamlining the FDA inspection process
  • Expanding FDA/industry lab capacity
  • Promoting FDA/APHIS rapid truck clearance programs
  • Improving USDA/APHIS inspection capacity
  • Improving CBP inspection policies and practices
  • Targeting APHIS bottlenecks with insect identifiers
  • Addressing truck overweight issues
  • Addressing truck/cargo security
  • Helping members understand the Food Safety Modernization Act, including the Foreign Supplier Verification Program which shifts safety responsibility from government to private sector
  • Working to eliminate pallet rejection issues
  • Minimizing risk from invasive foreign pests, citrus greening/canker/other bacterial, fungal and viral diseases
  • Working with the Dept. of Commerce to maintain the Tomato Suspension Agreement
  • Coping with FDA’s Food Facility Registration and Issue of “US Agent” Responsibilities

What key things should I know about BIMP?

  • It is strictly voluntary;
  • It is similar to the long-standing Nogales program, but costs less;
  • It recognizes that what Texas ships is over 60 percent Mexican imports;
  • It recognizes that Texas F&V imports are expanding rapidly, but the national economy ensures government infrastructure is not;
  • It recognizes that no other group or organization is working for Texas produce importers and customs brokers;
  • It recognizes that what’s good for Texas importers/brokers is generally good for Mexican suppliers;
  • It ensures any proprietary data collected by BIMP will be held in strict confidence;
  • It gives grower/shippers/brokers/importers on both sides of the border a proven, respected advocate for their issues;
  • Most importantly, it gives Texas produce importers a unified powerful voice to meet our many challenges