Free Pratique

Summary of Free Pratique

The condition of a vessel which is in compliance with the health and sanitation laws of the country where it is berthed at any point in tíme. Prior to leaving port, a vessel must normally obtain from civil health authorities a “certificate of free pratique,”also known as a bill of health. The U.S. Customs Regulations state: “No clearance shall be granted to a vessel subject to the foreign quarantine regulations of the Public Health Service unless it has been issued a certificate of free pratique. . .”(19 CFR4.70).

(Main Author: William J. Miller)