APHIS Final Rule Allows Importation of Certain Orchids from Taiwan in Approved Growing Media
The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has issued a final rule, effective June 4, 2004, which amends 7 CFR Part 319.37-8(e) in order to add orchids of the genus Phalaenopsis from Taiwan only to the list of plants that may be imported in an approved growing medium subject to specified growing, inspection, and certification requirements.
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APHIS states that it is taking this action in response to a request by Taiwan and after determining that Phalaenopsis spp. plants established in growing media can be imported without resulting in the introduction into the U.S., or the dissemination within the U.S., of a plant pest or noxious weed.
Prior to the effective date of this final rule, only bare-rooted Phalaenopsis spp. orchids are allowed to be imported.
(In APHIS' September 1, 1998 proposed rule, APHIS had not proposed limiting the importation of the Phalaenopsis spp. orchids to those from Taiwan only.)
(See ITT's Online Archives or 06/27/03 news, 03062799 4, for BP summary of the reopening of the comment period on the environmental assessment for the proposed rule to allow such orchids to be imported.)
APHIS contact - William Thomas (301) 734-6799
APHIS final rule (D/N 98-035-5, FR Pub 05/05/04) available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/14mar20010800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2004/pdf/04-10067.pdf