Updated CBP Information on its Emergency Interim Measures in Response to Medfly Detection in Mexico
On November 9, 2004, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) issued a press release updating its emergency interim measures at certain U.S. land border ports in response to the detection and confirmation of the adult Mediterranean Fruit Fly (ceratitis capiata, Medfly) in the municipality of Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico.
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CBP has previously explained that commodities that can be attacked by the Medfly include more than 250 different types of fruits, nuts, and vegetables.
CBP Updates Information on Medfly Emergency Interim Measures
CBP's updated information states that the following emergency interim measures will be in effect for commercial shipments until further notice:
Ports of entry from San Luis, AZ to all California ports of entry west. CBP states that all shipments of agricultural commodities on the Medfly host list will require a USDA phytosanitary certificate as well as a special declaration that the cargo originated outside the Baja area and was not packed in or transited through that area.
CBP also states that in addition to these requirements, USDA protocols for fruit cutting and the sealing of shipments are in place at these ports of entry.
Lukeville, AZ port of entry, all of New Mexico and all Texas ports of entry east. CBP states as of November 4, 2004 a phytosanitary certificate with an additional declaration stating that "the medfly host material in this shipment was grown, packed, and stored outside the municipality of Tijuana in Baja California, Mexico" will be required. In addition to this requirement, CBP states that the origin (including municipality) must be clearly stated on the phytosanitary certificate.
CBP has also announced that the requirements for sealing and fruit cutting are now suspended by the USDA. In addition, CBP states that a modified Border Cargo Release (BCR) program will be implemented for those Medfly host materials which were previously suspended.
(In addition to the emergency interim measures described above for commercial shipments, CBP's press release contains updated information on measures for pedestrians and private vehicles from Mexico as well as information concerning individuals who are detained at checkpoints and other locations.)
(See ITT's Online Archives or 10/04/04 news, 04100405, for earlier BP summary onCBP's Medfly emergency interim measures.)
For a list of common Medfly host materials, email documents@brokerpower.com
CBP Press Release (dated 11/09/04) available athttp://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/newsroom/alerts/fruit_fly.xml