APHIS Extends Risk-Based Sampling of Plant Imports to Four More Sites
The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is expanding its procedures for risk-based sampling of import shipments of plants for planting to four additional ports. The agency said on Feb. 3 that it will use risk-based sampling at the plant inspection stations in Beltsville, Md.; Orlando, Fla.; Nogales, Ariz.; and San Diego, Calif. APHIS said it will “continue implementation” of risk-based sampling “on February 17, 2014.”
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The risk-based procedures will mean more time to inspect some higher-risk shipments, said APHIS, because more samples may be inspected. “To expedite the process, importers should ensure that an adequate number of staff is available to unload sample units for inspection,” it said. “APHIS inspectors do not provide loading or unloading services.” If quarantine pests are detected on a commingled shipment, the entire shipment is subject to “action required,” said the agency. “APHIS is committed to providing the necessary number of inspectors to avoid any delays associated with the implementation of the new sampling protocol.”
Risk-based sampling procedures were implemented in October at plant inspection stations in Linden, N.J.; San Juan, P.R.; Honolulu, Hawaii; and Houston, Texas. APHIS says the statistical approach allows it to focus its efforts to “safeguard U.S. agriculture and the environment from the introduction of harmful plant pests and diseases.” It also helps APHIS expedite inspections for low-risk plant imports, it said.