CBP has posted a fact sheet on its Commercial Targeting and Analysis Center (CTAC), a facility established in 2009 that serves as a multi-agency fusion center for targeting commercial shipments that pose a threat to health and safety. Agencies participating in CTAC include CBP, CPSC, FDA, FSIS and APHIS.
The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service announces the availability of a Web site that contains information about the Agency’s user fees to recover the costs of providing certain goods and services: http://www.aphis.usda.gov/userfees/index.shtml.
The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has sent an email to stakeholders announcing that the Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ) is seeking comments on its draft road map for PPQ to successfully carry out its mission through 2015.
The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has issued a proposed rule to amend 7 CFR Part 319 to remove the exemption that allows wood packaging material derived from Canadian trees to enter the U.S. without first meeting the ISPM 15-based treatment and marking requirements1 that APHIS applies to WPM from all other countries.
On November 26, 2010, APHIS updated its Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ) Animal Product Manual. This Manual provides the background, procedures, and regulatory actions to enforce the regulations governing the import and export of animals, animal products, and animal by-products.
On November 29, 2010, APHIS updated its Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ) Canadian Border Agricultural Clearance Manual. This Manual serves as a guide for authorized Federal officers at ports of entry along the Canadian Border.
On November 29, 2010, APHIS updated its Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Import PPQ Manual. The manual lists by country fruits and vegetables that are admissible into the United States. It includes a description of methods for sampling and inspecting selected fruits and vegetables. It also contains pictorial identification guides, and a glossary for common and scientific names of fruits and vegetables.
On November 23, 2010, APHIS updated its Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Import PPQ Manual. The manual lists by country fruits and vegetables that are admissible into the United States. It includes a description of methods for sampling and inspecting selected fruits and vegetables. It also contains pictorial identification guides, and a glossary for common and scientific names of fruits and vegetables.
On November 19, 2010, APHIS updated its Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ) Treatment Manual. This Manual serves as an operational guide for selecting and conducting quarantine treatments. The procedures and treatment schedules in this manual are administratively authorized for use by APHIS to prevent the movement of agricultural pests into or within the United States. Listed treatments include chemical treatments such as fumigation with methyl bromide, and nonchemical treatments with heat, cold, or irradiation.
On November 23, 2010, APHIS updated its Miscellaneous and Processed Products PPQ Manual. The manual is used for regulating imported items that are processed and are not intended for propagation.