U.S. Customs and Border Protection has issued a revised CSMS message on the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service’s requirement that plant materials be reported on the Lacey Act declaration using standardized units of measure (such as kg, m, m2, and m3), effective May 1, 2010.
The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has issued a proposed rule to amend regulations for the importation of Hass avocados originating in Michoacan, Mexico into the U.S. by, among other things, adding the option of bulk shipping bins when safeguarding is maintained from the packinghouse to the port of first arrival. Comments are due by July 26, 2010.
On May 24, 2010, APHIS updated its PPQ Export Program Manual. This is an operational manual for Authorized Certification Officials to enable them to inspect and issue Federal Export Certificates for plants and plant products. The Manual also provides information that helps exporters meet the plant quarantine import requirements of foreign countries.
On May 19, 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 May 24, 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.
The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has determined to begin issuing permits, effective May 25, 2010, for the importation into the continental U.S. of fresh male summer squash flowers from Israel, under certain conditions, based on the findings of a pest risk analysis.
Officials from the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service and U.S. Customs and Border Protection have confirmed that APHIS will be enforcing its requirement for plant material quantities to be reported on the Lacey Act declaration using standardized metric units (such as kg, m, m2, and m3), for both paper and electronic Lacey Act Amendment declarations.
On May 13, 2010, APHIS updated its Japanese Beetle Program PPQ Manual for Airports. This manual provides guidelines to protect the agriculture of the Western United States from the Japanese Beetle. (Manual, updated 05/13/10, available at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/import_export/plants/manuals/domestic/downloads/japanese_beetle.pdf)
On May 13, 2010, APHIS updated its Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ) Nursery Stock Restrictions Manual. This Manual summarizes the entry status of regulated plant materials capable of and intended for propagation. (Manual, updated 05/13/10, available at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/import_export/plants/manuals/ports/downloads/nursery_stock.pdf)
On May 13, 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. (Manual, updated 05/13/10, available at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/import_export/plants/manuals/ports/treatment.shtml)