On May 10, 2010, APHIS updated the Manual for Agricultural Clearance. The manual provides CBP personnel working at airport and maritime locations with the guidelines, directions, and policy for clearing carriers and passengers/crew and controlling garbage and cargo. (Manual, updated 05/10/10, available at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/import_export/plants/manuals/ports/mac.shtml)
On May 10, 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. (Manual, updated 05/10/10, available at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/import_export/plants/manuals/ports/apm.shtml)
On May 11, 2010, the Departmental Advisory Committee on Commercial Operations of U.S. Customs and Border Protection and Related Homeland Security Functions (COAC) met in Philadelphia, PA to discuss a variety of trade issues. Highlights of the discussions include:
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service sources have announced that the agency is granting a two-month grace period for its requirement that plant material quantities be reported on the Lacey Act declaration using standardized metric units (such as kg, m, m2, m3).
The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is advising the public of its decision to begin issuing permits, effective May 12, 2010, for the importation into the continental U.S. of fresh pomegranates and fresh baby kiwi from Chile based on the findings of pest risk analyses. (APHIS notice, FR Pub 05/12/10, available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2010/pdf/2010-11438.pdf)
On May 6, 2010, APHIS updated its Seeds Not for Planting Manual. The manual is used for regulating importations of unprocessed seeds that are imported for consumption and are not intended for planting. (Manual, updated 05/06/10, available at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/import_export/plants/manuals/ports/downloads/seeds_not_for_planting.pdf)
On May 5, 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. (Manual, updated 05/05/10, available at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/import_export/plants/manuals/ports/downloads/miscellaneous.pdf)
On May 5, 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. (Manual, updated 05/05/10, available at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/import_export/plants/manuals/ports/downloads/fv.pdf)
The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has posted a clarification to its Website stating that beginning May 1, 2010, APHIS is requiring that plant material quantities be reported on the Lacey Act declaration using standardized metric units (such as kg, m, m2, m3).
On May 3, 2010, APHIS updated its Postentry Quarantine PPQ Manual for State Inspectors. This manual covers procedures for conducting PEQ tasks beginning with the request to approve a growing site and ending with the release or refusal of the plant material. (Manual, updated 05/03/10, available at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/import_export/plants/manuals/domestic/downloads/postentry.pdf)