Broker Power recently reported that the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service’s April 2010 version of its Lacey Act Primer indicates that units of measure such as pieces (pcs) or planks are no longer allowed to be used on the Lacey Act declaration for imported plants and plant products.
The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is announcing three upcoming meetings in Kansas City, MO, Riverdale, MD, and Denver, CO on May 11, May 13, and May 17, 2010, to provide an opportunity for stakeholders to offer their input on the new framework being developed for animal disease traceability. (APHIS notice, FR Pub 05/05/10, available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2010/pdf/2010-10561.pdf)
The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has issued an April 2010 version of its Lacey Act Primer.
On April 28, 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. (Manual, updated 04/28/10, available at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/import_export/plants/manuals/domestic/xpm.shtml)
On April 29, 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 04/29/10, available at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/import_export/plants/manuals/ports/downloads/nursery_stock.pdf)
On April 28, 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 04/28/10, available at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/import_export/plants/manuals/ports/mac.shtml)
The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has issued a final rule, effective May 28, 2010, which amends the fruits and vegetables regulations to allow, under certain conditions, the importation of commercial shipments of fresh papayas from Colombia and Ecuador into the continental U.S. (D/N APHIS-2008-0050, FR Pub 04/28/10, available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2010/pdf/2010-9779.pdf)
On April 26, 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 04/26/10, available at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/import_export/plants/manuals/ports/downloads/fv.pdf)
On April 26, 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 04/26/10, available at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/import_export/plants/manuals/ports/mac.shtml)
On April 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. (Manual, updated 04/26/10, available at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/import_export/plants/manuals/ports/apm.shtml)