The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is seeking comment on its pest risk analysis that looked at the ability to import fresh pineapple fruit (Ananas comosus) for consumption from Indonesia while also preventing the introduction of plant pests or noxious weeds. APHIS determined that one or more phytosanitary measures could be sufficient to prevent the importation of pests or noxious weeds, according to a notice. Comments on the phytosanitary measures are due by Feb. 28.
The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is allowing imports of fresh rosemary and tarragon from Ethiopia, effective Dec. 20, according to a notice. "Based on findings of pest risk analyses, which we made available to the public for review and comment through a previous notice, we have determined that the application of one or more designated phytosanitary measures will be sufficient to mitigate the risks of introducing or disseminating plant pests or noxious weeds via the importation of rosemary and tarragon from Ethiopia," APHIS said. The change applies to the importation of leaves and stems of rosemary and tarragon.
The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is restricting imports of animal commodities originating from or transiting through El Salvador, after detecting New World screwworm in cattle in the country, USDA announced in a news release Dec. 17.
Sen. Mike Rounds, R-S.D., asked Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack to make sure that the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service doesn't prematurely end its ban on livestock imports from Mexico.
CBP issued the following releases on commercial trade and related matters:
CBP issued the following releases on commercial trade and related matters:
The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is seeking to remove the requirement that fruit imported from New Zealand include a phytosanitary certificate with an additional declaration stating that the fruit is free of the light brown apple moth (LBAM), it said in a notice.
CBP issued the following releases on commercial trade and related matters:
DETROIT -- Cindy Allen, owner of consultancy firm Trade Force Multiplier, said she believes some of the initiatives in the 21st Century Customs Framework bills are useful -- such as simplifying CBP's process for seizures -- but that overall, the focus is too heavy on enforcement.
The Senate Appropriations Committee issued its proposal for funding the Department of Homeland Security, asserting its bill could get the bipartisan support needed to pass that chamber. House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., has previously said he would prefer to delay spending decisions until next year, when the House, Senate and White House will have Republican majorities. However, some observers believe Republicans would be better served by passing during the lame-duck session appropriations for the fiscal year that goes through September, freeing up Congress to spend its time in 2025 on the massive tax bill and other policy Trump administration priorities (see 2411120026).