The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is recognizing 15 regions as having either negligible or controlled risk for bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE, commonly known as mad cow disease). Under new BSE regulations that took effect in March, the decision to concur with the recommendations of the World Organization for Animal Health’s risk classifications means U.S. restrictions on importation of live bovines and bovine products will be relaxed (see 13110403). The new classifications apply to the following countries, and take effect Oct. 1:
The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service announced on Oct. 1 a new program where it will recognize state plant pest management programs on imported products and implement them at the border. Under the new Federally Recognized State Managed Phytosanitary Program (FRSMP), states can petition APHIS to recognize their pest control program on foreign plant pests and, if the request is approved, APHIS will take action at the ports to mitigate the risk of pest introduction. A shipment may be allowed to proceed without remedial measures if steps are taken to ensure it will not enter the state with the recognized phytosanitary program. APHIS may also enter collaborative agreements to allow the state to take action on import shipments containing the pest that moves within its borders.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture found another strain of genetically engineered (GE) wheat at a research facility in Montana, the agency said on Sept. 26, while also announcing it is closing an investigation into a similar case last year. Following the 2013 discovery of GE wheat growing on a farm in Oregon, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan all temporarily suspended imports of U.S. wheat (here). The USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has not yet approved any genetically engineered wheat for sale or distribution in U.S. commerce.
The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service announced changes Sept. 22 to Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ) electronic manuals. While some changes are minor, other changes may affect the admissibility of the plant products, including fruits, vegetables, and flowers.
The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service on Sept. 18 issued a final rule to allow the importation of mangoes from Jamaica into the continental United States. Effective Oct. 20, importation of Jamaican mangoes will be allowed as long as they are produced in a way that mitigates risks of fruit flies, soft scale insects and diseases. The mangoes must be inspected prior to leaving Jamaica, and must be accompanied by a phytosanitary certificate from the Jamaican government. They must also be treated for fruit flies by either a hot water dip or irradiation.
The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service announced changes Sept. 18-19 to Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ) electronic manuals. While some changes are minor, other changes may affect the admissibility of the plant products, including fruits, vegetables, and flowers.
The other government agencies involved in the completion of the International Trade Data System have become increasingly engaged in that work following the February Executive Order on ITDS, said Carol Cave, director of Import Surveillance, Consumer Product Safety Commission. Cave and other agency officials discussed the progress on Sept. 15 during the National Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association of America Government Affairs Conference. "There is a major shift going on with [the Border Interagency Executive Council]" as the government works to finish the system by 2016, as required in the Executive Order (see 14021928). For example, there's been a lot more coordination in looking at which agencies collect the same information that the CPSC also requires, said Cave.
The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service announced changes on Sept. 15 to the Miscellaneous and Processed Products Manual (here). The following changes reflect up-to-date information:
The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service announced changes Sept. 11 to Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ) electronic manuals. While some changes are minor, other changes may affect the admissibility of the plant products, including fruits, vegetables, and flowers.
The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service announced changes Sept. 10 to Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ) electronic manuals. While some changes are minor, other changes may affect the admissibility of the plant products, including fruits, vegetables, and flowers.