Washington, D.C., Sept. 23, 2019 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has prepared and is accepting comments on a commodity import evaluation document (CIED) regarding fresh Unshu orange imports from Japan. Based on our findings, we are proposing to remove the methyl bromide fumigation requirement for imports of oranges from the islands of Shikoku and Honshu. Currently, oranges from these islands destined for ports of entry in Arizona, California, Florida, Hawaii, Louisiana, and Texas must be fumigated with methyl bromide to mitigate mites and mealybugs. Additionally, we are proposing that oranges from the island of Kyushu-which are currently prohibited from entering ports of entry in Arizona, California, Florida, Hawaii, Louisiana, and Texas-be allowed entry into any U.S. port of entry, excluding territories. APHIS will carefully consider all comments received by Nov. 22, 2019. You can submit comments at http://www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=APHIS-2019-0054. After reviewing all comments, APHIS will announce its final decision in a subsequent notice in the Federal Register.
Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
