APHIS Final Rule to Allow Small Lots of Seed to be Imported with Permit Instead of Certificate
The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has issued a final rule, effective May 15, 2006, which amends its nursery stock regulations at 7 CFR Part 319 to allow the importation of small lots of seed under an import permit with specific conditions, as an alternative to the current phytosanitary certificate requirement.
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(See ITT's 05/04/04 news, 04050425 for BP summary of proposed rule.)
APHIS explains that it is making this change since obtaining a phytosanitary certificate is not feasible in many cases for those entities interested in importing small lots of seed, which under the final rule is a maximum of 50 seeds of 1 taxon per packet; or a maximum weight not to exceed 10 grams of seed of 1 taxon per packet, with a maximum of 50 seed packets per shipment.
Highlights of Final Rule's Requirements
Among other things, the final rule only applies to seed that is already enterable under current regulations; i.e., eligible "small lots of seed" cannot be of any prohibited genera or noxious weed species; cannot require an additional declaration on a phytosanitary certificate; cannot require treatment; cannot be restricted as genetically modified organisms, etc.
The seed must also be free of pesticides (and fungicides), soil and plant material other than seed, insects, etc. Moreover, at the time of importation, the shipment must be sent to either the Plant Germplasm Quarantine Center in Beltsville, Maryland, or an APHIS port of entry (see 7 CFR 319.37-14(b) for list).
In addition, the seed packet must be clearly labeled with the name of the collector/shipper; the country of origin (which could be "worldwide"); and the scientific name to at least the genus, and preferably the species level.
APHIS states that it will update its instructions for PPQ Form 587, Application for Permit to Import Plants or Plant Products, as well as its "Plants and Plant Products Permits" Web site (http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppq/permits/plantproudcts/nursery.html ), for these "small lots of seed."
APHIS Contact - Arnold Tschanz (301) 734-5306
APHIS Final Rule (D/N 02-119-2, FR Pub 04/13/06) available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20061800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2006/pdf/06-3554.pdf.