APHIS Issues Information and Seeks Comments on PPQ/NPPO Bilateral Workplans
The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has issued a notice that is intended to provide background information about, and solicit public comments on, the use of bilateral workplans by the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service's (APHIS') Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ) program.
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According to APHIS, bilateral workplans are agreements between PPQ, officials of the national plant protection organizations (NPPOs) of foreign governments, and, when necessary, foreign commercial entities that specify in detail the phytosanitary measures that will comply with APHIS' regulations governing the import or export of a specific commodity.
Bilateral Workplans Apply Only to Signatories, Establish Day-to-Day Procedures
APHIS explains that bilateral workplans apply only to the signatory parties and establish detailed procedures and guidance for the day-to-day operations of specific import/export programs.
A bilateral workplan is usually not required when an import is authorized entry into the U.S. subject only to general requirements, such as inspection and/or treatment upon arrival in the U.S. Bilateral workplans for U.S. exports may be required as a condition of importation or at the request of the importing country to facilitate the entry of the commodity.
Each bilateral workplan is unique to the commodity being imported or exported and its country or region of origin. Bilateral workplans cannot be transferred from one commodity to another or from one country or region to another; agreement must be reached separately for each commodity, country, or region. Bilateral workplans are valid for the period of time specified in the workplan, which is typically 1 to 2 calendar years.
-written comments are due on or before July 10, 2006
APHIS Contact - Narcy Klag (301) 734-6799
APHIS Notice (D/N APHIS-2005-0085, FR Pub 05/10/06) available athttp://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20061800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2006/pdf/E6-7114.pdf