APHIS Delays Effective Date for Import Restrictions on SVC-Susceptible Live Fish, Etc.
The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has issued a notice announcing that it is delaying the effective date of its August 30, 2006 interim rule which would amend 9 CFR Part 93 to restrict the importation of live fish, fertilized eggs, and gametes of fish species that are susceptible to spring viremia of carp (SVC).
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The effective date of APHIS' interim rule, which was originally September 29, 2006, is being delayed until October 30, 2006.
Under APHIS' interim rule, importers of SVC-susceptible species must obtain an importer permit and a health certificate from the shipment's region of origin certifying that the live fish, fertilized eggs, or gametes originated in an SVC-free region. APHIS also states that under this interim rule, live fish, fertilized eggs, and gametes of SVC-susceptible species will be subject to other restrictions that they have not been in the past, such as having to be imported through designated ports of entry and meeting containment requirements for shipments that are in transit through the U.S. Importers will also be subject to user fees for obtaining import permits and port of entry inspections.
Delay Gives Importers & Foreign Exporters More Time to Meet Requirements
APHIS states that since the rule's publication, it has received requests from U.S. importers and foreign exporters of these fish species (which include koi and goldfish, two economically important commodities) as well as from a number of foreign government authorities seeking an additional period of time in which to prepare to meet these requirements. According to APHIS, it has delayed the effective date until October 30, 2006 in order to give importers and foreign exporters additional time to meet the requirements of the interim rule.
(See ITT's Online Archives 09/15/06 news, 06091515 for BP summary of APHIS' interim rule on import restrictions on SVC-susceptible species.)
APHIS Contact - Peter Merrill (301) 734-0649
APHIS Notice (D/N APHIS-2006-0107), FR Pub 09/27/06, available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20061800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2006/pdf/06-8322.pdf