The US Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has announced in a press release proposals to amend regulations concerning the import of Unshu oranges from the Republic of Korea.
Specifically, the amendments concern the removal of requirements for fruit to be grown in specified canker-free export areas and for joint inspections in groves and packhouses by the Republic of Korea and APHIS.
In addition, the changes clarify that surface sterilisation of the fruit must be conducted in accordance with 7 CFR part 305 and require each shipment to be accompanied by a phytosanitary certificate containing an additional declaration stating that the fruit was given the required surface sterilisation and inspected and found free of Elsinoe australis.
Finally, the amendments would expand the area in the continental US where Unshu oranges from the Republic of Korea may be distributed.
These proposed changes would make regulations concerning the import of Unshu oranges from the Republic of Korea consistent with APHIS’ domestic regulations concerning the interstate movement of citrus fruit from areas quarantined for citrus canker.
Consideration will be given to all comments received on or before 9 August.
