Chilean lemons could soon be allowed access to the US without having to be fumigated with methyl bromide, bringing significant cost savings and quality improvements for exporters.
USDA Aphis is seeking comments on a proposed rule to amend the import requirements on fresh lemons from Chile into the continental US. The proposed rule will be available for review and comment beginning on or about 4 April and the comment period will be open for 60 days.
Certain citrus fruit from Chile, including fresh lemons, is currently allowed into the US provided shipments undergo a methyl bromide treatment to mitigate against infestation by the false red mite.
The proposed rule means that commercial consignments would be allowed into the US subject to a systems approach – a series of overlapping safeguarding measures, including steps taken in growing areas, packing houses, export locations, and at the port of entry, that effectively minimise the risk of a plant pest, or pests, traveling from one country to another.
In this case it would require the production site where the fruit is grown to be registered annually with the national plant protection organisation (NPPO) of Chile and certified as a low prevalence production site, and shipments would be subject to post-harvest processing and phytosanitary inspection in Chile at an Aphis-approved inspection site.
Any shipment that does not pass the initial inspection may still be imported if fumigated with methyl bromide in Chile or at the post of first entry into the US, and, all consignments must be accompanied by a phytosanitary certificate from the NPPO of Chile containing an additional declaration that the fruit was produced according to the import requirements.
After reviewing any comments it receives, Aphis will announce its decision regarding the changes to the import requirements in a subsequent notice.
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