CBP and APHIS Discuss Lacey Act, WPM Concerns, Etc. at COAC Meeting
During the August 4, 2010 meeting of the Departmental Advisory Committee on Commercial Operations of U.S. Customs and Border Protection and Related Homeland Security Functions (COAC) in Detroit, MI, U.S. Customs and Border Protection and Department of Agriculture (USDA) officials discussed a variety of agriculture issues:
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APHIS Has Issued Proposed Rule on Lacey Act Definitions
On August 4, 2010, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service issued a proposed rule to define “common cultivar” and “common food crop,” which are among the categorical exemptions to the requirements of the Lacey Act, as amended. In addition, APHIS is proposing to add a definition for plant consistent with the definition in the Act.
(See ITT’s Online Archives or 08/04/10 news, 10080415, for BP summary of APHIS proposed rule.)
APHIS Expects Rule to Reduce Number of Lacey Act Declarations
APHIS anticipates that its definitions rule will significantly narrow the scope of declarations under the Lacey Act. APHIS is currently receiving more than 8,000 declarations a week, with 85% of those being received electronically.
APHIS Still Has No Plans for Additional Enforcement Phases
Currently, APHIS does not have any plans for any additional enforcement phase-ins.
(See ITT’s Online Archives or 06/16/10 news, 10061646, for BP summary in which APHIS officials stated that there would be no new enforcement phases for “a while,” as APHIS was busy dealing with the workload from the already implemented phases.)
Pests Associated with WPM Still a Concern
Pests associated with wood packing materials (WPM) continue to be of concern to CBP and APHIS. The agencies are working with stakeholders to gather information on best practices to address WPM problems. Another topic discussed was how to notify the trade when a problem regarding WPM is discovered.
Subcommittee Ag Questionnaire Receives Constructive Input
COAC’s Agriculture Subcommittee has distributed a questionnaire to agriculture stakeholders in order to get feedback on improving communication. According to the Subcommittee, very constructive input was received from the questionnaire.