CBP, USDA Asks That Rice Imports be Palletized for Easier Inspection

Containerized imports of rice from countries where the Khapra Beetle is known to live should be palletized to allow for easier inspection and treatment, said CBP's New York Office of Field Operations in an informational pipeline. CBP and the U.S. Department of Agriculture "request" that such rice imports are made available for manipulation, it said. "CBP has determined that a work labor savings of up to three hours per examination can be obtained by pelletizing rice," it said. The request is part of a CBP effort to add efficiency to the Centralized Examination Station facility processing of rice shipments that require CBP exam, it said.