APHIS Proposes to Allow Apple Imports from China

The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is proposing to amend the fruits and vegetables regulations to allow the importation of fresh apples (Malus pumila) from China into the U.S. As a condition of entry, apples from areas in China in which the Oriental fruity fly (Bactrocera dorsalis) is not known to exist would have to be produced in accordance with a systems approach that would include registration requirements for places of production and packinghouses, inspection for quarantine pests, etc. Apples from areas where the fruit fly is known to exist could be imported into the U.S. if, in addition to these requirements, the apples are treated with fumigation plus refrigeration and accompanied by a phytosanitary certificate with an additional declaration that all import conditions have been met and the consignment has been inspected and found free of quarantine pests. Comments are due by Sept. 16.