APHIS Proposes to Allow Citrus Imports From Black Spot Regions in South Africa

The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is proposing to allow imports of fresh citrus from areas of South Africa where citrus black spot has been known to occur. The proposed rule would allow imports of grapefruit, sweet oranges, mandarins, lemons and tangelos, subject to requirements for shipment traceability, packinghouse registration and procedures, and cold treatment. Citrus could only be imported in commercial consignments and would have to be accompanied by a phytosanitary certificate from the South African government. Comments are due Oct. 27.