USDA proposes opening market to Chilean clementine imports
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has proposed to allow imports of Chilean clementines, mandarins and tangerines into the United States.
“Based on the evidence in a recent pest risk assessment and an accompanying risk management document, we believe these articles can be safely imported from all provinces of Chile, provided certain conditions are met,” the agency said.
If the proposed rulemaking is approved, USDA would require importers to apply to the Plant Protection and Quarantine program for a detailed permit in advance of importation. The agency will review the permit application and determine which pre-shipment treatments are required for the Chilean fruit.
The agency considered the proposed rulemaking after receiving a request from the Chilean government to allow imports of clementines, mandarins and tangerines into the United States. A report of USDA’s findings is available online at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppq/pra/. USDA must receive comments from the industry by May 21.