Should The US Import String Beans From Jordan?

by Shannon Allen

The Department of Agriculture’s (“USDA’s”), Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (“APHIS”) proposes to amend the “Subpart-Fruits and Vegetables” regulations, 7 CFR 319.56-1 through 319.56-58, (“regulations”) to allow the importation of fresh beans, shelled or in pods, from Jordan into the continental Unites States.  The regulations “prohibit or restrict the importation of fruits and vegetables into the United States from certain parts of the world to prevent the introduction and dissemination of plant pests that are new to or not widely distributed within the United States.” 

APHIS is evaluating a request from the National Plant Protection Organization of Jordan to permit importation of the produce into the U.S.  The evaluation includes a pest risk assessment (“PRA”) and risk management document and request for comment on the proposed changes to the regulations.  In order to protect against the introduction of plant pests, the beans from Jordan would have to be “produced in accordance with a systems approach” including requirements for “packing, washing, and processing” as a condition of entry.  In addition, the beans from Jordan would have to be accompanied by a “phytosanitary certificate” confirming that all “phytosanitary requirements” have been met and that the shipment was inspected and “found free of quarantine pests.”
 

The APHIS seeks comments from the public and from affected agencies on whether the rule should be amended.  Comments must be received by July 1, 2013 and interested parties may submit comments by either:

• Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=APHIS-2012-0042-0001 
• Postal Mail/Commercial Delivery: Send your comment to: Docket No. APHIS-2012-0042, Regulatory Analysis and Development, PPD, APHIS, Station 3A-03.8, 4700 River Road Unit 118, Riverdale, MD 20737-1238.