APHIS is proposing to amend its fruits and vegetables regulations to allow the importation of avocados from continental Spain into the United States. (This proposal does not include avocados from the Balearic Islands or the Canary Islands.)
As a condition of entry, avocados from Spain would have to be produced in accordance with a systems approach that would include requirements for importation in commercial consignments; registration and monitoring of places of production and packinghouses; grove sanitation; and inspection for quarantine pests by the national plant protection organization of Spain.
Consignments of avocados other than the Hass variety would also have to be treated for the Mediterranean fruit fly (Medfly) either prior to moving to the United States or upon arrival prior to release. Consignments would also be required to be accompanied by a phytosanitary certificate with an additional declaration stating that the avocados were grown and inspected and found to be free of pests in accordance with the proposed requirements.
This action would allow for the importation of avocados from Spain into the United States while continuing to provide protection against the introduction of quarantine pests.
We will consider all comments that we receive on or before April 1, 2013.
You may submit comments by either of the following methods:
- Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=APHIS-2012-0002-0001
- Postal Mail/Commercial Delivery: Send your comment to
Docket No. APHIS-2012-0002
Regulatory Analysis and Development
APHIS PPD Station 3A-03.8
4700 River Road Unit 118
Riverdale, MD 20737-1238
Supporting documents and any comments we receive on this docket may be viewed at http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=APHIS-2012-0002-0001 or in our reading room, which is located in room 1141 of the USDA South Building, 14th Street and Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC. Normal reading room hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, except holidays. To be sure someone is there to help you, please call (202) 799-7039 before coming.
Attached Images:
