Background

APHIS is considering separate requests to authorize the importation the following.

- dragon fruit from Colombia into the continental U.S., Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands

- mangosteen from Panama into the U.S. and territories for consumption

- fresh dates from Pakistan into the U.S. for consumption

- fresh pepper from New Zealand into the U.S. and territories for consumption

APHIS has drafted pest risk assessments that list the potential pests likely to remain on these commodities upon importation if no mitigation is applied. Comments on these assessments, including information that might lead APHIS to revise its assessments before identifying pest mitigations and proceeding with the commodity import approval process, are due by April 19 (dragon fruit) and April 22 (all others).

Copyright © 2025 Sandler, Travis & Rosenberg, P.A.; WorldTrade Interactive, Inc. All rights reserved.

ST&R: International Trade Law & Policy

Since 1977, we have set the standard for international trade lawyers and consultants, providing comprehensive and effective customs, import and export services to clients worldwide.

View Our Services 

Close

Cookie Consent

We have updated our Privacy Policy relating to our use of cookies on our website and the sharing of information. By continuing to use our website or subscribe to our publications, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions.