USDA Moves to Allow Imports of Fresh Figs and Pomegranates from Peru

The Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has concluded that the application of the following phytosanitary measures will be sufficient to mitigate the risks of introducing or disseminating plant pests or noxious weeds via the importation into the continental United States of fresh figs and pomegranates from Peru.

- the imports must be in commercial consignments only

- each consignment must be accompanied by a phytosanitary certificate issued by the national plant protection organization of Peru

- each consignment must be treated in accordance with 7 CFR Part 305

- each consignment is subject to inspection upon arrival at the port of entry

APHIS is inviting comments through May 13 on separate pest risk analyses that evaluate the risks associated with such imports. If APHIS’ overall conclusions and determination of risk remain unchanged after its consideration of any comments received, the importation of fresh figs and pomegranates from Peru into the continental U.S. will be authorized subject to the requirements specified in the risk management documents.