Nov 10, 2014

APHIS extends comment period for proposed produce movement rule

USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is reopening the comment period for its proposed rule that would establish a performance standard and streamline the process for authorizing the import and interstate movement of fruits and vegetables. APHIS will consider all comments received on or before Jan. 9, 2015.

To see the proposed rule, click here.

Later this month, APHIS will announce via the Stakeholder Registry an informational briefing that will provide an overview of the changes APHIS is proposing to streamline in the import approval process for fruits and vegetables.

Although the comment period closes Nov. 10, 2014, the proposed rule will still be available in the Federal Register and you may continue to submit comments. APHIS will publish a notice in the Federal Register later this week to officially reopen and extend the comment period. It is taking this step in order to give interested parties additional time to prepare and submit comments.