Comment period extended on apple, pear imports rule

USDA APHIS is extending the comment period on the proposed rule that would amend the regulations to allow the importation of fresh apple and pear fruit from certain countries in the European Union into the continental United States. This action will allow the public additional time to prepare and submit comments. The comment period is extended until May 5.

On Jan. 20, APHIS published in the Federal Register (81 FR 3033-3038, Docket No. APHIS-2015-0073) a proposal to amend the regulations to allow the importation of fresh apple and pear fruit from Belgium, Germany, France, Italy, Poland, Portugal, Spain and the Netherlands into the continental United States provided that the fruit is produced in accordance with a systems approach. The proposed rule provides an alternative to importation under the current preclearance program. Comments on the proposed rule were required to be received on or before March 21. At the request of many interested persons, APHIS has extended the comment period for 45 days to May 5.

APHIS will review all comments received before the close of the comment period and then make its decision regarding any change to import regulations for fresh apples and pears from Belgium, Germany, France, Italy, Poland, Portugal, Spain and the Netherlands.

You may submit comments by either of the following methods:

• Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=APHIS-2015-0073
• Postal Mail/Commercial Delivery: Send your comment to Docket No. APHIS-2015-0073, Regulatory Analysis and Development, PPD, APHIS, Station 3A-03.8, 4700 River Road Unit 118, Riverdale, MD 20737-123

Supporting documents and any comments we receive on this docket may be viewed at the Federal eRulemaking Portal.