US tentatively green lights star apple imports from Vietnam

As part of its evaluation of Vietnam's request, APHIS has prepared a pest risk assessment (PRA) to identify pests of quarantine significance that could follow the pathway of importation of fresh star apple fruit into the continental US.

Based on the PRA, a risk management document (RMD) was prepared to identify phytosanitary measures that could be applied to the fresh star apple fruit to mitigate the pest risk.

Based on the analysis, APHIS has determined that the application of one or more designated phytosanitary measures will be sufficient to mitigate the risks of introducing or disseminating plant pests or noxious weeds via the importation.

These measures are that the fresh star apple fruit must be imported as commercial consignments only and each shipment of fruit must be accompanied by a phytosanitary certificate issued by the NPPO of Vietnam.

Further, each consignment of fresh star apple fruit must receive phytosanitary treatment in accordance with 7 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) part 305 and each consignment of fruit is subject to inspection upon arrival at the port of entry to the US.

APHIS has made the pest risk analysis available to the public for review and comment and will accept comments through September 19 at its offices in Washington DC.

After reviewing comments, if any, the Service receives, it will announce its decision regarding the import status of fresh star apple fruit from Vietnam in a subsequent notice, according to the Federal Register.

If the overall conclusions of APHISs analysis and determination of risk remain unchanged following consideration of the comments, then APHIS will authorize the importation of fresh star apple fruit from Vietnam into the continental US subject to the requirements specified in the RMD.