News and Media
11/01/2012
Phytosanitary Requirement for Commercial Shipments of Soybeans, safflowers Seeds, and Chickpeas from Countries with Khapra Beetle
Khapra beetle (KB) is a serious pest of storage products, spices, and various dried foodstuffs including rice and other grains. On July 8, 2011, APHIS issued a Federal Order to require commercial shipments of rice to be accompanied by a Phytosanitary Certificate with an additional declaration that attests to freedom from Khapra beetle. In 2011, several detections of Khapra beetle were made on shipments of soybeans, chickpeas, and safflower seeds.
To prevent the entry of this pest therefore, commercial shipments of soybeans, chickpeas, or safflower seeds from countries where Khapra beetle is found will be allowed entry into the United States only if accompanied by a Phytosanitary Certificate or reexport certificate with an Additional Declaration stating: “The shipment was inspected and found free of Khapra beetle (Trogoderma granarium)” Phytosanitary Certificate or reexport certificate with the same Additional Declaration as above will also be required for commercial shipments of soybeans, chickpeas, or safflower seeds that originate in a country that has Khapra beetle and that make entry into any other country that then reexports the shipment to the United States. The means of conveyance will also be inspected and found free of KB.
These actions are consistent with the International Plant Protection Convention, and are necessary to restrict the movement of articles that serve as a pathway for this destructive pest.
This Federal Order will be effective on January 17, 2012.
Information on these and other recent developments can be obtained from our senior consultants.
