Comment Period Opening on Risk Analysis to Allow Import of Fresh Star Apple Fruit from Vietnam into the Continental United States

USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has prepared a thorough pest risk assessment that finds fresh star apple fruit from Vietnam can be safely imported into the United States.  APHIS is publishing the draft risk assessment, along with an accompanying risk mitigation document that explains in more detail the import requirements for the fruit, and invites public review and comment on both.  The comment period will end on September 19, 2016.  Following the close of the comment period, APHIS will carefully review all comments received. After reviewing comments, we will announce our decision regarding the import status of fresh star apple fruit from Vietnam in a subsequent notice. If the overall conclusions of our analysis and the Administrator's determination of risk remain unchanged following our consideration of the comments, then we will authorize the importation of fresh star apple fruit from Vietnam into the continental United States subject to the requirements specified.

Following a request from Vietnam to export fresh star apple fruit to the United States, APHIS carefully reviewed pest information and other data submitted by Vietnam as part of the preparation of the pest risk assessment.  Our scientists’ assessment concludes that Vietnamese star apple fruit can be safely imported into the continental United States if it meets several conditions. The fruit is required to be treated with APHIS approved treatments to address the pest risks found. The commercial consignments must also be accompanied by an export certificate, issued by APHIS’ counterpart agency in Vietnam, with a declaration that the fruit was prepared for export in accordance with the import requirements. The shipments will also be subject to inspection upon arrival at the port of entry into the continental United States.

Comments on the PRA and RMD can be submitted until September 19, 2016 on-line at https://www.regulations.gov/docket?D=APHIS-2016-0032
or by mail at:

Docket No. APHIS-2016-0032
Regulatory Analysis and Development, PPD
APHIS Station 3A-03.8
4700 River Road
Riverdale, MD 20737-1238