USDA Updates Requirements to Allow for the Safe Importation of Chilean Table Grapes into the United States

Print

Stakeholder Announcement

Washington, D.C., July 18, 2024 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is publishing a final notice that will allow certain table grapes to be safely imported from parts of Chile.  The new requirements, which build on the existing rules, will allow table grapes from areas of Chile where European grapevine moth (Lobesia botrana) is either absent or at a low prevalence.  The new requirements will also protect U.S. agriculture from Chilean false red mite (Brevipalpus chilensis). 

Importation of fresh table grapes from Chile may now take place under a systems approach, with multiple overlapping requirements that ensure grapes moving into the United States are free of those pests.  The new requirements also allow importers to use irradiation to treat the pest.  Importers may continue to use the existing methyl bromide fumigation approach.  Whatever approach importers use, these strong requirements help ensure that imported table grapes can be imported safely with little risk of introducing plant pests.

The commodity import evaluation document, which APHIS previously made available with the publication of an initial notice of proposal for review and comment, has been revised based on public comments, and the new version accompanies this final notice. APHIS experts have determined that both the systems approach and irradiation provide two safe alternatives to the current import requirement of mandatory treatment with methyl bromide fumigation. 

These requirements will be adjusted in the APHIS Agricultural Commodity Import Requirements database (ACIR) effective July 19, 2024. 

#

APHIS protects the health of U.S. agriculture and natural resources against invasive pests and diseases, regulates genetically engineered crops, administers the Animal Welfare Act, and helps people and wildlife coexist. We also certify the health of U.S. agricultural exports and resolve phytosanitary and sanitary issues to open, expand, and maintain markets for U.S plant and animal products.

USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. In the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit www.usda.gov.