Issue 74, November 18, 2009
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has issued a Trade Information Notice with information reminding importers on the restrictions on the importation of rice straw (Oryza sativa) as a packing material or in a commodity, per U.S. Regulation 7 CFR Part 319.55.
Shipments containing rice straw as a packing material or in a commodity are restricted entry into the United States to help prevent the introduction of injurious fungous diseases of rice, including downy, mildew (Sclerospora macrospora), leaf smut (Entyloma oryzae), blight (Oospora oryzetorum), and glume blotch (Melanomma glumarum), as well as dangerous insect pests. Such pests and diseases exist in Europe, Asia, Africa, Central America, South America, and other foreign countries and localities. The introduction of any one of these pests could result in substantial economic hardship to the domestic rice industry, as well as in other domestic industries in the Poaceae family that might be a host to one or more of these pests – including, but not limited to, Barley, Corn, Oats, Wheat, Rye, Sorghum, Wheat and Millet.
To gain entry of rice straw, an importer must have obtained a U.S. Dept. of Agriculture (USDA) import permit for the commodity prior to arrival, and additionally must arrange for a steam sterilization treatment upon arrival. Failure to meet USDA Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) entry requirements will result in exportation or destruction at the owner’s expense.
Details on rice straw regulations can be found at the following locations-
Table 3-126 in the USDA Miscellaneous and Processed Products manual at- http://www.aphis.usda.gov/import_export/plants/manuals/ports/downloads/
miscellaneous.pdf; and, 7 CFR 319.55 at- http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/cfr_2009/janqtr/7cfr319.55.htm.
Any questions regarding this issue should be directed to CBP Agriculture staff at the planned port of importation.
Regards,
Paul E. Vroman
Manager, Regulatory & Compliance Consulting and Projects
DHL Global Forwarding
