USDA delays new fresh cut flower import rules to June 2

USDA delays new fresh cut flower import rules to June 2 The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has delayed the implementation of new import rules for fresh cut flowers from areas known to host chrysanthemum white rust until June 2.
   The new requirements were initially scheduled to take effect on May 3. 'The delay will allow affected groups additional time needed to make necessary preparations in order to comply with the new inspection and certification procedures,' the USDA said.
   During the delay, USDA will continue to apply existing administrative restrictions on cut flowers from host countries of chrysanthemum white rust.
   To be eligible for importation under the new rules, the flowers must be grown in a registered production site and accompanied by a phytosanitary certificate or equivalent documentation issued by the national plant protection organization of the origin country. The certificate must also contain an additional declaration stating that the place of production as well as the shipment have been inspected and found free of chrysanthemum white rust.
   The USDA also requires box labels and other documents accompanying shipments of cut flowers be marked with the registered production site’s identity. In addition, USDA-authorized inspectors must be granted access to the production sites and other areas needed to monitor the chrysanthemum white rust-free status of the site.
   The USDA warned it will refuse entry into the United States those cut flower shipments that do not meet the conditions.