Washington, DC
July 1, 2003

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service announced that it has expanded the list of fruits and vegetables eligible, under specified conditions, for importation
into the United States.

Each of these additional fruits and vegetables are required to have a permit as a condition of entry. They will be inspected and are subject to disinfection at the port of first arrival. Some of the fruits and
vegetables would be required to be treated or meet other special conditions.

Examples of the fruits and vegetables now eligible for importation into the United States include: peppers from Chile, figs and rambutan from Mexico, several herbs (leaves and stems) from El Salvador, and waterlily or lotus (roots without soil) from Guatemala. Some fruits and vegetables require a phytosanitary certificate issued by the national plant protection organization of the country of origin stating that the product was inspected and found free of specified pests, or originated in a pest-free
area. Products will be inspected to ensure that the shipment is free of damaged fruit, which can be more susceptible to infestation by pests.

APHIS also announced several additional import measures:

• Recognizing several areas in Mexico and other countries as free from certain fruit flies;
• Amending the packing requirements for certain commodities;
• Expanding locations in the northeastern United States where cold treatment can be conducted;
• Update and clarifying restrictions on the entry of fruits and vegetables;
• Updating and clarifying permit procedures to improve their effectiveness, including amendment, denial or withdrawal of permits;
• Requiring full disclosure of fruits and vegetables at the port of first arrival and clarifying the conditions under which they may be released for movement, along with other miscellaneous changes.

This final rule was published in the June 25 Federal Register and was effective upon publication. APHIS documents published in the Federal Register and related information, including the names of organizations and individuals who have commented on APHIS dockets, are available on the Internet at http:/www.aphis.usda.gov/ppd/rad/webrepor.html.

Comments may be reviewed at USDA, Room 1141, South Building, 14th Street and Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C., between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, except holidays. Persons wishing to review comments are requested to call ahead on (202) 690-2817 to facilitate entry into the comment reading room.