Columbian Import Rule Finalized

On Tuesday, USDA formally adopted rules allowing the importation of citrus from Columbia.  This does not result in additional tonnage for the domestic market at this time, however.  Columbia has had access to the U.S. market but lost it because of phytosanitary issues.  They then were granted access for a probationary period (CCM description) to determine if they could comply with protocols.  In February 2018 a proposed rule was published that described pest and disease conditions in Columbia and provided new rules for the importation of product.  Columbian exporters, for the past 15 months, have complied with the standards without interceptions thus the proposed rule was finalized.  CCM has worked with APHIS during this period to confirm infestation and inspection data.