APHIS Proposes to Loosen Restrictions on Imports of Unshu Oranges From Japan

The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is proposing to remove restrictions on importation of unshu oranges from certain Japanese regions into some U.S. ports, it said in a notice. Currently, unshu oranges from Shikoku or Honshu must be fumigated with methyl bromide as a mitigation for mites and mealybugs if the oranges are destined to a port of entry in Arizona, California, Florida, Hawaii, Louisiana or Texas. Unshu oranges from Kyushu can’t be imported at all into ports of entry in Arizona, California, Florida, Hawaii or Texas. APHIS is proposing to eliminate both sets of restrictions. Comments are due Nov. 22.