APHIS Allows Imports of Sand Pears From All of Japan

The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is loosening restrictions on importation of fresh sand pears from Japan, it said in a final rule. While APHIS currently only allows importation of sand pears from a few Japanese prefectures, the agency will now allow imports from all of Japan, except for Amami, Bonin, Ryukyu, Tokara, and Volcano Islands. APHIS is also eliminating a requirement for an additional declaration on phytosanitary certificates that the sand pears have been inspected and found free of certain pests. APHIS will begin authorizing imports via permit on April 16, it said.