Changes to Plant Pest Regulations

Changes to Plant Pest Regulations

On August, 9, 2019, the revised Plant Pest Regulations, 7 CFR 330, will take effect. This letter is to notify you that we will no longer require interstate movement permits for certain plant pests, pathogens, and biological control agents. This affects over 300 insects and other arthropods, including 26 feeder roaches. It also includes the interstate movement of axenic cultures of approximately 40 fungi, bacteria, nematodes, and plant viruses. These lists of organisms are posted in the USDA-APHIS website and will be updated over time.

This change only applies to the movement of these species across state lines within the contiguous United States (also known as the “lower 48 States”). Permits are still required for shipping or receiving these species to/from Hawaii, Alaska, and the U.S. Territories, such as Puerto Rico. Similarly, permits are required for importing them from foreign countries to any U.S. state or territory. USDA-APHIS will continue to require permits for moving these organisms across state lines if they originally came from foreign countries under permit.

USDA-APHIS will no longer enforce conditions on permits for species on the lists that meet the above criteria. We strongly recommend that you contact state regulatory officials to see if they have any state regulatory requirements for these species.

If you have any questions, please email us at pest.permits@usda.gov or call our customer service line at 301-851-2046.

• 330 Permit Holders Letter signed.pdf