USDA Updates Gypsy Moth Hunt for Canadian Plant Imports
Published Date: 2/11/2026
Notice
Summary
The USDA wants to update and keep collecting info about bringing certain plants from Canada that could carry gypsy moths, which are pesky bugs that harm trees. This affects businesses and people who import these plants, helping protect U.S. forests from infestations. They’re asking for public feedback by April 13, 2026, and there’s no new cost, just some paperwork updates.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Paperwork for Canadian plant imports
If you are a grower, exporter, or shipper who imports Christmas trees, shrubs, logs, pulpwood, or similar gypsy moth host materials from gypsy-moth–infested provinces in Canada, you must provide specific documentation such as a phytosanitary certificate, certificate of origin, or written statement when bringing those articles into the United States. APHIS estimates the average paperwork burden is 0.419 hours per response, and it estimates 3,343 respondents, 5 responses per respondent (17,945 responses total), and 7,524 total annual burden hours; APHIS is requesting OMB approval for these collections for 3 years and will accept comments through April 13, 2026.
Private travelers' import paperwork
If you enter the United States from Canada with a mobile home or outdoor household articles that are gypsy moth host materials, you are subject to the same information collection requirements and must provide required documentation (for example, a written statement or certificate). APHIS estimates average burden is 0.419 hours per response and a total annual burden of 7,524 hours across all respondents; APHIS will accept public comments on this collection through April 13, 2026.
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