USDA Updates Fumigation Rules to Battle Imported Plant Pests
Published Date: 3/18/2026
Notice
Summary
The USDA wants your thoughts on new rules for checking and treating plants and pests before they enter the U.S. These changes aim to keep harmful bugs and diseases out by updating how cold treatment and fumigation are approved and tracked. If you’re involved in plant imports or treatments, you’ve got until April 17, 2026, to share your feedback—no extra costs, just a chance to help shape safer plant protection!
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
New Paperwork for Plant Treatment Approvals
If you import plants or operate cold treatment, irradiation, or fumigation facilities, APHIS will collect information using PPQ Form 519 (Compliance Agreements), PPQ Form 530 (Limited Permit), and other collections under OMB Control Number 0579-0450. The notice says there are 46 respondents, reporting annually, with a total of 57 burden hours; comments on the collection are due by April 17, 2026. The information supports approval of new cold treatment and irradiation facilities, cold treatment schedules, and fumigation and cold treatment compliance agreements.
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