Chrysanthemum Rust Deregulated: No More Quarantine for Flower Imports
Published Date: 10/8/2026
Notice
Summary
The USDA has decided to deregulate Chrysanthemum White Rust and will allow the import of chrysanthemum cuttings and plantlets from certain countries starting November 9, 2026. This change means growers and plant sellers can bring these plants into the U.S. without extra quarantine worries, as experts found no risk of spreading harmful pests. This update helps the plant industry grow while keeping U.S. gardens safe and healthy.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 2 mixed.
Chrysanthemum White Rust Deregulated
If you grow or sell chrysanthemums, the USDA no longer treats Chrysanthemum White Rust (CWR) as a quarantine pest and has moved CWR to a management phase. APHIS determined eradication is no longer technically and economically justified and will rely on management (including available fungicides) instead of federal eradication protocols.
Imports Authorized from 20 Named Countries
Beginning November 9, 2026, imports of Chrysanthemum spp. cuttings, in vitro plantlets, and synonymous taxa may be authorized into the continental United States from 20 named countries (Belgium, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Germany, Guatemala, Kenya, Mexico, Netherlands, Nicaragua, Panama, Spain, Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda, United Kingdom, and Vietnam) under the conditions in the final Commodity Import Evaluation Document (CIED). You must follow the import conditions specified in the final CIED and any country-specific Operational Work Plan (OWP).
Systems Approach and Operational Work Plans Required
Imports under the new pathway require a systems approach and a written Operational Work Plan (OWP) between APHIS and the exporting country's national plant protection organization. The OWP and CIED set production, monitoring, auditing, and facility requirements; shipments among approved facilities are allowed only under specified conditions.
Pest-Specific Testing and List Changes
APHIS revised the pest list and testing requirements: Carnation Italian Ringspot Virus (CIRV) was removed from the pest list; testing for Chrysanthemum stem necrosis virus (CSNV) is required only for parental stock used in Brazil and Belgium; testing for Tomato leaf curl New Delhi virus (ToLCNDV) is required only for parental stock used in Spain and Tunisia; and Thrips palmi remains a quarantine pest and actionable at ports of entry. APHIS also updated the listed U.S. States for Maconellicoccus hirsutus in the pest list.
Canada Harmonization via Greenhouse Program
Canada intends to harmonize with the U.S. deregulation through the U.S.-Canada Greenhouse-Grown Plant Certification Program (GCP). Canadian shipments outside the GCP or systems approach will require a phytosanitary certificate with an additional declaration about pests of concern.
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Key Dates
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