[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 179 (Tuesday, September 16, 1997)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 48456-48471]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-24524]
[[Page 48456]]
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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
7 CFR Parts 201 and 361
[Docket No. 93-126-5]
RIN 0579-AA64
Imported Seed and Screenings
AGENCY: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: We are amending the ``Imported Seed'' regulations by moving
the regulations to a different chapter in the Code of Federal
Regulations; establishing a seed analysis program with Canada; and
allowing U.S. companies that import seed for cleaning or screenings for
processing to enter into compliance agreements with the Animal and
Plant Health Inspection Service. These changes are being made to
reflect recent amendments to the Federal Seed Act and the transfer of
responsibility for the import provisions of the act from the
Agricultural Marketing Service to the Animal and Plant Health
Inspection Service. These changes will bring the imported seed
regulations into agreement with the amended Federal Seed Act, eliminate
the need for sampling shipments of Canadian-origin seed at the border,
and allow certain seed importers to clean seed without the direct
monitoring of an Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service inspector.
EFFECTIVE DATE: October 16, 1997.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Polly Lehtonen, Botanist,
Biological Assessment and Taxonomic Support, PPQ, APHIS, 4700 River
Road Unit 133, Riverdale, MD 20737-1236, (301) 734-8896.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
Under the authority of the Federal Seed Act of 1939, as amended
(FSA), the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) regulates the
importation and interstate movement of certain agricultural and
vegetable seed and screenings. Title III of the FSA, ``Foreign
Commerce,'' requires shipments of imported agricultural and vegetable
seed to be labeled correctly and to be tested for the presence of the
seeds of certain noxious weeds as a condition of entry into the United
States. The USDA's regulations implementing the provisions of the FSA
are found at 7 CFR part 201; the regulations implementing the foreign
commerce provisions of the FSA are found in Secs. 201.101 through
201.230 (referred to below as the regulations).
The responsibility for inspection of imported seeds under Title III
of the FSA was transferred from the Agricultural Marketing Service
(AMS) to the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) by a
final rule amending the delegations of authority from the Secretary of
Agriculture that was published in the Federal Register on September 22,
1982 (47 FR 41725), and effective October 1, 1982.
In a proposed rule published in the Federal Register on October 4,
1996 (61 FR 51791-51810, Docket No. 93-126-4), we proposed to revise
the regulations to reflect amendments to the FSA and the transfer of
regulatory authority for Title III of the FSA from AMS to APHIS. To
reflect that change in authority, we proposed to move the regulations
from 7 CFR chapter I, which is one of the chapters in which AMS
regulations appear, to 7 CFR chapter III, where APHIS' plant-related
regulations appear. As part of that proposed move, we also proposed to
update the regulations to reflect amendments to the FSA and make
nonsubstantive editorial changes to the arrangement and wording of the
regulatory text to improve its clarity. We also announced that we would
host a public hearing on November 21, 1996, to provide interested
persons with an opportunity to present their views regarding the
proposed rule.
We solicited comments concerning the proposed rule for 60 days
ending December 3, 1996. We received five comments by that date. The
November 21, 1996, hearing was held as scheduled, but no members of the
public attended to present comments (although one of the five comments
mentioned above was included in the record of the public hearing at the
request of the person who submitted the comment). The comments we
received were from U.S. and Canadian seed analysts associations, a seed
trade association, and two State departments of agriculture. Although
all of the commenters offered support for the proposed rule, each of
them offered suggestions or sought clarification regarding the changes
proposed in the proposed rule. Those comments are discussed below.
Change in Responsible Canadian Agency
On April 1, 1997, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, a public
agency reporting to Canada's Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, was
established. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency's responsibilities
include plant health activities conducted at the Federal level,
including the seed analysis and laboratory accreditation activities we
had attributed to Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada in the proposed
rule. Therefore, for accuracy, we will refer to the Canadian Food
Inspection Agency, rather than to Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada,
throughout this document. We have also updated the regulations in
Sec. 371.7(a) to reflect that change.
Discussion of Comments
Comment: The proposed regulations refer to an ``official seed
analyst,'' which is defined as a ``registered member of the Association
of Official Seed Analysts'' (AOSA). The AOSA does not have a category
of ``registered member,'' and the voting category of membership in AOSA
is entitled ``official laboratory.'' Therefore, the term ``official
seed laboratory,'' which would be defined as an official laboratory
member of AOSA, should be used instead of ``official seed analyst.''
Response: We agree with the commenter and have made the suggested
changes. Specifically, we have changed the definition in Sec. 361.1 of
``official seed analyst'' to ``official seed laboratory'' with the
suggested definition, and we have changed a reference in
Sec. 361.8(a)(1) from ``official seed analyst'' to ``official seed
laboratory.''
Comment: Members of the Commercial Seed Analysts Association of
Canada (CSAAC) should be given the same recognition as the registered
seed technologists and official seed analysts mentioned in the proposed
rule.
Response: The role of the registered seed technologist and official
seed analyst (now official seed laboratory, as noted above) in the
proposed regulations and in this final rule is limited to analyzing
representative samples of seed cleaned in the United States under a
compliance agreement as set forth in Sec. 361.8(a)(1). While it is
likely that members of CSAAC are working in laboratories associated
with or accredited by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and will,
thus, be involved in the analysis and certification of seed in Canada
under Sec. 361.7, we do not foresee that they would be involved in the
analysis of seed after it has been imported into the United States and
cleaned. For that reason, we do not believe it is necessary to
explicitly mention CSAAC or its members in the regulations. Therefore,
we have made no changes in this final rule based on that comment.
[[Page 48457]]
Comment: The noxious weed seed tolerances set out in Sec. 361.6(b)
are too lenient. As it is currently written, the discovery of two seeds
in an initial examination triggers a second examination; if two or
fewer seeds are found in the second examination, the lot of seed may be
imported. Such a tolerance would allow approximately 100 noxious weed
seeds per 50 lb. bag for a crop seed the size of wheat. The discovery
of even one or two seeds in a second examination serves only to confirm
that prohibited noxious weed seeds are present in the lot of seed. The
regulations should be changed to require a second examination upon the
discovery of a single noxious weed seed; if the second examination
yields one or more noxious weed seeds, then the lot of seed should be
refused entry.
Response: The tolerances established under the FSA are consistent
with those of the Association of Official Seed Analysts (AOSA) and the
Association of American Seed Control Officials' ``Recommended Uniform
State Seed Law'' (RUSSL), as amended in July 1996. The RUSSL recommends
that State seed laws recognize the tolerances in AOSA's ``Rules for
Testing Seeds.'' Also, within the framework of the General Agreement on
Tariffs and Trade and the North American Free Trade Agreement, a
quarantine action such as that recommended by the commenter, i.e.
prohibiting all weed seeds with no tolerances, is not appropriate for
pests that are widespread in the importing country. All of the weeds
for which we allow tolerances are already established and widespread in
the United States. Therefore, we have made no changes in this final
rule based on that comment.
Comment: The list of noxious weeds in Sec. 361.6 does not include
many species of weeds that are prohibited in many States. This could
result in a State having to accept an imported lot of seed that
contains weed seeds that are prohibited by that State but not by
regulations. The list of noxious weeds in Sec. 361.6 should be expanded
to include noxious weed seed prohibited by States.
Response: The commenter is correct in noting that many States
prohibit weeds that are not included on the list of noxious weeds in
Sec. 361.6; it is also true, however, that the list in Sec. 361.6 is
more restrictive than the noxious weed lists maintained by some other
States. Generally speaking, the weeds found in the list in Sec. 361.6
are those weeds prohibited most often by individual States. Any State
may inspect seed shipments sold within its borders and can issue a
``stop sale'' if a State inspector finds weeds on the State's
prohibited list. Further, the AMS' regulations in 7 CFR 201.50
recognize each States' prohibited weed list in enforcing the interstate
provisions of the FSA. Because individual States have the authority to
prevent the sale within their borders of seed containing weed seeds
prohibited under State regulations, we do not believe it is necessary
to amend the imported seed regulations to reflect the noxious weed
lists of all the States. We have, therefore, made no changes in this
final rule based on that comment.
Comment: As set forth in the proposed rule, the regulations in
Sec. 361.7 are unclear as to who in Canada will be doing the sampling
of seed intended for export to the United States. Sampling must be
performed by persons trained in proper sampling and who are in no way
biased as to test outcome.
Response: The sampling in Canada will be performed in the manner
seen as necessary by the commenter. Seed samples drawn in Canada
pursuant to the regulations in Sec. 361.7 will be analyzed by the
Canadian Food Inspection Agency or by a private seed laboratory
accredited by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, and the Canadian
Food Inspection Agency has informed APHIS that it will require those
laboratories testing seed for export to the United States to test only
``officially recognized samples'' as defined by the Canada Seeds
Regulations. Thus, the seed will have to be drawn according to
recognized methods by an accredited grader, a person licensed to
operate an approved conditioner, or a person accredited by an official
certifying agency to sample seed.
Comment: APHIS should require sampling for seed imported for
feeding purposes. Seed screenings are often used as a component of feed
and may contain a high percentage of viable noxious weed seeds. There
should be limitations on viable noxious weed seeds in feed and some
measure of sampling or monitoring.
Response: As we noted in the proposed rule with regard to
screenings, the process usually used to produce animal feed--i.e., an
extrusion process that includes heating and pelletizing--is sufficient
to devitalize any live seed, which reduces to an insignificant level
any risk that the feed would contain any viable noxious weed seeds. We
do not, therefore, believe that it is necessary to require sampling or
monitoring for imported seed declared for feeding purposes.
Comment: When seed intended for planting purposes is imported and
found to be adulterated with noxious weed seeds, the regulations would
allow the seed to enter the United States if the importer withdraws the
original declaration and files a new declaration stating that the seed
is being imported for feeding or manufacturing purposes. How can APHIS
be sure that the importer will not use the seed for planting purposes
once it reaches its final destination in the United States?
Response: There are avenues that an importer can pursue to render
adulterated seed fit for planting purposes and penalties in place to
discourage the type of action envisioned by the commenter. If a lot of
seed is deemed to be adulterated, the importer of the seed would have
the option of sending the seed to a seed-cleaning facility. After the
noxious weed seeds are removed, the importer could sell the seed for
planting purposes. When an importer instead chooses to file a new
declaration for the seed, that new declaration must include a statement
that no part of the seed will be used for planting purposes, and the
importer will be bound to abide by the new declaration. Under Sec. 304
of the FSA (7 U.S.C. 1586), it is unlawful for any person to sell or
offer for sale any seed or screenings for seeding (planting) purposes
if the seed or screenings were imported for other than seeding
(planting) purposes. Any seed sold, delivered for transportation in
interstate commerce, or transported in interstate or foreign commerce
in violation of any of the provisions of the FSA would, under Sec. 405
of the FSA (7 U.S.C. 1595), be subject to seizure. Further, Sec. 406 of
the FSA (7 U.S.C. 1596) provides that any person who knowingly violates
any provision of the FSA or the regulations shall be deemed guilty of a
misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall pay a fine of $1,000
for the first offense and a fine of not more than $2,000 for each
subsequent offense. In addition, if the importer intends to sell the
adulterated seed for planting purposes but files a new declaration
stating that the seed is to be used for feed or manufacturing purposes
merely to secure the release of the seed, the importer could be subject
to the provisions of 18 U.S.C. 1001, which provides, in part, that
``Whoever, in any matter within the jurisdiction of any department or
agency of the United States knowingly and willfully * * * makes any
false, fictitious or fraudulent statements or representations, or makes
or uses any false writing or document knowing the same to contain any
false, fictitious or fraudulent statement or entry, shall be fined
under this title or imprisoned not more than five years, or both.''
[[Page 48458]]
Comment: Section 361.3 contains references to seed treated with
mercurials. Is it not the case that mercurial seed treatments were
banned several years ago?
Response: With regard to the treatment of seeds with mercurials or
similarly toxic substances, the scope of the FSA and the regulations is
limited to requiring that such treated seed be properly labeled. Those
labeling requirements, as noted by the commenter, are contained in
Sec. 361.3 of the regulations. However, because mercurials are harmful
to humans and vertebrate animals, they would be covered under the Food
and Drug Administration's (FDA's) regulations in 16 CFR 2.25(b), which
state, in part, that the FDA ``will regard as adulterated any
interstate shipment of the food seeds wheat, corn, oats, rye, barley,
and sorghum bearing a poisonous treatment in excess of a recognized
tolerance or treatment for which no tolerance or exemption from
tolerance is recognized in regulations promulgated pursuant to section
408 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, unless such seeds have
been adequately denatured by a suitable color to prevent their
subsequent inadvertent use as food for man or feed for animals.'' Thus,
seeds deemed adulterated by the FDA would be subject to appropriate
action by the FDA under its authority.
Comment: Will APHIS monitor the Canadian seed testing laboratories
that analyze the seed to be exported to the United States? What actions
will be taken if APHIS finds that one of those Canadian laboratories is
conducting incorrect or incomplete analyses on seed to be exported to
the United States?
Response: APHIS will take samples of Canadian-origin seed for
monitoring purposes. If our test results do not agree with those of the
Canadian seed-testing laboratory that analyzed the seed, we will notify
the Canadian Food Inspection Agency of the discrepancy and cooperate
with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency in its investigation of the
cause of the discrepancy. If sampling or laboratory errors are found to
have occurred, corrective action will be initiated by the Canadian Food
Inspection Agency. Further, APHIS will increase its monitoring of seed
shipments that have been analyzed by the laboratory in question.
Comment: Section 361.9 of the proposed rule states that seed
importers must retain a seed sample from each lot of imported seed for
at least 1 year. This requirement is too burdensome and should be
eliminated; such samples will not assist in the tracing or monitoring
of potential problems. In addition, it has traditionally been the role
of the seed exporter to maintain samples of seed from each lot shipped.
Response: As we noted in the proposed rule, seed companies must
already retain records and samples to comply with the AMS' regulations
promulgated under the interstate provisions of the FSA, so we do not
believe that the recordkeeping requirements of this rule place an
additional burden on those companies. Further, even if exporters retain
samples from lots of seed shipped to this country, only the importer's
sample can be relied upon to accurately reflect the content of the seed
lot that was actually received in the United States. Therefore, we
continue to believe that it is necessary for importers to retain a seed
sample to provide a reference that would help APHIS to trace the source
of potential problems and monitor the efficacy of noxious weed
examinations and cleaning.
Other Changes
We have made a change to the wording of the introductory text of
paragraph (a) in Sec. 361.4, ``Inspection at the port of first
arrival.'' In the proposed rule, that paragraph stated that all
agricultural seed, vegetable seed, and screenings offered for entry
into the United States shall be ``subject to inspection'' at the port
of first arrival. Because the phrase ``subject to inspection'' does not
accurately represent what must occur at the port of first arrival prior
to seed and screenings, or any other agricultural commodity, being
released for entry into the United States, we have changed that
paragraph to make it clear that the seed or screenings must be made
available for examination by an inspector and must remain at the port
of first arrival until released by an inspector.
Similarly, we have changed those sections of the regulations that
refer to an APHIS inspector's ``supervision'' of certain activities,
i.e., the destruction or cleaning of seed, the correction of the
labeling on a lot of seed, the removal of seed from containers, and the
enforcement of compliance agreements. To state that an APHIS inspector
will ``supervise'' such activities may imply that the inspector is in a
position of authority over the persons conducting such activities and
is, therefore, responsible for all issues associated with the conduct
of those activities, even issues unrelated to the inspector's authority
such as worker safety or compliance with labor laws. The actual role of
an APHIS inspector in such situations is to ensure that the
requirements of APHIS' regulations are being satisfied; therefore, we
have replaced references to ``supervision'' with references to
``monitoring'' to more clearly represent the role of APHIS inspectors
participating in activities conducted in connection with the
regulations.
Therefore, based on the rationale set forth in the proposed rule
and in this document, we are adopting the provisions of the proposal as
a final rule with the changes discussed in this document.
Executive Order 12866 and Regulatory Flexibility Act
This rule has been reviewed under Executive Order 12866. The rule
has been determined to be not significant for purposes of Executive
Order 12866 and, therefore, has not been reviewed by the Office of
Management and Budget.
We are amending the ``Imported Seed'' regulations by moving the
regulations to a different chapter in the Code of Federal Regulations,
establishing a seed analysis program with Canada, and allowing U.S.
companies that import seed for cleaning or screenings for processing to
enter into compliance agreements with APHIS. With these changes, the
regulations will reflect recent amendments to the FSA and the transfer
of responsibility for the import provisions of the act from AMS to
APHIS, eliminate the need for sampling shipments of Canadian-origin
seed at the border, and allow certain seed importers to clean seed with
monitoring by an APHIS inspector.
No economic impact will result from shifting the regulations to a
different chapter in the Code of Federal Regulations. However, the
elimination of the requirement that shipments of Canadian-origin seed
be sampled at the border will result in savings to APHIS. This rule
will require that all shipments of Canadian-origin agricultural or
vegetable seed be accompanied by a certificate of analysis issued by
the Canadian Food Inspection Agency or by a private seed laboratory
accredited by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency; that certificate of
analysis precludes the need for sampling and testing those shipments of
Canadian-origin seed. The certificate of analysis will confirm the seed
shipment meets the noxious weed tolerances and labeling requirements of
the FSA and the regulations. Therefore, APHIS will no longer have to
rely on U.S. Customs Service inspectors at the Canadian border to draw
samples from shipments of imported seed and mail the seed samples to
APHIS'' Seed Examination Facility (SEF) in Beltsville, MD, for testing.
Under the provisions of this rule, the cost of the analysis and
[[Page 48459]]
subsequent certification will be borne by the owner or exporter of the
seed, so there will be a reduction in the sampling and testing costs
currently borne by APHIS. We estimate that APHIS will save over
$103,000 annually in salary and related expenditures associated with
the testing of Canadian-origin seed.
Imports of field and garden seeds from Canada represent 80 percent
of total U.S. seed imports; from 1992 to 1994, imports of the regulated
agricultural and vegetable seeds from Canada into the United States
averaged 107,270 tons per year, with an average value of $63.059
million. From fiscal year 1989 to fiscal year 1993, the number of seed
shipments sampled increased from 2,451 to 3,615 shipments per year, an
increase of 47.5 percent; over the same period, SEF tested an average
of 2,907 seed samples per year. In fiscal years 1994 and 1995,
approximately 5,000 Canadian seed samples were tested. Only 3 percent
of Canadian seed shipments were refused admission for noxious weed
content.
This final rule's requirement that Canadian-origin seed be
certified prior to import into the United States will eliminate the
need for the routine testing of Canadian-origin seed and thus eliminate
the costs associated with that testing. Without the certificate
requirement, the SEF botanist spent approximately 90 percent of his
time testing Canadian-origin seed for noxious weed seeds, while his
assistant spent about 50 percent of his time on this task. In terms of
salaries and benefits, the costs associated with the SEF's testing of
Canadian seed are estimated to exceed $100,000 annually. With the
certificate requirement for Canadian seed in place, the time and costs
spent on testing Canadian seed may be shifted into the SEF's other
areas of responsibility.
This rule will also result in savings in salary for the time spent
by APHIS or State inspectors monitoring the cleaning of seed lots
refused admission due to noxious weed seed content. In fiscal year
1995, 61 seed shipments were refused entry due to noxious weed seed
content above tolerances. An inspector spends an average of about 4
hours monitoring the cleaning of each refused shipment. The savings in
the inspector's monitoring time in this activity is estimated as
$1,262.
This rule also allows companies that import uncleaned seed for
reconditioning and resale to enter into a compliance agreement with
APHIS, which will likely yield a savings to APHIS in inspection time
since only periodic inspections of these companies will be necessary to
ensure compliance with the conditions of the agreement. In fiscal year
1995, two companies in Idaho imported a total of 48 lots of seed that
required cleaning; APHIS employed a contractor to monitor the cleaning
of those adulterated seed lots. A company operating under a compliance
agreement will not require monitoring for every lot of seed imported
for cleaning, so we expect there will be an estimated $1,664 annual
savings in salary and benefits as a result of seed-cleaning companies
entering into compliance agreements with APHIS.
In total, we expect an estimated annual reduction of approximately
$103,000 in the costs associated with the sampling and testing of
Canadian origin seed and the monitoring of seed cleaning.
This rule is expected to impact exporters of Canadian-origin seed,
the majority of which--over 95 percent--are Canadian businesses. The
cost of obtaining a certificate of analysis from a Canadian government
or private laboratory is estimated to range from $13.00 to $58.00 per
lot, depending on the type of seed to be analyzed, or an average of $35
per lot. The cost is the same regardless of the size of the lot, which
can range from 50 to 50,000 pounds. Based upon fiscal year 1995
figures, there are approximately 6,000 seed shipments per year from
Canada that will require certification as a condition of importation
into the United States. For the majority of shipments, the cost of the
certification does not represent an additional expense because much of
the seed is likely to have been tested anyway to meet the requirements
of the exporting company's contracts with its importing customers.
Nevertheless, the cost of a certificate is small in comparison to the
average value of a seed shipment (which is typically worth thousands of
dollars) and will not, therefore, impose a significant economic burden
on Canadian seed exporters, large or small. For this reason, any cost
that is passed on to U.S. buyers of Canadian seed is likewise estimated
to be small.
Less than 2 percent of the Canadian seed imported into the United
States is imported through transactions between Canadian seed exporters
and individual U.S. farms. (Individual farms located near the U.S.-
Canadian border typically import small amounts of Canadian seed to be
used directly on farms.) While the exact number of these entities is
not known, it is expected that the impact to these individuals will be
small because seed sold in such small quantities is, in almost all
cases, already analyzed and certified prior to its entry into the
United States.
Under these circumstances, the Administrator of the Animal and
Plant Health Inspection Service has determined that this action will
not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small
entities.
Executive Order 12988
This rule has been reviewed under Executive Order 12988, Civil
Justice Reform. This rule: (1) Preempts all State and local laws and
regulations that are inconsistent with this rule; (2) has no
retroactive effect; and (3) does not require administrative proceedings
before parties may file suit in court challenging this rule.
Paperwork Reduction Act
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C.
3501 et seq.), the information collection or recordkeeping requirements
included in this proposed rule have been approved by the Office of
Management and Budget (OMB) under OMB control number 0579-0124.
Regulatory Reform
This action is part of the President's Regulatory Reform
Initiative, which, among other things, directs agencies to remove
obsolete and unnecessary regulations and to find less burdensome ways
to achieve regulatory goals.
List of Subjects
7 CFR Part 201
Advertising, Agricultural commodities, Imports, Labeling, Reporting
and recordkeeping requirements, Seeds, Vegetables.
7 CFR Part 361
Agricultural commodities, Imports, Labeling, Quarantine, Reporting
and recordkeeping requirements, Seeds, Vegetables, Weeds.
Accordingly, title 7, chapters I and III, of the Code of Federal
Regulations are amended as follows:
PART 201--FEDERAL SEED ACT REGULATIONS
1. The authority citation for part 201 continues to read as
follows:
Authority: 7 U.S.C. 1592.
Sec. 201.38 [Amended]
2. Section 201.38 is amended by removing the words ``Secs. 201.208
and 201.209'' and adding the words ``Sec. 361.4 of this title'' in
their place.
[[Page 48460]]
Secs. 201.101 through 201.230 [Removed]
3. In 7 CFR part 201, Secs. 201.101 through 201.230 are removed.
4. A new 7 CFR part 361 is added to read as follows:
PART 361--IMPORTATION OF SEED AND SCREENINGS UNDER THE FEDERAL SEED
ACT
Sec.
361.1 Definitions.
361.2 General restrictions on the importation of seed and
screenings.
361.3 Declarations and labeling.
361.4 Inspection at the port of first arrival.
361.5 Sampling of seeds.
361.6 Noxious weed seeds.
361.7 Special provisions for Canadian-origin seed and screenings.
361.8 Cleaning of imported seed and processing of certain Canadian-
origin screenings.
361.9 Recordkeeping.
361.10 Costs and charges.
Authority: 7 U.S.C. 1581-1610; 7 CFR 2.22, 2.80, and 371.2(c).
Sec. 361.1 Definitions.
Terms used in the singular form in this part shall be construed as
the plural, and vice versa, as the case may demand. The following
terms, when used in this part, shall be construed, respectively, to
mean:
Administrator. The Administrator of the Animal and Plant Health
Inspection Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, or any other
individual to whom the Administrator delegates authority to act in his
or her stead.
Agricultural seed. The following kinds and varieties of grass,
forage, and field crop seed that are used for seeding purposes in the
United States:
Agrotricum--x Agrotriticum Ciferri and Giacom.
Alfalfa--Medicago sativa L.
Alfilaria--Erodium cicutarium (L.) L'Her.
Alyceclover--Alysicarpus vaginalis (L.) DC.
Bahiagrass--Paspalum notatum Fluegge
Barley--Hordeum vulgare L.
Barrelclover--Medicago truncatula Gaertn.
Bean, adzuki--Vigna angularis (Willd.) Ohwi and Ohashi
Bean, field--Phaseolus vulgaris L.
Bean, mung--Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek
Beet, field--Beta vulgaris L. subsp. vulgaris
Beet, sugar--Beta vulgaris L. subsp. vulgaris
Beggarweed, Florida--Desmodium tortuosum (Sw.) DC.
Bentgrass, colonial--Agrostis capillaris L.
Bentgrass, creeping--Agrostis stolonifera L. var. palustris (Huds.)
Farw.
Bentgrass, velvet--Agrostis canina L.
Bermudagrass--Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. var. dactylon
Bermudagrass, giant--Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. var. aridus Harlan
and de Wet
Bluegrass, annual--Poa annua L.
Bluegrass, bulbous--Poa bulbosa L.
Bluegrass, Canada--Poa compressa L.
Bluegrass, glaucantha--Poa glauca Vahl
Bluegrass, Kentucky--Poa pratensis L.
Bluegrass, Nevada--Poa secunda J.S. Presl
Bluegrass, rough--Poa trivialis L.
Bluegrass, Texas--Poa arachnifera Torr.
Bluegrass, wood--Poa nemoralis L.
Bluejoint--Calamagrostis canadensis (Michx.) P. Beauv.
Bluestem, big--Andropogon gerardii Vitm. var. gerardii
Bluestem, little--Schizachyrium scoparium (Michx.) Nash
Bluestem, sand--Andropogon hallii Hack.
Bluestem, yellow--Bothriochloa ischaemum (L.) Keng
Bottlebrush-squirreltail--Elymus elymoides (Raf.) Swezey
Brome, field--Bromus arvensis L.
Brome, meadow--Bromus biebersteinii Roem. and Schult.
Brome, mountain--Bromus marginatus Steud.
Brome, smooth--Bromus inermis Leyss.
Broomcorn--Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench
Buckwheat--Fagopyrum esculentum Moench
Buffalograss--Buchloe dactyloides (Nutt.) Engelm.
Buffelgrass--Cenchrus ciliaris L.
Burclover, California--Medicago polymorpha L.
Burclover, spotted--Medicago arabica (L.) Huds.
Burnet, little--Sanguisorba minor Scop.
Buttonclover--Medicago orbicularis (L.) Bartal.
Canarygrass--Phalaris canariensis L.
Canarygrass, reed--Phalaris arundinacea L.
Carpetgrass--Axonopus fissifolius (Raddi) Kuhlm.
Castorbean--Ricinus communis L.
Chess, soft--Bromus hordeaceus L.
Chickpea--Cicer arietinum L.
Clover, alsike--Trifolium hybridum L.
Clover, arrowleaf--Trifolium vesiculosum Savi
Clover, berseem--Trifolium alexandrinum L.
Clover, cluster--Trifolium glomeratum L.
Clover, crimson--Trifolium incarnatum L.
Clover, Kenya--Trifolium semipilosum Fresen.
Clover, ladino--Trifolium repens L.
Clover, lappa--Trifolium lappaceum L.
Clover, large hop--Trifolium campestre Schreb.
Clover, Persian--Trifolium resupinatum L.
Clover, red or
Red clover, mammoth--Trifolium pratense L.
Red clover, medium--Trifolium pratense L.
Clover, rose--Trifolium hirtum All.
Clover, small hop or suckling--Trifolium dubium Sibth.
Clover, strawberry--Trifolium fragiferum L.
Clover, sub or subterranean--Trifolium subterraneum L.
Clover, white--Trifolium repens L. (also see Clover, ladino)
Clover--(also see Alyceclover, Burclover, Buttonclover, Sourclover,
Sweetclover)
Corn, field--Zea mays L.
Corn, pop--Zea mays L.
Cotton--Gossypium spp.
Cowpea--Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. subsp. unguiculata
Crambe--Crambe abyssinica R.E. Fries
Crested dogtail--Cynosurus cristatus L.
Crotalaria, lance--Crotalaria lanceolata E. Mey.
Crotalaria, showy--Crotalaria spectabilis Roth
Crotalaria, slenderleaf--Crotalaria brevidens Benth. var. intermedia
(Kotschy) Polh.
Crotalaria, striped or smooth--Crotalaria pallida Ait.
Crotalaria, sunn--Crotalaria juncea L.
Crownvetch--Coronilla varia L.
Dallisgrass--Paspalum dilatatum Poir.
Dichondra--Dichondra repens Forst. and Forst. f.
Dropseed, sand--Sporobolus cryptandrus (Torr.) A. Gray
Emmer--Triticum dicoccon Schrank
Fescue, chewings--Festuca rubra L. subsp. commutata Gaud.
Fescue, hair--Festuca tenuifolia Sibth.
Fescue, hard--Festuca brevipila Tracey
Fescue, meadow--Festuca pratensis Huds.
Fescue, red--Festuca rubra L. subsp. rubra
Fescue, sheep--Festuca ovina L. var. ovina
Fescue, tall--Festuca arundinacea Schreb.
Flax--Linum usitatissimum L.
Galletagrass--Hilaria jamesii (Torr.) Benth.
Grama, blue--Bouteloua gracilis (Kunth) Steud.
Grama, side-oats--Bouteloua curtipendula (Michx.) Torr.
Guar--Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (L.) Taub.
Guineagrass--Panicum maximum Jacq. var. maximum
Hardinggrass--Phalaris stenoptera Hack.
Hemp--Cannabis sativa L.
Indiangrass, yellow--Sorghastrum nutans (L.) Nash
Indigo, hairy--Indigofera hirsuta L.
Japanese lawngrass--Zoysia japonica Steud.
Johnsongrass--Sorghum halepense (L.) Pers.
Kenaf--Hibiscus cannabinus L.
Kochia, forage--Kochia prostrata (L.) Schrad.
Kudzu--Pueraria montana (Lour.) Merr. var. lobata (Willd.) Maesen
and S. Almeida
Lentil--Lens culinaris Medik.
Lespedeza, Korean--Kummerowia stipulacea (Maxim.) Makino
Lespedeza, sericea or Chinese--Lespedeza cuneata (Dum.-Cours.) G.
Don
Lespedeza, Siberian--Lespedeza juncea (L. f.) Pers.
Lespedeza, striate--Kummerowia striata (Thunb.) Schindler
Lovegrass, sand--Eragrostis trichodes (Nutt.) Wood
Lovegrass, weeping--Eragrostis curvula (Schrad.) Nees
Lupine, blue--Lupinus angustifolius L.
Lupine, white--Lupinus albus L.
Lupine, yellow--Lupinus luteus L.
Manilagrass--Zoysia matrella (L.) Merr.
Meadow foxtail--Alopecurus pratensis L.
Medic, black--Medicago lupulina L.
Milkvetch or cicer milkvetch--Astragalus cicer L.
Millet, browntop--Brachiaria ramosa (L.) Stapf
Millet, foxtail--Setaria italica (L.) Beauv.
Millet, Japanese--Echinochloa frumentacea Link
Millet, pearl--Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.
Millet, proso--Panicum miliaceum L.
Molassesgrass--Melinis minutiflora Beauv.
Mustard, black--Brassica nigra (L.) Koch
Mustard, India--Brassica juncea (L.) Czernj. and Coss.
[[Page 48461]]
Mustard, white--Sinapis alba L.
Napiergrass--Pennisetum purpureum Schumach.
Needlegrass, green--Stipa viridula Trin.
Oat--Avena byzantina C. Koch, A. sativa L., A. nuda L.
Oatgrass, tall--Arrhenatherum elatius (L.) J.S. Presl and K.B. Presl
Orchardgrass--Dactylis glomerata L.
Panicgrass, blue--Panicum antidotale Retz.
Panicgrass, green--Panicum maximum Jacq. var. trichoglume Robyns
Pea, field--Pisum sativum L.
Peanut--Arachis hypogaea L.
Poa trivialis--(see Bluegrass, rough)
Rape, annual--Brassica napus L. var. annua Koch
Rape, bird--Brassica rapa L. subsp. rapa
Rape, turnip--Brassica rapa L. subsp. silvestris (Lam.) Janchen
Rape, winter--Brassica napus L. var. biennis (Schubl. and Mart.)
Reichb.
Redtop--Agrostis gigantea Roth
Rescuegrass--Bromus catharticus Vahl
Rhodesgrass--Chloris gayana Kunth
Rice--Oryza sativa L.
Ricegrass, Indian--Oryzopsis hymenoides (Roem. and Schult.) Ricker
Roughpea--Lathyrus hirsutus L.
Rye--Secale cereale L.
Rye, mountain--Secale strictum (K.B. Presl) K.B. Presl subsp.
strictum
Ryegrass, annual or Italian--Lolium multiflorum Lam.
Ryegrass, intermediate--Lolium x hybridum Hausskn.
Ryegrass, perennial--Lolium perenne L.
Ryegrass, Wimmera--Lolium rigidum Gaud.
Safflower--Carthamus tinctorius L.
Sagewort, Louisiana--Artemisia ludoviciana Nutt.
Sainfoin--Onobrychis viciifolia Scop.
Saltbush, fourwing--Atriplex canescens (Pursh) Nutt.
Sesame--Sesamum indicum L.
Sesbania--Sesbania exaltata (Raf.) A.W. Hill
Smilo--Piptatherum miliaceum (L.) Coss.
Sorghum--Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench
Sorghum almum--Sorghum x almum L. Parodi
Sorghum-sudangrass--Sorghum x drummondii (Steud.) Millsp. and Chase
Sorgrass--Rhizomatous derivatives of a johnsongrass x sorghum cross
or a johnsongrass x sudangrass cross Southernpea--(See Cowpea)
Sourclover--Melilotus indicus (L.) All.
Soybean--Glycine max (L.) Merr.
Spelt--Triticum spelta L.
Sudangrass--Sorghum x drummondii (Steud.) Millsp. and Chase
Sunflower--Helianthus annuus L.
Sweetclover, white--Melilotus albus Medik.
Sweetclover, yellow--Melilotus officinalis Lam.
Sweet vernalgrass--Anthoxanthum odoratum L.
Sweetvetch, northern--Hedysarum boreale Nutt.
Switchgrass--Panicum virgatum L.
Timothy--Phleum pratense L.
Timothy, turf--Phleum bertolonii DC.
Tobacco--Nicotiana tabacum L.
Trefoil, big--Lotus uliginosus Schk.
Trefoil, birdsfoot--Lotus corniculatus L.
Triticale--x Triticosecale Wittm. (Secale x Triticum)
Vaseygrass--Paspalum urvillei Steud.
Veldtgrass--Ehrharta calycina J.E. Smith
Velvetbean--Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC. var. utilis (Wight) Burck
Velvetgrass--Holcus lanatus L.
Vetch, common--Vicia sativa L. subsp. sativa
Vetch, hairy--Vicia villosa Roth subsp. villosa
Vetch, Hungarian--Vicia pannonica Crantz
Vetch, monantha--Vicia articulata Hornem.
Vetch, narrowleaf or blackpod--Vicia sativa L. subsp. nigra (L.)
Ehrh.
Vetch, purple--Vicia benghalensis L.
Vetch, woollypod or winter--Vicia villosa Roth subsp. varia (Host)
Corb.
Wheat, common--Triticum aestivum L.
Wheat, club--Triticum compactum Host
Wheat, durum--Triticum durum Desf.
Wheat, Polish--Triticum polonicum L.
Wheat, poulard--Triticum turgidum L.
Wheat x Agrotricum--Triticum x Agrotriticum
Wheatgrass, beardless--Pseudoroegneria spicata (Pursh) A. Love
Wheatgrass, crested or fairway crested--Agropyron cristatum (L.)
Gaertn.
Wheatgrass, crested or standard crested--Agropyron desertorum (Link)
Schult.
Wheatgrass, intermediate--Elytrigia intermedia (Host) Nevski subsp.
intermedia
Wheatgrass, pubescent--Elytrigia intermedia (Host) Nevski subsp.
intermedia
Wheatgrass, Siberian--Agropyron fragile (Roth) Candargy subsp.
sibiricum (Willd.) Meld.
Wheatgrass, slender--Elymus trachycaulus (Link) Shinn.
Wheatgrass, streambank--Elymus lanceolatus (Scribn. and J.G. Smith)
Gould subsp. lanceolatus
Wheatgrass, tall--Elytrigia elongata (Host) Nevski
Wheatgrass, western--Pascopyrum smithii (Rydb.) A. Love
Wildrye, basin--Leymus cinereus (Scribn. and Merr.) A. Love
Wildrye, Canada--Elymus canadensis L.
Wildrye, Russian--Psathyrostachys juncea (Fisch.) Nevski
Zoysia japonica--(see Japanese lawngrass)
Zoysia matrella--(see Manilagrass)
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). The Animal and
Plant Health Inspection Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
APHIS inspector. Any employee of the Animal and Plant Health
Inspection Service or any other individual authorized by the
Administrator to enforce this part.
Coated Seed. Any seed unit covered with any substance that changes
the size, shape, or weight of the original seed. Seeds coated with
ingredients such as, but not limited to, rhizobia, dyes, and pesticides
are excluded.
Declaration. A written statement of a grower, shipper, processor,
dealer, or importer giving for any lot of seed the kind, variety, type,
origin, or the use for which the seed is intended.
Hybrid. When applied to kinds or varieties of seed means the first
generation seed of a cross produced by controlling the pollination and
by combining two or more inbred lines; one inbred or a single cross
with an open-pollinated variety; or two selected clones, seed lines,
varieties, or species. ``Controlling the pollination'' means to use a
method of hybridization that will produce pure seed that is at least 75
percent hybrid seed. Hybrid designations shall be treated as variety
names.
Import/importation. To bring into the territorial limits of the
United States.
Kind. One or more related species or subspecies that singly or
collectively is known by one common name, e.g., soybean, flax, or
carrot.
Lot of seed. A definite quantity of seed identified by a lot
number, every portion or bag of which is uniform, within permitted
tolerances, for the factors that appear in the labeling.
Mixture. Seeds consisting of more than one kind or variety, each
present in excess of 5 percent of the whole.
Official seed laboratory. An official laboratory member of the
Association of Official Seed Analysts.
Pelleted seed. Any seed unit covered with a substance that changes
the size, shape, or weight of the original seed in order to improve the
plantability or singulation of the seed.
Person. Any individual, partnership, corporation, company, society,
association, receiver, trustee, or other legal entity or organized
group.
Port of first arrival. The land area (such as a seaport, airport,
or land border station) where a person, or a land, water, or air
vehicle, first arrives after entering the territorial limits of the
United States, and where inspection of articles is carried out by APHIS
inspectors.
Registered seed technologist. A registered member of the Society of
Commercial Seed Technologists.
Screenings. Chaff, sterile florets, immature seed, weed seed, inert
matter, and any other materials removed in any way from any seeds in
any kind of cleaning or processing and which contains less than 25
percent of live agricultural or vegetable seeds.
State. Any State, the District of Columbia, American Samoa, Guam,
the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands of the
United States, and any other territory or possession of the United
States.
United States. All of the States.
Variety. A subdivision of a kind which is characterized by growth,
plant, fruit, seed, or other characteristics by which it can be
differentiated from other sorts of the same kind.
[[Page 48462]]
Vegetable seed. The seed of the following kinds and varieties that
are or may be grown in gardens or on truck farms and are or may be
generally known and sold under the name of vegetable seed:
Artichoke--Cynara cardunculus L. subsp. cardunculus
Asparagus--Asparagus officinalis Baker
Asparagusbean or yard-long bean--Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. subsp.
sesquipedalis (L.) Verdc.
Bean, garden--Phaseolus vulgaris L.
Bean, lima--Phaseolus lunatus L.
Bean, runner or scarlet runner--Phaseolus coccineus L.
Beet--Beta vulgaris L. subsp. vulgaris
Broadbean--Vicia faba L.
Broccoli--Brassica oleracea L. var. botrytis L.
Brussels sprouts--Brassica oleracea L. var. gemmifera DC.
Burdock, great--Arctium lappa L.
Cabbage--Brassica oleracea L. var. capitata L.
Cabbage, Chinese--Brassica rapa L. subsp. pekinensis (Lour.) Hanelt
Cabbage, tronchuda--Brassica oleracea L. var. costata DC.
Cantaloupe--(see Melon)
Cardoon--Cynara cardunculus L. subsp. cardunculus
Carrot--Daucus carota L. subsp. sativus (Hoffm.) Arcang.
Cauliflower--Brassica oleracea L. var. botrytis L.
Celeriac--Apium graveolens L. var. rapaceum (Mill.) Gaud.
Celery--Apium graveolens L. var. dulce (Mill.) Pers.
Chard, Swiss--Beta vulgaris L. subsp. cicla (L.) Koch
Chicory--Cichorium intybus L.
Chives--Allium schoenoprasum L.
Citron--Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum. and Nakai var. citroides
(Bailey) Mansf.
Collards--Brassica oleracea L. var. acephala DC.
Corn, sweet--Zea mays L.
Cornsalad--Valerianella locusta (L.) Laterrade
Cowpea--Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. subsp. unguiculata
Cress, garden--Lepidium sativum L.
Cress, upland--Barbarea verna (Mill.) Asch.
Cress, water--Rorippa nasturtium-aquaticum (L.) Hayek
Cucumber--Cucumis sativus L.
Dandelion--Taraxacum officinale Wigg.
Dill--Anethum graveolens L.
Eggplant--Solanum melongena L.
Endive--Cichorium endivia L.
Gherkin, West India--Cucumis anguria L.
Kale--Brassica oleracea L. var. acephala DC.
Kale, Chinese--Brassica oleracea L. var. alboglabra (Bailey) Musil
Kale, Siberian--Brassica napus L. var. pabularia (DC.) Reichb.
Kohlrabi--Brassica oleracea L. var. gongylodes L.
Leek--Allium porrum L.
Lettuce--Lactuca sativa L.
Melon--Cucumis melo L.
Muskmelon--(see Melon).
Mustard, India--Brassica juncea (L.) Czernj. and Coss.
Mustard, spinach--Brassica perviridis (Bailey) Bailey
Okra--Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench
Onion--Allium cepa L.
Onion, Welsh--Allium fistulosum L.
Pak-choi--Brassica rapa L. subsp. chinensis (L.) Hanelt
Parsley--Petroselinum crispum (Mill.) A.W. Hill
Parsnip--Pastinaca sativa L.
Pea--Pisum sativum L.
Pepper--Capsicum spp.
Pe-tsai--(see Chinese cabbage).
Pumpkin--Cucurbita pepo L., C. moschata (Duchesne) Poiret, and C.
maxima Duchesne
Radish--Raphanus sativus L.
Rhubarb--Rheum rhabarbarum L.
Rutabaga--Brassica napus L. var. napobrassica (L.) Reichb.
Sage--Salvia officinalis L.
Salsify--Tragopogon porrifolius L.
Savory, summer--Satureja hortensis L.
Sorrel--Rumex acetosa L.
Southernpea--(see Cowpea).
Soybean--Glycine max (L.) Merr.
Spinach--Spinacia oleracea L.
Spinach, New Zealand--Tetragonia tetragonioides (Pall.) Ktze.
Squash--Cucurbita pepo L., C. moschata (Duchesne) Poiret, and C.
maxima Duchesne
Tomato--Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.
Tomato, husk--Physalis pubescens L.
Turnip--Brassica rapa L. subsp. rapa
Watermelon--Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum. and Nakai var.
lanatus
Sec. 361.2 General restrictions on the importation of seed and
screenings.
(a) No person shall import any agricultural seed, vegetable seed,
or screenings into the United States unless the importation is in
compliance with this part.
(b) Any agricultural seed, vegetable seed, or screenings imported
into the United States not in compliance with this part shall be
subject to exportation, destruction, disposal, or any remedial measures
that the Administrator determines are necessary to prevent the
dissemination into the United States of noxious weeds.
(c) Except as provided in Sec. 361.7(b), coated or pelleted seed
may enter the United States only if each lot of seed is accompanied by
an officially drawn and sealed sample of seed drawn from the lot before
the seed was coated or pelleted. The sample must be drawn in a manner
consistent with that described in Sec. 361.5 of this part.
(d) Except as provided in Secs. 361.4(a)(3) and 361.7(c),
screenings of all agricultural seed and vegetable seed are prohibited
entry into the United States.
Sec. 361.3 Declarations and labeling.
(a) All lots of agricultural seed, vegetable seed, and screenings
imported into the United States must be accompanied by a declaration
from the importer of the seed or screenings. The declaration must state
the kind, variety, and origin of each lot of seed or screenings and the
use for which the seed or screenings are being imported.
(b) Each container of agricultural seed and vegetable seed imported
into the United States for seeding (planting) purposes must be labeled
to indicate the identification code or designation for the lot of seed;
the name of each kind or kind and variety of agricultural seed or the
name of each kind and variety of vegetable seed present in the lot in
excess of 5 percent of the whole; and the designation ``hybrid'' when
the lot contains hybrid seed. Kind and variety names used on the label
shall conform to the kind and variety names used in the definitions of
``agricultural seed'' and ``vegetable seed'' in Sec. 361.1. If any seed
in the lot has been treated, each container must be further labeled, in
type no smaller than 8 point, as follows:
(1) The label must indicate that the seed has been treated and
provide the name of the substance or process used to treat the seed.
Substance names used on the label shall be the commonly accepted
coined, chemical (generic), or abbreviated chemical name.
(i) Commonly accepted coined names are commonly recognized as names
of particular substances, e.g., thiram, captan, lindane, and dichlone.
(ii) Examples of commonly accepted chemical (generic) names are
blue-stone, calcium carbonate, cuprous oxide, zinc hydroxide,
hexachlorobenzene, and ethyl mercury acetate. The terms ``mercury'' or
``mercurial'' may be used in labeling all types of mercurials.
(iii) Examples of commonly accepted abbreviated chemical names are
BHC (1,2,3,4,5,6-Hexachlorocyclohexane) and DDT (dichloro diphenyl
trichloroethane).
(2) If the seed has been treated with a mercurial or similarly
toxic substance harmful to humans and vertebrate animals, the label
must include a representation of a skull and crossbones and a statement
indicating that the seed has been treated with poison. The skull and
crossbones must be at least twice the size of the type used for the
information provided on the label, and the poison warning statement
must be written in red letters on a background of distinctly
contrasting color. Mercurials and similarly toxic substances include
the following:
Aldrin, technical
Demeton
Dieldrin
p-Dimethylaminobenzenediazo sodium sulfonate
Endrin
[[Page 48463]]
Ethion
Heptachlor
Mercurials, all types
Parathion
Phorate
Toxaphene
O-O-Diethyl-O-(isopropyl-4-methyl-6-pyrimidyl) thiophosphate
O,O-Diethyl-S-2-(ethylthio) ethyl phosphorodithioate
(3) If the seed has been treated with a substance other than one
classified as a mercurial or similarly toxic substance under paragraph
(b)(2) of this section, and the amount remaining with the seed is
harmful to humans or other vertebrate animals, the label must indicate
that the seed is not to be used for food, feed, or oil purposes. Any
amount of any substance used to treat the seed that remains with the
seed will be considered harmful when the seed is in containers of more
than 4 ounces, except that the following substances will not be deemed
harmful when present at a rate less than the number of parts per
million (p/m) indicated:
Allethrin--2 p/m
Malathion--8 p/m
Methoxyclor--2 p/m
Piperonyl butoxide--20 p/m (8 p/m on oat and sorghum)
Pyrethrins--3 p/m (1 p/m on oat and sorghum)
(c) In the case of seed in bulk, the information required under
paragraph (b) of this section shall appear in the invoice or other
records accompanying and pertaining to such seed. If the seed is in
containers and in quantities of 20,000 pounds or more, regardless of
the number of lots included, the information required on each container
under paragraph (b) of this section need not be shown on each container
if each container has stenciled upon it or bears a label containing a
lot designation and the invoice or other records accompanying and
pertaining to such seed bear the various statements required for the
respective seeds.
(d) Each container of agricultural seed and vegetable seed imported
into the United States for cleaning need not be labeled to show the
information required under paragraph (b) of this section if:
(1) The seed is in bulk;
(2) The seed is in containers and in quantities of 20,000 pounds or
more, regardless of the number of lots involved, and the invoice or
other records accompanying and pertaining to the seed show that the
seed is for cleaning; or
(3) The seed is in containers and in quantities of less than 20,000
pounds, and each container carries a label that bears the words ``Seed
for cleaning.''
Sec. 361.4 Inspection at the port of first arrival.
(a) All agricultural seed, vegetable seed, and screenings imported
into the United States shall be made available for examination by an
APHIS inspector at the port of first arrival and shall remain at the
port of first arrival until released by an APHIS inspector. Lots of
agricultural seed, vegetable seed, or screenings may enter the United
States without meeting the sampling requirements of paragraph (b) of
this section if the lot is:
(1) Seed that is not being imported for seeding (planting) purposes
and the declaration required by Sec. 361.3(a) states the purpose for
which the seed is being imported;
(2) Seed that is being shipped in bond through the United States;
(3) Screenings from seeds of wheat, oats, barley, rye, buckwheat,
field corn, sorghum, broomcorn, flax, millet, proso, soybeans, cowpeas,
field peas, or field beans that are not being imported for seeding
(planting) purposes and the declaration accompanying the screenings as
required under Sec. 361.2(a) indicates that the screenings are being
imported for processing or manufacturing purposes;
(4) Seed that is being imported for sowing for experimental or
breeding purposes, is not for sale, is limited in quantity to the
amount indicated in column 3 of table 1 of Sec. 361.5, and is
accompanied by a declaration stating the purpose for which it is being
imported (seed imported for increase purposes only will not be
considered as being imported for experimental or breeding purposes); or
(5) Seed that was grown in the United States, exported, and is now
returning to the United States, provided that the person importing the
seed into the United States furnishes APHIS with the following
documentation:
(i) Export documents indicating the quantity of seed and number of
containers, the date of exportation from the United States, the
distinguishing marks on the containers at the time of exportation, and
the name and address of the United States exporter;
(ii) A document issued by a Customs or other government official of
the country to which the seed was exported indicating that the seed was
not admitted into the commerce of that country; and
(iii) A document issued by a Customs or other government official
of the country to which the seed was exported indicating that the seed
was not commingled with other seed after being exported to that
country.
(b) Except as provided in Secs. 361.5(a)(2) and 361.7, samples will
be taken from all agricultural seed and vegetable seed imported into
the United States for seeding (planting) purposes prior to being
released into the commerce of the United States.
(1) Samples of seed will be taken from each lot of seed in
accordance with Sec. 361.5 to determine whether any seeds of noxious
weeds listed in Sec. 361.6(a) are present. If seeds of noxious weeds
are present at a level higher than the tolerances set forth in
Sec. 361.6(b), the lot of seed will be deemed to be adulterated and
will be rejected for entry into the United States for seeding
(planting) purposes. Once deemed adulterated, the lot of seed must be:
(i) Exported from the United States;
(ii) Destroyed under the monitoring of an APHIS inspector;
(iii) Cleaned under APHIS monitoring at a seed-cleaning facility
that is operated in accordance with Sec. 361.8(a); or
(iv) If the lot of seed is adulterated with the seeds of a noxious
weed listed in Sec. 361.6(a)(2), the seed may be allowed entry into the
United States for feeding or manufacturing purposes, provided the
importer withdraws the original declaration and files a new declaration
stating that the seed is being imported for feeding or manufacturing
purposes and that no part of the seed will be used for seeding
(planting) purposes.
(2) Seed deemed adulterated may not be mixed with any other seed
unless the Administrator determines that two or more lots of seed
deemed adulterated are of substantially the same quality and origin. In
such cases, the Administrator may allow the adulterated lots of seed to
be mixed for cleaning as provided in paragraph (b)(1)(iii) of this
section.
(3) If the labeling of a lot of seed is false or misleading in any
respect, the seed will be rejected for entry into the United States. A
falsely labeled lot of seed must be:
(i) Exported from the United States;
(ii) Destroyed under the monitoring of an APHIS inspector; or
(iii) The seed may be allowed entry into the United States if the
labeling is corrected under the monitoring of an APHIS inspector to
accurately reflect the character of the lot of seed.
Sec. 361.5 Sampling of seeds.
(a) Sample sizes. As provided in Sec. 361.4(b), samples of seed
will be taken from each lot of seed being imported for seeding
(planting) purposes to determine whether any seeds of noxious weeds
listed in Sec. 361.6(a) are present. The samples shall be drawn in the
manner described in paragraphs (b) and
[[Page 48464]]
(c) of this section. Unused portions of samples of rare or expensive
seeds will be returned by APHIS upon request of the importer.
(1) A minimum sample of not less than 1 quart shall be drawn from
each lot of agricultural seed; a minimum sample of not less than 1 pint
shall be drawn from each lot of vegetable seed, except that a sample of
\1/4\ pint will be sufficient for a vegetable seed importation of 5
pounds or less. The minimum sample shall be divided repeatedly until a
working sample of proper weight has been obtained. If a mechanical
divider cannot be used or is not available, the sample shall be
thoroughly mixed, then placed in a pile; the pile shall be divided
repeatedly into halves until a working sample of the proper weight
remains. The weights of the working samples for noxious weed
examination for each lot of seed are shown in column 1 of table 1 of
this section. If the lot of seed is a mixture, the following methods
shall be used to determine the weight of the working sample:
(i) If the lot of seed is a mixture consisting of one predominant
kind of seed or a group of kinds of similar size, the weight of the
working sample shall be the weight shown in column 1 of table 1 of this
section for the kind or group of kinds that comprises more than 50
percent of the sample.
(ii) If the lot of seed is a mixture consisting of two or more
kinds or groups of kinds of different sizes, none of which comprises
over 50 percent of the sample, the weight of the working sample shall
be the weighted average (to the nearest half gram) of the weight shown
in column 1 of table 1 of this section for each of the kinds that
comprise the sample, as determined by the following method:
(A) Multiply the percentage of each component of the mixture
(rounded off to the nearest whole number) by the sample sizes shown in
column 1 of table 1 of this section;
(B) add all these products;
(C) total the percentages of all components of the mixtures; and
(D) divide the sum in paragraph (a)(1)(ii)(B) of this section by
the total in paragraph (a)(1)(ii)(C) of this section.
(2) It is not ordinarily practical to sample and test small lots of
seed offered for entry. The maximum sizes of lots of each kind of seed
not ordinarily sampled are shown in column 2 of table 1 of this
section.
(3) The maximum sizes of lots of each kind of seed allowed entry
without sampling for sowing for experimental or breeding purposes as
provided in Sec. 361.4(a)(4) are shown in column 3 of table 1 of this
section.
Table 1
Maximum weight of
seed lot
Working weight Maximum weight of permitted entry
for noxious weed seed lot not for experimental
Name of seed examination ordinarily or breeding
(grams) sampled (pounds) purposes without
sampling
(pounds)
(1) (2) (3)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
VEGETABLE SEED:
Artichoke.......................................... 500 25 50
Asparagus.......................................... 500 25 50
Asparagusbean...................................... 500 25 50
Bean............................................... 25 200
Garden......................................... 500 100 500
Lima........................................... 500 25 200
Runner......................................... 500 25 200
Beet............................................... 300 25 50
Broadbean.......................................... 500 25 200
Broccoli........................................... 50 5 10
Brussels sprouts................................... 50 5 10
Burdock, great..................................... 150 10 50
Cabbage............................................ 50 5 10
Cabbage, Chinese................................... 50 5 10
Cabbage, tronchuda................................. 100 5 10
Cantaloupe (see Melon).............................
Cardoon............................................ 500 25 50
Carrot............................................. 50 5 10
Cauliflower........................................ 50 5 10
Celeriac........................................... 25 5 10
Celery............................................. 25 5 10
Chard, Swiss....................................... 300 25 50
Chicory............................................ 50 5 10
Chives............................................. 50 5 10
Citron............................................. 500 25 50
Collards........................................... 50 5 10
Corn, sweet........................................ 500 25 200
Cornsalad.......................................... 50 5 10
Cowpea............................................. 500 25 200
Cress, garden...................................... 50 5 10
Cress, upland...................................... 35 5 10
Cress, water....................................... 25 5 10
Cucumber........................................... 500 25 50
Dandelion.......................................... 35 5 10
Dill............................................... 50 5 10
Eggplant........................................... 50 5 10
Endive............................................. 50 5 10
[[Page 48465]]
Gherkin, West India................................ 160 25 50
Kale............................................... 50 5 10
Kale, Chinese...................................... 50 5 10
Kale, Siberian..................................... 80 5 10
Kohlrabi........................................... 50 5 10
Leek............................................... 50 5 10
Lettuce............................................ 50 5 10
Melon.............................................. 500 25 50
Mustard, India..................................... 50 25 100
Mustard, spinach................................... 50 5 10
Okra............................................... 500 25 50
Onion.............................................. 50 5 10
Onion, Welsh....................................... 50 5 10
Pak-choi........................................... 50 5 10
Parsley............................................ 50 5 10
Parsnip............................................ 50 5 10
Pea................................................ 500 25 200
Pepper............................................. 150 5 10
Pumpkin............................................ 500 25 50
Radish............................................. 300 25 50
Rhubarb............................................ 300 5 10
Rutabaga........................................... 50 5 10
Sage............................................... 150 25 50
Salsify............................................ 300 25 50
Savory, summer..................................... 35 5 10
Sorrel............................................. 35 5 10
Soybean............................................ 500 25 200
Spinach............................................ 150 25 50
Spinach, New Zealand............................... 500 25 50
Squash............................................. 500 25 50
Tomato............................................. 50 5 10
Tomato, husk....................................... 35 5 10
Turnip............................................. 50 5 10
Watermelon......................................... 500 25 50
AGRICULTURAL SEED:
Agrotricum......................................... 500 100 500
Alfalfa............................................ 50 25 100
Alfilaria.......................................... 50 25 100
Alyceclover........................................ 50 25 100
Bahiagrass......................................... 50 25 100
Barrelclover....................................... 100 25 100
Barley............................................. 500 100 500
Bean, adzuki....................................... 500 100 500
Bean, field........................................ 500 100 500
Bean, mung......................................... 500 100 500
Bean (see Velvetbean)..............................
Beet, field........................................ 500 100 500
Beet, sugar........................................ 500 100 1,000
Beggarweed......................................... 50 25 100
Bentgrass, colonial................................ 2.5 25 100
Bentgrass, creeping................................ 2.5 25 100
Bentgrass, velvet.................................. 2.5 25 100
Bermudagrass....................................... 10 25 100
Bermudagrass, giant................................ 10 25 100
Bluegrass, annual.................................. 10 25 100
Bluegrass, bulbous................................. 40 25 100
Bluegrass, Canada.................................. 5 25 100
Bluegrass, glaucantha.............................. 10 25 100
Bluegrass, Kentucky................................ 10 25 100
Bluegrass, Nevada.................................. 10 25 100
Bluegrass, rough................................... 5 25 100
Bluegrass, Texas................................... 10 25 100
Bluegrass, wood.................................... 5 25 100
Bluejoint.......................................... 5 25 100
[[Page 48466]]
Bluestem, big...................................... 70 25 100
Bluestem, little................................... 50 25 100
Bluestem, sand..................................... 100 25 100
Bluestem, yellow................................... 10 25 100
Bottlebrush-squirreltail........................... 90 25 100
Brome, field....................................... 50 25 100
Brome, meadow...................................... 130 25 100
Brome, mountain.................................... 200 25 100
Brome, smooth...................................... 70 25 100
Broomcorn.......................................... 400 100 500
Buckwheat.......................................... 500 100 500
Buffalograss:
(Burs)......................................... 200 25 100
(Caryopses).................................... 30 25 100
Buffelgrass:
(Fascicles).................................... 66 25 100
(Caryopses).................................... 20 25 100
Burclover, California:
(In bur)....................................... 500 100 500
(Out of bur)................................... 70 25 100
Burclover, spotted:
(In bur)....................................... 500 100 500
(Out of bur)................................... 50 25 100
Burnet, little..................................... 250 25 100
Buttonclover....................................... 70 25 100
Canarygrass........................................ 200 25 100
Canarygrass, reed.................................. 20 25 100
Carpetgrass........................................ 10 25 100
Castorbean......................................... 500 100 500
Chess, soft........................................ 50 25 100
Chickpea........................................... 500 100 500
Clover, alsike..................................... 20 25 100
Clover, arrowleaf.................................. 40 25 100
Clover, berseem.................................... 50 25 100
Clover, cluster.................................... 10 25 100
Clover, crimson.................................... 100 25 100
Clover, Kenya...................................... 20 25 100
Clover, Ladino..................................... 20 25 100
Clover, Lappa...................................... 20 25 100
Clover, large hop.................................. 10 25 100
Clover, Persian.................................... 20 25 100
Clover, red........................................ 50 25 100
Clover, rose....................................... 70 25 100
Clover, small hop (suckling)....................... 20 25 100
Clover, strawberry................................. 50 25 100
Clover, sub (subterranean)......................... 250 25 100
Clover, white...................................... 20 25 100
Corn, field........................................ 500 100 1,000
Corn, pop.......................................... 500 100 1,000
Cotton............................................. 500 100 500
Cowpea............................................. 500 100 500
Crambe............................................. 250 25 100
Crested dogtail.................................... 20 25 100
Crotalaria, lance.................................. 70 25 100
Crotalaria, showy.................................. 250 25 100
Crotalaria, slenderleaf............................ 100 25 100
Crotalaria, striped................................ 100 25 100
Crotalaria, Sunn................................... 500 25 100
Crownvetch......................................... 100 25 100
Dallisgrass........................................ 40 25 100
Dichondra.......................................... 50 25 100
Dropseed, sand..................................... 2.5 25 100
Emmer.............................................. 500 100 500
Fescue, Chewings................................... 30 25 100
Fescue, hair....................................... 10 25 100
[[Page 48467]]
Fescue, hard....................................... 20 25 100
Fescue, meadow..................................... 50 25 100
Fescue, red........................................ 30 25 100
Fescue, sheep...................................... 20 25 100
Fescue, tall....................................... 50 25 100
Flax............................................... 150 25 100
Galletagrass:
(Other than caryopses)......................... 100 25 100
(Caryopses).................................... 50 25 100
Grama, blue........................................ 20 25 100
Grama, side-oats:
(Other than caryopses)......................... 60 25 100
(Caryopses).................................... 20 25 100
Guar............................................... 500 25 100
Guineagrass........................................ 20 25 100
Hardinggrass....................................... 30 25 100
Hemp............................................... 500 100 500
Indiangrass, yellow................................ 70 25 100
Indigo, hairy...................................... 70 25 100
Japanese lawngrass................................. 20 25 100
Johnsongrass....................................... 100 25 100
Kenaf.............................................. 500 100 500
Kochia, forage..................................... 20 25 100
Kudzu.............................................. 250 25 100
Lentil............................................. 500 25 100
Lespedeza, Korean.................................. 50 25 100
Lespedeza, sericea or Chinese...................... 30 25 100
Lespedeza, Siberian................................ 30 25 100
Lespedeza, striate................................. 50 25 100
Lovegrass, sand.................................... 10 25 100
Lovegrass, weeping................................. 10 25 100
Lupine, blue....................................... 500 100 500
Lupine, white...................................... 500 100 500
Lupine, yellow..................................... 500 100 500
Manilagrass........................................ 20 25 100
Meadow foxtail..................................... 30 25 100
Medick, black...................................... 50 25 100
Milkvetch.......................................... 90 25 100
Millet, browntop................................... 80 25 100
Millet, foxtail.................................... 50 25 100
Millet, Japanese................................... 90 25 100
Millet, pearl...................................... 150 25 100
Millet, proso...................................... 150 25 100
Molassesgrass...................................... 5 25 100
Mustard, black..................................... 20 25 100
Mustard, India..................................... 50 25 100
Mustard, white..................................... 150 25 100
Napiergrass........................................ 50 25 100
Needlegrass, green................................. 70 25 100
Oat................................................ 500 100 500
Oatgrass, tall..................................... 60 25 100
Orchardgrass....................................... 30 25 100
Panicgrass, blue................................... 20 25 100
Panicgrass, green.................................. 20 25 100
Pea, field......................................... 500 100 500
Peanut............................................. 500 100 500
Poa trivialis (see bluegrass, rough)
Rape, annual....................................... 70 25 100
Rape, bird......................................... 70 25 100
Rape, turnip....................................... 50 25 100
Rape, winter....................................... 100 25 100
Redtop............................................. 2.5 25 100
Rescuegrass........................................ 200 25 100
Rhodesgrass........................................ 10 25 100
Rice............................................... 500 100 500
[[Page 48468]]
Ricegrass, Indian.................................. 70 25 100
Roughpea........................................... 500 100 500
Rye................................................ 500 100 500
Rye, mountain...................................... 280 25 100
Ryegrass, annual................................... 50 25 100
Ryegrass, intermediate............................. 80 25 100
Ryegrass, perennial................................ 50 25 100
Ryegrass, Wimmera.................................. 50 25 100
Safflower.......................................... 500 100 500
Sagewort, Louisiana................................ 5 25 100
Sainfoin........................................... 500 100 500
Saltbush, fourwing................................. 150 25 100
Seasame............................................ 70 25 100
Sesbania........................................... 250 25 100
Smilo.............................................. 20 25 100
Sorghum............................................ 500 100 1,000
Sorghum almum...................................... 150 25 100
Sorghum-sudangrass hybrid.......................... 500 100 1,000
Sorgrass........................................... 150 25 100
Sourclover......................................... 50 25 100
Soybean............................................ 500 100 500
Spelt.............................................. 500 100 500
Sudangrass......................................... 250 25 100
Sunflower.......................................... 500 100 500
Sweetclover, white................................. 50 25 100
Sweetclover, yellow................................ 50 25 100
Sweet vernalgrass.................................. 20 25 100
Sweetvetch, northern............................... 190 25 100
Switchgrass........................................ 40 25 100
Timothy............................................ 10 25 100
Timothy, turf...................................... 10 25 100
Tobacco............................................ 5 1 1
Trefoil, big....................................... 20 25 100
Trefoil, birdsfoot................................. 30 25 100
Triticale.......................................... 500 100 500
Vaseygrass......................................... 30 25 100
Veldtgrass......................................... 40 25 100
Velvetbean......................................... 500 100 500
Velvetgrass........................................ 10 25 100
Vetch, common...................................... 500 100 500
Vetch, hairy....................................... 500 100 500
Vetch, Hungarian................................... 500 100 500
Vetch, Monantha.................................... 500 100 500
Vetch, narrowleaf.................................. 500 100 500
Vetch, purple...................................... 500 100 500
Vetch, woolypod.................................... 500 100 500
Wheat, common...................................... 500 100 500
Wheat, club........................................ 500 100 500
Wheat, durum....................................... 500 100 500
Wheat, Polish...................................... 500 100 500
Wheat, poulard..................................... 500 100 500
Wheat x Agrotricum................................. 500 100 500
Wheatgrass, beardless.............................. 80 25 100
Wheatgrass, fairway crested........................ 40 25 100
Wheatgrass, standard crested....................... 50 25 100
Wheatgrass, intermediate........................... 150 25 100
Wheatgrass, pubescent.............................. 150 25 100
Wheatgrass, Siberian............................... 50 25 100
Wheatgrass, slender................................ 70 25 100
Wheatgrass, streambank............................. 50 25 100
Wheatgrass, tall................................... 150 25 100
Wheatgrass, western................................ 100 25 100
Wildrye, basin..................................... 80 25 100
Wild-rye, Canada................................... 110 25 100
Wild-rye, Russian.................................. 60 25 100
[[Page 48469]]
Zoysia Japonica (see Japanese lawngrass)
Zoysia matrella (see Manilagrass)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(b) Method of sampling. (1) When an importation consists of more
than one lot, each lot shall be sampled separately.
(2) For lots of six or fewer bags, each bag shall be sampled. A
total of at least five trierfuls shall be taken from the lot.
(3) For lots of more than six bags, five bags plus at least 10
percent of the number of bags in the lot shall be sampled. (Round off
numbers with decimals to the nearest whole number, raising 0.5 to the
next whole number.) Regardless of the lot size, it is not necessary to
sample more than 30 bags.
(4) When the lot of seed to be sampled is comprised of seed in
small containers that cannot practically be sampled as described in
paragraph (b)(2) or (b)(3) of this section, entire unopened containers
may be taken in sufficient number to supply a sample that meets the
minimum size requirements of paragraph (a)(1) of this section.
(c) Drawing samples. Samples will not be drawn unless each
container is labeled to show the lot designation and the name of the
kind and variety of each agricultural seed, or kind and variety of each
vegetable seed, appearing on the invoice and other entry papers, and a
declaration has been filed by the importer as required under
Sec. 361.2(a). In order to secure a representative sample, an APHIS
inspector will draw equal portions from evenly distributed parts of the
quantity of seed to be sampled; the APHIS inspector, therefore, must be
given access to all parts of that quantity.
(1) For free-flowing seed in bags or in bulk, a probe or trier
shall be used. For small free-flowing seed in bags, a probe or trier
long enough to sample all portions of the bag shall be used. When
drawing more than one trierful of seed from a bag, a different path
through the seed shall be used when drawing each sample.
(2) For non-free-flowing seed in bags or bulk that may be difficult
to sample with a probe or trier, samples shall be obtained by thrusting
one's hand into the seed and withdrawing representative portions. The
hand shall be inserted in an open position with the fingers held
closely together while the hand is being inserted and the portion
withdrawn. When more than one handful is taken from a bag, the handfuls
shall be taken from well-separated points.
(3) When more than one sample is drawn from a single lot, the
samples may be combined into a composite sample unless it appears that
the quantity of seed represented as a lot is not of uniform quality, in
which case the separate samples shall be forwarded together, but
without being combined into a composite sample.
(d) In most cases, samples will be drawn and examined by an APHIS
inspector at the port of first arrival. The APHIS inspector may release
a shipment if no contaminants are found and the labeling is sufficient.
If contaminants are found or the labeling of the seed is insufficient,
the APHIS inspector may forward the sample to the USDA Seed Examination
Facility (SEF), Beltsville, MD, for analysis, testing, or examination.
APHIS will notify the owner or consignee of the seed that samples have
been drawn and forwarded to the SEF and that the shipment must be held
intact pending a decision by APHIS as to whether the seed is within the
noxious weed seed tolerances of Sec. 361.6 and is accurately labeled.
If the decision pending is with regard to the noxious weed seed content
of the seed and the seed has been determined to be accurately labeled,
the seed may be released for delivery to the owner or consignee under
the following conditions:
(1) The owner or consignee executes with Customs either a Customs
single-entry bond or a Customs term bond, as appropriate, in such
amount as is prescribed by applicable Customs regulations;
(2) The bond must contain a condition for the redelivery of the
seed or any part thereof upon demand of the Port Director of Customs at
any time;
(3) Until the seed is approved for entry upon completion of APHIS'
examination, the seed must be kept intact and not tampered with in any
way, or removed from the containers except under the monitoring of an
APHIS inspector; and
(4) The owner or consignee must keep APHIS informed as to the
location of the seed until it is finally entered into the commerce of
the United States.
Sec. 361.6 Noxious weed seeds.
(a) Seeds of the plants listed in paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(2) of
this section shall be considered noxious weed seeds.
(1) Seeds with no tolerances applicable to their introduction:
Aeginetia spp.
Ageratina adenophora (Sprengel) King & Robinson
Alectra spp.
Alternanthera sessilis (L.) R. Brown ex de Candolle
Asphodelus fistulosus L.
Avena sterilis L. (including Avena ludoviciana Durieu)
Azolla pinnata R. Brown
Borreria alata (Aublet) de Candolle
Carthamus oxyacantha M. Bieberstein
Chrysopogon aciculatus (Retzius) Trinius
Commelina benghalensis L.
Crupina vulgaris Cassini
Cuscuta spp.
Digitaria abyssinica (=D. scalarum)
Digitaria velutina (Forsskal) Palisot de Beauvois
Drymaria arenarioides Humboldt & Bonpland ex Roemer & Schultes
Eichhornia azurea (Swartz) Kunth
Emex australis Steinheil
Emex spinosa (L.) Campdera
Galega officinalis L.
Heracleum mantegazzianum Sommier & Levier
Hydrilla verticillata (Linnaeus f.) Royle
Hygrophila polysperma T. Anderson
Imperata brasiliensis Trinius
Imperata cylindrica (L.) Raeuschel
Ipomoea aquatica Forsskal
Ipomoea triloba L.
Ischaemum rugosum Salisbury
Lagarosiphon major (Ridley) Moss
Leptochloa chinensis (L.) Nees
Limnophila sessiliflora (Vahl) Blume
Lycium ferocissimum Miers
Melaleuca quinquenervia (Cav.) Blake
Melastoma malabathricum L.
Mikania cordata (Burman f.) B. L. Robinson
[[Page 48470]]
Mikania micrantha Humboldt, Bonpland, & Kunth
Mimosa invisa Martius
Mimosa pigra L. var. pigra
Monochoria hastata (L.) Solms-Laubach
Monochoria vaginalis (Burman f.) C. Presl
Nassella trichotoma (Nees) Hackel ex Arechavaleta
Opuntia aurantiaca Lindley
Orobanche spp.
Oryza longistaminata A. Chevalier & Roehrich
Oryza punctata Kotschy ex Steudel
Oryza rufipogon Griffith
Ottelia alismoides (L.) Pers.
Paspalum scrobiculatum L.
Pennisetum clandestinum Hochstetter ex Chiovenda
Pennisetum macrourum Trinius
Pennisetum pedicellatum Trinius
Pennisetum polystachion (L.) Schultes
Prosopis alapataco R. A. Philippi
Prosopis argentina Burkart
Prosopis articulata S. Watson
Prosopis burkartii Munoz
Prosopis caldenia Burkart
Prosopis calingastana Burkart
Prosopis campestris Grisebach
Prosopis castellanosii Burkart
Prosopis denudans Bentham
Prosopis elata (Burkart) Burkart
Prosopis farcta (Solander ex Russell) Macbride
Prosopis ferox Grisebach
Prosopis fiebrigii Harms
Prosopis hassleri Harms
Prosopis humilis Gillies ex Hooker & Arnott
Prosopis kuntzei Harms
Prosopis pallida (Humboldt & Bonpland ex Willdenow) Humboldt,
Bonpland, & Kunth
Prosopis palmeri S. Watson
Prosopis reptans Bentham var. reptans
Prosopis rojasiana Burkart
Prosopis ruizlealii Burkart
Prosopis ruscifolia Grisebach
Prosopis sericantha Gillies ex Hooker & Arnott
Prosopis strombulifera (Lamarck) Bentham
Prosopis torquata (Cavanilles ex Lagasca y Segura) de Candolle
Rottboellia cochinchinensis (Lour.) Clayon (=R. exaltata (L.) L. f.)
Rubus fruticosus L. (complex)
Rubus moluccanus L.
Saccharum spontaneum L.
Sagittaria sagittifolia L.
Salsola vermiculata L.
Salvinia auriculata Aublet
Salvinia biloba Raddi
Salvinia herzogii de la Sota
Salvinia molesta D.S. Mitchell
Setaria pallide-fusca (Schumacher) Stapf & Hubbard
Solanum torvum Swartz
Solanum viarum Dunal
Sparganium erectum L.
Striga spp.
Tridax procumbens L.
Urochloa panicoides Beauvois
(2) Seeds with tolerances applicable to their introduction:
Acroptilon repens (L.) DC. (=Centaurea repens L.) (=Centaurea
picris)
Cardaria draba (L.) Desv.
Cardaria pubescens (C. A. Mey.) Jarmol.
Convolvulus arvensis L.
Cirsium arvense (L.) Scop.
Elytrigia repens (L.) Desv. (=Agropyron repens (L.) Beauv.)
Euphorbia esula L.
Sonchus arvensis L.
Sorghum halepense (L.) Pers.
(b) The tolerance applicable to the prohibition of the noxious weed
seeds listed in paragraph (a)(2) of this section shall be two seeds in
the minimum amount required to be examined as shown in column 1 of
table 1 of Sec. 361.5. If fewer than two seeds are found in an initial
examination, the shipment from which the sample was drawn may be
entered. If two seeds are found in an initial examination, a second
sample must be examined. If two or fewer seeds are found in the second
examination, the shipment from which the samples were drawn may be
entered. If three or more seeds are found in the second examination,
the shipment from which the samples were drawn may not be entered. If
three or more seeds are found in an initial examination, the shipment
from which the sample was drawn may not be entered.
(c) Any seed of any noxious weed that can be determined by visual
inspection (including the use of transmitted light or dissection) to be
within one of the following categories shall be considered inert matter
and not counted as a weed seed:
(1) Damaged seed (other than grasses) with over one half of the
embryo missing;
(2) Grass florets and caryopses classed as inert:
(i) Glumes and empty florets of weedy grasses;
(ii) Damaged caryopses, including free caryopses, with over one-
half the root-shoot axis missing (the scutellum excluded);
(iii) Immature free caryopses devoid of embryo or endosperm;
(iv) Free caryopses of quackgrass (Elytrigia repens) that are 2 mm
or less in length; or
(v) Immature florets of quackgrass (Elytrigia repens) in which the
caryopses are less than one-third the length of the palea. The
caryopsis is measured from the base of the rachilla.
(3) Seeds of legumes (Fabaceae) with the seed coats entirely
removed.
(4) Immature seed units, devoid of both embryo and endosperm, such
as occur in (but not limited to) the following plant families:
buckwheat (Polygonaceae), morning glory (Convolvulaceae), nightshade
(Solanaceae), and sunflower (Asteraceae).
(5) Dodder (Cuscuta spp.) seeds devoid of embryos and seeds that
are ashy gray to creamy white in color are inert matter. Dodder seeds
should be sectioned when necessary to determine if an embryo is
present, as when the seeds have a normal color but are slightly
swollen, dimpled, or have minute holes.
Sec. 361.7 Special provisions for Canadian-origin seed and screenings.
(a) In addition to meeting the declaration and labeling
requirements of Sec. 361.2 and all other applicable provisions of this
part, all Canadian-origin agricultural seed and Canadian-origin
vegetable seed imported into the United States from Canada for seeding
(planting) purposes or cleaning must be accompanied by a certificate of
analysis issued by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency or by a private
seed laboratory accredited by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.
Samples of seed shall be drawn using sampling methods comparable to
those detailed in Sec. 361.5 of this part. The seed analyst who
examines the seed at the laboratory must be accredited to analyze the
kind of seed covered by the certificate.
(1) If the seed is being imported for seeding (planting) purposes,
the certificate of analysis must verify that the seed meets the noxious
weed seed tolerances of Sec. 361.6. Such seed will not be subject to
the sampling requirements of Sec. 361.3(b).
(2) If the seed is being imported for cleaning, the certificate of
analysis must name the kinds of noxious weed seeds that are to be
removed from the lot of seed. Seed being imported for cleaning must be
consigned to a facility operated in accordance with Sec. 361.8(a).
(b) Coated or pelleted agricultural seed and coated or pelleted
vegetable seed of Canadian origin may be imported into the United
States if the seed was analyzed prior to being coated or pelleted and
is accompanied by a certificate of analysis issued in accordance with
paragraph (a) of this section.
(c) Screenings otherwise prohibited under this part may be imported
from Canada if the screenings are imported for processing or
manufacture and are consigned to a facility operating under a
compliance agreement as provided by Sec. 361.8(b).
(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control
number 0579-0124)
Sec. 361.8 Cleaning of imported seed and processing of certain
Canadian-origin screenings.
(a) Imported seed that is found to contain noxious weed seeds at a
level higher than the tolerances set forth in Sec. 361.6(b) may be
cleaned under the
[[Page 48471]]
monitoring of an APHIS inspector. The cleaning will be at the expense
of the owner or consignee.
(1) At the location where the seed is being cleaned, the identity
of the seed must be maintained at all times to the satisfaction of the
Administrator. The refuse from the cleaning must be placed in
containers and securely sealed and identified. Upon completion of the
cleaning, a representative sample of the seed will be analyzed by a
registered seed technologist, an official seed laboratory, or by APHIS;
if the seed is found to be within the noxious weed tolerances set forth
in Sec. 361.6(b), the seed may be allowed entry into the United States;
(2) The refuse from the cleaning must be destroyed under the
monitoring of an APHIS inspector at the expense of the owner or
consignee of the seed.
(3) Any person engaged in the business of cleaning imported seed
may enter into a compliance agreement under paragraph (c) of this
section to facilitate the cleaning of seed imported into the United
States under this part.
(b) Any person engaged in the business of processing screenings who
wishes to process screenings imported from Canada under Sec. 361.7(c)
that are otherwise prohibited under this part must enter into a
compliance agreement under paragraph (c) of this section.
(c) A compliance agreement for the cleaning of imported seed or
processing of otherwise prohibited screenings from Canada shall be a
written agreement 1 between a person engaged in such a
business, the State in which the business operates, and APHIS, wherein
the person agrees to comply with the provisions of this part and any
conditions imposed pursuant thereto. Any compliance agreement may be
canceled orally or in writing by the APHIS inspector who is monitoring
its enforcement whenever the inspector finds that the person who
entered into the compliance agreement has failed to comply with the
provisions of this part or any conditions imposed pursuant thereto. If
the cancellation is oral, the decision and the reasons for the decision
shall be confirmed in writing, as promptly as circumstances permit. Any
person whose compliance agreement has been canceled may appeal the
decision to the Administrator, in writing, within 10 days after
receiving written notification of the cancellation. The appeal shall
state all of the facts and reasons upon which the person relies to show
that the compliance agreement was wrongfully canceled. The
Administrator shall grant or deny the appeal, in writing, stating the
reasons for such decision, as promptly as circumstances permit. If
there is a conflict as to any material fact, a hearing shall be held to
resolve such conflict. Rules of practice concerning such a hearing will
be adopted by the Administrator.
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\1\ Compliance Agreement forms are available without charge from
Permit Unit, PPQ, APHIS, 4700 River Road Unit 136, Riverdale, MD
20737-1236, and from local offices of the Plant Protection and
Quarantine. (Local offices are listed in telephone directories).
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Sec. 361.9 Recordkeeping.
(a) Each person importing agricultural seed or vegetable seed under
this part must maintain a complete record, including copies of the
declaration and labeling required under this part and a sample of seed,
for each lot of seed imported. Except for the seed sample, which may be
discarded 1 year after the entire lot represented by the sample has
been disposed of by the person who imported the seed, the records must
be maintained for 3 years following the importation.
(b) Each sample of vegetable seed and each sample of agricultural
seed must be at least equal in weight to the sample size prescribed for
noxious weed seed examination in table 1 of Sec. 361.5.
(c) An APHIS inspector shall, during normal business hours, be
allowed to inspect and copy the records.
(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control
number 0579-0124)
Sec. 361.10 Costs and charges.
Unless a user fee is payable under Sec. 354.3 of this chapter, the
services of an APHIS inspector during regularly assigned hours of duty
and at the usual places of duty will be furnished without cost. The
U.S. Department of Agriculture's provisions relating to overtime
charges for an APHIS inspector's services are set forth in part 354 of
this chapter. The U.S. Department of Agriculture will not be
responsible for any costs or charges incident to inspections or
compliance with this part, other than for the services of the APHIS
inspector during regularly assigned hours of duty and at the usual
places of duty. All expenses incurred by the U.S. Department of
Agriculture (including travel, per diem or subsistence, and salaries of
officers or employees of the Department) in connection with the
monitoring of cleaning, labeling, other reconditioning, or destruction
of seed, screenings, or refuse under this part shall be reimbursed by
the owner or consignee of the seed or screenings.
Done in Washington, DC, this 10th day of September 1997.
Terry L. Medley,
Administrator, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.
[FR Doc. 97-24524 Filed 9-15-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-34-P