News and Media

APHIS Restricts Imports of Mediterranean Fruit Fly Host Commodities from The Dominican Republic

Effective immediately, APHIS is restricting imports of certain fruits and vegetables from the Dominican Republic into the United States to prevent the introduction of the Mediterranean fruit fly (Medfly). APHIS is also prohibiting overland in-bond transit movements of these materials south of 39 degrees latitude. APHIS is taking this action in response to multiple detections of Medfly in the Punta Cana region of the Dominican Republic.

The following commodities are prohibited from the Dominican Republic:

         · Avocado

         · Clementine

         · Grape

         · Grapefruit

         · Lemon

         · Litchi

         · Longan

         · Mamey(sapote)

         · Manadrin

         · Mango

         · Orange

         · Papaya

         · Pepper

         · Pummelo

         · Tangelo

         · Tangerine

         · Tomato

         · Tuna (Cactus fruit)

Commercial shipments of the mangoes form the Dominican Republic will continue to be enterable under the conditions of the APHIS hot water treatment preclearance program.

We are currently in discussion with APHIS for potential solutions to this crisis and we will keep you informed as soon as we have more information. Shipments currently in transit will be inspected and will be allowed in. APHIS is considering the availability of treatment, but we do not have any final details at this time.