USDA restricts certain bamboo from entering the U.S.

From Flowers Canada Growers:

New U.S. restrictions on bamboo may affect the eligibility of Canadian plants in association with bamboo to be exported to the US. Dried and unsplit bamboo (such as bamboo stakes or lattice) in association with plants entering the US requires an import permit and T404-d fumigation treatment with the 16 hour exposure time extended to 24 hours. Bamboo which is split lengthwise will not be affected by this restriction and may enter the US without an import permit or T404-d.

Flowers Canada Growers Inc. (FCG) is encouraging all growers exporting bamboo to the US to review the bamboo restrictions and ensure that their facility is compliant.

The following excerpt from the USDA Miscellaneous and Processed Products Import Manual describes the requirements for bamboo to enter the US (current as of June 28, 2013):

http://www.flowerscanadagrowers.com/uploads/2013/07/bamboo%20usda%20restrictions%20june%2028,%202013.jpg

The details of the T404-d treatment can be found in the following excerpt from the USDA treatment manual (current as of June 2013):

http://www.flowerscanadagrowers.com/uploads/2013/07/t404-d%20june%2028.jpg

To review the full USDA Miscellaneous and Processed Products Import Manual, please use the following link:
 
 http://www.aphis.usda.gov/import_export/plants/manuals/ports/downloads/miscellaneous.pdf

To review the full USDA treatment manual, please use the following link:
 
 http://www.aphis.usda.gov/import_export/plants/manuals/ports/downloads/treatment.pdf
 
To review Canada's import requirements on Bamboo and other non-processed wood products, please see CFIA directive D-02-12 at the following link:
 
http://inspection.gc.ca/plants/plant-protection/directives/forestry/d-02-12/eng/
 
FCG is working with CFIA to ensure the impact on Canadian growers is minimal.