Japan has increased port inspections for seven U.S. commodities due to COVID-19. Japan has temporarily increased on-arrival inspections for fresh cherries, mangoes, papayas, nectarines, prunes, fresh potatoes and hay, according to a report from USDA's ag attache in Tokyo.
Before COVID-19, Japan used annual on-site phytosanitary inspections for certain U.S. ag exports. “During these inspections, Japanese inspectors travel to the United States to verify that production sites are free of quarantine pests of concern for Japan,” the report said. “Due to COVID-19-related travel restrictions, Japanese inspectors have not been able to visit the United States to carry out on-site inspections in the 2020 growing season.”
The increased inspection rates will stay in place until inspectors can travel to the U.S. without restrictions, the report said.
Welcome
