Import Federal Orders

A Federal Order is a legal document issued in response to an emergency when the APHIS Administrator determines that action is necessary to protect U.S. agriculture or prevent the introduction or establishment of a pest or disease. Federal Orders take effect immediately and outline the specific regulatory requirements.

APHIS Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ) issues import Federal Orders under the authority of the Plant Protection Act, 7 U.S.C. 7712. This authority allows the Secretary of Agriculture to prohibit or restrict the importation or entry of any plant, plant part, or article when necessary to prevent the introduction or spread of a plant pest. 

Federal Orders remain in effect until they are superseded by another Federal Order or replaced by a published regulatory action (rule or notice).

Under the Administrative Procedure Act (APA), “rulemaking” requires the publication of proposed and final rules. The “Notice” process is exempt from APA rulemaking requirements.

List of PPQ Import Federal Orders

Other PPQ Federal Orders

The above list does not include all PPQ Federal Orders. PPQ's Emergency and Domestic Programs also issue Federal Orders to prohibit or restrict interstate movement. These Federal Orders are posted on the APHIS website under the specific plant pest or disease program they address. 

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