1. USDA Post Entry Quarantine Do’s & Don’ts
Presented by
Cindy Cooper
WSDA
Plant Protection Division

2. What is Post Entry Quarantine (PEQ)?
PEQ is a USDA program
administered in some states by departments of ag- WSDA
Allows entry of high risk plant genera from certain approved countries-
Malus, Prunus, Pyrus from Belgium, France, Germany, Netherlands, Great Britain are subject to PEQ.

3. Why do we need it?
to detect viruses & diseases which are latent or difficult to see during initial entry inspection.
To exclude pests of concern that are not established in the U.S.
Intended to aid introduction of new varieties (small quantities)

4. Basic PEQ Process WSDA inspector will assist by:
Conducting surveys of growing sites to approve and ensure growing requirements are met
Inspecting postentry plant material during two growing seasons (for pathogens & vectors)
Completing and distributing appropriate forms to secure release from USDA

5. Step 1: Site Approval
Contact state inspector to arrange for site approval
They will fill out form 546 with you
Importer signs it, WSDA forwards to USDA for approval

7. PEQ Site Do’s Do allow good accessibility for inspection
Do provide enough field space for the number of plants being imported
Do maintain a buffer zone of at least 10 feet (3 meters) distance from domestic plants of the same postentry genus and any other postentry genera
Do pick a site with environmental conditions conducive to growing disease free plants
Do have control of the property for the length of the quarantine period

8. Step 2: Import Permit Importer applies for import permit with USDA @
USDA issues permit, with instructions for importer & shipping labels
Once you have the permit, you may arrange for plants to be shipped

9. Import Permit

10. Shipping Do’s
Do send foreign grower green & yellow shipping labels for boxes.
Do label boxes with USDA address so they don’t come to you without inspection
Do have shipment sent with a phytosanitary certificate and a copy of the import permit

11. Shipping Don’ts
If you suspect plants were shipped directly to you, instead of to USDA:
Don’t open the boxes- call your WSDA inspector immediately. Plants must be sent to Seattle USDA for inspection first.

12. Clues that shipment was not inspected yet
No box appears to have been opened and resealed
Original phyto is present
No yellow PEQ tag or form 236 present

13. Step 3: Plants Arrive at USDA Inspection Station
Inspected by USDA
Form 236 & PEQ tag issued
If insects found, will be fumigated or importers expense
Importer arranges plant pick up

14. Step 4: Plants grown at approved site for 2 growing seasons

15. Quarantine Period Do’s
Importer responsibilities during quarantine period:
Do contact State inspector if PEQ material dies or appears infected or infested.
Do save all dead PEQ material in plastic bags.
Do dispose of dead PEQ material under WSDA supervision:
Approved Disposal:
Burning
Autoclaving – 15 lbs. for ½ - 1 hour
Deep burial (more than 2 feet)
Disapproved Disposal:
Composting
Public landfill

16. Do keep PEQ Tags with the plants in the field- Notify WSDA if tags are lost or become illegible

17. More Do’s during Quarantine period
Importer responsibilities continued:
Do stay in touch with your WSDA inspector
Do notify WSDA when you
Change your address or the responsible person changes
request to increase the number of plants (propagate PEQ plants)
request to cut flowers for sale
Must have written permission

18. Potential Violations- Don’ts
Prohibited plants on premises (improperly entered)
PEQ plants on an unapproved site
Refused entry to inspector during business hours
PEQ plants have no label or label is incorrect
Other imported or same genus plants are within 3 meters of PEQ plants
PEQ plants propagated without written approval by USDA
PEQ plants not treated when required
PEQ plants not destroyed when directed to do so

19. Vectors must be controlled during PEQ period

20. Potential Violations- More Don’ts
Failure to report:
A conspicuous plant abnormality
plant deaths
plant disposition
A violation listed on the PPQ Form 546—Screening Notice
Plants with viral symptoms will be tested

22. Step 5: Release from Quarantine
When inspections are completed, WSDA will recommend release to USDA.
While in PEQ, plants have not legally entered commerce- wait for written release

23. ONLY USDA can RELEASE Plants from Quarantine-
DO NOT MOVE plants until written release is received (USDA form 569)