Puerto Rico and the U.S. 

Virgin Islands

Regulation and Clearance from Puerto Rico 

and the U.S. Virgin Islands to Other Parts of the 

United States
Some processes, equipment, and materials described in this manual may be patented. Inclusion in this 

manual does not constitute permission for use from the patent owner. The use of any patented invention in 

the performance of the processes described in this manual is solely the responsibility of the user. APHIS 

does not indemnify the user against liability for patent infringement and will not be liable to the user or to any 

third party for patent infringement.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the 

basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, 

parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or 

part of any individual’s income is derived from any public assistance program. (Not all prohibited bases 

apply to all programs). Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of 

program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 

720-2600 (voice and TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination, write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil 

Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250-9410, or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or 

(202) 720-6382 (TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

When using pesticides, read and follow all label instructions.

Third Edition Issued 2017
05/2019-06 Puerto Rico/US Virgin Islands Manual TOC-1

Puerto Rico/US 

Virgin Islands 

Manual

Contents

Figures LOF-1

Tables LOT-1

Introduction 1-1

Methods and Procedures 2-1

Reference 3-1

Appendix A A-1

Appendix B B-1

Glossary Glossary-1

Index Index-1
TOC-2 Puerto Rico/US Virgin Islands Manual 05/2019-06
02/2023-13 Puerto Rico/ US Virgin Islands Manual LOF-1

Puerto Rico/ 

US Virgin 

Islands Manual

Figures

Figure 3-1 Fresh Okra: Ports of Entry Requirements 3-4

Figure A-1 Example Diagnostic Request (generated in ARM) A-2

Figure A-2 Example of PPQ Form 287, Mail Interception Notice A-3

Figure A-3 Example of PPQ Form 288, Ship Inspection Report A-6

Figure A-4 Example of PPQ 309, Pest Interception Record (generated in 

ARM) A-10

Figure A-5 Example of PPQ Form 309A, Pest Interception Record 

Worksheet A-12

Figure A-6 Instructions for Completing PPQ Form 309A, Pest Interception 

Record Worksheet (page 1) A-14

Figure A-7 Instructions for Completing PPQ Form 309A, Pest Interception 

Record Worksheet (page 2) A-15

Figure A-8 Example of PPQ 413Worksheet, Aircraft Inspection 

Record A-16

Figure A-9 Example of PPQ Form 518, Report of Violation A-19

Figure A-10 Example of PPQ Form 586, Application for Permit to 

Transit A-24

Figure A-11 Instructions for PPQ Form 586, Application for Permit to 

Transit A-25

Figure A-12 Example of PPQ Form 591, Notice of Alleged Baggage 

Violation A-26

Figure A-13 Example of Notification Letter to Airline for Crew Member 

Violation A-30

Figure A-14 Example of the Agriculture Notice A-31
Figures

LOF-2 Puerto Rico/ US Virgin Islands Manual 02/2023-13
02/2022-10 Puerto Rico/US Virgin Islands Manual LOT-1

Puerto Rico/US 

Virgin Islands 

Manual

Tables

Table 1-1 Regulated Articles Covered in this Manual 1-2

Table 1-2 How to Use Decision Tables 1-5

Table 1-3 Reporting Issues with or Suggestions for the Puerto Rico/U.S. 

Virgin Islands Manual 1-7

Table 2-1 Determining Penalty Amount for Passengers 2-5

Table 2-2 Determining the Penalty Amount for Crew Members 2-5

Table 2-3 Taking Action on Parcels 2-9

Table 2-4 Deciding Action to Take on Produce from Mainland U.S. 2-11

Table 3-1 List of Approved Fresh Fruits, Herbs, and Vegetables (Authority 

7CFR 318.13) 3-2

Table 3-2 Regulatory Action for Fresh Beans in Pods and Pigeon 

Peas 3-3

Table 3-3 Regulatory Action for Fresh Okra 3-3

Table 3-4 Frozen Fruits and Vegetables 3-5

Table 3-5 Diced, Sectioned, Segmented, Sliced, or Otherwise Precut 

(commercial consignments only) 3-5

Table 3-6 Fruit Juices, Purees, Concentrates, Pickles, Jellies, Marmalades, and Preserves 3-6

Table 3-7 Dried or Cured Fruits, Herbs, and Vegetables 3-6

Table 3-8 Cooked Fruits and Vegetables 3-6

Table 3-9 Cotton 3-7

Table 3-10 Cotton—Unfumigated Cotton Products 3-8

Table 3-11 Packing Material 3-8

Table 3-12 Palm Fronds and Articles Crafted from Them 3-9

Table 3-13 List of Approved Growing Media 3-10

Table 3-14 Plants for Propagation—Plants Moving to Other Parts of the 

United States 3-11

Table 3-15 Sand, Soil, and Earth 3-12

Table 3-16 Heat Treatments for Soil 3-12

Table 3-17 Seeds and Nuts 3-13

Table 3-18 Sugarcane 3-14

Table 3-19 Sugarcane—Issuing Limited Permits 3-15

Table 3-20 Sugarcane—Sugarcane Juice and Other Articles Derived from 

Sugarcane 3-15

Table A-1 Instructions for Completing PPQ Form 287, Mail Interception 

Notice A-4

Table A-2 Determine the Regulation that Governs the Plants, Plant Products, Soil, and Plant Pests A-5

Table A-3 Distribution of PPQ Form 287, Mail Interception Notice A-5

Table A-4 Instructions for Completing PPQ Form 288, 
Tables

LOT-2 Puerto Rico/US Virgin Islands Manual 02/2022-10

Ship Inspection Report A-7

Table A-5 Instructions for Completing PPQ 413 Worksheet, Aircraft Inspection Record A-17

Table A-6 Instructions for Completing PPQ Form 518, Report of 

Violation A-21

Table A-7 Instructions for Completing a PPQ Form 591 A-27
02/2024-17 Puerto Rico/US Virgin Islands Manual 1-1

Chapter

1

Introduction

Contents

Purpose 1-2

Scope 1-2

Users 1-3

Related Documents 1-3

Code of Federal Regulations 1-3

Conventions 1-3

Advisories 1-3

Boldface 1-4

Bullets 1-4

Change Bar 1-4

Chapters 1-4

Contents 1-4

Control Data 1-4

Decision Tables 1-5

Examples 1-5

Footnotes 1-5

Heading Levels 1-6

Hypertext Links (Highlighting) to Tables, Figures, and Headings 1-6

Indentions 1-6

Italics 1-6

Numbering Scheme 1-6

Transmittal Number 1-7

Using the Manual 1-7

Reporting Issues with or Suggestions for the Puerto Rico/U.S. Virgin 

Islands Manual 1-7

Manual Updates 1-8

Ordering Additional Manuals and Revisions 1-8
Introduction

Purpose

1-2 Puerto Rico/US Virgin Islands Manual 02/2024-17

Purpose

This manual covers information from both domestic quarantine notices (7CFR 

Part 301) and Hawaiian and territories quarantine notices (7CFR Part 318). 

The reason for combining this information is to provide Plant Protection and 

Quarantine (PPQ) officers with regulatory information in one manual.

To become familiar with this manual, read this section to learn what is and 

what is not covered. Once you know that an item is covered in this manual, 

turn to the Reference section to determine what restrictions or prohibitions to 

apply. Read Methods and Procedures to learn what is involved in clearing 

aircraft, baggage, cargo, mail, and vessels. If a commodity requires a special 

procedure, you will be referred to the information via hyperlink.

Scope

If a fresh fruit, herb, or vegetable is listed, it is admissible (although it may 

have to meet additional conditions for entry). If an item is not listed, it is 

prohibited. Use the Index to find items in the Reference section.

This manual covers clearance procedures for aircraft, baggage, cargo, mail, 

and vessels, and the movement of regulated articles from Puerto Rico and the 

U.S. Virgin Islands to the United States and its territories. There are no

restrictions on the movement in either direction between Puerto Rico and the 

U.S. Virgin Islands. Table 1-1 lists the regulated articles covered in this 

manual.

The movement of plant pests is not covered in this manual. To find this 

information, go to 7CFR 330.200-214.

Table 1-1 Regulated Articles Covered in this Manual

Cotton

Fresh Fruits, Herbs, and Vegetables

Packing Material

Palm Fronds

Plants for Propagation

Sand, Soil, and Earth

Seeds and Nuts

Sugarcane
Introduction

Users

02/2024-17 Puerto Rico/US Virgin Islands Manual 1-3

Users

This manual is written for use by regulatory officers who work in airport and 

maritime locations in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Related Documents

Enabling legislation provides the authority to carry out the mission of 

protecting American agriculture from plant pests. Legislative acts are the 

fundamental authority granted by Congress to the Secretary of Agriculture to 

promulgate regulations to protect American agriculture. The regulatory 

authority for taking the actions listed in this manual is contained in the Plant 

Protection Act (PPA). The PPA provides the authority to prohibit or restrict 

imports, exports, or interstate movement of plants pests, plants, plant products, 

noxious weeds, biological control agents, and means of conveyance.

Code of Federal Regulations

The Code of Federal Regulations (CFRs) provide the authority for the 

regulatory action taken and are enforced by Customs and Border Protection 

(CPB) and PPQ. The restrictions and prohibitions listed in this manual are 

covered by 7CFR 301, 318, and 330.

Conventions

The conventions used in this manual are as follows.

Advisories

Advisories are used throughout this manual to bring important information to 

your attention. Carefully review each advisory. The definitions coincide with 

the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), with the goal of making the 

warnings easy to recognize and understand1 and are in the format shown below.

! DANGER

Danger Table message is used in the event of imminent risk of death or serious 

injury

1 TCIF Guideline, Admonishments (Safety-Related Warning Message), TCIF-99-021 Issue 1, p.4.

! WARNING

Warning Table message is used in the event of possible risk of serious injury.
Introduction

Conventions

1-4 Puerto Rico/US Virgin Islands Manual 02/2024-17

Boldface

Boldface type is used to emphasize important words throughout this manual. 

These words include, but are not limited to: cannot, do not, does not, except, 

lacks, must, neither, never, nor, not, only, other than.

Bullets

Bulleted lists indicate that there is no order of priority to the information being 

listed.

Change Bar

A black change bar in the left margin is used to indicate a change appearing on 

a revised page.

Chapters

This manual contains the following chapters: Introduction, Methods and 

Procedures, Reference, and Index.

Contents

Every chapter has a table of contents listing only the first- and second-level 

headings within the chapter.

Control Data

Control data is located at the top and bottom of each page to help users keep 

track of where they are in the manual and be aware of updates to specific 

chapters, sections, appendixes, etc., in the manual. At the top of the page is the 

chapter title and first-level heading for that page. At the bottom of the page is 

the transmittal number (month/year-number), manual title, and page number. 

To track revisions, use the control data.

! CAUTION

Caution Table message is used for tasks involving minor to moderate risk of injury.

NOTICE

Notice Table message is used to alert a reader of important information or Agency 

policy.

SAFETY

Safety Table message is used for general instructions or reminders related to safety.
Introduction

Conventions

02/2024-17 Puerto Rico/US Virgin Islands Manual 1-5

Decision Tables

Decision tables are used throughout the manual. The first and middle columns 

in each table represent conditions, and the last column represents the action to 

be taken after all conditions listed for that row are considered. Begin with the 

column headings and move left to right, and if the condition does not apply, 

then continue one row at a time until you find the condition that does apply. 

Refer to Table 1-2 for guidance on using decision tables.

Examples

Examples are used to clarify a point by applying it to a real-world situation. 

Examples always appear in boxes as a means of visually separating them from 

the other information contained on a page.

Footnotes

Footnotes comment on or cite a reference to text and are referenced by number. 

The footnotes used in this manual include general text footnotes, figure 

footnotes, and table footnotes.

General text footnotes are located at the bottom of the page.

When space allows, figure and table footnotes are located directly below the 

associated figure or table. However, for multi-page tables or tables that cover 

the length of a page, footnote numbers and text cannot be listed on the same 

page. If a table or figure continues beyond one page, the associated footnotes 

will appear on the page following the end of the table or figure.

Table 1-2 How to Use Decision Tables

If you: And if the condition 

applies: Then:

Read this column cell and 

row first

Continue in this cell TAKE the action listed in this 

cell

Find the previous condition 

did not apply, then read this 

column cell

Continue in this cell TAKE the action listed in this 

cell

EXAMPLE Examples are graphically placed boxes within the text as a means of 

visually separating information from other information contained on 

the page. Examples will always appear in a box.
Introduction

Conventions

1-6 Puerto Rico/US Virgin Islands Manual 02/2024-17

Heading Levels

Within each chapter and section there are four heading levels. The first-level 

heading is indicated by a horizontal line across both left and right columns 

with the heading language across the left and right columns directly 

underneath. The body text after a first-level heading is located inside the 

margined text area, one line after the heading language. The second- and thirdlevel headings are inside the margined text area with the body text following 

underneath. The fourth-level heading is inside the margined text area followed 

by a period and leading into the text.

Hypertext Links (Highlighting) to Tables, Figures, and 

Headings

Tables, figures, and headings are cross-referenced in the body of the manual 

and are highlighted in boldface type. These appear in blue hypertext in the 

online manual.

Indentions

Entry requirements which are summarized from CFRs, import permits, or 

policies are indented on the page.

Italics

The following items are italicized throughout this manual.

Cross-references to headings

Publication names

Scientific names of commodities

Numbering Scheme

A two-level numbering scheme is used in this manual for pages, tables, and 

figures. The first number represents the chapter. The second number represents 

the page, table, or figure. This numbering scheme allows for easier updating 

and adding pages without having to reprint an entire chapter. Dashes are used 

in page numbering to differential page numbers from decimal points.

EXAMPLE See Reporting Issues with or Suggestions for the Puerto Rico/U.S. 

Virgin Islands Manual on page 1-7 to determine where to report 

problems with this manual.
Introduction

Using the Manual

02/2024-17 Puerto Rico/US Virgin Islands Manual 1-7

Transmittal Number

The transmittal number contains the month, year, and consecutively issued 

number (beginning with -01 for the first edition and increasing consecutively 

for each update to the edition). The transmittal number is only changed when 

the specific chapter, section, appendix, glossary, table, or index is updated. If 

no changes are made, then the transmittal number remains unchanged. The 

transmittal number only changes for the entire manual when a new edition is 

issued or changes are made to the entire manual.

Using the Manual

Review the Table of Contents (TOC) of this manual to get a feel for the scope 

of covered material. Use the TOC in each chapter (miniTOC) to find the 

needed information. If the TOC or miniTOC are not specific enough, turn to 

the index to find the topic and corresponding number.

Reporting Issues with or Suggestions for the Puerto Rico/

U.S. Virgin Islands Manual

Use Table 1-3 to determine where to report issues with the Puerto Rico/U.S. 

Virgin Islands Manual.

EXAMPLE 01/2017-04 is the transmittal number for this update and is located in 

the control data on the pages in this chapter.

01 is the month the update was issued

2017 is the year the update was issued

04 is the edition number (the new edition was 01, and there have 

been 3 updates)

Table 1-3 Reporting Issues with or Suggestions for the Puerto Rico/U.S. Virgin 

Islands Manual

If you: Then:

 Are unable to access the 

online manual

 Have a suggestion for 

improving the format (layout, spelling, etc.)

CONTACT PPQ’s Information Services and Manuals Unit 

at 240-529-0350 or by e-mail at PPQ.IRM.ISMU.Manuals.Feedback@USDA.gov.

Disagree with a policy or 

procedure, or the admissibility 

of a commodity

CONTACT PPQ Import Services Customer Support at 

301-851-2046 or 1-877-770-5990 with the reason for the 

disagreement and a recommendation.

Have an urgent situation 

requiring an immediate 

response

CONTACT the program specific liaison by email 

Derek.A.Woller@usda.gov.
Introduction

Using the Manual

1-8 Puerto Rico/US Virgin Islands Manual 02/2024-17

Manual Updates

The PPQ Manuals Unit issues and maintains the manuals electronically on the 

Manuals Unit website. The online manuals contain the most up-to-date 

information. Revisions to the manual are distributed via the APHIS 

Stakeholder Registry to anyone, government employees and external 

stakeholders, who have subscribed to receive Puerto Rico/U.S. Virgin Islands 

Manual updates. To subscribe, register at this website:

https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/USDAAPHIS/subscriber/new

Ordering Additional Manuals and Revisions

Although using the online manuals is the preferred method, APHIS employees 

may order hard copies of manuals from the APHIS MRP Business Services, 

Acquisition & Asset Management, Printing, Distribution, Mail, Copier 

Solutions (PDMCS).Visit the PDMCS website for detailed information and 

printing costs. The Manuals Unit is not responsible for printing costs.
02/2023-14 Puerto Rico/US Virgin Islands Manual 2-1

Chapter

2

Methods and Procedures

Contents

Introduction 2-1

Inspection of Aircraft 2-1

Prerequisite Information—Advanced Notification of Departure 2-1

Predeparture Inspection and Clearance 2-2

Inspection of Baggage Carried Aboard Aircraft 2-3

Examination of Baggage at the Gate 2-3

Examination of Carry-on Baggage 2-4

Assessing Civil Penalties to Passengers 2-4

Assessing Civil Penalties to Crew Members 2-5

Inspection of Cargo 2-6

Inspection of U.S. Postal Mail 2-7

Inspection of Vessels 2-10

Introduction

This section provides information on the methods and procedures which are 

unique to Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Information in this section 

covers clearance procedures and is organized as follows:

Aircraft

Baggage

Cargo

Mail

Vessels

Inspection of Aircraft

Prerequisite Information—Advanced Notification of 

Departure

Aircraft must not be moved from Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands to any 

United States mainland state until the PPQ official has inspected the aircraft, 

cargo, crew, and passengers (including commercial airlines and cargo carriers, 

private, and military flights) and the official has informed the person moving 

the aircraft that it can depart (7 CFR 318.13-9).
Methods and Procedures

Inspection of Aircraft

2-2 Puerto Rico/US Virgin Islands Manual 02/2023-14

Predeparture Inspection and Clearance

Aircraft leaving Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands for destinations in 

mainland United States must be inspected prior to departure. If a flight, 

through a misunderstanding, departs without predeparture inspection and 

clearance, radio the appropriate PPQ or CBP office (or base operations officer 

if a military flight) at the port of destination so the flight can be met 

immediately upon its arrival. Military flights are inspected by PPQ or 

personnel designated by PPQ. When inspecting departing aircraft, use the 

following steps.

Enter the data for the action taken into the Agricultural Risk Management 

System (ARM) aircraft passenger clearance inspection workspace including 

aircraft inspection and catering monitoring activities.

To Comply with records management and data quality assurance, a supervisor 

(or designee) must review and validate all data collected from inspection, 

safeguarding, and treatment activities prior to entering the data into the ARM.

If pit baggage has remained in Customs custody (including that which has been 

offloaded from the same or other carriers), then only apply such safeguard 

inspection that is appropriate to the character of the material and movement in 

accordance with 7CFR 352.

Step 1: Prevent Loading Prior to Inspection

Prior to loading the aircraft, inspect baggage and supplies, including fruits and 

vegetables to be served during the flight.

Step 2: Determine if Articles are Regulated

Make sure that all regulated articles authorized to be loaded on the aircraft 

have been appropriately certified. Check the Reference section of this manual 

for any restrictions or prohibitions. Have unauthorized articles offloaded.

Step 3: Determine Whether to Inspect Aircraft

If you determine that inspection is required, carefully inspect the aircraft for 

quarantine significant pests. If you find pests that warrant action, treat all 

interior parts of the aircraft (refer to the PPQ Treatment Manual for directions).

For aircraft arriving from a foreign location, PPQ inspects the aircraft in Puerto 

Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands for predeparture purposes only, for example, to 

monitor stop-over catering, to look for hitchhiking pests, or to ensure the 

compliance of crew members in case of a crew change. 

CBP is the lead agency for foreign quarantine enforcement. If a PPQ Officer 

encounters an issue of foreign quarantine significance, secure any item(s) as 
Methods and Procedures

Inspection of Aircraft

02/2023-14 Puerto Rico/US Virgin Islands Manual 2-3

needed and turn them over to CBP. Refer additional issues to CBP for follow 

up as needed.

Step 4: Inspect Articles Taken Aboard Aircraft

Inspect articles to be taken aboard the aircraft for quarantine significant pests. 

If you find pests that warrant action, ensure that they are treated (refer to the 

PPQ Treatment Manual), or refuse to allow the infested article to go forward. 

Recondition or treat as appropriate. 

Step 5: Complete Documentation

For pest identification, PPQ must generate a Diagnostic Request (DR) in the 

ARM. Refer to Figure A-1 on page A-2 for an example of a completed DR.

Complete and distribute PPQ 413 Worksheet, Aircraft Inspection Record on 

page A-16.

Inspection of Baggage Carried Aboard Aircraft

The PPQ official must decide when and where to inspect the baggage carried 

aboard aircraft. Inspect prior to passenger check-in at the airline counter or its 

equivalent at military establishments. Arrangements may be made to inspect 

baggage elsewhere (e.g. at hotels or locations with tour groups) if you are 

notified in advance and it is on a reimbursable basis.

Examination of Baggage at the Gate

If hand carried parcels and baggage were not inspected prior to passenger 

check-in, then you may inspect them at the gate at the time of boarding.

NOTICE

PPQ and CBP will use ARM to submit pests for identification.

NOTICE

All passengers and crew are responsible for lifting their baggage onto the inspection 

belt and opening all baggage for inspection. Airlines or porters may be called for 

assisting disabled passengers. Do not lift or open baggage for passengers or crew.
Methods and Procedures

Inspection of Aircraft

2-4 Puerto Rico/US Virgin Islands Manual 02/2023-14

Examination of Carry-on Baggage

In general, examine all carry-on baggage for unauthorized articles (check the 

Reference Section of this manual for any restrictions or prohibitions) and pests. 

The baggage of both passengers and airline crew is subject to inspection.1

Step 1: Question Travelers

Thoroughly question the travelers. Ask travelers their destination and itinerary. 

Use their answers to your questions, what you found in the carry-on baggage, 

and your knowledge of what fruits and vegetables are in season, to determine 

the thoroughness of your inspection of the pit baggage.

Step 2: Complete Documentation

Complete and distribute the following forms:

PPQ 413 Worksheet, Aircraft Inspection Record on page A-16

PPQ Form 591, Notice of Alleged Baggage Violation on page A-26

Assessing Civil Penalties to Passengers

In order to pursue enforcement action, the passenger must have failed to 

declare a prohibited agricultural article. Passengers are exempt from civil 

penalties if either of the following applies:

The passenger is under 18 years old and not accompanied by an adult.

The passenger cannot communicate in English or Spanish.

The passenger is carrying an admissible item infested with a plant pest.

The PPQ Officer must have the legal authority to assess the civil penalty and 

have given the passenger an opportunity to amend his or her oral declaration.

Only PPQ Officers can issue the civil penalty. PPQ Technicians may collect 

the information and complete the PPQ Form 591, but it must be signed by an 

Officer or supervisor.

1 If inspecting the baggage or personal effects of persons possessing a diplomatic passport with an 

A1/A2 VISA or G1/G2 VISA, authorized personnel must refer to the guidelines found in the Manual 

for Agricultural Clearance.

NOTICE

Civil penalty collection methods will vary among different work units. Collection 

methods may include immediate payment at the port or mailing the civil penalty to 

the port within a certain number of days after issuance. Follow your local collection 

protocol. 

Checks must be payable “U.S. Treasury”.
Methods and Procedures

Inspection of Aircraft

02/2023-14 Puerto Rico/US Virgin Islands Manual 2-5

Refer to Table 2-1 to determine the penalty amount for passengers who have 

failed to declare.

Assessing Civil Penalties to Crew Members

Crew members should be aware of agriculture regulations through training and 

frequent travel. Refer to Table 2-2 to determine the penalty amount for crew 

members who have failed to declare.

Table 2-1 Determining Penalty Amount for Passengers

If the passenger 

failed to declare 

and there is:

And the item is: And it is: Then assess the civil penalty

No evidence of 

concealment or 

misrepresentation

Noncommercial First violation $100

Second violation $250

Third violation or 

more

Forward a completed case 

file to IES with a recommended penalty of $1,000

Commercial First violation $250

Second violation 

or more

Forward a completed case 

file to IES with a recommended penalty of $1,000

Some evidence of 

concealment or 

misrepresentation

Noncommercial First violation $250

Second violation 

or more

Forward a completed case 

file to IES with a recommended penalty of $1,000

Commercial First violation $1,000

Second violation 

or more

Forward a completed case 

file to IES with a recommended penalty of $1,000

Table 2-2 Determining the Penalty Amount for Crew Members

If this is a: Then:

First violation Assess a penalty of $100

Second violation or more Forward a completed case file to IES with a 

recommended penalty of $1,000

NOTICE

Notify the airlines using the Notification Letter to Airline for Crew Member Violation

on page A-30 template when a violation is issued to a crew member. However, it is 

not recommended to notify the airlines of each individual violation. Send notification 

to the airlines quarterly, bi-annually, or annually, depending on the number and frequency of violations. This notification will remind the airlines of the need to provide 

information and training regarding APHIS regulations to crew members.
Methods and Procedures

Inspection of Cargo

2-6 Puerto Rico/US Virgin Islands Manual 02/2023-14

Refer to Instructions for Completing PPQ Form 287, Mail Interception Notice

on page A-4 for more information, and Refusing to Pay the Civil Penalty on 

page A-28 for actions to take if the alleged violator refuses to pay the penalty.

Inspection of Cargo

Inspect all regulated cargo, which includes express carrier operations (ECO) 

consignments, prior to departure from Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. 

Review outbound manifests and air waybills or tracking numbers for regulated 

articles destined to the continental United States or the United States 

territories. With the assistance of pier, airline, or ECO shipping clerks, screen 

cargo at loading time to prevent the movement of unauthorized articles (check 

the Reference section of this manual for any restrictions or prohibitions) and to 

ensure that all certification requirements are met. 

Enter the data for the inspection and action taken using the ARM WAD code 

for cargo shipments, including ECOs. To comply with records management 

and data quality assurance, a supervisor (or designee) must review and 

validate all data collected from inspection, safeguarding, and treatment 

activities prior to entering the data into the ARM cargo inspection workspace.

If residue cargo has remained in Customs custody (including that which has 

been offloaded from the same or other carriers), then only apply such 

safeguard inspection that is appropriate to the character of the material and 

movement in accordance with 7CFR 352.

For consignments handled by ECOs, review outbound manifests and work 

with express carrier representatives, under the terms of their compliance 

agreements as applicable, to identify regulated articles destined to the 

continental United States. Canine teams may also be used to assist with 

inspecting express carrier shipments.

Shippers may request inspection (or certification) by contacting the nearest 

PPQ office. Movement of unauthorized and prohibited articles may be 
Methods and Procedures

Inspection of U.S. Postal Mail

02/2023-14 Puerto Rico/US Virgin Islands Manual 2-7

authorized by a PPQ Transit Permit (PPQ Form 586). Refer to USDA Transit 

Permit Information for application information.

The procedures for inspection are straightforward. Assuming you already have 

the cargo documents, use the following steps.

Step 1: Check the Reference Section

Check the Reference section of this manual for any restrictions or prohibitions. 

In the case of fresh fruits, herbs, or vegetables, check to ensure that the fruit or 

vegetable is listed as being approved. Apply any restrictions that are listed in 

the Reference section (for example, treatments that are required). For items 

which require mandatory treatment, skip Step 2 and go to Step 3.

Step 2: Inspect the Regulated Articles

Inspect the restricted article using the same inspection techniques and methods 

that you would use for inspecting articles of foreign origin. Refer to the 

following for commodity specific inspection procedures:

Agricultural Commodity Import Requirements (ACIR) database

Federal Order DA-2021-0003 concerning African Swine Fever virus

PPQ Plants for Planting Manual

If the consignment is found to have plant pests or contaminants of quarantine 

significance, then require treatment or prohibit movement.

Step 3: Document the Action Taken

Stamp or write the action taken on the accompanying paperwork (for example, 

invoices, air waybills, bills of lading). Documenting the action taken can serve 

as one way of certifying consignments. Stamp the shipping documents with the 

appropriate stamp. Examples of stamps include “Treated and Released” and 

“Inspected and Released.”

Document the number of inspections and seizures of regulated articles found in 

ECO consignments. Enclose an Agriculture Notice inside the package from 

which the regulated article(s) were removed. 

Inspection of U.S. Postal Mail

Use the same steps listed under Inspection of Cargo in the cargo section. The 

major difference between cargo and U.S. postal mail consignments is that the 

shipper does not normally submit parcels for PPQ inspection. Also, 

inspections or seizures are documented differently for mail than for cargo. 

Document the seizure of regulated articles using the PPQ Form 287, Mail 

Interception Notice. Enclose a copy of the PPQ 287 and an Agriculture Notice

inside the mail consignment. 
Methods and Procedures

Inspection of U.S. Postal Mail

2-8 Puerto Rico/US Virgin Islands Manual 02/2023-14

Enter the data for the action taken into the ARM Mail Inspection workspace. 

To comply with records management and data quality assurance, a supervisor 

(or designee) must review and validate all data collected from inspection, 

safeguarding, and treatment activities prior to entering the data into the ARM 

mail inspection workspace.

Arrange the inspection of parcels destined to the United States mainland with 

the local postal authorities in Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands. Postal 

employees will screen those parcels which apparently contain plant material 

and refer such parcels to PPQ for inspection and appropriate disposition.

Refer to Table 2-3 to determine the correct regulatory action to take. Check the 

Reference section of this manual for any restrictions or prohibitions.

NOTICE

Refer all first-class mail and airmail parcels which do not bear labels authorizing 

their opening for inspection to the postal receiving clerk. Predeparture officials are 

responsible for obtaining a warrant authorizing opening all first-class mail.
Methods and Procedures

Inspection of U.S. Postal Mail

02/2023-14 Puerto Rico/US Virgin Islands Manual 2-9

Table 2-3 Taking Action on Parcels

If the parcel is: And it contains: And the items 

are:

Then:

Opened for 

inspection

Only unauthorized items1. CROSS out the name and 

address of addressee

2. MARK on package “Return 

to Sender” on the address 

side of parcel

3. COMPLETE PPQ Form 

287 Mail Interception 

Notice and distribute

4. ENCLOSE a copy of the 

Agriculture Notice

5. REFER parcel to the postal 

supervisor for return

Approved and 

unauthorized 

items

1. REMOVE the unauthorized 

items

2. COMPLETE PPQ Form 

287 Mail Interception 

Notice and distribute

3. ENCLOSE a copy of the 

Agriculture Notice

4. STAMP the parcel 

“Inspected and Released”

5. ALLOW parcel to move to 

addressee

Only approved 

items

Treated STAMP the parcel “Treated 

and Released”

Plant material not

regulated by PPQ

STAMP the parcel “Plant 

Material”

Inspected STAMP the parcel “Inspected 

and Released”

Not opened for 

inspection

STAMP the parcel “Passed”
Methods and Procedures

Inspection of Vessels

2-10 Puerto Rico/US Virgin Islands Manual 02/2023-14

Inspection of Vessels

These procedures for inspecting vessels transiting between Puerto Rico and the 

U.S. Virgin Islands and other parts of the United States were developed for 

ports on the mainland that are approved to receive precleared vessels.

Step 1: Set Place and Time of Boarding

Vessels from Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands must be boarded at the 

first port of arrival. Board between the hours of sunrise and sunset unless 

advance arrangements have been made and adequate lift facilities are available 

for night boarding. If the vessel arrives after sunset and night boarding is 

impracticable, then the vessel may remain in quarantine until sunrise the 

following morning. If a vessel arrives in distress, use your professional 

judgment to set the time and place of boarding.

Step 2: Examine Stores, Quarters, and the Deck on Vessels

Upon boarding a vessel, notify a responsible ship’s officer of your presence. 

Then examine the deck, storerooms, crew’s quarters, and any other 

compartment on the vessel where fruits and vegetables may be carried. Seal or 

seize any prohibited articles. Check the Reference section of this manual for 

any restrictions or prohibitions.2 Fruits and vegetables approved for entry may 

remain in open stores if no significant pests or contaminants are found. Allow 

only approved fruits and vegetables, or those that are certifiable, to be offloaded. Carefully examine for fruit flies.

If you find fruits and vegetables that were grown and harvested on the 

mainland, then refer to Table 2-4 for guidance.

When inspecting the vessel deck, ensure that any garbage is covered, in a leakproof container, and secured inside the deck railing.

2 Prohibited articles include all fruits and vegetables of Puerto Rican or U.S. Virgin Islands origin which 

are not certified or certifiable.
Methods and Procedures

Inspection of Vessels

02/2023-14 Puerto Rico/US Virgin Islands Manual 2-11

Step 3: Disinfect Vessel

If the vessel is infested, infected, or contaminated with any plant pest 

designated in 7CFR 318.13, then supervise the disinfection of the vessel 

following the guidelines in the PPQ Treatment Manual. 

Step 4: Notify of Clearance

Notify the responsible ship’s officer concerning your clearance of the vessel 

and authorize docking, disembarking, and unloading.

Step 5: Complete Documentation

Complete and distribute PPQ Form 288, Ship Inspection Report. 

Table 2-4 Deciding Action to Take on Produce from Mainland U.S.

If: And: Then:

In unopened, commercially 

packaged cases

ALLOW the produce to 

remain on board in place of 

destruction

Found in ship’s stores, or in 

small lots in crew’s quarters 

or cabins

You are satisfied that it was 

taken aboard at a mainland 

port and has not been off 

the vessel

ALLOW the produce to 

remain in open stores or in 

quarters

You are not satisfied with 

the conditions identified in 

the cell above

SEAL or SEIZE the produce
Methods and Procedures

Inspection of Vessels

2-12 Puerto Rico/US Virgin Islands Manual 02/2023-14
02/2024-17 Puerto Rico/US Virgin Islands Manual 3-1

Chapter

3

Reference

Contents

Introduction 3-1

Fresh Fruits, Herbs, and Vegetables 3-2

Processed Fruits, Herbs, and Vegetables 3-4

Miscellaneous Products 3-7

Cotton 3-7

Packing Material 3-8

Palm Fronds 3-9

Plants for Propagation 3-10

Sand, Soil, and Earth 3-12

Seeds and Nuts 3-13

Sugarcane 3-14

Introduction

Fresh fruits, herbs, and vegetables are restricted to prevent the spread of fruit 

flies, bean pod borer (Maruca vitrata), mango seed weevil (Sternochetus 

mangiferae), and pink bollworm (Pectiniphora gossypiella). Table 3-1 lists 

commodities that are approved for movement to the United States and its other 

territories. Commodities that are not listed are prohibited movement from 

Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands into the United States and its other 

territories.

Refer to Appendix B for an explanation of the process and requirements for 

adding a commodity to the list of approved commodities. 

With two exceptions, there are no restrictions on items (regardless if they are 

listed or not) moving in either direction between Puerto Rico and the U.S. 

Virgin Islands. The exceptions are:

1. Pigeon pea—Pigeon pea may move from the U.S. Virgin Islands to Puerto 

Rico, but is prohibited from Puerto Rico into the U.S. Virgin Islands.

2. Mango—Mango may move from Puerto Rico into the U.S. Virgin Islands 

but is prohibited from the U.S. Virgin Islands into Puerto Rico.
Reference

Fresh Fruits, Herbs, and Vegetables

3-2 Puerto Rico/US Virgin Islands Manual 02/2024-17

Fresh Fruits, Herbs, and Vegetables

Table 3-1 List of Approved Fresh Fruits, Herbs, and Vegetables (Authority 7CFR 318.13)

Achachairú (Garcinia gardneriana) (fruit; commercial 

consignments into continental US only)

Allium spp.

Aloe vera (above ground 

parts)

Amaranth, Amaranthus

spp. (leaf, stem)

Anise

Annona spp. (leaf)

Arracacha, Arracacia xanthorrhiza

Arrowroot

Artichoke, Jerusalem

Asparagus

Avocado

Balsam apple

Bamboo shoots

Banana (fruit, leaf without 

stalk or midrib)

Basil

Bay Laurel

Beans, in pods (faba, lima, 

string) 1

Beans, shelled (faba, lima, 

string)

Beet

Bitter melon

Brassica oleracea

Breadfruit, Artocarpus spp.

Breadnut

Broccoli

Brussels sprouts

Cabbage

Cacao bean pod

Cannonball fruit

Cantaloupe

Carrot

Casabanana, Sicana odorifera

Cassava

Cauliflower

Celery

Chamomile, Anthemis spp.

Chayote

Chervil

Chicory

Chinese water nut

Chrysanthemum spp. (leaf, 

stem)

Cilantro

Citrus

Coconut

Collard

Corn-on-the-cob

Cornsalad, Valerianella 

locusta

Cucumber, includes Angola 

cucumber, Sicana odorifera

Cyperus corm

Dandelion greens

Dasheen, Colocasia, Caladium spp., and Xanthosoma spp.

Edible flowers 2 (inflorescences only) 3

Eggplant

Endive

Ethrog (fruit)

False coriander

Fennel

Garlic cloves, peeled

Genip

Ginger root

Gourd

Grapefruit

Guava, (leaf)

Honeydew melon

Horseradish, Armoracia 

rusticana

Indigo, Indigofera spp. 

(leaf)

Jackfruit

Kale

Kudzu

Lambsquarter

Lemon (fruit)

Lemongrass, Cymbopogon citratus

Leren

Lettuce

Lily bulb, edible

Lime (fruit)

Lotus root

Maguey

Mango from PR, T102-a4

(prohibited from USVI) 5

Mangosteen

Marjoram, Origanum spp. 

(leaf, stem)

Mint, Mentha spp.

Mushrooms

Mustard greens

Okra 6

Orange (fruit)

Oregano, Oreganum vulgare subsp. vulgare (leaf, 

stem)

Palm heart

Papaya

Parsley

Parsnip

Peas, in pod or shelled, 

Pisum sativum

Pepper

Pigeon pea (pod or shelled 

from Puerto Rico), T101-k24

 or T101-k-2-14

Pigeon pea, in pods from 

USVI 1

Pigeon pea, shelled, from 

USVI

Pineapple

Plantain (fruit, leaf without 

stalk or midrib)

Pokeweed greens (leaf, 

stem)

Pomegranate arils

Potato

Pumpkin

Purslane

Radish

Rambutan7 (commercial 

consignments only)

Rhubarb

Rosemary (leaf)

Rutabaga

St. John’s bread

Salsify

Sapote (commercial consignments into continental 

US only)

Savoy

Sorrel, Rumex spp.

Spinach

Squash

Stinking-toe (pod)

Strawberry

Sweet potato 8 T101-b-3-14

Sweet potato (leaf only)

Swiss chard

Tamarind bean pod

Taro, Colocasia and Caladium spp.

Tarragon

Thyme

Tomato

Truffle

Turnip

Vegetable marrow

Water-chestnut

Watercress

Watermelon

Yam, Dioscorea spp.

Yautia (tanier), Xanthosoma spp.

1 Refer to Table 3-2

2 Limited to Calendula spp. (pot marigold, johnny-jump-ups, pansies, and violets).

3 If stems or leaves are attached, REFUSE to certify entry.

4 TREATMENT IS REQUIRED. Refer to the appropriate treatment schedule for details.
Reference

Fresh Fruits, Herbs, and Vegetables

02/2024-17 Puerto Rico/US Virgin Islands Manual 3-3

5 Mango is also prohibited movement from the U.S. Virgin Islands into Puerto Rico.

6 Refer to Table 3-3.

7 Admissible into the continental U.S. only. The boxes should be marked with the statement “For distribution within the continental United States only.”

8 Sweet potatoes may be moved interstate only to North Atlantic (NA) ports under limited permit if treated in accordance with 7 

CFR Part 305.2 OR if the following conditions apply:

Must be certified by an inspector of Puerto Rico as having been grown under the following conditions:

Fields in which the sweet potatoes have been grown must have been given a pre-planting treatment with an APHISapproved soil insecticide. Before planting in treated fields, vine and draw cuttings must have been dipped in an APHISapproved insecticide solution.

During the growing season, an approved insecticide must have been applied to the vines at prescribed intervals.

An inspector of Puerto Rico must certify that the sweet potatoes have been washed.

An inspector of Puerto Rico must inspect and find the sweet potato free of the sweet potato scarabee (Euscepes 

postfasciatus Fairm.)

Table 3-2 Regulatory Action for Fresh Beans in Pods and Pigeon Peas

If destined to: Then: Authority:

North of and including Washington, DC 

(38° N) and east of and including Salt Lake 

City (115° W)

INSPECT AND RELEASE 7CFR 318.13

Other than an area listed in the cell above 1. REQUIRE treatment using 

T101-k-2 or T101-k-2-1, 

then

2. RELEASE

Table 3-3 Regulatory Action for Fresh Okra

If destined to: Then Authority

Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, 

Georgia, Illinois1, Kentucky1, Louisiana, 

Mississippi, Missouri1, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South 

Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, or Virginia1

from May 16 to November 302

1 Require treatment only for those consignments destined to areas of the state that are south 

of the 38th parallel. (Refer to Figure 3-1).

2 Treatment not required if arriving December 1 to May 15. Inspect to allow/restrict movement.

1. REQUIRE treatment3 using 

T101-p-2 or T101-p-2-1, 

then

2. RELEASE

3 Fumigation for Pectinophora gossypiella (pink bollworm) using methyl bromide in an APHISapproved normal atmospheric pressure chamber (treatment schedule T101-p-2) or tarpaulin 

(treatment schedule T101-p-2-1).

7 CFR 318.13

California from March 16 to December 

314

4 Treatment not required if arriving January 1 to March 15. Inspect to allow/restrict movement.

Other than a state listed above 1. INSPECT5

, then

2. RELEASE

5 Treatment not required. Inspect to allow/restrict movement.
Reference

Processed Fruits, Herbs, and Vegetables

3-4 Puerto Rico/US Virgin Islands Manual 02/2024-17

Processed Fruits, Herbs, and Vegetables

Processing should render the fruit, herb, or vegetable incapable of harboring 

live fruit flies. The fruit, herb, or vegetable is restricted only if they are 

insufficiently processed.

The following types of approved processing are covered in this section:

Frozen—Table 3-4

Diced Sectioned, Segmented, Sliced, Precut—Table 3-5

Juiced, Pureed, Concentrated, Pickled, Jellied—Table 3-6

Dried or Cured—Table 3-7

Cooked—Table 3-8

Figure 3-1 Fresh Okra: Ports of Entry Requirements

$1

$1

$1 $1 $1 $1

AL

AZ AR

FL

GA

LA

MS

NV

NM

NC

OK SC

TN

TX

CO

CT

DE DC

ID

IN

IA

KS

ME

MD

MA MI

MN

MT

NE

NH

NJ

NY

ND

OH

OR

PA

RI SD

UT

VT

WA

WV

WI

WY

CA

IL

KY

MO VA

DISCLAIMER : These dat a, and all the inform at ion contained t herein, hav e been collected by t he U.S. Departm ent of Agriculture's Anim al and Plant Healt h Inspection 

Service (APHIS), or by its cooperators on APHIS’ behalf, for restric ted gov ernment purposes only and is the sole property of APH IS. Data m ay be diss em inated on a 

need-to-know basis only and m ust be used for t heir intended governm ent purpose(s). All inform ation c ontained within these dat a are subject t o required Federal 

safeguards and shall only be shared and/or used consistent with t he Trade Secret s Act [18 U .S.C. 1905], t he Priv ac y Ac t of 1974, as am ended [5 U.S.C . 552a], 

the Freedom of Information Act [5 U .S.C. 552], the confidentiality provisions of t he Food Security Ac t of 1985 [7 U .S.C. 2276], Section 1619 of t he Food, Conservation, 

and Energy A ct of 2008 [7 U .S.C. 8791], and other applicable Federal laws and implementing regulations, as well as wit h the confidentiality or non-disclosure provisions 

of any other agreem ent entered int o bet ween APH IS and a cooperator. Data Sources: USDA, ESRI.com , G ADM.org

AK

PR

HI

38th parallel

United States 

Department of

Agriculture Okra: Ports of Entry Requirements

Fumigate if arriving March 16-December 31. 

Fumigation not required if arriving January 1-March 15.

Fumigate if arriving May 16-November 30. 

Fumigation not required if arriving December 1-May 15.

Inspect and Release.

Legend

Z Date: 10/2017

0 300 600 150

Miles

1 in = 300 miles
Reference

Processed Fruits, Herbs, and Vegetables

02/2024-17 Puerto Rico/US Virgin Islands Manual 3-5

Table 3-4 Frozen Fruits and Vegetables

If the temperature is: And its condition: Then: Authority:

Above 20 °F at time of 

inspection

Prevents an effective 

inspection

PROHIBIT MOVEMENT7CFR 318.13

Permits an effective 

inspection

REFER to Table 3-1

20 °F or below at the 

time of inspection1

1 EXCEPTION: Frozen mango with seed is prohibited because freezing does not kill the mango seed weevil.

RELEASE

Table 3-5 Diced, Sectioned, Segmented, Sliced, or Otherwise Precut 

(commercial consignments only)

If: And: And its 

condition:

And packed 

with: Then: Authority:

Fruit for 

salsa

Peeled, sliced, 

and surrounded by 

water or syrup

Cans, glass 

jars, metal 

drums, or 

rigid plastic 

containers

Small or no

air space 

between the 

lid and the 

top of the liquid

RELEASE 7CFR 

330.105

Significant 

space 

between the 

lid and the 

top of the liquid

PROHIBIT 

movement

Plastic bags 

or similar 

non-rigid 

containers

Not processed as 

described in 

the cell above

Precut fruit 

other than

that for 

fruit salsa

Sufficiently 

processed1

1 Cooked, dried, cured, or processed in such a way so as to preclude any live pests.

RELEASE

Insufficiently

processed to 

so as to preclude any live 

pests

USE Table 

3-1 on page 

3-2
Reference

Processed Fruits, Herbs, and Vegetables

3-6 Puerto Rico/US Virgin Islands Manual 02/2024-17

Table 3-6 Fruit Juices, Purees, Concentrates, Pickles, Jellies, Marmalades, and 

Preserves

If the item is:

And the 

consignment is:

And the 

amount of 

pulp present:

And there 

is: Then: Authority:

Canned, frozen, or pasteurized juiceRELEASE 7CFR 330

Fresh juice Non-commercialHinders 

inspection

PROHIBIT 

MOVEMENT

Does not hinder inspectionNo live fruit 

fly larvae 

present

RELEASE

Live fruit fly 

larvae 

present

PROHIBIT 

MOVEMENT

Commercial RELEASE

Concentrates, 

purees, jellies, pickles, 

preserves, or 

marmalades

Table 3-7 Dried or Cured Fruits, Herbs, and Vegetables

If the product is: Then: Authority:

Capable of harboring fruit flies or 

other plant pests

REFER to Table 3-1

REGULATE the product as if fresh

7CFR 318.13

Incapable of harboring fruit flies INSPECT AND RELEASE 7CFR 330.105

Table 3-8 Cooked Fruits and Vegetables1

1 Cooking is a commercial process that must render the product incapable of being infested 

with quarantine pests by preparing food items for consumption by heating, primarily transforming the physical structure of items. If the product is not commercially cooked, REFER to 

Table 3-1 and REGULATE the product as if fresh.

If the product is: And from: And: Then: Authority:

Mango U.S. Virgin 

Islands2

2 Cooked mango with seed is prohibited from the U.S. Virgin Islands because cooking may not

kill all life stages of the mango seed weevil (Sternochetus mangiferae).

With seed PROHIBIT 

MOVEMENT

7CFR 330.105

Without seed INSPECT and 

RELEASE Puerto Rico

Fruits or vegetables 

other than mango
Reference

Miscellaneous Products

02/2024-17 Puerto Rico/US Virgin Islands Manual 3-7

Miscellaneous Products

This section covers the methods and procedures for regulating miscellaneous 

products including cotton, various packing materials, seeds and nuts, and palm 

fronds.

Cotton

Cotton plant parts and products are regulated to prevent the spread of pink 

bollworm (Pectinophora gossypiella). Movement is restricted from Puerto 

Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands to other parts of the United States, excluding 

Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.

Table 3-9 Cotton

If the item is: And: And it is: Then: Authority:

Cotton wax, cottonseed oil, or 

manufactured 

cotton

CERTIFY CONSIGNMENT7CFR 318.47

Bale covers or 

wrappings; cottonseed hulls, 

cake, or meal; 

lint; linters; seedy 

waste; or waste

Fumigated in 

accordance 

with the appropriate schedule 

in T301

Not fumigated 

as in the cell 

above

Samples of lint, 

linters, waste 

(seed free), cotton-seed hulls, 

cake, or meal

 INSPECT AND 

CERTIFY consignment at 

origin, or

 INSPECT at 

the port of 

arrival

Not a sample 

nor as above

REFER to 

Table 3-10

Seed REFER to Seeds 

and Nuts

Other than one 

listed in the three 

cells above

PROHIBIT 

MOVEMENT

7CFR 318.47
Reference

Miscellaneous Products

3-8 Puerto Rico/US Virgin Islands Manual 02/2024-17

Packing Material

Table 3-10 Cotton—Unfumigated Cotton Products

If the item is: And it is: Then: Authority:

Cottonseed 

hulls, lint, linters, seed, seedy 

waste, or waste

Processed sufficiently to eliminate 

pests

1. INSPECT the consignment 

at origin, then

2. CERTIFY consignment

7CFR 318.47

Not processed as 

described in cell 

above

1. REQUIRE a permit issued 

by PPQ Permit Services, 

then

2. ALLOW movement to port 

designated on the permit, 

then

3. HANDLE as foreign origin 

cotton at the port of arrival 

(follow directions in 7CFR 

319.8)

Bale covers or 

wrappings

Used

New or unused RELEASE

Cottonseed 

cake or meal

REQUIRE either of the following:

 INSPECT AND CERTIFY at 

origin, or

 REQUIRE a permit issued by 

PPQ Permit Services and 

inspect at port of arrival

Table 3-11 Packing Material

If used as packing 

material for: And packing material is: Then:

Propagative material GO to Table 3-13 in the Plants for 

Propagation section of this manual

Other than propagative materialBagasse, plant litter, soil, or 

unmanufactured cotton

ALLOW authorized material to 

move only after the packing 

material is removed

Other than above ALLOW movement
Reference

Miscellaneous Products

02/2024-17 Puerto Rico/US Virgin Islands Manual 3-9

Palm Fronds

Palm fronds and articles made from them are regulated to prevent entry of the 

red palm mite, Raoiella indica, a serious pest of palms.

Table 3-12 Palm Fronds and Articles Crafted from Them

If: And: And: Then: Authority:

Noncommercial consignment (baggage 

or mail)

Single fronds 

or bundles of 

single fronds

Completely

dried or processed beyond 

drying

INSPECT1 AND 

CERTIFY 

MOVEMENT

1 Look for very small, but visible, bright red mites. Also look for colonies of mites along the midrib of the leaves. Look for evidence of the mites feeding: green leaves having bright green to 

pale green, to yellow, and finally copper-brown streaking or spots. Look for webbing and cast 

skins of the mites.

7CFR 330.105

Fresh, green, 

and/or pliable

PROHIBIT 

MOVEMENT

Fronds crafted 

or woven into 

articles2

2 Articles woven or crafted into animal figurines, baskets, bracelets, braided headbands, fans, 

hats, napkin rings, and place mats.

Processed 

beyond crafting 

or weaving 

(bleached, 

dyed, painted, 

or shellacked)

INSPECT1 AND 

CERTIFY 

MOVEMENT

Not processed 

beyond crafting 

or weaving 

(fronds remain 

fresh, green, or 

pliable)

PROHIBIT 

MOVEMENT

Commercial consignment

INSPECT1 AND 

CERTIFY 

MOVEMENT
Reference

Miscellaneous Products

3-10 Puerto Rico/US Virgin Islands Manual 02/2024-17

Plants for Propagation

Plants, as well as growing media, are restricted from Puerto Rico and the U.S. 

Virgin Islands to prevent the spread of soil organisms, pink bollworm 

(Pectinophora gossypiella), sugarcane diseases (Xanthomonas albilinenans

and X. vasculorum), cactus borer (Cactoblastis cactorum), the sweet potato 

scarabee (Euscepes postfaciatus). Movement is restricted to the United States 

and its other territories, but is not restricted in either direction between Puerto 

Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Do not circumvent the certifications and requirements enforced by the 

Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and the Federal Experiment Station in St. Croix 

for the interstate consignment of nursery stock. PPQ Officer acting as official 

collaborators may participate in such certifications as appropriate.

Plants in approved media must also meet these three conditions:

1. Media was not previously used for growing plants.

2. Media was stored prior to use under adequate safeguards.

3. Plants were grown in a manner to prevent infestation from soil contact. If 

potted plants are in contact with soil, then the soil shall be periodically 

treated with a suitable insecticide to the satisfaction of the PPQ official.

NOTICE

Plants for propagation that are hosts to the Asian Citrus Psyllid (ACP) and/or Citrus 

Greening must meet the conditions of 7 CFR 301.76. To see a list of hosts for this 

pest and associated disease, visit the following link, Asian Citrus Psyllid and Citrus 

Greening Regulated Articles.

Table 3-13 List of Approved Growing Media

Agar or other translucent tissue culture 

media

Buckwheat hulls

Clean ocean sand

Excelsior

Exfoliated vermiculite

Ground cork

Ground peat

Ground rubber

Paper

Perlite

Polymer stabilized 

cellulose

Quarry gravel

Sawdust

Shavings–wood or 

cork

Sphagnum moss

Tree fern slab 

(approved only for 

orchids)

Vegetable fiber (free 

of pulp) includes: 

coconut and 

osmunda

excludes: cotton and 

sugarcane
Reference

Miscellaneous Products

02/2024-17 Puerto Rico/US Virgin Islands Manual 3-11

Table 3-14 Plants for Propagation—Plants Moving to Other Parts of the United 

States

If the plant is: And it is: Then: Authority:

Cactus Plants rooted in growing media that is not

approved. Refer to 

Table 3-13

PROHIBIT MOVEMENT7CFR 318.60

Bare rooted plants or 

plants rooted in 

approved growing 

media. Refer to 

Table 3-13

1. REQUIRE T201-f1, 

then

2. CERTIFY 

consignment

1 Small, noncommercial consignments of cacti that can be inspected 100 percent and are 

found to be free from pests may be released without treatment. Such small consignments, if 

found to be infested by pests, may also be released without treatment if it is practicable to 

remove those pests by hand.

7CFR 318.13

Citrus VERIFY that the conditions of 7CFR 301.76 

have been met, and 

CERTIFY consignment

7CFR 301.76

Cotton PROHIBIT MOVEMENT7CFR 318.47

Sugarcane Seed 1. REQUIRE T514-2, 

then

2. CERTIFY 

consignment

7CFR 301.87

Other than seed PROHIBIT MOVEMENT

Sweet potatoes Roots 1. REQUIRE treatment, 

then

2. CERTIFY 

consignment

7CFR 318.13

Other than roots PROHIBIT MOVEMENT

Other than one 

listed in the cells 

above

Plants rooted in growing media that is not

approved. Refer to 

Table 3-13

PROHIBIT MOVEMENT7CFR 318.60

Bare rooted plants or 

plants rooted in 

approved growing 

media. Refer to 

Table 3-13

INSPECT AND 

RELEASE

7CFR 330.105
Reference

Miscellaneous Products

3-12 Puerto Rico/US Virgin Islands Manual 02/2024-17

Sand, Soil, and Earth

Soil is restricted to prevent the spread of soil borne diseases and insects. 

Movement is restricted from Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands to other 

parts of the United States, including Guam and the Commonwealth of the 

Northern Mariana Islands.

Table 3-15 Sand1, Soil, and Earth

1 Clean ocean sand is unrestricted.

If the consignment is: And: Then: Authority:

More than 3 

pounds

1. REQUIRE movement to an 

APHIS facility approved to 

receive untreated, regulated 

soil.

2. VALIDATE the facility has a soil 

permit (P330) in ePermits.

3. ALLOW the shipment to proceed, subject to the requirements listed in the permit.

4. If there is no permit:

A. Do not allow movement to the 

mainland.

B. Advise the shipper of the permit requirement and of the 

ability to apply for a PPQ Permit 525-A, Application for Permit to Receive Soil.

7CFR 

330.203

Three pounds 

or less

Treatment using 

approved treatments 

in Table 3-16 is 

impractical

Treatment is practical and will not

interfere with 

intended use

1. ISSUE an oral permit, then 

2. TREAT soil according to 

Table 3-16

Table 3-16 Heat Treatments for Soil

Dry Heat Steam Heat

Temperature:

 230–249 °F

 250–309 °F

 310–379 °F

 380–429 °F

 430–450 °F

Exposure time:1

 16 hours

 2 hours

 30 minutes

 4 minutes

 2 minutes

1 Start counting time once the entire mass reaches the required temperature.

Use steam heat for packages of soil which 

are 5 pounds or less in weight. If soil is in 

trays, make sure the depth does not

exceed 2 inches.

Require 15 pounds of pressure for 30 minutes. Start counting time once the pressure 

reaches 15 pounds.
Reference

Miscellaneous Products

02/2024-17 Puerto Rico/US Virgin Islands Manual 3-13

Seeds and Nuts

The seed of cotton must be treated because it can harbor pink bollworm 

(Pectinophora gossypiella). Pulpy seed is prohibited because it can harbor fruit 

flies. Sugarcane seed is restricted because it can transmit diseases such as 

gummosis disease (Xanthomonas vasculorus) and leaf scald disease 

(Xanthomonas albilineans). Movement of these seeds are restricted from 

Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands to the United States and its other 

territories for cotton and pulpy seed, but excluding Guam and the 

Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands for sugarcane. Movement is 

not restricted in either direction between Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin 

Islands.

Table 3-17 Seeds and Nuts

If the seed or nut is: And: Then: Authority:

Citrus PROHIBIT MOVEMENT 7CFR 301.76

Cotton Seed cotton 1. REQUIRE T203-f, then

2. CERTIFY consignment

7CFR 318.47

Cottonseed 1. REQUIRE T301-a-7, then

2. CERTIFY consignment

Pulpy seed capable of 

harboring fruit flies

PROHIBIT MOVEMENT 7CFR 318.13

Sugarcane 1. REQUIRE T514, then

2. CERTIFY consignment

7CFR 301.87

Other than one listed 

in the cells above

INSPECT AND RELEASE 7CFR 330.105
Reference

Miscellaneous Products

3-14 Puerto Rico/US Virgin Islands Manual 02/2024-17

Sugarcane

Sugarcane is restricted to prevent the artificial spread of leaf scald disease 

(Xanthomonas albilineans) and gummosis disease (Xanthomonas vasculorum). 

Machinery and processing equipment used for extracting and refining 

sugarcane juice, as well as plants, plant parts, products, and seed are regulated 

because the diseases are easily transmitted by any article that comes in contact 

with sugarcane. Movement is restricted from Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin 

Islands to the United States, excluding Guam and the Commonwealth of the 

Northern Mariana Islands.

Chews

Table 3-18 Sugarcane

If the item is: And: Then: Authority:

Bagasse Treated with dry heat 

for 2 hours at 158 °F

CERTIFY consignment7CFR 301.87

Not treated as in cell 

above

REFER to Table 3-19

Chews Boiled for at least 30 

minutes or peeled and 

without nodes

CERTIFY consignment

Not as described as in 

cell above

REFER to Table 3-19

Seed GO to Seeds and Nuts

Equipment used for 

growing, harvesting, 

or processing sugarcane

Free of all plant debris 

and soil

CERTIFY consignment

Not as described in 

cell above

REFER to Table 3-19

Other than bagasse, 

chews, or equipment

REFER to Table 3-20
Reference

Miscellaneous Products

02/2024-17 Puerto Rico/US Virgin Islands Manual 3-15

Table 3-19 Sugarcane—Issuing Limited Permits

If: And it is: And it is: Then: Authority:

Harvesting or 

processing 

equipment

Intended to be 

used for harvesting or processing 

sugarcane

PROHIBIT movement7CFR 301.87

Not intended to 

be used for harvesting or processing 

sugarcane

1. ISSUE a 

Limited Permit 

(PPQ Forms 

530 or 537), 

then

2. ALLOW 

movement

Bagasse or 

sugarcane 

chews

Moving to a 

county that 

grows sugarcane1

1 The sugarcane growing areas are: Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas. If you are unsure whether a county grows sugarcane, contact that state’s Department of Agriculture.

PROHIBIT movement

Moving to a 

county that 

does not grow 

sugarcane1

An area less 

than 10 miles 

from the nearest 

sugarcane field

An area 10 

miles or more 

from the nearest 

sugarcane field

1. ISSUE a 

Limited Permit 

(PPQ Forms 

530 or 537), 

then

2. ALLOW 

movement

Table 3-20 Sugarcane—Sugarcane Juice and Other Articles Derived from 

Sugarcane

If: And: Then: Authority:

Juice Boiled for 10 minutes or 

more at 212 °F

CERTIFY consignment7CFR 301.87

Not boiled for 10 minutes REFUSE to certify

Other than

bagasse, chews, 

juice, or equipment

You are sure that there is 

no risk of spreading sugarcane diseases

CERTIFY consignment

You are unsure or there is 

the risk of spreading sugarcane diseases

CONTACT Quarantine Policy and Analysis Staff (QPAS) 

through official 

channels
Reference

Miscellaneous Products

3-16 Puerto Rico/US Virgin Islands Manual 02/2024-17
11/2022-12 Puerto Rico/US Virgin Islands Manual A-1

Appendix

A Appendix A

Forms

Contents

Diagnostic Request (DR) A-2

PPQ Form 287, Mail Interception Notice A-3

PPQ Form 288, Ship Inspection Report A-6

PPQ 309, Pest Interception Record A-10

PPQ Form 309A, Pest Interception Record Worksheet A-12

PPQ 413 Worksheet, Aircraft Inspection Record A-16

PPQ Form 518, Report of Violation A-19

PPQ Form 586, Application for Permit to Transit A-24

PPQ Form 591, Notice of Alleged Baggage Violation A-26

Notification Letter to Airline for Crew Member Violation A-30

Agriculture Notice A-31

Introduction

This Appendix covers forms related to airport and maritime operations that 

you are responsible for completing, signing, and distributing. Refer to the 

Office of Operations Materiel Management Service Center website for 

ordering information. Forms are also available on the APHIS Electronic Forms 

Library website.
Appendix A

Diagnostic Request (DR)

A-2 Puerto Rico/US Virgin Islands Manual 11/2022-12

Diagnostic Request (DR)

When entering a pest for identification, PPQ must enter the pest information 

into the Agricultural Risk Management System (ARM) to generate a 

Diagnostic Request (DR) for each specimen. Refer to the ARM Help section 

for further information. Refer to Figure A-1 for an example of an ARMgenerated DR.

CBP will submit pest interceptions in ARM using the appropriate Form 309/

309A.

Figure A-1 Example Diagnostic Request (generated in ARM)

Inspection Date: Routing:

04/08/2019 Entomology

Inspection Location: Determination/Discipline/Exception Reason:

Puerto Rico Training Loc 3 Entomology

To: Predeparture Training AI Location

3000 Training Lane

Sunny, FL, 12345, USA

Inspection Summary PRPRETR319040001-DR01

Inspector(s): Velazquez, Antonio

Remarks:

Origin Commodity:Commodity Type Quantity Host Proximity Host Part Destination

Mangifera indica - MANGO (FV) 1 Kilograms On Fruit

Diagnostic Summary PRPRETR319040001-DR01

Determination/Discipline/Exception Reason Determined By Date

Entomology Velazquez, Antonio 04/08/2019

Remarks:

Pest Stages: Alive Immature- 1

Diagnostic Request

PRPRETR319040001-

DR01 R

Routine

R

Routine

R

Routine

e

cation

SA le

01-DR01 0

ple Part Destination

Frui

PRETR319040001-DR01 9040001-DR01 pl m04
Appendix A

PPQ Form 287, Mail Interception Notice

11/2022-12 Puerto Rico/US Virgin Islands Manual A-3

PPQ Form 287, Mail Interception Notice

Figure A-2 Example of PPQ Form 287, Mail Interception Notice

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

ANIMAL AND PLANT HEALTH INSPECTION SERVICE

PLANT PROTECTION AND QUARANTINE

MAIL INTERCEPTION NOTICE

1. PORT OF ENTRY

2. DATE 3. REFERENCE

The material described below was found to be moving in the mail in violation of the agriculture quarantine regulations pertaining to the entry and

movement of plants, plant products, animal products, soil, and plant pests. These violations may result in criminal or civil penalties. Disposition was

taken under authority of laws administered by the U.S. Postal Service, U.S. Customs Service, and U.S. Department of Agriculture. All inquiries

concerning condition, delays, shortages, or breakage should be addressed to the postmaster at the above port (Item 1). Information concerning the

quarantine referred to in Item 12 may be secured on application to U.S. Department of Agriculture, APHIS, P.Q., 4700 River Road, Unit 60, Riverdale,

Maryland 20737.

4. TO (Addressee) 5. FROM (Addressor)

6. INTERCEPTED MATERIAL

7. POSTMARK 8. DATE 9. MAIL REGISTRY NO.

10. BREAKAGE 11. RECONDITIONING 

 REQUIRED

YES NO

12. QUARANTINE OR REGULATION IN VIOLATION

13. DISPOSITION

Prohibited material removed and destroyed.

Container and contents destroyed.

Package returned to origin.

14. REASON FOR DISPOSITION

Addressee, after due notice, failed to apply for permit required by law.

Contains meat not admitted by U.S. Department of Agriculture. Meat may carry animal diseases that do not occur in the

United States.

Material infested or infected and treatment not feasible. Insect pests and plant diseases in fruits, vegetables, or other plant

material could become established and threaten U.S. agriculture.

Material not authorized entry.

Material in or contaminated with soil. Soil can carry many plant pests and diseases.

Other (Specify below in Remarks)

15. REMARKS (Include any pertinent information, i.e. condition of material, condition of cans which indicates not shelf stable, etc.)

16. OFFICER (Signature)

PPQ FORM 287 Previous editions are obsolete.

(FEB 2002)

For follow-up cases fill out the below:

a. Type of animal product per label

Swine

Ruminant

Poultry

b. Certificates/Permits

Yes

No

c. Country of origin per label

d. Meat product is:

Dried/Cured

Vacuum packed

Can/Jar

Foil packaged

Fresh, Chilled, 

or Frozen

e. Other animal products:

f. Reason considered not to be shelf stable 

 (Specify below in Remarks)

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.
Appendix A

PPQ Form 287, Mail Interception Notice

A-4 Puerto Rico/US Virgin Islands Manual 11/2022-12

Purpose

PPQ Form 287, Mail Interception Notice, is completed for the following 

reasons:

Inform the sender (addresser) of the reason for removing the article. 

Notify the individual (addressee) receiving the mail package that 

unauthorized articles were removed.

Provide information for preparing monthly and quarterly reports.

Record the regulatory action taken when intercepting mail.

Instructions 

Complete PPQ Form 287 using the instructions in Table A-1.

Table A-1 Instructions for Completing PPQ Form 287, Mail Interception 

Notice

Block Instructions

1 Enter the location of your work unit

2 Enter the date

3 Leave blank

4 Enter the complete name and address of the individual who is receiving the package 

(addressee)

5 Enter the complete name and address of the individual who sent the package 

(addresser)

6 Describe in detail the article you have removed, destroyed, or returned (the intercepted material)

7 Enter the location where the package was postmarked

8 Enter the date of the postmark 

9 Enter the mail registry number recorded on the package, if any

10 If contents were broken, leaked, or spilled, then list

If there was no breakage, enter “NONE”

11 If reconditioning to the package was required by the agent of the carrier, broker, or 

addressee check “Yes”

If reconditioning of the package was not required, check “No”

12 Enter the regulation that governs the unauthorized article

If you do not know the regulation, then refer to Table A-2

13 Check the block that states what regulatory action you took--removed, destroyed, 

or returned

Do not seek advice from the individual receiving the package as to whether the 

article should be destroyed or returned to origin

14 Check the block that states the reason why you took regulatory action

If the reason is not specifically listed, then check the “Other” block and list the reason
Appendix A

PPQ Form 287, Mail Interception Notice

11/2022-12 Puerto Rico/US Virgin Islands Manual A-5

Distribution

Distribute PPQ Form 287 as follows:

1. Use Table A-3 to determine where to send the original PPQ Form 287.

2. Distribute the copies of PPQ Form 287 as follows:

If the package is returned to the sender, enclose a copy inside the 

package.

Place a copy in the port file and maintain for an official record.

15 Detail what you did and why so that the individuals who sent and receive the package understand what was done and why

If the package is being returned to the sender, list in this block “The package was 

returned by surface mail.” The Postal Service will not return packages by air

16 Sign your name

Rever

se 

side 

of 

PPQ 

287

When some items are removed from a package, it is good policy to list the remaining contents and their condition on the reverse side of this form

Note who handled the repackaging and wrapping of the package before the package was returned to the mail is advisable (this information will be useful to answer 

any complaints of missing items or breakage)

Table A-2 Determine the Regulation that Governs the Plants, Plant Products, 

Soil, and Plant Pests 

If the article is: Then the regulation is:

Cotton, cottonseed, etc. (Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands) 7CFR Part 318.47

Fruits & vegetables (Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands) 7CFR Part 318.13

Sugarcane (Hawaii, Puerto Rico) 7CFR Part 301.87

Soil 7CFR Part 330.300

Plant Pests 7CFR Part 330.200

Table A-3 Distribution of PPQ Form 287, Mail Interception Notice

If the package is: And the contents are: Then the original copy of PPQ Form 287 is:

Released to the 

addressee

Enclosed in the package

Destroyed or 

returned to sender

Prohibited or restricted Mailed to the addressee

NOTICE

The information recorded on this form is important to collect and a useful mechanism 

to track activities to transfer the results to the appropriate Agency database.

Table A-1 Instructions for Completing PPQ Form 287, Mail Interception 

Notice (continued)

Block Instructions
Appendix A

PPQ Form 288, Ship Inspection Report

A-6 Puerto Rico/US Virgin Islands Manual 11/2022-12

PPQ Form 288, Ship Inspection Report

Figure A-3 Example of PPQ Form 288, Ship Inspection Report

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

ANIMAL AND PLANT HEALTH INSPECTION SERVICE

PLANT PROTECTION AND QUARANTINE

SHIP INSPECTION REPORT

1. PORT REPORTING 2. FLAG/NAME OF VESSEL 3. DOCK

4. FROM (Port and Country) 5. VIA

6. ARRIVAL DATE 7. ARRIVAL TIME

ETA Actual

8. INSPECTION DATE 9. INSPECTION TIME

From To

PROHIBITED AND/OR RESTRICTED AGRICULTURAL MATERIALS

COMMODITY LOCATION COUNTRY OF

ORIGIN SAFEGUARD AND/OR DISPOSITION PRESCRIBED

10. NO. PASSENGERS AND CREW CLEARED 11. NO. PIECES OF BAGGAGE 12. PROPOSED DEPARTURE DATE

SAFEGUARD NOTICE: While this vessel is in the territorial limits of the United States, no crew member or other

person shall remove any of the following items except by specific permission of an Agricultural Officer: (1) fruits,

vegetables, meats, or other animal products; (2) live plants; (3) live birds; (4) hay, straw, rice hulls, hold sweepings

or dunnage; (5) garbage from food materials including rootcrop bags, meat wrappers, or other food containers. 

GARBAGE MUST BE KEPT IN COVERED, LEAKPROOF CONTAINERS INSIDE THE VESSEL'S RAILINGS AT

ALL TIMES.

If any agricultural items are sealed, the seals are not to be broken or removed while this vessel is within territorial

limits of the United States except under direction of an Agricultural Officer.

WARNING NOTICE: Violations of the above requirements can result in criminal fines in accordance with Title 18,

United States Code and imprisonment for up to one year, or both, or civil penalties of up to $250,000 per violation.

17. I Fully Understand the Safeguards Prescribed Above (Signature of Responsible Ship's Officer) 18. TITLE 19. DATE

CONDITION OF GARBAGE CONTAINERS WHEN

INSPECTED

DEFICIENT

CONDITION

CORRECTED

21. SHIP AREAS NOT

 INSPECTED

HOLDS INSPECTED

(Identify)

22. LIVE ANIMALS/BIRDS

 ABOARD

COVERED INSIDE RAILING LEAKPROOF

YES NO YES NO YES NO YES NO

QUARTERS YES NO

DRY STORES

PANTRY

Type:

Number:

20.

13. 14. 15. 16.

APHIS MARPOL ANNEX V COMPLIANCE CHECKLIST

THE FOLLOWING OBSERVATIONS WERE MADE BY APHIS PERSONNEL AFTER INSPECTING VESSEL'S WASTE HANDLING PROCEDURES AND EQUIPMENT:

23. YES NO There is a functional incinerator or other disposal method aboard.

The responsible vessel representative was requested to

show, and did produce, a garbage pickup receipt or other

evidence of lawful disposal of plastics ashore.

YES NO

24. TITLE OF REPRESENTATIVE

ALERT: Report the presence of Honey Bees (swarms or individual bees) to the nearest Agricultural Officer, Telephone__________________________________________.

25. REMARKS

26. SUBSEQUENT PORTS OF CALL (Notified) NO. PASSENGERS 27. OFFICER'S SIGNATURE

PPQ FORM 288 Previous editions are obsolete

JUL 2001
Appendix A

PPQ Form 288, Ship Inspection Report

11/2022-12 Puerto Rico/US Virgin Islands Manual A-7

Purpose

PPQ Form 288, for use by PPQ personnel only, serves the following purposes:

Evidence for a garbage violation case

Means of notifying PPQ personnel at subsequent ports of observations 

made and disposition actions taken during ship boarding

Means of documenting the agreement to safeguard restricted items and 

garbage, or materials under seal while in U.S. territorial waters during the 

voyage

Order to the Captain or other responsible ship’s officer to take or observe 

designated safeguards and documented agreement to those safeguards

Port record of the ship inspection of vessels traveling between Puerto Rico 

or Hawaii and the U.S. mainland

Instructions

To complete this form, follow the instructions in Table A-4.

Table A-4 Instructions for Completing PPQ Form 288, 

Ship Inspection Report

Block Instructions

1 LIST the name of the city and State of your port

2 LIST the flag (country of registry) and name of vessel (two-letter PINET code/name 

of vessel)

3 LIST the dock

4 LIST the country of origin

5 Fill in

6 LIST the date of arrival

7 LIST the estimated time of arrival (ETA) and actual time of arrival

8 LIST the date of inspection

9 LIST the beginning and ending time of ship boarding

10 Enter the number of passengers disembarking at your port

11 Enter the number of pieces of baggage

12 LIST the proposed date of departure (important for planning any future reboardings 

and/or to give the next port advanced notice)

13 List the names and quantities (in kilos) of commodities (fruits and vegetables) that 

are restricted or prohibited

DO NOT list fruits and vegetables which are listed in the Agricultural Commodity 

Import Requirements (ACIR) database as enterable unless treatment is a condition of entry or inspection discloses a pest risk requiring a specific safeguard or 

disposition
Appendix A

PPQ Form 288, Ship Inspection Report

A-8 Puerto Rico/US Virgin Islands Manual 11/2022-12

14 List location by using the following letters: B for baggage, Q for quarters, S for 

stores, and F for ship’s furnishings

Write the number of interceptions after the letter for material intercepted and 

destroyed, such as “B-3” for three interceptions in baggage

15 List the country of origin for each commodity

16 Fill in a statement to be used for the safeguard and/or disposition prescribed, as follows:

Enter “To remain under seal while in territorial waters of the United States” for 

items such as fruit fly hosts that require sealing, or for a garbage violation

Enter other appropriate statements, such as:

May be used while in port

To remain under seal pending treatment

Destroyed

Refer to Remarks

17 Have the Captain or highest officer aboard the vessel read the Safeguard Notice 

and sign the block

18 Person signing Block 17 lists title

19 Have the person signing enter the date signed

20 Check YES or NO as condition of garbage containers observed

21 Check any ship areas that were not inspected

If holds were inspected, then list

22 Check as appropriate

If any live animals or birds are aboard, then list the type and number of regulated 

animals only; do not list cats or dogs

23 If there is a functional incinerator or other disposal method aboard, check YES; if 

not, check NO

24 CHECK YES or NO as appropriate and list the title of the ship’s representative.

Table A-4 Instructions for Completing PPQ Form 288, 

Ship Inspection Report (continued)

Block Instructions
Appendix A

PPQ Form 288, Ship Inspection Report

11/2022-12 Puerto Rico/US Virgin Islands Manual A-9

Distribution

Distribute PPQ Form 288 as follows:

Keep the original for the port file.

Give one copy to Master or other ship officer.

Send one copy to the PPQ office at subsequent port when any of the 

following conditions apply:

Stores are sealed

Pest risk is significant

Vessel has a garbage violation

25 LIST any additional information or supplemental data as appropriate, such as the following:

If a crew member informs you that plastics were dumped at sea, then write the 

crew member’s statement and have the crew member sign

Reference if fumigation was voluntary i.e., carrier choice as alternate to waiting for 

pest identity confirmation

Reference to cargo that PPQ at next port of call should know about

Reference to giving a copy to Master or other officer

Warning notice

Dry stores fumigated

Enter seal number and types of seals applied, serial numbers, and exact locations 

of seals: e.g., “USDA Tyden seal #4967 on cage locker inside the vegetable 

reefer”

Enter a dollar sign ($) if you have assessed and collected a spot settlement for a 

garbage violation, and state the nature of the violation and amount of the penalty

If a pet bird is aboard the vessel, write the following statement and get the Captain’s signature:

“I agree to keep the bird(s) caged or tethered and kept in a ship’s cabin while in 

U.S. territorial waters.” [Captain’s Signature]

If the vessel arrived from or transited a country known to have Africanized honeybees, write the following statement:

“If live bees are sighted on the ship or a container, then call a PPQ Officer at [Port 

telephone number].”

26 List subsequent ports of call notified and number of passengers

27 Officer signs

Table A-4 Instructions for Completing PPQ Form 288, 

Ship Inspection Report (continued)

Block Instructions
Appendix A

PPQ 309, Pest Interception Record

A-10 Puerto Rico/US Virgin Islands Manual 11/2022-12

PPQ 309, Pest Interception Record

PPQ has replaced the PPQ 309 with the Diagnostic Request (DR). PPQ must

use the Agricultural Risk Management System (ARM) to submit pest 

interceptions and generate the DR. Refer to the ARM Help section for more 

information. 

CBP will submit pest interceptions in ARM using the appropriate Form 309/

309A. Refer to Figure A-4 for an example of an ARM-generated 309.

Figure A-4 Example of PPQ 309, Pest Interception Record (generated in ARM)
Appendix A

PPQ 309, Pest Interception Record

11/2022-12 Puerto Rico/US Virgin Islands Manual A-11

Instructions for CBP Personnel Only

1. Log into the Agricultural Risk Management (ARM) System.

2. Enter your User Name and Password.

3. Refer to the ARM Help section for more information for entering a record 

into the database.

Enter all interception information directly into the ARM to create an official 

record of the interception. Generate a printed copy of the record to attach with 

specimens.

Never submit multiple forms for the same pest species in the same shipment. If 

you find multiple interceptions in one cargo consignment (on the same vessel, 

in the same mail parcel, or in the same passenger’s luggage), then compare and 

separate all pest species. Provide all necessary information (for all life stages) 

of the same pest species in one PPQ Form 309. Use the remarks section to note 

multiple specimens or multiple life stages. Ensure the PPQ Form 309 is 

completed accurately (include size, weight, origin, and host material).

Include all additional details in the remarks section. This information helps 

determine appropriate quarantine actions and treatment recommendations.

Distribution

Send the printed form, attached with specimens, to the appropriate identifier or 

specialist for identification. Refer to Chapter 12 in the Manual for Agriculture 

Clearance for guidance on preparing plant pest interceptions.
Appendix A

PPQ Form 309A, Pest Interception Record Worksheet

A-12 Puerto Rico/US Virgin Islands Manual 11/2022-12

PPQ Form 309A, Pest Interception Record Worksheet

Figure A-5 Example of PPQ Form 309A, Pest Interception Record Worksheet

United States Department of Agriculture 

Plant Protection and Quarantine 

PEST INTERCEPTION RECORD

Interception Number (Database Generated) For PPQ Use 

1. Location Forwarded To For PPQ Use 

 None PPQ SEL Other 

2. Port of Reference Number 3. Priority

 Urgent Prompt Routine CRA-Tally 

4. Interception Date 7. Pathway 

 8. Mode of Transportation 

Airport Maritime SITC Aircraft Vessel Railcar 

5. Inspector Overtime 

(Last Name, First Name) Land 

Border 

Foreign 

Site Rail Vehicle Truck Train 

6. Origin Unsure Pre 

Departure Inspection Inland Inspection 

Bus Pedestrian 

9. Destination 

(City, State, ZIP Code)

10. Airline/Ship Name 11. Flight Number/Ship Number 

12.Inspected Host 

(Imported Commodity)

16. Imported As 

 

17. Shipment Identification Number 

Fruit Leaf Stem Root 

13. Host Quantity 

(Shipment Size)

 NUMBER UNITS 

Bulb Seed Soil Cut 

Flower 

Shipment Type Entry Number 

Air Waybill Container Number 

14. Material For 

 Consumption 

 

 Propagation 

 Non-Entry 

15. NARP 

 Yes 

 

 No 

Plant Cutting Wood Product Bill of Lading Other 

19. Where Intercepted 

General Cargo Baggage Stores Holds

18. Biological or Pest Host 

Permit Cargo Mail Quarters Miscellaneous

20. Pest Proximity 22. Pest Stage 

(Insects, Mites and Nematodes) Immature Pupae Adults Eggs Cysts

 In On With Alive 

21. Pest Type

Botany Disease Insect Dead 

Mite Mollusk Nematode 

23. Pest Order Quarantine Status For PPQ Use 

 Action No Action Check Regs 

24. Final 25. Pest Determination 26.Reportable 

 Yes No 

27. Determined By 28. Date 

 Yes No 

 Yes No 

29. Remarks 

PPQ Form 309A 

March 2011 
Appendix A

PPQ Form 309A, Pest Interception Record Worksheet

11/2022-12 Puerto Rico/US Virgin Islands Manual A-13

Purpose

PPQ Form 309A is a worksheet that provides information pertaining to 

organisms intercepted from materials of foreign origin. Information on this 

form is used to determine the quarantine status of the intercepted organism and 

may be entered into the ARM to create an official record of the interception.

Instructions

A fillable pdf version of PPQ Form 309A is available from the APHIS Forms 

Library to facilitate data collection if you need to enter data from a different 

location. Refer to Figure A-6 and Figure A-7 for guidance on completing the 

form.

Distribution

Distribute this internal worksheet according to local port policy.
Appendix A

PPQ Form 309A, Pest Interception Record Worksheet

A-14 Puerto Rico/US Virgin Islands Manual 11/2022-12

Figure A-6 Instructions for Completing PPQ Form 309A, Pest Interception Record Worksheet (page 1)

Instructions for Completing Form 309A 

APHIS-PPQ Pest Interception Record 

Form 309A is an interactive PDF document that was designed to be filled out either online or by hand. The 

information requested on the form reflects the data needed to create a 309 Interception Record in the Pest 

Interception Database (Pest ID). The instructions below provide guidance on competing each of the fields 

on the form. 

1. Location – Select the appropriate location from the drop 

down list and confirm that your selection reflects the 

appropriate agency affiliation (CBP, PPQ). 

2. Port Reference Number – Include a user-defined reference 

number following any locally established protocols. 

3. Priority – Indicate the priority of the interception: 

Urgent – Immediate attention required, cargo on 

hold pending identification. 

Prompt – Identification desired within two weeks. 

Routine – Identification desired within 30 days. 

CRA-Tally – Indicates interception of a pest covered 

under the Cargo Release Authority Program. 

4. Interception Date – Enter the date on which the 

interception was made. 

5. Inspector – Indicate the inspector(s) involved in the 

interception (Last Name, First Name Middle Initial) and 

indicate if the interception was made during an overtime shift. 

6. Origin – Select the country of origin from the drop down 

list. If the origin is questionable, check the Unsure box. 

7. Pathway – Indicate the pathway through which the 

interception was made. 

Airport – All interceptions made at airports 

Maritime – All interceptions made at seaports 

SITC – All interception associated with PPQ 

 Smuggling Interdiction & Trade Compliance 

 activities 

Land Border – All interceptions made from 

pedestrians and personal or commercial vehicles 

inspected at the Canadian and Mexican borders 

Foreign Site – All interceptions made during 

Preclearance or other offshore activities 

Rail – All interceptions made from rail freight of 

foreign origin 

Pre-Departure – All interceptions made from predeparture inspection of passengers traveling between 

US destinations 

Inspection Station – All interceptions made from 

propagative material examined at PPQ Plant 

Inspection Stations 

8. Mode of Transportation – Indicate the type of conveyance 

used to transport the inspected item(s). 

9. Destination – Identify the declared destination (City, State, 

Zip Code) of the inspected item(s). At minimum, provide the 

destination state using the drop down list. 

10. Airline / Ship Name – When applicable, identify the 

airline or ship used to transport the inspected item(s). 

11. Flight # / Ship # – When applicable, provide the 

identification number of the flight or ship used to transport the 

item(s). 
Appendix A

PPQ Form 309A, Pest Interception Record Worksheet

11/2022-12 Puerto Rico/US Virgin Islands Manual A-15

Figure A-7 Instructions for Completing PPQ Form 309A, Pest Interception Record Worksheet (page 2)

12. Inspected Host – Enter the scientific name for all plants 

and plant products, as well as the part of the plant affected. 

Typical host part values include: 

- Bagging - Dried - Pod 

- Bark - Dunnage - Root 

- Bulb - Flower - Seed 

- Cargo - Fruit - Slab 

- Crating - Granules - Soil 

- Cutting - Leaf - Stem 

- Dried Flower - Pallet - Straw 

- Dried Fruit - Petal - Trunk 

- Dried Leaf - Plant - Wood 

Identify all miscellaneous products using general descriptive 

terminology (i.e. gravel, machinery, tiles, etc.) 

13. Host Quantity – Enter the shipment size of the inspected 

commodity and select the appropriate unit of measure from the 

drop down list. 

14. Material For – Indicate the proposed usage of the item(s) 

being inspected. 

15. NARP – Indicate whether the inspected item(s) are 

covered under the National Agricultural Release Program. 

16. Imported As – For plant-related commodities, indicate the 

form of the inspected material. 

17. Shipment Identification # - Enter a unique identification 

number for the shipment and indicate the source of this 

number. If Other is selected, please provide additional 

information in the Remarks section at the bottom of the form. 

18. Biological Host – If the intercepted pest is encountered on 

host material that differs from the inspected commodity, enter 

the identity of the contaminant, packing material, etc. 

19. Where Intercepted – Indicate where the pest was found: 

General Cargo – Manifested items that are not

quarantine regulated. (e.g. processed wood products, 

household goods, dried flowers) 

Permit Cargo – Manifested items requiring a formal 

permit and/or quarantine-regulated items, (e.g. 

unprocessed wood products including dunnage, fruits 

and vegetables, cut flowers, propagative material.) 

Baggage – Passenger baggage. 

Mail – Mail packing and mail bags. 

Stores – Food kept aboard carriers to feed crew, 

passengers, or animals. 

Quarters – Living areas including cabins on a ship, 

passenger, and crew cabins on a plane, etc. 

Holds – Cargo compartments, also use for pests that 

cannot be associated with specific cargo. 

Miscellaneous – Found at large, on or within various 

parts of carriers (ship, plane, or vehicle) except when 

found in the carrier stores, quarters, or holds. 

20. Pest Proximity – Identify the location of the pest in 

relation to the host: 

In – Pest(s) extracted from inside the commodity. 

On – Pest(s) are attached and feeding on the 

commodity. 

With – Pest(s) associated with the host, but not on or 

in the host. 

21. Pest Type – Indicate the type of pest intercepted. 

22. Pest Stage – Enter the number of specimens of each life 

stage intercepted and indicate whether the specimens collected 

were Alive or Dead. 

23. Pest Order – If known, identify the order of the 

intercepted pest. 

24. Final – Indicate if the associated pest determination 

represents a final identification. For tentative identifications, 

leave this block blank. 

25. Pest Determination – Enter the scientific name of the 

identified pest. 

26. Reportable – Indicate whether the identified pest is 

reportable (Quarantine Significant). 

27. Determined By – Enter the identifiers name. 

28. Date – Enter the date on which the identification was 

made. 

29. Remarks – Include any notes that may aid identifier(s). 

Follow any local protocols that make use of this field to 

collect additional information about the interception. 

Examples include: Brokers, Farms, Growers, Locations, 

Varieties, etc. 

**The following fields are to be used by PPQ Identifiers or 

National Specialists: 

Interception Number – The interception number is 

automatically assigned by Pest ID and can be transcribed on 

to the form, if needed. 

Forward To – Identifiers use this field to indicate if the 

interception has been forwarded to a National Specialist. 

Quarantine Status – This field allows the Identifier or 

National Specialist to indicate whether the interception should 

result in quarantine action. 
Appendix A

PPQ 413 Worksheet, Aircraft Inspection Record

A-16 Puerto Rico/US Virgin Islands Manual 11/2022-12

PPQ 413 Worksheet, Aircraft Inspection Record 

Figure A-8 Example of PPQ 413Worksheet, Aircraft Inspection Record
Appendix A

PPQ 413 Worksheet, Aircraft Inspection Record

11/2022-12 Puerto Rico/US Virgin Islands Manual A-17

Purpose

Use the PPQ 413 worksheet to record information associated with air traffic. It 

is for local port use only. The information recorded on this form is a useful 

mechanism to track activities to transfer to ARM.

Instructions

Follow any modifications in completing the worksheet that are required by 

local needs. Complete this worksheet after the aircraft, passengers, and crew 

are cleared. Refer to instructions in Table A-5.

Table A-5 Instructions for Completing PPQ 413 Worksheet, Aircraft Inspection 

Record

Block Instructions

Port Enter the name of the port location or port code.

Airport Enter the name of the departure airport.

Date Fill in MM/DD/YYYY.

Time Enter the estimated or scheduled time of departure.

Reg. or O/T 

Type

Enter “REG”. If the service was performed on O/T, enter “GOV” for Government O/T or “ROT” for reimbursable O/T.

Aircraft ID# Enter the tail number or flight number of the aircraft.

Aircraft 

Type

Enter the type of aircraft (cargo, commercial, military, or private).

Applicant Enter the name of the company who requested the service (for example, FBO 

name).

Airline 

Company

Enter the name of the owner or managing company of the aircraft.

PAX Final 

Dest

Enter the passenger final destination (city and state or airport code).

# of PAX/ 

Crew

Enter separately the total number of passengers and the total number of crew 

members departing.

QMIs Baggage: Enter the total number of QMIs and the article type(s) and quantity(ies) from passenger baggage (e.g., 2 QMIs/apples 2 kg., oranges 2 kg.)

QTRS: Enter the total number of QMIs and the article type(s) and quantity(ies) 

from quarters/cabin.

Stores: Enter the total number of QMIs and the article type(s) and quantity(ies) 

from stores/galley.

# of Samples 

Submitted

Enter the total number of specimens submitted for Pest ID.

If “PROMPT” is available as an option in the DR, select “PROMPT”.

Inspector(s)

Initials

Enter the initials of the inspector(s) clearing the aircraft.

NOTICE

Be sure to ask the passenger for the QMI origin and final 

city/state destination for the Diagnostic Request (DR) in ARM.
Appendix A

PPQ 413 Worksheet, Aircraft Inspection Record

A-18 Puerto Rico/US Virgin Islands Manual 11/2022-12

Distribution

Since PPQ 413 Worksheet is a local worksheet, there is no distribution outside 

the port.

Total

Remarks Fill out if needed. For example, if more space is needed for recording QMI articles and quantities.

Table A-5 Instructions for Completing PPQ 413 Worksheet, Aircraft Inspection 

Record (continued)

Block Instructions
Appendix A

PPQ Form 518, Report of Violation

11/2022-12 Puerto Rico/US Virgin Islands Manual A-19

PPQ Form 518, Report of Violation

A fillable version of the PPQ Form 518 is on the CBP.APHIS internal website 

(for authorized users only).[https://cbp.aphis.usda.gov/ppq/php/

manuals.shtml].

Figure A-9 Example of PPQ Form 518, Report of Violation

According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, an agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respo nd to, a collection 

of information unless it displays a valid OMB control number. The valid OMB control number for this information collection is 0579-0088. The time 

required to complete this information collection is estimated to average 1 hour per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching 

existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information.

OMB Approved

0579-0088

EXP: 02/2020

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 

ANIMAL AND PLANT HEALTH INSPECTION SERVICE

PLANT PROTECTION AND QUARANTINE

REPORT OF VIOLATION

VIOLATION NO. NE19000001

1. DATE VIOLATION DISCOVERED

03/04/2019

2. VIOLATED REGULATION OR COMPLIANCE 

AGREEMENT

7 CFR 330.200

3. WHERE INTERCEPTED (city or port, and state; also county if domestic)

JFK New York

4. ORIGIN OF ARTICLE (include county, if domestic)

Portugal

5. ARTICLE MOVED IN VIOLATION OF REGULATIONS

Citrus leaves

6. IDENTITY OF ARTICLE (Serial No., Waybill No., Description, etc.)

AWB# 00454504054

7. NAME AND BUSINESS ADDRESS OF VIOLATOR (shipper, caterer, cleaner, garbage handler,

servicing agent, broker, ship's agent, etc. Identify which.)

XXXX Brokers Ltd. 

1000 Important Street

Brooklyn, NY 11215

8. VIOLATOR HAD

COMPLIANCE 

AGREEMENT? YES NO PERMIT? YES NO

9. IF NO, WAS VIOLATOR AWARE OF REGULATION?

YES NO UNKNOWN

IF "YES,"HOW INFORMED AND WHEN?

Prior interception of the same commodity without permit.

10. NAME AND BUSINESS ADDRESS OF CARRIER

Best Airlines

2000 Street

City, State, Zip Code

11. WAS CARRIER AWARE OF REGULATION?

YES NO UNKNOWN

IF "YES," HOW INFORMED AND WHEN?

12. IDENTITY OF CARRIER 13. NAME AND BUSINESS ADDRESS OF CONSIGNEE

Hamdem Producers 

10004 Golden Street

Manhattan, NY 10012

PLANE AIRCRAFT NUMBER

N345MF

FLIGHT NUMBER

4560

SHIP FLAG NAME

Best Airline

ROAD VEHICLE LICENSE NUMBER N/A

14. DISPOSITION OF PEST RISK (i.e., articles named in Item 5 were fumigated, destroyed, etc.) 

Shipment was refused entry and ordered to be re-exported. 

15. REMARKS (attach additional sheet, if needed)

Plants of the Genus X are prohibited from entering the USA per Federal Quarantine Order No.555. See attached Officer's Statem ent. 

16. VIOLATOR OR CARRIER'S STATEMENT OF VIOLATION (attach additional sheet, if needed. Identify who gave statement.)

None 

17. OFFICER'S STATEMENT: The officer must attach a detailed, signed, and dated statement stating how the action violated the regu lations or compliance agreement cited in Item 2. It must fully

describe the facts of the violation from discovery through disposition of pest risk including when, who, what, and where.

18. SIGNATURE OF INITIATING OFFICER 19. PRINTED NAME OF OFFICER AND WORK UNIT

John Smith JFK cargo, New York

20. DATE REPORTCOMPLETED

03/19/2019

21. OFFICER IN CHARGE COMMENTS (attach additional sheet, if needed)

LIST PREVIOUS VIOLATIONS 

XXX Brokers Ltd. has a history of prior violations; see Exhibit 7 attachment. 

RECOMMENDATIONS 

Civil Penalty 

22. SIGNATURE OF OFFICER IN CHARGE 23. PRINTED NAME OF OFFICER IN CHARGE AND WORK UNIT

Robert Doe JFK cargo, New York

24. DATE SIGNED

03/19/2019

PPQ FORM 518

MAR 2019

Clear Form
Appendix A

PPQ Form 518, Report of Violation

A-20 Puerto Rico/US Virgin Islands Manual 11/2022-12

Purpose

The purpose of PPQ Form 518 is to refer violations of APHIS regulations to 

APHIS-IES. Forward the form to your local IES Area Manager within two 

weeks of discovery of the violation. Use PPQ Form 518 to request a field 

investigation and to submit information to IES regarding certain repeat 

violations.

Do not submit PPQ Form 518 to IES in conjunction with a spot settlement 

form (PPQ Form 591). Spot settlements are intended to settle the violation 

without an investigation. On limited occasions when the alleged violator fails 

to pay the spot settlement penalty and IES needs to become involved, refer to 

Refusing to Pay the Civil Penalty on page A-28 for explicit instructions on 591 

referrals to IES.

Instructions

Use the instructions in Table A-6 for guidance in completing PPQ Form 518. 

The PPQ officer who detects the violation initiates the PPQ Form 518 and 

gathers all associated documentation. This employee is responsible for 

submitting their PPQ officer’s statement and for collecting and safeguarding 

the physical evidence (e.g., intercepted product or samples/pictures thereof, 

seals, shipping boxes, paperwork, etc.). Photograph or photocopy any 

applicable evidence that cannot be secured and may not be available for IES 

to examine at a later date. Examples of this may be perishable or infested 

items, a photograph of the conveyance, if significant to the case, or a 

photocopy of correspondence between the shipper and consignee if the original 

document is not relinquished. 

Provide all documentary and physical evidence to your local IES Area 

Manager, along with the PPQ Form 518, when requesting the investigation.
Appendix A

PPQ Form 518, Report of Violation

11/2022-12 Puerto Rico/US Virgin Islands Manual A-21

Table A-6 Instructions for Completing PPQ Form 518, Report of 

Violation

Block Instructions

VIOLATION 

NO. (previously “Serial 

No.”

Enter a unique identifier according to the locally approved naming convention 

(such as FL19-0001).

1 Enter date violation was discovered

If violation was discovered after it occurred, EXPLAIN in Block 15

2 Specify as follows:

3 Fill in the name of the location where the violation of the regulation was discovered or observed

4 Fill in the name of the country, State, and county (or equivalent) if domestic, 

where the article originated or was grown

5 Fill in the name of the article moved, e.g., “5 cases of yams”

6 Enter the air waybill number, bill of lading, etc., if applicable

7 1. Fill in the violator’s name

2. Indicate the person's position in parentheses after the violator’s name (such 

as caterer, shipper, cleaner, etc.)

3. List the violator's business address

8, 9 Check and fill in as appropriate

10 Fill in the name and the business address of the carrier

11 Check and fill in as appropriate

12 Fill in as appropriate

13 Fill in the name and the business address of the consignee

14 List the action(s) taken to eliminate the pest risk, e.g., foreign garbage was 

picked up and incinerated; area where garbage was lying on the ground was 

cleaned and disinfected with sodium hypochlorite; article was seized and 

destroyed

15 Fill in any pertinent remarks (e.g. explanation if the violation was discovered 

after it occurred)

16 If the violator did not provide a written statement, record all relevant verbal 

statements in your PPQ Officer’s Statement and indicate so in this block.

If: Then:

Violation of compliance agreement Enter C.A.

Cargo violation Enter the regulation(s) violated; for 

example, if the violation involved fresh 

fruit, you would enter 319.56

Animal regulation that has been 

violated is unknown (you do not

know the regulation)

Contact PPQ, QPAS in Riverdale at

301-851-2312
Appendix A

PPQ Form 518, Report of Violation

A-22 Puerto Rico/US Virgin Islands Manual 11/2022-12

17 An Officer Statement must be written and accompany each PPQ Form 518 

submitted.

Write your explanation of the violation on a separate sheet of paper titled 

“Officer Statement”

Give this statement an exhibit number

Describe all the facts that resulted in the article listed in Block 5 being in violation of the regulation listed in Block 2

State all facts including who, what, when, where, and how

Include the following information where appropriate:

State when and where the violation occurred

Describe how the violation occurred

Identify the carrier from which the garbage was removed and where the 

garbage came from

Identify the owner of the article

Identify the employer of the violator

Refer to your exhibits and explain their relevance to the case

State if you witnessed the violation

Sign and date the Officer Statement (only the officer signs); if more than 

one officer was involved in the violation, each officer must write a separate 

statement

18-20 Fill in

21 Fill in any additional information1

 that may help to substantiate the case, 

such as previous warning letters and the dates sent, signed compliance 

agreements, any known previous civil penalties, case numbers, dates, and 

amounts of penalties assessed; such as, 

Case #RSS–CP–62–01 fined $1,000 on 9/11/18

Enter your recommendation for one of the following:

Warning letter

Civil penalty

Criminal penalty

22-24 Fill in

1 This information will help determine if the case warrants civil or criminal penalties and the 

amount of the civil penalty, if warranted.

Table A-6 Instructions for Completing PPQ Form 518, Report of 

Violation (continued)

Block Instructions

NOTICE

If using electronic signature in Block 18, you must fill in Blocks 19 

and 20 first.

NOTICE

If using electronic signature in Block 22, you must fill in Blocks 23 

and 24 first.
Appendix A

PPQ Form 518, Report of Violation

11/2022-12 Puerto Rico/US Virgin Islands Manual A-23

Distribution

Distribute the case file, including PPQ Form 518 as follows:

FORWARD a copy and all supporting documents to your local IES Area 

Manager within two weeks of discovery of the violation. If you are 

unable to contact your local IES Area Manager or you do not know who 

serves as your Area Manager, contact the IES Regional Office for the 

State in which you work.

KEEP another copy for the local files (also keep copies of other evidence and 

documents for your files).
Appendix A

PPQ Form 586, Application for Permit to Transit

A-24 Puerto Rico/US Virgin Islands Manual 11/2022-12

PPQ Form 586, Application for Permit to Transit

Figure A-10 Example of PPQ Form 586, Application for Permit to Transit

According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, an agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a 

collection of information unless it displays a valid OMB control number. The valid OMB control numbers for this information collection are 

0579-0049, 0198, 0303, and 0346. The time required to complete this information collection is estimated to average .5 hours per response, 

including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and 

reviewing the collection of information.

OMB APPROVED 

0579-0049, 0198, 

0303, and 0346 

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 

ANIMAL AND PLANT HEALTH INSPECTION SERVICE 

PLANT PROTECTION AND QUARANTINE

APPLICATION FOR PERMIT TO TRANSIT PLANTS 

AND/OR PLANT PRODUCTS, PLANT PESTS, 

AND/OR ASSOCIATED SOIL THROUGH 

THE UNITED STATES

INSTRUCTIONS: 

PLEASE TYPE OR PRINT CLEARLY. PERMITS 

ARE NOT ISSUED TO A P.O. BOX. READ THE 

ENTIRE APPLICATION BEFORE COMPLETING. 

ATTACH ADDITIONAL SHEETS OF PAPER IF 

MORE SPACE IS NEEDED.

FORWARD COMPLETED 

APPLICATION TO: 

USDA-APHIS-PPQ 

PERMIT UNIT 

4700 RIVER ROAD, UNIT 136 

RIVERDALE, MD 20737-1236 

1-877-770-5990; FAX: (301) 734-0572

1. NAME AND ADDRESS OF APPLICANT: 2a. The port of arrival in the U.S. and the location 

of any subsequent stop:

2b. Country of Final Destination

3. Telephone Number (including area code) 4. Fax Number (including area code) 5. E-Mail Address

6. The Specific Origin, Type, and Quantity of Plants and/or Plant Products

(a) Country of Origin (b) Quantity (c) Scientific names of plants and/or plant products, plant pests, 

including associated soil (scientific, botanical, or English names must 

be included. Colloquial names are not acceptable.)

7. The location of (and the time needed for) any storage in the U.S.: 8. Any location in the U.S. where the plants and/or plant products, plant 

pests, and/or associated soil are to be transloaded:

9. The means of conveyance (e.g., air, truck, ocean, rail) to be used 

to transport the plants and/or plant products: 

A. INTO THE U.S. via: 

B. THROUGH THE U.S. via:

10. Use of any additional packing or packaging to secure the materials 

and any associated pests: (Includes shrink wrapping, pest proof 

screening, pallets with tops/bottoms, etc.)

11. If the commodity itself is to be transferred from one containment 

entity to another (i.e., sea container to another container, between 

different truck trailer boxes, airline pallets to truck ), does the 

transloaded facility have a current compliance agreement with the 

U.S. Department of Agriculture? 

Yes No 

12. Are doors on containers, including truck and rail, solid and 

sealable? 

Yes No 

13. Are all openings in the container, including drains, vents, 

introduction ports, etc., mesh screened? 

Yes No 

14. If storage in the U.S. is necessary, has confirmation been made with 

the facility that they can maintain the transiting cargo in a protected 

area to prevent loss or pilferage? 

Yes No 

Do they have a compliance agreement with the U.S. Department of 

Agriculture? 

Yes No 

15. The estimated time necessary to accomplish exportation from 

arrival at the port of entry to exit at the port of export:

16. The final port of exit in the U.S.:

17. Signature of Applicant: 18. Print Name of Applicant: 19. Date:

PPQ FORM 586 (All previous editions are obsolete.)

JAN 2011 

WARNING: Any alteration, forgery, or unauthorized use of this document is subject to civil penalties of up to $250,000 (7 U.S.C. 7734(b)) or punishable by a 

fine of not more than $10,000, or imprisonment of not more than 5 years, or both (18 U.S.C. 1001) 
Appendix A

PPQ Form 586, Application for Permit to Transit

11/2022-12 Puerto Rico/US Virgin Islands Manual A-25

Figure A-11 Instructions for PPQ Form 586, Application for Permit to Transit

Instructions for Completing PPQ Form 586 

Application for Permit to Transit Plants and/or Plant Products through the United States 

 

Please TYPE or PRINT legibly to complete. Do not leave any sections unfilled; for those that do not 

apply, please enter “N/A” (possible for numbers 5, 7, 8, 10, 11, 13, and 14). 

 

1. Enter the name of the company representative who is responsible for the shipment, the company 

name, and a street address. Post Office box number addresses are not acceptable. 

2a. Enter the location of the first United States port of arrival and list any subsequent stops thereafter 

within the United States. 

2b. Enter the country and location of the final destination outside the United States. 

3. Enter both the company phone number and the company representative's work phone number. Be 

sure to include the Area Code and any extensions. Cell phone numbers are acceptable. 

4. Enter a fax number, including the Area Code. 

5. Enter an e-mail address. If you do not have an e-mail address or do not wish to use one, enter 

“N/A.” 

6a. Enter the country or countries from which the product is originally being shipped. 

6b. Enter the approximate amount and/or quantity of each shipment. 

6c. Enter the scientific (Latin) names for each plant or plant product. If you do not know the scientific 

names, enter the English common name of each plant. 

7. Enter the location of storage and the time needed for storage. If storage is not needed, enter “N/A.” 

8. Enter the city and State of the port where transloading will occur. If not transloading, enter “N/A.” 

9a. Enter how the product will arrive, e.g., air, ocean, truck, and/or rail. 

9b. Enter how the product will be transported through the United States, e.g., air, truck, and /or rail. 

10. If additional packaging is being used, please describe the type, e.g., shrink wrapping, pest proof 

screening, etc. If additional packaging is not being used, enter “N/A.” 

11. Indicate yes or no if the transloaded facility has a current compliance agreement with USDA. If 

not transloading, enter “N/A.” 

12. Indicate yes or no if the doors on the containers being used during shipment are solid and sealable. 

13. Indicate yes or no if all openings in the containers being used during the shipment are protected by 

mesh screens. If there are no openings in the containers, enter “N/A.” 

14. Answer only if storage is necessary. If no storage is being used enter “N/A.” If storage is being 

used, indicate yes or no if confirmation has been made with the storage facility that the facility can 

maintain the transiting cargo in a protected area to prevent loss or pilferage. Indicate “Yes” or 

“No” if the facility has a compliance agreement with USDA. 

15. Enter the estimated time necessary to move the product from the point of entry into the United 

States to the port of exit. 

16. Indicate the city and State of the port of exit from the United States. 

17. The responsible person named in block 1 must sign the application. 

18. Print your name legibly. 

19. Enter the date the application was completed and signed. 

 

For any attachments, please type or print PPQ Form 586 with company name and contact name 

at the top of each page. 

 

Send the application by facsimile to 301-734-0572, or mail the completed application to: 

 

USDA-APHIS-PPQ, Permit Services, 4700 River Road, Unit 136, Riverdale, MD 20737-1236. 

 

Please call 1-877-770-5990 if you have any questions. 
Appendix A

PPQ Form 591, Notice of Alleged Baggage Violation

A-26 Puerto Rico/US Virgin Islands Manual 11/2022-12

PPQ Form 591, Notice of Alleged Baggage Violation

Figure A-12 Example of PPQ Form 591, Notice of Alleged Baggage Violation

PPQ FORM 591 (Previous editions are obsolete.)

JULY 2015

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

ANIMAL AND PLANT HEALTH INSPECTION SERVICE

PLANT PROTECTION AND QUARANTINE

NOTICE OF ALLEGED BAGGAGE VIOLATION

TYPE OF ALLEGED VIOLATOR

Passenger 

Crew 

SERIAL NUMBER

SECTION I – FOR USE BY USDA PLANT PROTECTION AND QUARANTINE (PPQ) (Please print)

1. AIRPORT NAME (City, State) 2. DATE AND TIME 

ISSUED 

3. CARRIER (Full name 

and flight number)

 

4. FINAL DESTINATION OF ALLEGED VIOLATOR 

(Full address)

5. REGULATIONS VIOLATED (If record of prior violation,

 provide details) 

6. IDENTIFICATION NUMBER (Obtain copies of identifying documents)

Date of Birth: _____________________________________________

Government-Issued ID Type: _________________________________

Government-Issued ID Number:_______________________________

Issued by (Country/State):___________________________________

Other ID:_________________________________________________

7. NAME OF ALLEGED VIOLATOR (Last name, first name, 

middle initial)

8. PERMANENT ADDRESS OF ALLEGED VIOLATOR (Include 

full address and phone number)

 

Phone Number: 

 

9. MATERIAL SEIZED (List the name of articles, and quantity or weight) 

10. ORAL DECLARATION

 Yes No

11. OPPORTUNITY TO AMEND DECLARATION

 Yes No

12. EVIDENCE JUSTIFYING SEIZURE OF MATERIAL (i.e., labels on material, passenger remarks, etc.). If case is forwarded for further action, an 

officer’s statement must be attached.

13. ISSUING OFFICIAL (Print name) 14. ISSUING OFFICIAL (Signature) 15. BADGE NUMBER

SECTION II – ALLEGED VIOLATOR (Please read Section I and Section II)

The Plant Protection Act (7 U.S.C. 7734) and the Animal Health Protection Act (7 U.S.C. 8313) authorize the imposition of civil penalties for violations 

of the statutes, regulations, or orders issued thereunder. The Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act of 1990 (28 U.S.C. 2461 note) authorizes 

periodic adjustments of the civil penalties for inflation. See 7 CFR 3.91(b)(2) for the current maximum penalties assessed under these statutes. 

You may waive your right to a hearing on the record and agree to pay a specified civil penalty in settlement of this matter by signing this agreement. If 

you agree to pay a specified civil penalty and do not submit payment within the designated time, the matter will be referred for collection. You may 

refuse to pay and request a hearing on the record; a complaint will be issued enumerating the violation(s). The civil penalty offered at this time shall 

not be relevant in any respect to the civil penalty which may be assessed after a hearing. 

1. I acknowledge that I have a right to a hearing on the record. I waive my right to such hearing and agree to pay the sum of $_____________

 within the designated time in full settlement of this matter. 

Sign: __________________________________________________ Date: __________________________________

 --- OR---

2. I acknowledge that I have an opportunity for a hearing on the record, and I do not wish to waive my right. 

 Sign: ___________________________________________________ Date: __________________________________

SECTION III – FOR USE BY UNITED STATES CUSTOMS AND BORDER PROTECTION OR PPQ

SIGNATURE OF CASHIER AMOUNT RECEIVED DATE
Appendix A

11/2022-12 Puerto Rico/US Virgin Islands Manual A-27

Purpose

PPQ Form 591, Notice of Alleged Baggage Violation is used to assess civil 

penalties for passengers and crew who attempt to smuggle prohibited or 

restricted agricultural items in their baggage after failing to declare the items, 

and to assess civil penalties for crew and service personnel who remove 

regulated articles contrary to regulations.

Complete the PPQ Form 591 for violators under 18 not accompanied by an 

adult and for foreign diplomats holding A–1 or A–2 visas even though the 

violation is waived for this category of violators only. 

Instructions

Use the instructions in Table A-7 for completing the PPQ Form 591.

Table A-7 Instructions for Completing a PPQ Form 591

Block 

Number

Field 

Name Instructions

Type of 

Alleged 

Violator

Check appropriate block.

 “Passenger” refers to passengers.

 “Crew” refers to persons employed by the airline.

Section 1 Complete as directed.

1 Airport 

Name

Enter airport name, city, and state.

2 Date and 

Time 

Issued

Enter date and time.

3 Carrier Enter the name of the airline (do not abbreviate) and the flight 

number.

4 Final Destination of 

Alleged 

Violator

Enter the final destination of the alleged violator, including the full 

address.

5 Regulation ViolatedEnter the CFR(s) that the passenger or crew member allegedly 

violated. Be sure to cite the appropriate title, part, and subpart. If 

passenger or crew member is a previous violator, provide details 

including date of violation, CFR involved, and any resulting 

enforcement action.

6 Identification NumberExamine the available identification documents and complete 

appropriate fields. Make copies of identification documents for 

the record.

7 Name of 

Alleged 

Violator

Enter the name as stated on identification documents. Fill in as 

complete a name as possible.

8 Permanent 

Address of 

Alleged 

Violator

Enter the full permanent address of the alleged violator. Enter a 

phone number if possible.
Appendix A

A-28 Puerto Rico/US Virgin Islands Manual 11/2022-12

Refusing to Pay the Civil Penalty

When alleged violators refuse to pay the penalty:

1. Ensure alleged violators understand that they are waiving their right to 

settle the violation with the penalty amount recorded on the PPQ Form 591. 

This penalty amount will not be relevant to the civil penalty that may be 

assessed after a hearing.

2. Have the alleged violator read, sign, and date in Section II-2 of PPQ Form 

591.

3. Allow the alleged violator to write a statement if they wish to do so.

4. Make copies of identifying documents as described in Section I-6 of PPQ 

Form 591.

5. Give the alleged violator Copy 2 of the PPQ Form 591 and dismiss the 

alleged violator.

6. Write an Officer Statement relating all the facts of the incident.

9 Material 

Seized

Enter the name of the article(s) seized and the quantity or weight 

in kilograms.

10 Oral DeclarationCheck the appropriate box to indicate if the alleged violator 

declared the material during initial questioning.

11 Opportunity to 

Amend

Check the appropriate box to indicate if an opportunity to amend 

the oral declaration was given. You cannot assess a civil penalty 

if an opportunity to amend was not given.

12 Evidence 

Justifying 

Seizure

Enter additional information about the seizure (i.e. details about 

the material, passenger remarks, etc.). If the item was concealed 

or misrepresented, explain how.

If the case is forwarded for further action, an Officer’s Statement 

must be attached.

13-15 Signature 

and Badge 

Number of 

Officer

Complete as instructed.

Section II Alleged 

Violator

Enter the amount of the civil penalty before you give the form to 

the alleged violator. 

 AGREES: If the alleged violator agrees to pay the civil penalty, have the alleged violator sign and date in field 1. Instruct 

the alleged violator how to pay as per local protocol.

 REFUSES: If the alleged violator refuses to pay the civil penalty, have the alleged violator sign and date in Field 2.

Refer to directions in “Refusal to Pay the Civil Penalty”. Give a 

copy of the completed form to the alleged violator.

Section III For use by the Agency.

Table A-7 Instructions for Completing a PPQ Form 591 (continued)

Block 

Number

Field 

Name Instructions
Appendix A

11/2022-12 Puerto Rico/US Virgin Islands Manual A-29

7. Collect the following evidence and submit to the appropriate IES office 

within two weeks:

PPQ Form 591

Identifying documents described in Section I-6

Officer statement

Alleged violator statement (if available)

Photographs (if available)
Appendix A

Notification Letter to Airline for Crew Member Violation

A-30 Puerto Rico/US Virgin Islands Manual 11/2022-12

Notification Letter to Airline for Crew Member Violation

If the alleged violator is a crew member, use the template in Figure A-13 to 

notify the airlines. 

Figure A-13 Example of Notification Letter to Airline for Crew Member Violation

(Date) 

Dear (Name): 

On the following dates, an employee of (name of airline) did (list and describe violations):

This letter serves a notice that a violation/s of the Plant Protection Act (7 U.S.C. §§ 8301 et. seq.) 

and the regulations and standards issued thereunder have occurred. Violations of these Federal 

regulations may be criminally prosecuted and can result in monetary penalties, a one-year prison

term, or both. Additionally, violations of these Federal regulations can result in a civil penalty of 

$250,000 per violation, or more depending on the circumstances of the violation. 

The crew members are recognized as having knowledge of the animal and plant regulations 

through training and/or knowledge gained from their employment and frequent travel. Please 

take the opportunity to consult with your employees and conduct additional training if needed. 

To prevent the entry into the United States of unwanted plant and animal pests and diseases, the 

traveling public and crew members are asked to help. By complying with all Federal 

regulations, we all contribute to the protection of America’s agriculture. Your assistance in this 

effort is appreciated.

If you have any questions, please contact (local PPQ office) at (phone number).

(Signature)

(Name and title) 

Plant Protection and Quarantine Template

m

ditionally

olation, or mor , or mor

members are recognized a rs are 

raining and/or g and/or knowledge gain nowledg

ortunity to consult with your consult with e

ntry into the United States of un o the United States

crew members are members ar asked to hel e

ribute to the protection of Ame o the protection o

e contact (local PPQ office) (local PPQ off at
Appendix A

Agriculture Notice

11/2022-12 Puerto Rico/US Virgin Islands Manual A-31

Agriculture Notice

Issue an Agriculture Notice when a prohibited agricultural article is found and 

removed from a package. For ECO packages, place a copy of the Agriculture 

Notice in the package. For U.S. postal packages, place a copy of the completed 

PPQ Form 287, Mail Interception Notice and the Agriculture Notice in the 

package.

Figure A-14 Example of the Agriculture Notice
Appendix A

Agriculture Notice

A-32 Puerto Rico/US Virgin Islands Manual 11/2022-12
01/2017-01 Puerto Rico/USVI Manual B-1

Appendix

B Appendix B

Prerequisite Requirements for Commodity Risk 

Assessments

Introduction

There are two reasons a fruit, herb, or vegetable may not be listed as approved 

for movement to other parts of the United States:

PPQ has not studied the pest risk, or

PPQ has studied the pest risk and there were no mitigations appropriate to 

address the pest risk.

Stakeholders can request a commodity be added to the list of approved fruits, 

herbs, and vegetables (Table 3-1) by submitting a request to:

USDA-APHIS-PPQ

Regulatory Coordination and Compliance Unit (RCC)

4700 River Road, Unit 140

Riverdale, MD 20737

The addition of commodities to Table 3-1 requires that a pest risk analysis be 

conducted, rulemaking accomplished, and published in the Federal Register. 

While the initial request for movement of a commodity to other parts of the 

United States may come from any interested party, in order for APHIS to 

consider whether a currently prohibited commodity can be safely moved 

interstate, the prerequisite requirements outlined in this chaptermust be 

completed. 

Complete the following information to initiate a commodity risk assessment. 

All information should be submitted to and approved by the Puerto Rico or 

U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Agriculture. After approval, the APHIS 

PPQ State Plant Health Director’s office should submit the document to the 

RCC Unit to begin the review process.

Contact Information

Provide your name, company address(es), telephone and fax numbers, and 

email address(es).

Commodity Information

1. A description and/or map of the specific location(s) of the areas in the 

exporting area where the commodity is produced
Appendix B

Introduction

B-2 Puerto Rico/USVI Manual 01/2017-01

2. The scientific name (including genus, species, and author names), 

synonyms, and taxonomic classification of the commodity

3. Identification of the particular plant or plant part (i.e. fruit, leaf, root, entire 

plant, etc.) and any associated plant part proposed for interstate movement 

to other parts of the United States

4. The proposed end use of the imported commodity (e.g., consumption, 

milling, decorative, processing, etc.)

5. The months of the year when the commodity would be produced and 

harvested for interstate movement 

Shipping Information

6. Detailed information as to the projected quantity and weight/volume of the 

proposed importation, broken down according to varieties where 

applicable

7. Method of shipping and under what conditions, including type of 

conveyance, and type, size, and capacity of packing boxes and/or shipping 

containers

Pest and Disease Information

8. Scientific name (including genus, species, and author names) and 

taxonomic classification of arthropods, fungi, bacteria, nematodes, virus 

viroids, mollusks, phytoplasmas, spiroplasmas, etc., attacking the crop

9. Plant part attacked by each pest, pest life stages associated with each plant 

part attacked, and location of pest (in, on, or with commodity)

10. References 

Strategies for Risk Mitigation or Risk Management

11. Overview of agronomic or horticultural management practices used in the 

production of the commodity, including methods of pest risk mitigation or 

control programs

12. Identification of parties responsible for pest management and control

While not mandatory, provide as much of the following information as 

possible to assist USDA in completing a timely response to your request:

Contact Information

Address, phone and fax numbers, and/or email for local experts (such 

as academicians, researchers, extension agents) who are most familiar 

with crop production, entomology, plant pathology, and other relevant 

characteristics of the commodity

Commodity Information

Common name(s)
Appendix B

Introduction

01/2017-01 Puerto Rico/USVI Manual B-3

Cultivar, variety, or group description

Stage of maturity at which crop is harvested and method of harvest

Indication of whether the crop is grown from certified seed or nursery 

stock, if applicable

If grown from certified seed or stock, indication of origin of the stock 

or seed 

Color photographs of plant, plant part, or plant product

Growing/Production Area Information

Unique characteristics of the production area in terms of pests or 

diseases

Maps of the production regions, pest free areas, etc.

Length of time commodity has been grown in production area

Status of growth of production area (i.e. acreage expanding or stable)

Physical and climatological description of the growing area

Post-Harvest Transit and Processing Information

Complete description of the post-harvest processing methods used

Description of the movement of the commodity from field to 

processing to port of interstate movement

Shipping methods and volume of exports

Photographs of the boxes and containers used to transport the 

commodity

Identification of port(s) of export and import and expected months 

(seasons) of shipment

Pests and Disease Information

Common name(s) of the pest(s)

Geographic distribution of the pest, if a quarantine pest and follows the 

pathway

Period of attack (e.g. attacks young fruit beginning immediately after 

blooming) and records of pest incidence (e.g. percentage of infested 

plants or infested fruit) over time (e.g. during the different 

phenological stages of the crops and/or times of the year)

Economic losses associated with pests of concern

Pest biology or disease etiology or epidemiology

Photocopies of literature cited in support of the information above

Current Strategies for Risk Mitigation or Management
Appendix B

Introduction

B-4 Puerto Rico/USVI Manual 01/2017-01

Description of pre-harvest pest management practices (including target 

pests, treatments, or other control methods) 

Evidence of efficacy of pest management treatments or other control 

methods

Efficacy of post-harvest processing treatments in pest control

Culling percentage and efficacy of culling in removing pests from the 

commodity

Description of quality assurance activities, efficacy, and efficiency of 

monitoring implementation

Other Documentation

Relevant pest risk analyses, environmental assessment(s), biological 

assessment(s), and economic information and analyses
06/2019-06 Puerto Rico/US Virgin Islands Manual Glossary-1

Puerto Rico/US 

Virgin Islands 

Glossary

Introduction

Use this glossary to find the meaning of specialized words, abbreviations, 

acronyms, and terms used in regulating products from Puerto Rico and the U.S. 

Virgin Islands into the mainland United States. 

Definitions, Terms, and Abbreviations

APHIS. the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health 

Inspection Service

APHIS, PPQ. APHIS, Plant Protection and Quarantine

ARM. acronym for the Agricultural Risk Management System, a web-based 

service-oriented system to support the operational and analytical needs of 

USDA-APHIS-PPQ and DHS-CBP Agricultural Quarantine Inspection 

programs

certified (certification, certifiable). a type of authorization issued by an 

inspector, evidencing freedom from infestation, to allow the movement of 

certain regulated articles in accordance with the regulations

civil penalty. monetary penalty assessed in all types of actions other than 

criminal proceedings

clearance (cleared). verification of compliance with phytosanitary regulations

commercial consignment. consignment an inspector identifies as having been 

produced for sale and/or distribution in mass markets in the U.S. mainland and 

U.S. territories. Such identification will be based on a variety of indicators 

including, but not limited to, quantity of produce, origin, identification of 

packinghouse on the packaging, and documents consigning the vegetables to a 

wholesaler or retailer

consignment. quantity of plants, plant products, and/or other articles, being 

moved from Hawaii, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, or offshore U.S. 

territories to the U.S. mainland and covered, when required, by a single 

certification or limited permit. A consignment may be composed of one or 

more commodities or lots.
Glossary

Definitions, Terms, and Abbreviations

Glossary-2 Puerto Rico/US Virgin Islands Manual 06/2019-06

contiguous . all States that touch one another without another country or body 

of water between them

continental United States (U.S. mainland). the 48 contiguous States, Alaska, 

and the District of Columbia

conveyance. means by which a commodity may arrive at a U.S. mainland port 

or U.S. offshore location (e.g. container, trailer, vehicle, aircraft, ship)

courier shipment. limited quantities (non-bulk) of potentially regulated 

articles being transported by a second party hired by the shipper. Courier 

companies include DHL, Federal Express (FedEx), United Parcel Service 

(UPS), and a variety of smaller handlers

diagnostic request. replaces PPQ Form 309; used to submit pest interceptions 

to PPQ Identifiers

disinfect (disinfection). the application to all or parts of a ship, vessel, other 

surface craft, or aircraft of a treatment that may be designated by the inspector 

as effective against such plant pests that may be present

hitchhiking pests. insects, mollusks, or other pests that are not directly 

associated with their host material and that move with cargo, in baggage, or at 

large in carriers

interstate. from one State into or through any other State; or within the District 

of Columbia, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, or any other territory or 

possession of the U.S.

limited permit. a document (PPQ Form 530) issued by an inspector or a 

person operating under a compliance agreement for the interstate movement of 

regulated articles to a specified destination

move (moved and movement). shipped, offered for shipment to a common 

carrier, received for transportation or transported by a common carrier, or 

carried, transported, moved, or allowed to be moved directly or indirectly, from 

Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana 

Islands, or the U.S. Virgin Islands, into or through the continental U.S. or any 

other State or territory of the U.S.

open stores. provisions on a vessel that remain unsealed because they pose no 

pest risk
Glossary

Definitions, Terms, and Abbreviations

06/2019-06 Puerto Rico/US Virgin Islands Manual Glossary-3

oral declaration. a verbal response that a traveler makes to an agriculture 

regulatory official who has asked about the contents of the traveler’s 

possessions

plant debris. detached leaves, twigs, or other portions of plants, or plant litter 

or rubbish as distinguished from approved parts of clean fruits and vegetables, 

or other commercial articles

plant pest. any living stage of any of the following that can directly or 

indirectly injure, cause damage to, or cause disease in any plant or plant 

product: a protozoan, a nonhuman animal, a parasitic plant, a bacterium, a 

fungus, a virus or viroid, an infectious agent or other pathogen, or any article 

similar to or allied with any of these articles

phytosanitary regulation. official rule to prevent the introduction or spread of 

quarantine pests or to limit the economic impact of regulated non-quarantine 

pests

pit baggage. luggage that a passenger does not carry into the cabin of an 

aircraft, but instead gives it to the airline (or private operator) to store in the 

aircraft cargo hold

port of destination. the U.S. location to which a conveyance is headed. For 

the purpose of clearing the conveyance and/or regulated articles on the 

mainland, the port of destination is the conveyance’s first point of arrival there, 

regardless of further additional stops

predeparture. official clearance by PPQ or CBP personnel (or cooperators) of 

passengers and cargo prior to departure from HI, PR, USVI, or other U.S. 

territories

propagative material. plants and plant parts that are for or capable of 

propagation, including buds, bulbs, corms, cuttings, layers, pollen, scions, 

seeds, tissue, tubers, and like structures

quarantine significant pest. plant pest or noxious weed that is of potential 

economic importance to the U.S. and not yet present in the U.S., or present but 

not widely distributed and being officially controlled

regulated article. fruits or vegetables in the unprocessed state; cut flowers; 

seeds; and plants or plant products for nonpropagative or propagative use

residue cargo. cargo to be left on board the carrier to be unladen at another 

U.S. port or not unladen at all
Glossary

Definitions, Terms, and Abbreviations

Glossary-4 Puerto Rico/US Virgin Islands Manual 06/2019-06

safeguard. preventive action for handling, maintaining, or disposing of 

prohibited or restricted products and articles to eliminate the risk of the 

dissemination of plant pests 

seal. applying various closures or fastenings (as on a door or container) that 

cannot be opened without rupture, and that serve as a check against tampering 

or unauthorized opening

stop-over catering. catering of meals on board an aircraft that stops in 

multiple locations

transit permit. a written authorization (PPQ Form 586) issued by the APHIS 

Administrator for the movement of fruits and vegetables en route to a foreign 

destination that are otherwise prohibited movement into U.S. locations
02/2022-10 Puerto Rico/US Virgin Islands Manual Index-1

Puerto Rico/US 

Virgin Islands 

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

K

L

M

N

O

P

Q

R

S

T

U

V

W

X

Y

Z

Index

A

agriculture notice A-31

Aircraft

inspection of 2-1

inspection of articles 2-3

prior to inspection 2-2

B

Bagasse 3-8

Baggage

carryon 2-4

examination of 2-3

inspection of 2-3

C

Cactus 3-11

Cargo

inspection of 2-6

Citrus 3-11

civil penalties

crew members 2-5

passengers 2-4

refusing to pay A-28

Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 1-3

Conventions 1-3

Cotton 3-7

bale covers 3-7

lint 3-7

linters 3-7

manufactured 3-7

regulating unfumigated products 3-7, 3-8

seedy waste 3-7

wax 3-7

Cotton, for propagation 3-11

Cottonseed 3-7

bale covers 3-8

cake 3-8

hulls 3-7, 3-8

lint 3-8

linters 3-8

oil 3-7

waste 3-8

wrappings 3-8

crew member notification A-30

Cured

fruits, herbs, and vegetables 3-6

D

diagnostic request (DR) A-2

Dried

fruits, herbs, and vegetables 3-6

E

Earth 3-12

F

Fresh bean pods 3-3

Fresh okra 3-3

Fruit

fresh 3-2

list of approved 3-2

processed 3-4

diced 3-5

frozen 3-5

otherwise precut 3-5

sectioned 3-5

segmented 3-5

sliced 3-5

G

Growing media

list of approved 3-10

H

Herbs 3-2

list of approved 3-2

processed 3-4

M

Mail, inspection of 2-7

Manual

ordering 1-8

reporting problems 1-7

updates 1-8

Miscellaneous products 3-7

N

Nuts 3-13

P

Packing material 3-8

Palm fronds 3-9

Parcels, taking action 2-9

Pigeon peas 3-3

Plant litter 3-8

Plants for propagation 3-10

PPQ Forms

287 A-3

288 A-6

309 A-10

309A A-12

413 Worksheet A-16

518 A-19

586 A-24

591 A-26

notification letter to airline for crew member violation A-30

Propagative material 3-8

Purpose 1-2
Index

Index-2 Puerto Rico/US Virgin Islands Manual 02/2022-10

R

Regulated items covered in manual 1-2

Related documents 1-3

S

Sand 3-12

Scope 1-2

Seeds 3-13

Soil 3-8, 3-12

heat treatments 3-12

Sugarcane 3-11, 3-14

bagasse 3-14

chews 3-14

equipment 3-14

issuing limited permits 3-15

juice 3-15

seed 3-14

Sweet potatoes 3-11

U

Users 1-3

Using the manual 1-7

V

Vegetables 3-2

list of approved 3-2

processed 3-4

Vessels

clearance of 2-11

deciding action to take 2-11

disinfection of 2-11

examining stores 2-10

inspection of 2-10