| SVC Interim Ruling
If you follow the link provided earlier in this thread and follow the instructions therin, you can download a PDF of the "SVC Interim Rule" in its entirety.
Effective September 29th 2006, Koi and Goldfish that do not comply with the new regulation will be denied entry into the United States.
Simply having been "tested" for SVC will not necessarily qualify fish for US entry.
One of the key stipulations is that the farm that produced the koi or goldfish must be able to demonstrate that it has been tested in accordance with OIE protocols for a period of not less than 2 years preceeding the date of shipment.
Worldwide, how many farms do you think can comply with those requirement? The OIE protocols are stringent!
Producers and importers have been given a whopping 30 days to comply with these requirements.
Only specific ports will be able to process shipments. If your importer's port is not on this list they will have to transship though one of the ports that is on list.
User fee: $94.00 for each individual shipment.
The impact of the "Interim Ruling" on both the industry and the hobby will be huge. Make no mistake, it is a done deal. By using the "interim rule" route, APHIS was able to circumvent the usual pre-ruling public comment requirement.True, we have 60 days to make comments, but in the meantime, the ruling will take effect on September 29th.
I would urge all affected parties (both professional and hobbyist) to use the "Comment" period to let APHIS know how this will affect you as well as whatever opinions you may have regarding the SVC Interim Ruling.
There is no doubt that screening for SVC is a good thing, but we would hope that it could be accomplished with due process and without undue hardship to numerous people.
Make your voices heard y'all!
Joel b |