Guidance For Importing Petunias Into The US

USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) learned in May that petunias genetically engineered (GE) for altered flower color—specifically petunias that produce orange flowers, as well as certain red and purple flowers—have been imported, distributed, and grown in the United States without proper authorization. APHIS is working closely with petunia breeders, growers, distributors, and importers to stop unauthorized importation and distribution of GE petunias.

Importers are urged to read the following guidance documents on the APHIS Web site:

• Guidance Regarding the Destruction of Genetically Engineered Petunias
• Guidance Regarding the Identification of Petunia Varieties for Importation
• Guidance for Testing Genetically Engineered Petunias
• Guidance for Using Third-Party Labs to Test Petunia Varieties
• List of Petunia Varieties Requiring Import Authorization, APHIS Form 2000

If you have questions or need additional information, please contact APHIS Biotechnology Regulatory Services at 301-851-3935 or BRScompliance@aphis.usda.gov.

Source: USDA APHIS