The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) may allow the import of star apples from Vietnam, Vietnam’s Commercial Counselor in the United States, Dao Tran Nhan has said.

The import is scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of this year.

According to the proposal from the Vietnam National Plant Protection Organization (NPPO), the USDA’s animal and plant health inspection service (APHIS) completed a pest risk analysis that was published in the July 19 federal register.

Star apples. Photo: printerest.com

Based on its analysis, APHIS determined that the application of one or more designated phytosanitary measures would be sufficient to mitigate the risks of introducing or disseminating plant pests or noxious weeds through star apple imports.

Scientists said Vietnamese star apples could be safely imported into the continental United States if they met several conditions.

The fruit is required to be treated with APHIS-approved treatments to address pest risks. The commercial consignments must also be accompanied by an export certificate, issued by APHIS’ counterpart in Vietnam, with a declaration that the fruit was prepared for export in accordance with the import requirements.

The shipments will also be subject to inspection upon arrival at the port of entry into the continental United States.

Pending the results of a 60-day public comment period, APHIS is likely to formally approve the imports. The comment period will end on September 19, 2016.

If approved, star apples will be the fifth Vietnamese fruit to be exported to the United States, the others being dragon fruit, rambutan, lychee and longan.

Source: VNA