On January 30, 2018, The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced it finalized a rule to allow the importation of orchid plants of the genus Dendrobium spp. in growing media from Taiwan into the United States.

The rule will go into effect on March 30, 2018.

APHIS scientists determined that the Dendrobium spp. of orchid from Taiwan can be safely imported under a systems approach.

The systems approach established by APHIS scientists is designed to protect against the introduction of plant pests and diseases to the U.S.  It requires the registration and monitoring of greenhouses and specific sanitation and pest control practices in Taiwan.

In addition, each shipment must be accompanied by a phytosanitary certificate declaring that the imported plants meet U.S. regulations. Growers participating in the program must also sign a written agreement with Taiwan’s plant protection organization agreeing to comply with U.S. regulations and to allow inspectors access to their growing facilities to monitor compliance.