To help facilitate the clearance of imported plants and plant products during the COVID-19 emergency, APHIS and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will accept electronically produced versions of phytosanitary certificates, through June 30, 2021. Acceptable phytosanitary certificates include scanned copies of original certificates, electronic certificates created through a participating country’s ePhyto system, or signed paper forms. Certificates should be legible and include APHIS-required statements. Click for details.
There also has been a move in recent years, enabled by web-based technology, for users themselves to create and share instruction manuals. Ifixit.com, for example, is “the free repair guide for. User manual of perfdog Web terminal. At the top of the official website, there are links to the user‘s manual and the community.
This Web site contains Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ) manuals in electronic format. The Manuals are categorized into two areas: Commodity Import and Export Programs and Domestic Program and Emergency Response Manuals. Each manual on the list contains a short description, the size of the file, and the date the file was last modified or updated. The manuals are in PDF format. Viewing files requires the Adobe Reader. For your convenience, click here to download the Adobe Reader software.
Quick Reference
Animal Product Manual
Fruits and Vegetables Import Requirements (FAVIR) Online Database
Plants for Planting Manual
Export Program Manual
Miscellaneous and Processed Products Manual
Manuals
Agricultural Quarantine Inspection Monitoring (AQIM) Handbook (PDF; 1.63Mb) [Latest Update: 10/03/19]
Provides an information source for implementing AQIM at designated work locations, training employees about the basics of risk analysis and risk management, and analyzing information so managers can make better risk-based decisions.
Send all comments or questions to Josie Cooley.
Animal Product Manual (PDF; 18.8Mb) [Latest Update: 1/19/21]
Provides the background, procedures, and regulatory actions to enforce the regulations governing the import and export of animals, animal products, and animal by-products.
Send all comments or questions to Amy Frevert.
Bulb Identification Manual (PDF; 5.7Mb) [Latest Update: 12/16/11]
This manual serves as a reference for officers who will inspect bulbs for shipment to North America.
Send all comments or questions to Josie Cooley.
CITES I-II-III Timber Species Manual (PDF; 6.9 Mb) [Latest Update: 10/30/20]
Provides CBP and PPQ personnel with guidelines for the import, re-export, violation, seizure, and forfeiture of CITES Appendix I, Appendix II, and Appendix III protected timber species.
- Request for Services to Transport, Store, and/or Dispose of Seized or Forfeited Shipments
(Fillable PDF Worksheet)
Send all comments or questions to Debi Briggs.
Cut Flowers and Greenery Import Manual (PDF; 1.2Mb) [Latest Update: 11/24/20]
Provides the background, procedures, and reference tables for regulating the fresh, cut portion of the plant when it is imported for decoration or ornamentation, and for protecting plants that are threatened with extinction due to trade in those plants or their derivatives.
Send all questions and comments to Bruce Attavian.
Website User Manual Template
Export Program Manual (PDF; 6.4Mb) [Latest Update: 03/10/20]
An operational manual for Authorized Certification Officials to enable them to inspect and issue Federal Export Certificates for plants and plant products. Also provides information that helps exporters meet the plant quarantine import requirements of foreign countries. (Second Edition of the Export Program Manual 03/2010-01)
- State and County Fee Remittance Worksheet (PDF; 533Kb)
- Certificates Issued Worksheet (PDF; 27Kb)
- Checks Collected Worksheet (PDF; 28Kb)
- Refund Request Worksheet (PDF; 66Kb)
- Model Letter for Documenting Major Errors on an Export Certificate (PDF; 51Kb)
- Held Shipment Worksheet (PDF; 32Kb)
- Held Shipment Worksheet (Word; 22Kb)
- Appendix F-Collecting State and County Export Certificate Fees (PDF; 215K)
Send all comments or questions to Michael Perry.
Federally Recognized State Managed Phytosanitary (FRSMP) Program Manual (PDF; 298Kb) [Latest Update: 01/10/20]
An operational manual for State Plant Regulatory Officials to guide them through the petition process to establish and maintain a Federally recognized program. The manual will also assist PPQ staff in the evaluation process and serve as a resource for PPQ and CBP port of entry personnel, as well as the import community, industry, and trading partners.
Send all comments or questions to Bruce Attavian
Fruits and Vegetables Import Requirements (FAVIR) Online Database
APHIS launched a new searchable online database, known as the Fruits and Vegetables Import Requirements (FAVIR) database. FAVIR allows customers to search, by commodity or country, for authorized fruits and vegetables and their requirements for importation into the United States. View the above link to access the online database and for additional information related to FAVIR.
Send all comments or questions to Amy Frevert.
- Approved Papaya Orchards in Chiapas, Mexico [Latest Update: 1/11/21]
- Registered Packing Houses for the Export of Chinese Jujubes to the Continental United States [Latest Update: 3/17/20]
- Registered Facilities for the Export of Citrus from China [Latest Update: 12/7/20]
- Registered Orchard List for the Export of Fragrant Pears from Xinjiang of China to U.S. [Latest Update: 9/1/20]
- Registered Packinghouses of Fresh Chinese Ya Pears Exporting to U.S.A. [Latest Update: 9/1/20]
- Registered Packinghouses for Chinese Fresh Sand Pears Exporting to U.S.A. [Latest Update: 9/1/20]
- Registered Packinghouses of Fresh Chinese Apples Exporting to U.S.A. [Latest Update: 9/1/20]
- Registered Pepper Greenhouses in Arava Valley, Israel [Latest Update: 11/5/20]
- Registered Tomato Greenhouses in Arava Valley, Israel [Latest Update: 12/22/17]
- Designated Pest(s) Free Areas that meet APHIS requirements for Pest-free Areas (PFAs) listed in 7 CFR 319.56-5 [Latest Update: 9/17/18]
Hawaii Manual(PDF; 386Kb) [Latest Update: 11/09/20]
Used for regulating plants, plant parts, and products intended for both propagative and nonpropagative purposes. Used also for regulating carriers originating in Hawaii and moving to other parts of the United States.
Send all comments or questions to Josie Cooley.
Miscellaneous and Processed Products Import Manual (PDF; 1.36Mb) [Latest Update: 12/09/20]
Used for regulating imported items that are processed and are not intended for propagation.
Send all comments or questions to Bruce Attavian
- Approved Broomcorn Establishments [10/01/16]
- Approved Canadian Shippers [10/01/16]
- Approved Ghana Shippers [10/08/19]
- Approved Mexican Shippers [10/01/16]
- Countries from which Corn Seed is Prohibited [10/01/16]
- Countries Infested with Khapra Beetle [01/08/15]
- Facilities Approved to Export Pelletized Screenings [10/20/20]
- Firewood Job Aid — Helps CBP officers identify firewood as either a hard or softwood
- Gypsy Moth Facilities Under Compliance Agreements [10/01/16]
- Supplemental Note for Alternative Treatment Procedures for Non-Compliant Dunnage in Maritime Bulk Cargo [06/01/17]
National Detector Dog Manual(PDF; 2.68Mb) [Latest Update: 04/25/12]
Serves as a guide for experienced canine officers to assist them in performing their duties, and as a training tool for orienting new canine officers, and general information for secondary users.
Send all comments or questions to Bruce Attavian.
Plants for Planting Manual (PDF; 2.9Mb) [Updated 01/19/21]
Send all comments or questions to Debi Briggs.
- Approved Aechmea in Growing Media Facilities (PDF; 167 Kb) [05/16/17]
- Approved Ananas in Growing Media Facilities (PDF; 167 Kb) [05/16/17]
- Approved Anthurium in Growing Media Facilities (PDF; 172 Kb) [04/25/17]
- Approved Campanula in Growing Media Facilities (PDF; 22Kb) [10/13/20]
- Approved Cryptanthus in Growing Media Facilities(PDF; 167 Kb) [05/16/17]
- Approved Cymbidium in Growing Media Facilities (PDF; 127 Kb) [07/02/18]
- Approved Dendrobium in Growing Media Facilities (PDF; 120 Kb [10/07/20]
- Approved Dracaena Facilities (PDF; 163Kb) [Latest Update: 07/09/20]
- Approved Facilities to Clean Canadian Seeds (PDF; 114Kb) [11/27/18]
- Approved Filicales (True Ferns) in Growing Media Facilities (130 Kb) [Latest Update: 11/10/20]
- Approved Guzmania in Growing Media Facilities (PDF; 167 Kb) [05/16/17]
- Approved Heat Treatment Facilities for Guizotia abyssinica Seeds [Updated 01/07/21]
- Approved Hohenbergia spp. in Growing Media Facilities (PDF; 167 Kb) [05/16/17]
- Approved Hosts of Phytophthora ramorum Facilities (PDF; 107 Kb) [Latest Update: 01/05/21]
- Approved Israeli Nurseries, Spodoptera Exclusion Program (PDF; 17Kb) [Latest Update: 02/13/19]
- Approved Nidularium spp. in Growing Media Facilities [05/16/17]
- Approved Neoregelia in Growing Media Facilities (PDF; 167 Kb) [05/16/17]
- Approved Oncidium spp. in Growing Media Faciltities (PDF; 135Kb) [Latest Update: 06/24/20]
- Approved Pelargonium Cuttings Facilities (PDF; 91Kb)[Latest Update: 12/03//20]
- Approved Phalaenopsis in Growing Media Facilities [Latest Update: 01/08/21]
- Approved Plum Pox Susceptible Prunus spp. Facilities (PDF; 31Kb) [Latest Update: 08/15/19]
- Approved Rhipsalidopsis in Growing Media Facilities [Latest Update: 05/15/17]
- Approved Schlumbergera in Growing Media Facilities [Latest Update: 05/15/17]
- Approved Solanum lycopersicum in Growing Media Facilities [Latest Update: 02/07/17]
- Approved Tillandsia in Growing Media Facilities(PDF; 167 Kb) [05/16/17]
- Approved Vriesea in Growing Media Facilities(PDF; 167 Kb) [05/16/17]
- Laboratories Authorized to Issue Seed Analysis Certificates (PDF; 37Kb) [Latest Update: 08/13/20]
- Plants Excluded from Canada/U.S. Greenhouse Certification Program for Export to the United States (Legacy GCP)(PDF; 33Kb)
Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands Manual (PDF; 335Kb) [Latest Update: 10/04/19]
Used for regulating plants, plant parts, and products intended for both propagative and nonpropagative purposes. Used also for regulating carriers originating in Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands and moving to the United States or other territories.
Send all comments or questions to Josie Cooley.
Seeds Not for Planting Manual (PDF; 1.73Mb) [Latest Update: 01/07/21]
Used for regulating importations of unprocessed seeds that are imported for consumption and are not intended for planting.
Send all comments or questions to Debi Briggs.
- Approved Heat Treatment Facilities for Guizotia abyssinica (niger) Seeds (PDF, 19Kb) [Latest Update 01/07/21]
- Approved Facilities for Processing Screenings (PDF; 33Kb) [10/18/18]
Treatment Manual (PDF; 4.5Mb) [Latest Update 01/06/2021]
Operational guide for selecting and conducting quarantine treatments. The procedures and treatment schedules in this manual are administratively authorized for use by APHIS to prevent the movement of agricultural pests into or within the United States. Listed treatments include chemical treatments such as fumigation with methyl bromide, and nonchemical treatments with heat, cold, or irradiation.
Send all comments or questions to Josie Cooley.
- List of Approved Treatment Facilities in the United States [Latest Update: 05/22/20]
- List of USDA-APHIS-PPQ Certified Treatment Irradiation Facilities in the United States [Latest Update: 03/22/19]
- List of Approved Cold Treatment Facilities [Latest Update: 09/06/19]
- Supplemental Information: Methyl Bromide 2016 Label Comparison Table [Update: 11/04/16]
Emerald Ash Borer Program Manual (2019) – Effective until January 13, 2021 (PDF; 7.93 Mb) [Latest Update: 04/27/20] Provides PPQ personnel and cooperators with information and procedures for surveys, regulatory actions and other Emerald Ash Borer Program activities.
Emerald Ash Borer Program Manual (2020) – Effective on January 14, 2021 (PDF; 4.71 Mb)
On December 15, the Agency published a final rule that removes the federal domestic EAB quarantine regulations. The final rule and updated manual will be effective on January 14, 2021.
Send all comments or questions to Russ Bulluck, National Program Coordinator.
Emergency Response Manual (PDF; 2.36 Mb) [Latest Update: 11/1/10]
The Emergency Response Manual is a field reference to help employees quickly find the information they need when using the Incident Command System to respond to a plant health emergency.
Golden Nematode Program Manual (PDF; 2.3Mb) [Latest Update: 01/09/14]Provides information and procedures for surveys, sample processing, regulatory control, and treatment of regulated commodities associated with golden nematode (Globodera rostochiensis).
Send all comments or questions to Bruce Attavian.
Grasshopper Guidebook - Provisional (PDF; 1.8Mb) Serves as a first stop for information for those who manage grasshopper and Mormon cricket survey and suppression programs.
Send all comments or questions to Bruce Attavian.
Gypsy Moth Manual (PDF; 2.55Mb) [Latest Update: 06/26/20]
A prototype of the Gypsy Moth Program Manual.
Send all comments or questions to Bruce Attavian.
User Manual For A Website
Imported Fire Ant Program(PDF; 2.27Mb) [Latest Update: 02/28/19]
Provides PPQ personnel and cooperators with information and procedures for surveys, regulatory actions, and treatments of regulated commodities associated with the Imported Fire Ant Quarantine, (7 CFR 301.81).
Send all comments or questions to Bruce Attavian.
Japanese Beetle Program Manual for Airports (PDF; 1.71Mb) [Latest Update: 10/03/19]
Provides guidelines to protect the agriculture of the Western United States from the Japanese Beetle.
Send all comments or questions to Josie Cooley.
Karnal Bunt Manual (PDF; 3.69Mb) [Latest Update: 03/08/07]
Provides PPQ personnel and cooperators with a job aid to help them control the spread of Karnal Bunt in the United States.
Users: PPQ officers and cooperators, including personnel from ARS, Arizona, California, New Mexico, and Texas departments of agriculture, and Methods Development.
Send all comments or questions to Bruce Attavian
Phytophthora ramorum Domestic Regulatory Program Manual [Latest Update: 9/22/20]
This manual is to help users detect the presence of Phytophthora ramorum in interstate shipping nurseries. The manual describes methods for sampling plants, surface water, drainage water, water for irrigation, container mix, and any other articles designated by an inspector as possible sources of P. ramorum inoculum at the nursery.
Send all comments or questions to Amy Frevert.
Postentry Quarantine Manual for State Inspectors (PDF; 4.2Mb) [Latest Update: 11/24/20]
This manual covers procedures for conducting PEQ tasks beginning with the request to approve a growing site and ending with the release or refusal of the plant material.
Send all comments or questions to Amy Frevert.
Technical Advisory Group for Biological Control Agents of Weeds Manual (Interim Edition)(PDF; 661Kb) [Updated 05/14/20]
The manual provides guidance for the technical advisory group and the scientific community, including petitioners and TAG-BCAW reviewers. This interim edition contains Chapters 1 through 5 and Appendixes A , B, C, D only; remaining to be released at a later date.
Treatment Manual (PDF; 6.43Mb)
This manual is an operational guide for selecting and conducting quarantine treatments to prevent the movement of agricultural pests into or within the United States. Refer to Chapter 5-8 Schedules for Domestic Movement of Regulated Articles for treatment options.