----- Original Message -----
From: William.D.Wesela@aphis.usda.gov
To: Adam Fikso
Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2006 6:42 AM
Subject: Re: Current USDA procedures re importation
Mr. Fikso,
I have heard of this happening more frequently though the Los Angeles area. And from speaking to the Agriculture Officers in the L.A. Inspection Station there seems to be a problem with Customs local policies. Its too complicated to explain fully, but Customs has taken over certain agriculture inspection procedures and the changes have caused some problems with package delivery. Because of this problem the package is delivered to the USDA Inspection Station and can not be forwarded to the final destination with out further postage. The problem is being addressed, but I am unsure of any progress.
Unfortunately this is not an easy problem to fix because it involves two separate departments. It is being worked on and hopefully this problem can be resolved soon. Thank you for your concern. Any other questions please contact me.
Bill
William Wesela
Team Leader
USDA/APHIS/PPQ/Permit Services
4700 River Road, Unit 133
Riverdale, MD 20737
Phone# 301-734-0755
Fax# 301-734-4300
William.D.Wesela@aphis.usda.gov
"Adam Fikso" <irisman@ameritech.net>
09/27/2006 02:14 PM
To: <William.D.Wesela@aphis.usda.gov>, <pbs@lists.ibiblio.org>
cc:
Subject: Re: Current USDA procedures re importation
Hello Bill Wesela. Thanks for your rapid response to my eMail. The issue is whether postage should be charged at the quarantine inspection station to send envelopes of seeds and bulbs (arriving from foreign countries) from the receiving station to the import permit holder. Some of us in the Pacific Bulb Society have been charged, others have not.
I have never been charged., in more than 60 years of being a permit holder, (off and on) The back of the green-and-yellow sticker permit states: " DO NOT place any delivery address on outside of package. The permit number or reference on label willl ensure proper delivery" (highlighting and emphasis is mine.)
Historically this has always been understood to mean that no further postage is required, any more than it would for any other mail from any foreign country being transhipped within the United States from wherever it first arrives for customs inspection. to the permit holder
This needs some clarification and attention within our system. No change in postal rules seems to have been inaugurated, nor any related change in within the USDA or Homeland Security so that shipments of live plants and seeds are not delayed? Cordially, Adam Fikso.
cc: PBS
----- Original Message -----
From: William.D.Wesela@aphis.usda.gov
To: irisman@ameritech.net
Sent: Wednesday, September 27, 2006 11:57 AM
Subject: Fw: Current USDA procedures re importation
Mr. Fikso,
This is in reference to your email. If you could please explain to me the situation that occurred I will be better informed to answer your question and resolve the problem.
There have not been any regulation changes concerning green and yellow shipping labels, but local policies have changed in some ports due to the creation of The Department of Homeland Security. Some Agriculture Officers now work as Customs Officers and some remained with USDA.
Please contact me so we can resolve this problem. Thank you for your time.
Bill
William Wesela
Team Leader
USDA/APHIS/PPQ/Permit Services
4700 River Road, Unit 133
Riverdale, MD 20737
Phone# 301-734-0755
Fax# 301-734-4300
William.D.Wesela@aphis.usda.gov
----- Forwarded by Carolyn F Fitzgerald/MD/APHIS/USDA on 09/26/2006 02:06 PM ----- "Adam Fikso" <irisman@ameritech.net>
09/26/2006 01:53 PM
To: <pbs@lists.ibiblio.org>, <Carolyn.F.Fitzgerald@aphis.usda.gov>
cc:
Subject: Current USDA procedures re importation
I don't know what the current snafus are. I can say that historically the
green and yellow sticker with one's permit number was sufficient to get any
shipments through customs, inspection and sent to one's address because
your sticker number is keyed to you and your address. I would think that
emailing or calling the permit issuing office would clarify this matter.
BUT, there are probably all too many clerks who are impressed with their own
importance guarding our borders and confused by the proliferation of
unnecessary regulations who, when they are confronted with something they
don't understand think they have to ask for additional postage. It may be
true.
Historically,the green-and-yellow sticker was sufficient to get the package
through to one's address WITHOUT additional postage. The sticker still notes
that it ensures "proper delivery". (I've had a permit off and on for more
than 60 years.) nor were we newly advised that such postage would be
required when we got our permits together with the instructions. Since
those pages were pretty thorough, I suspect that the inspections offices
haven't been informed . I am writing Carolyn F. Fitzgerald at the USDA for
clarification.
Dear Carolyn. F. Fitzgerald. The above MAY be self-explanatory. If it is
not-- the question is whether or not any additional postage is required to
get a package or envelope sent from the inspection station to the permit
holder's address.
Please clarify to us and let the inspection stations know? Sincerely, Adam
Fikso, Ph.D.