South Dakota Nursery and Landscape Association

Colorado Rules on Japanese Beetle

March 16th, 2010

The State of Colorado has implemented new quarantine rules pertaining to Japanese beetle. The new rules went into affect in December, 2009. These new rules will apply to any plant or product that may harbor the Japanese beetle. Shippers from the entire state of South Dakota are bound by these rules.

A Phytosanitary Certificate is required for each shipment. In general, with a couple of differences, the Colorado requirements follow the Japanese Beetle Harmonization Plan sponsored by the National Plant Board for a Category 2 state. The available options for certification can be found on the web site listed below. These options need to be officially conducted or monitored. It is recommended that shippers of plants to Colorado contact the South Dakota Department of Agriculture to review the certification options allowed by Colorado.

The Colorado rules allow for return, treatment, or destruction of shipments found out of compliance by inspectors. Not only is the producer liable for the costs, but there is a provision for a possible civil penalty. It is not recommended that shippers try to “sneak in” shipments, because violations can be determined by the lack of the appropriate paperwork later.

The Colorado quarantine rules can be obtained at this web address:

http://www.sos.state.co.us/CCR/Welcome.do. Search for Rule Number 8 CCR 1203-21.

The Colorado Department of Agriculture, Plant Industry Division, can be contacted at: 303.239.4140.

The South Dakota Department of Agriculture can be contacted at 605.773.3796.