What action should be taken if a shipment has pests that are not of significance but not practically free from pests?

In cases where a shipment is found to contain pests that are not of significant concern but are not completely free from pests, refusing to certify the shipment is the appropriate action. Certification is intended to ensure that goods meet specific phytosanitary standards and are free of pests that could pose a risk to agriculture or the environment. Even if the pests present are not deemed significant, their presence can still indicate non-compliance with those standards.

Refusing to certify the shipment emphasizes the importance of adhering to stringent phytosanitary regulations. It ensures that goods are not introduced into environments where they could potentially interact with local flora and fauna, even if their risk is minimal. This action preserves the integrity of domestic agriculture and ecosystems.

While additional treatments could potentially eliminate the pests, or monitoring might allow for ongoing observation without immediate action, the fundamental principle of ensuring compliance with phytosanitary standards necessitates refusing certification in cases of pest presence. Allowing for certification without addressing the pest issue could lead to greater risks down the line.