A major division of the USDA charged with inspecting animal and plant products. APHIS, in turn, consists of sub-organizations, including Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ), which inspects shipments of plants, plant products and a very few animal based products, and issues phytosanitary inspection certificates, and Veterinary Services, which examines live animals and issues health certificates. This agency is also responsible for inspection of all imported goods within the above categories. Much more information about this agency can be obtained via their Internet web site, http://www.aphis.usda.gov/
« Back to Glossary Index