Source: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2016/06/21/2016-14616/use-of-electronic-information-exchange-systems-miscellaneous-amendments
Timestamp: 2019-10-20 12:05:16
Document Index: 244011737

Matched Legal Cases: ['arts 319', 'arts 93', '§\u2009319', '§\u2009319', '§\u2009319', '§\u2009319', '§\u2009319', 'art 322', '§\u2009353', 'art 93', '§\u200993', '§\u200993', '§\u200993', '§\u200993', '§\u200993', '§\u200993', '§\u200993', '§\u200993', '§\u200993', '§\u200993', '§\u200993', '§\u200993', '§\u200993', '§\u200993', '§\u200993', '§\u200993', '§\u200993', '§\u200993', '§\u200993', '§\u200993', 'art 94', '§\u200994', '§\u200994', '§\u200994', '§\u200994', '§\u200994']

Federal Register :: Use of Electronic Information Exchange Systems; Miscellaneous Amendments
A Rule by the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service on 06/21/2016
81 FR 40149
40149-40152 (4 pages)
APHIS-2016-0016
https://www.federalregister.gov/d/2016-14616 https://www.federalregister.gov/d/2016-14616
Start Preamble Start Printed Page 40149
Mr. Stephen O'Neill, Chief, Regulatory Analysis and Development, PPD, APHIS, 4700 River Road, Unit 118, Riverdale, MD 20737-1231; (301) 851-3072.
The Security and Accountability for Every Port Act of 2006 (“SAFE Act”) requires the interagency establishment of a single portal system, known as the International Trade Data System (ITDS), to be operated by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). ITDS is an electronic information exchange capability, or “single-window,” through which individuals and businesses will transmit data required by participating agencies for the importation or exportation of cargo. The goal of ITDS is to eliminate redundant data reporting and replace multiple filings, many of which are on paper. ITDS provides individuals and companies involved in international trade with an electronic format to secure necessary certifications, complete required forms, and provide information about the requirements and regulations relevant to the commodity of interest. The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has actively participated in the development of ITDS in cooperation with CBP and other Federal agencies.
As part of the ITDS initiative, CBP developed the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE), a single, centralized, online access point that connects the trade community and partner government agencies. ACE will allow trade participants access to and management of their trade information via reports; expedite legitimate trade by providing CBP with tools to efficiently process imports/exports and move goods quickly across the border; improve communication, collaboration and compliance efforts between CBP and the trade community; facilitate efficient collection, processing and analysis of commercial import and export data; and provide an information-sharing platform for trade data throughout government agencies.
For its part, APHIS is working to enhance trade facilitation in several ways. In some cases, APHIS programs will work within ACE to take required actions. In other cases, legacy systems will be updated to allow for more efficient processing of the information. For example, a new permitting system, E-file, is currently being developed to replace the legacy E-permits system. E-file will be used across APHIS programs, will include advanced functionality, and will provide permitting data directly to ACE to allow for speedier review and admissibility determinations at the ports of arrival. Other APHIS system enhancements will allow for better communication with our CBP Agriculture colleagues concerning pest identification and allow for expansion of e-certification opportunities with our trading partners. APHIS recognizes the advantages provided by the “single-window” concept and will continue to incorporate those strategies into future planning.
On February 19, 2014, President Obama issued Executive Order (E.O.) 13659, Streamlining the Export/Import Process for America's Businesses, in order to reduce unnecessary procedural requirements to commerce while continuing to protect our national security, public health and safety, the environment, and natural resources. Pursuant to E.O. 13659, participating Federal agencies are to have capabilities, agreements, and other requirements in place to utilize ITDS and supporting systems such as ACE as the primary means of receiving from users the standard set of data and other relevant documentation required for the release of imported cargo and clearance of cargo for export no later than by December 31, 2016.
Pursuant to E.O. 13659, APHIS has reviewed its regulations in 7 CFR chapter III and 9 CFR chapter I to identify any provisions that may present an obstacle to the use of ACE/ITDS or similar systems by persons importing plants/plant products or animals/animal products that are subject to APHIS' regulations.
In particular, we looked for instances where the regulations required the use of a hard-copy form or specified that a particular document had to be submitted in writing. Where those limiting sorts of requirements were found, this final rule amends the regulations to provide the flexibility needed for persons to take advantage of electronic systems. The amendments we are making in this final rule do not mandate the use of electronic systems or preclude the use of paper documents; rather, the rule simply addresses those instances where our regulations specify a submission method to the exclusion of other methods.
In many cases, however, we found our regulations require importers or shippers to provide documents such as import permits or certificates upon arrival in the United States without specifying the medium in which those Start Printed Page 40150documents must be provided. We do not believe that provisions written in that manner require any changes since the language used already allows for the use of electronic systems.
This final rule amends the regulations regarding the importation or exportation of animals and animal products and plants and plant products to address instances where the regulations require the use of a hard-copy form or specify that a particular document must be submitted in writing. Where those limiting sorts of requirements exist, this final rule amends the regulations to provide the flexibility needed for persons to take advantage of electronic systems without precluding the use of other methods already in place. Accordingly, the Administrator of APHIS has determined that good cause exists under 5 U.S.C. 553 to publish this final rule without prior notice and opportunity for public comment.
Since prior notice and other public procedures with respect to this final rule are impracticable, unnecessary, and contrary to the public interest, there is good cause under 5 U.S.C. 553 for making this final rule effective upon publication.
Finally, since a notice of proposed rulemaking is not required pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553, APHIS is not required to prepare and make available for public comment an initial or final regulatory flexibility analysis under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 603 and 604).
This rule is subject to Executive Order 12866. However, for this action, the Office of Management and Budget has waived its review under Executive Order 12866.
Accordingly, 7 CFR parts 319, 322, 352, and 353 and 9 CFR parts 93 and 94 are amended as follows:
2. In § 319.6, paragraph (e)(4) is amended by removing the words “written permission” and adding the word “authorization” in their place.
3. Section 319.8-4 is revised to read as follows:
§ 319.8-4
Immediately upon arrival at a port of entry of any shipment of cotton or covers, the importer shall submit to an inspector or, in the case of Guam, through the Customs officer of the Government of Guam, notice of such arrival using a form provided for that purpose (Form PPQ-368). Forms will be submitted using a U.S. Government electronic information exchange system or other authorized method.
§ 319.40-4
4. In § 319.40-4, paragraph (a) is amended by removing the words “A written” and adding the word “An” in their place.
5. In § 319.40-9, paragraph (b)(1) is amended by removing the words “in writing or by telephone” and adding the words “by any authorized method” in their place.
6. The authority citation for part 322 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 7 U.S.C. 281; 7 U.S.C. 7701-7772 and 7781-7786; 7 CFR 2.22, 2.80, and 371.3.
7. Section 322.7 is amended as follows:
a. By removing the period at the end of paragraph (b)(3) and adding the word “, or” in its place.
8. Section 322.31 is amended as follows:
10. Section 352.7 is revised to read as follows:
Immediately upon arrival of any shipment of plants or plant products (including noxious weeds) subject to this part and covered by a specific permit, the importer shall submit to an inspector notice of such arrival using a form provided for that purpose (Form PPQ-368) and, where relevant, the proposed routing to the proposed U.S. Start Printed Page 40151port of exit. Forms will be submitted using a U.S. Government electronic information exchange system or other authorized method. Notice of arrival shall not be required for other products or articles subject to this part since other available documentation meets the requirement for this notice.
12. Section 353.1 is amended as follows:
a. In the definition of export certificate for processed plant products, by adding the words “or an approved electronic equivalent” after the words “Form 578”.
b. In the definition of phytosanitary certificate, by adding the words “or an approved electronic equivalent” after the words “Form 577”.
c. In the definition of phytosanitary certificate for reexport, by adding the words “or an approved electronic equivalent” after the words “Form 579”.
13. Section 353.2 is amended by removing the words “(PPQ Form 577)”, “(PPQ Form 579)”, and “(PPQ Form 578)”.
14. In § 353.5, paragraph (a) is revised as follows:
(a) To request the services of an inspector, a written application (PPQ Form 572) shall be made as far in advance as possible, and shall be filed in the office of inspection at the port of certification. Forms will be submitted using a U.S. Government electronic information exchange system or other authorized method.
15. The authority citation for part 93 continues to read as follows:
16. Section 93.101 is amended as follows:
a. In paragraph (d) introductory text, footnote 4 is amended by adding the words “or by visiting http://www.aphis.usda.gov/​animal_​health/​permits/​ after the numbers “20737-1231”.
b. In paragraph (f)(2)(iii)(B) introductory text, by adding the words “, available electronically or through other authorized method” after the words “Form 17-8”.
17. In § 93.103, paragraph (a)(1) introductory text, footnote 8 is amended by adding the words “or by visiting http://www.aphis.usda.gov/​animal_​health/​permits/​ after the numbers “20737-1231”.
18. In § 93.206, paragraph (c) is added to read as follows:
§ 93.206
Declaration and other documents for poultry.
(c) Any declaration, permit, or other document for poultry required under this subpart may be issued and presented using a U.S. Government electronic information exchange system or other authorized method.
§ 93.215
19. In § 93.215, paragraph (a)(2) is amended by removing the word “paper” and adding the word “document” in its place, and by removing the words “attached to” and adding the words “included with” in their place.
20. In § 93.305, paragraph (c) is added to read as follows:
Declaration and other documents for horses.
(c) Any declaration, permit, or other document for horses required under this subpart may be issued and presented using a U.S. Government electronic information exchange system or other authorized method.
21. In § 93.407, paragraph (c) is added to read as follows:
Declaration and other documents for ruminants.
(c) Any declaration, permit, or other document for ruminants required under this subpart may be issued and presented using a U.S. Government electronic information exchange system or other authorized method.
§ 93.421
22. In § 93.421, paragraph (a)(2) is amended by removing the word “paper” and adding the word “document” in its place, and by removing the words “attached to” and adding the words “included with” in their place.
23. In § 93.506, paragraph (c) is added to read as follows:
§ 93.506
Declaration and other documents for swine.
(c) Any declaration, permit, or other document for swine required under this subpart may be issued and presented using a U.S. Government electronic information exchange system or other authorized method.
§ 93.519
24. In § 93.519, paragraph (a)(2) is amended by removing the word “paper” and adding the word “document” in its place, and by removing the words “attached to” and adding the words “included with” in their place.
25. In § 93.704, paragraph (b) is revised to read as follows:
§ 93.704
(b) Import permit required. Any person who desires to import a hedgehog or tenrec must submit an application (VS Form 17-129) for an import permit. Applications are available from the Import-Export Animals Staff, National Center for Import-Export, Veterinary Services, APHIS, 4700 River Road Unit 39, Riverdale, MD 20737-1231 or by visiting http://www.aphis.usda.gov/​animal_​health/​permits/​. A separate application must be prepared for each shipment.
26. In § 93.802, paragraph (b) is revised to read as follows:
§ 93.802
(b) An application for an import permit may be obtained from the Import-Export Animals Staff, National Center for Import-Export, Veterinary Services, APHIS, 4700 River Road Unit 38, Riverdale, MD 20737-1231 or by visiting http://www.aphis.usda.gov/​animal_​health/​permits/​.
§ 93.804
27. Section 93.804 introductory text is amended by adding the words “or by visiting http://www.aphis.usda.gov/​animal_​health/​permits/​ after the numbers “20737-1231” and by Start Printed Page 40152removing the words “It must state:” and adding the words “Forms may be provided to the inspector using a U.S. Government electronic information exchange system or other authorized method. The completed form must state:” in their place.
28. In § 93.905, paragraph (b) is added to read as follows:
§ 93.905
Declaration and other documents for live fish, fertilized eggs, and gametes.
(b) Any declaration, permit, or other document for live fish, fertilized eggs, and gametes required under this subpart may be issued and presented using a U.S. Government electronic information exchange system or other authorized method.
29. The authority citation for part 94 continues to read as follows:
30. In § 94.6, paragraph (d) is amended by adding the words “or visit http://www.aphis.usda.gov/​animal_​health/​permits/​ at the end of the sentence.
§ 94.15
31 In § 94.15, paragraphs (b)(1) and (c)(1) are amended by adding the words “or by visiting http://www.aphis.usda.gov/​animal_​health/​permits/​ after the numbers “20737-1231”.
32. In § 94.24, paragraph (b)(2) is revised to read as follows:
Restrictions on importation of meat and edible products from ovines and caprines due to bovine spongiform encephalopathy.
(2) The person importing the gelatin obtains a United States Veterinary Permit for Importation and Transportation of Controlled Materials and Organisms and Vectors by filing a permit application on VS Form 16-3. Permit applications are available from APHIS, Veterinary Services, National Center for Import and Export, 4700 River Road Unit 38, Riverdale, MD 20737-1231, or at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/​animal_​health/​permits/​. Forms may be submitted using a U.S. Government electronic information exchange system or other authorized method. The application for such a permit must state the intended use of the gelatin and name and address of the consignee in the United States.
33. In § 94.27, the introductory text of paragraph (b) is amended by adding the words “Notification may be made using a U.S. Government electronic information exchange system or other authorized method.” after the words “before such transit.”
Done in Washington, DC, this 15th day of June 2016.
[FR Doc. 2016-14616 Filed 6-20-16; 8:45 am]