Federal Register: December 24, 2003 (Volume 68, Number 247)
DOCID: FR Doc 03-31657
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
Docket ID: [Docket No. 03-114-1]
NOTICE: NOTICES
DOCUMENT ACTION: Extension of approval of an information collection; comment request.
SUBJECT CATEGORY:
Notice of Request for Extension of Approval of an Information Collection
DATES: We will consider all comments that we receive on or before February 23, 2004.
DOCUMENT SUMMARY:
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service's intention to request an extension of approval of an information collection in support of the export of animals and animal products from the United States.
SUMMARY:
Agency information collection activities; proposals, submissions, and approvals,
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
Title: U.S. Origin Health Certificate.
OMB Number: 05790020.
Type of Request: Extension of approval of an information collection.
Abstract: The export of agricultural commodities, including animals and animal products, is a major business in the United States and contributes to a favorable balance of trade. As part of its mission, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), Veterinary Services (VS) maintains information regarding the import health requirements of other countries for animals and animal products exported from the United States.
Most countries require a certification that our animals are free from specific diseases and show no clinical evidence of disease. This certification must carry the USDA seal and be endorsed by an APHIS, APHIS accredited, or State veterinarian. VS Form 17140, U.S. Origin Health Certificate, is used to meet this requirement.
We are asking the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to approve our use of this form for an additional 3 years.
The purpose of this notice is to solicit comments from the public
(as well as affected agencies) concerning our information collection. These comments will help us:
(1) Evaluate whether the collection of information is necessary for
the proper performance of the functions of the Agency, including whether the information will have practical utility;
(2) Evaluate the accuracy of our estimate of the burden of the
information collection, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used;
(3) Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and
(4) Minimize the burden of the information collection on those who
are to respond, through use, as appropriate, of automated, electronic,
mechanical, and other collection technologies, e.g., permitting electronic submission of responses.
Estimate of burden: The public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 0.5004548 hours per response.
Respondents: APHIS accredited and State veterinarians; animal owners; and exporters. Estimated annual number of respondents : 3,000.
Estimated annual number of responses per respondent: 15.0223.
Estimated annual number of responses: 45,067.
Estimated total annual burden on respondents: 22,554 hours. (Due to averaging, the total annual burden hours may not equal the product of the annual number of responses multiplied by the reporting burden per response.)
All responses to this notice will be summarized and included in the request for OMB approval. All comments will also become a matter of public record.
Done in Washington, DC, this 18th day of December, 2003. Kevin Shea,
Acting Administrator, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. [FR Doc. 0331657 Filed 122303; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 341034P
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT
For information on the regulations regarding the export of animals and animal products from the United States, contact Dr. Roger Perkins, Senior Staff Veterinarian, Technical Trade Services, National Center for Import and Export, VS, APHIS, 4700 River Road Unit 39, Riverdale, MD 20737; (301) 7348364. For copies of more detailed information on the information collection, contact Mrs. Celeste Sickles, APHIS' Information Collection Coordinator, at (301) 7347477.