Proposed Rules. Extension of approval of an information collection; comment request

Agency: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA
Action: Extension of approval of an information collection; comment request
Citation: 68 FR (No. 247) · FR Doc. 03-31657 · Docket No. 03-114-1

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.

Dates

We will consider all comments that we receive on or before February 23, 2004.

Supplementary Information

Title: U.S. Origin Health Certificate. OMB Number: 0579-0020. 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 17-140, 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. 03-31657 Filed 12-23-03; 8:45 am]