2018-04421. Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request

February 28, 2018.

The Department of Agriculture has submitted the following information collection requirement(s) to OMB for review and clearance under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13. Comments are requested regarding (1) 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) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of burden including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (3) ways to enhance the quality, utility and clarity of the information to be collected; and (4) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology.

Comments regarding this information collection received by April 4, 2018 will be considered. Written comments should be addressed to: Desk Officer for Agriculture, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget (OMB), New Executive Office Building, 725 17th Street NW, Washington, DC 20502. Commenters are encouraged to submit their comments to OMB via email to: [e-mail] or fax [phone] and to Departmental Clearance Office, USDA, OCIO, Mail Stop 7602, Washington, DC 20250-7602. Copies of the submission(s) may be obtained by calling [phone].

An agency may not conduct or sponsor a collection of information unless the collection of information displays a currently valid OMB control number and the agency informs potential persons who are to respond to the collection of information that such persons are not required to respond to the collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number.

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

Title: Foot-and-Mouth Disease; Prohibition on Importation of Farm Equipment.

OMB Control Number: 0579-0195.

Summary of Collection: The Animal Health Protection Act of 2002 is the primary Federal law governing the protection of animal health. Regulations contained in 9 CFR chapter 1, subchapter D, parts 91 through 99 prohibits the importation of used farm equipment into the United States from regions in which foot-and-mouth (FMD) disease or rinderpest exist, unless the equipment is accompanied by an original certificate signed by an unauthorized official of the national animal health service of the exporting region that states that the equipment was steam-cleaned prior to export to the United States so that it is free of exposed dirt and other particulate matter. Disease prevention is the most effective method for maintaining a healthy animal population and enhancing the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) ability to compete in exporting animals and animal products.

Need and Use of the Information: APHIS will collect information through the use of a certification statement completed by the farm equipment exporter and signed by an authorized official of the national animal health service of the region of origin, stating that the steam-cleaning of the equipment was done prior to export to the United States. This is necessary to help prevent the introduction of FMD into the United States. If the information were not collected APHIS would be forced to discontinue the importation of any used farm equipment from FMD affected regions; a development that could have a damaging financial impact on exporters and importers of the equipment.

Description of Respondents: Business or other for-profit; Federal Government.

Number of Respondents: 71.

Frequency of Responses: Reporting: On occasion.

Total Burden Hours: 1,492.

Ruth Brown,

Departmental Information Collection Clearance Officer.