APHIS Issues Brochure on its "e-Permits" System for Importers
The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service recently issued a brochure highlighting its electronic permitting system, ePermits, that gives importers online access to various types of agricultural permits, including those needed for importation.
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(APHIS introduced ePermits in 2006 as part of government-wide effort to improve access, enhance service delivery, and increase internal efficiency through technology. According to APHIS, it will continue building on ePermits by adding new services and functions to accommodate its customers and improve APHIS' efficiency.)
Users Can Apply, Pay, Track and Receive Copies of PPQ/VS/BRS Permits Online
Currently, users seeking permits issued by APHIS' Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ), Veterinary Services (VS), and Biotechnology Regulatory Services (BRS) can submit import permit applications, track applications, apply for renewals and amendments, and receive a copy of the import permit, all on-line.
APHIS notes that the ePermits system reduces the time and expense for processing and delivering permits as it also enables Federal regulatory officials to more rapidly issue, track, and verify the validity of import permits.
Users Must First Register With USDA-Wide eAuthentication System
To comply with government-wide initiatives, ePermits users are required to complete a registration process called eAuthentication which identifies and validates U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) customers before they can use participating USDA Web-based business applications.
This system provides a unique user-identification code that a USDA Web user can present to any participating USDA Web site, thereby reducing the burden of registering for and maintaining separate identities for every online system.
PPQ, VS, and BRS Forms, Etc. Available Through ePermits
According to APHIS, the following PPQ, VS, and BRS forms/applications are currently available through ePermits:
PPQ. PPQ requires permits for the importation into and transit of plants and plant products through the U.S. and the importation and interstate movement of plant pests (such as insects, mites, snails, slugs, and plant pathogens), biological control organisms of plant pests, noxious weeds, and soil. The following PPQ permits are available online:
PPQ Form 525: Application for Permit to Receive Soil;
PPQ Form 526: Application for Permit to Move Live Plant Pests or Noxious Weeds;
PPQ Form 546: Agreement for Postentry Quarantine State Screening Notice;
PPQ Form 585: Application for Permit to Import Timber or Timber Products;
PPQ Form 586: Application for Permit to Transit Plants and/or Plant Products Through the United States;
PPQ Form 587: Application for Permit to Import Plants or Plant Products;
PPQ Form 588: Application for Permit to Import Plants and Plant Products for Experimental Purposes; and
PPQ Form 621: Application for Protected Plant Permit to Engage in the Business of Importing, Exporting, or Reexporting Terrestrial Plants.
VS. VS requires permits for the importation of certain animals and animal products. In addition, a VS permit is required for the importation and interstate movement of bacteria, viruses, or prion agents that are disease agents of animals and poultry. The following VS permits are available online:
VS 16-3: Application to Import or Transport Controlled Material or Organisms or Vectors; and
VS 16-7: Additional Information for Cell Cultures and Their Products (Supplement to VS 16-3).
BRS. BRS requires a permit or notification for the importation, interstate movement, and field release of genetically engineered organisms considered to be regulated articles. The following BRS permits and notifications are available online:
Biotechnology Notifications; and
Biotechnology Permits.
APHIS brochure on ePermits (posted 03/06/09) available at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/publications/aphis_general/content/printable_version/epermits_brochure_2009.pdf
APHIS Web page on permits (updated 10/31/08) available at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/permits/