[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 112 (Monday, June 11, 2018)]
[Unknown Section]
[Pages 27092-27097]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-11232]
[[Page 27091]]
Vol. 83
Monday,
No. 112
June 11, 2018
Part III
Department of Agriculture
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Semiannual Regulatory Agenda
Federal Register / Vol. 83 , No. 112 / Monday, June 11, 2018 /
Unified Agenda
[[Page 27092]]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Office of the Secretary
2 CFR Subtitle B, Ch. IV
5 CFR Ch. LXXIII
7 CFR Subtitle A; Subtitle B, Chs. I-XI, XIV-XVIII, XX, XXV-
XXXVIII, XLII
9 CFR Chs. I-III
36 CFR Ch. II
48 CFR Ch. 4
Semiannual Regulatory Agenda, Spring 2018
AGENCY: Office of the Secretary, USDA.
ACTION: Semiannual regulatory agenda.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: This agenda provides summary descriptions of the significant
and not significant regulatory and deregulatory actions being developed
in agencies of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in conformance
with Executive orders (E.O.) 12866 ``Regulatory Planning and Review,''
13563, ``Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review,'' 13771 ``Reducing
Regulation and Controlling Regulatory Costs,'' and 13777, ``Enforcing
the Regulatory Reform Agenda.'' The agenda also describes regulations
affecting small entities as required by section 602 of the Regulatory
Flexibility Act, Public Law 96-354. This agenda also identifies
regulatory actions that are being reviewed in compliance with section
610(c) of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. We invite public comment on
those actions as well as any regulation consistent with Executive Order
13563.
USDA has attempted to list all regulations and regulatory reviews
pending at the time of publication except for minor and routine or
repetitive actions, but some may have been inadvertently missed. There
is no legal significance to the omission of an item from this listing.
Also, the dates shown for the steps of each action are estimated and
are not commitments to act on or by the date shown.
USDA's complete regulatory agenda is available online at
www.reginfo.gov. Because publication in the Federal Register is
mandated for the regulatory flexibility agendas required by the
Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 602), USDA's printed agenda
entries include only:
(1) Rules that are likely to have a significant economic impact on
a substantial number of small entities; and
(2) Rules identified for periodic review under section 610 of the
Regulatory Flexibility Act.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For further information on any
specific entry shown in this agenda, please contact the person listed
for that action. For general comments or inquiries about the agenda,
please contact Michael Poe, Office of Budget and Program Analysis, U.S.
Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC 20250, (202) 720-3257.
Dated: February 28, 2018.
Michael Poe,
Legislative and Regulatory Staff.
Agricultural Marketing Service--Proposed Rule Stage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulation
Sequence No. Title Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1......................... National Bioengineered 0581-AD54
Food Disclosure Standard.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Agricultural Marketing Service--Completed Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulation
Sequence No. Title Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
2......................... National Organic Program, 0581-AD08
Origin of Livestock.
3......................... National Organic Program, 0581-AD20
Organic Pet Food
Standards.
4......................... National Organic Program; 0581-AD22
Sunset Review (2012) for
Sodium Nitrate.
5......................... National Organic Program, 0581-AD31
Organic Apiculture
Practice Standard.
6......................... NOP; Organic Livestock and 0581-AD44
Poultry Practices.
7......................... Growers' Trust Protection 0581-AD50
Eligibility and the
Clarification of
``Written Notifications''
as Set Forth in Section
6(b) of the PACA.
8......................... Organic Research, 0581-AD55
Promotion, and
Information Order/
Referendum Procedures.
9......................... NOP--Organic Livestock and 0581-AD75
Poultry Practices--
Withdrawal.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service--Proposed Rule Stage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulation
Sequence No. Title Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
10........................ Branding Requirements for 0579-AE38
Bovines Imported Into the
United States From Mexico.
11........................ Removal of Emerald Ash 0579-AE42
Borer Domestic Quarantine
Regulations.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service--Final Rule Stage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulation
Sequence No. Title Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
12........................ Plant Pest Regulations; 0579-AC98
Update of General
Provisions.
13........................ Bovine Spongiform 0579-AD10
Encephalopathy and
Scrapie; Importation of
Small Ruminants and Their
Germplasm, Products, and
Byproducts.
14........................ Establishing a Performance 0579-AD71
Standard for Authorizing
the Importation and
Interstate Movement of
Fruits and Vegetables.
[[Page 27093]]
15........................ Importation of Fresh 0579-AD95
Citrus Fruit From the
Republic of South Africa
Into the Continental
United States.
16........................ Animal Welfare; 0579-AD99
Establishing De Minimis
Exemptions From Licensing.
17........................ VSTA Records and Reports 0579-AE11
Specific to International
Standards for
Pharmacovigilance.
18........................ Conditions for Payment of 0579-AE14
Highly Pathogenic Avian
Influenza Indemnity
Claims.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service--Completed Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulation
Sequence No. Title Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
19........................ Restructuring of 0579-AD75
Regulations on the
Importation of Plants for
Planting.
20........................ Importation of Campanula 0579-AE31
Spp. Plants for Planting
in Approved Growing Media
From Denmark to the
United States.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Food Safety and Inspection Service--Final Rule Stage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulation
Sequence No. Title Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
21........................ Elimination of Trichina 0583-AD59
Control Regulations and
Consolidation of
Thermally Processed,
Commercially Sterile
Regulations.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)
Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS)
Proposed Rule Stage
1. National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard
E.O. 13771 Designation: Other.
Legal Authority: Pub. L. 114-216; 7 U.S.C. 1621 to 1627
Abstract: On July 29, 2016, the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946
was amended to establish a National Bioengineered Food Disclosure
Standard (Law) (Pub. L. 114-216). Pursuant to the law, this NPRM will
propose requirements that, if finalized, will serve as a national
mandatory bioengineered food disclosure standard for bioengineered food
and food that may be bioengineered.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 05/00/18 .......................
Final Action........................ 07/00/18 .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Arthur Neal, Deputy Administrator, Transportation
and Marketing, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing
Service, Washington, DC 20250, Phone: 202 692-1300.
RIN: 0581-AD54
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)
Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS)
Completed Actions
2. National Organic Program, Origin of Livestock
E.O. 13771 Designation:
Legal Authority: 7 U.S.C. 6501
Abstract: The current regulations provide two tracks for replacing
dairy animals which are tied to how dairy farmers transition to organic
production. Farmers who transition an entire distinct herd must
thereafter replace dairy animals with livestock that has been under
organic management from the last third of gestation. Farmers who do not
transition an entire distinct herd may perpetually obtain replacement
animals that have been managed organically for 12 months prior to
marketing milk or milk products as organic. The proposed action would
eliminate the two-track system and require that upon transition, all
existing and replacement dairy animals from which milk or milk products
are intended to be sold, labeled, or represented as organic must be
managed organically from the last third of gestation.
Completed:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reason Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Withdrawn........................... 03/01/18 .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Jennifer Tucker, Phone: 202 720-3252.
RIN: 0581-AD08
3. National Organic Program, Organic Pet Food Standards
E.O. 13771 Designation:
Legal Authority: 7 U.S.C. 6501
Abstract: The National Organic Program (NOP) establishes national
standards governing the marketing of organically produced agricultural
products. In 2004, the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB)
initiated the development of organic pet food standards, which had not
been incorporated into the NOP regulations, by forming a task force
which included pet food manufacturers, organic consultants, etc.
Collectively, these experts drafted organic pet food standards
consistent with the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990, Food and Drug
Administration requirements, and the Association of American Feed
Control Officials Model Regulations for Pet and Specialty Pet Food. The
Association of American Feed Control Officials regulations are
scientifically based regulations for voluntary adoption by State
jurisdictions to ensure the safety, quality, and effectiveness of feed.
In November 2008, the NOSB approved a final recommendation for organic
pet food standards incorporating the provisions drafted by the pet food
task force.
Completed:
[[Page 27094]]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reason Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Withdrawn........................... 03/01/18 .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Jennifer Tucker, Phone: 202 720-3252.
RIN: 0581-AD20
4. National Organic Program; Sunset Review (2012) for Sodium Nitrate
E.O. 13771 Designation:
Legal Authority: 7 U.S.C. 6501
Abstract: This action proposes to amend the listing for sodium
nitrate on the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances as
part of the 2012 sunset review process. Consistent with the
recommendation from the National Organic Standards Board, this
amendment would prohibit the use of the substance in its entirety from
organic crop production.
Completed:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reason Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Withdrawn........................... 03/01/18 .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Melissa Bailey, Phone: 202 720-6394, Email:
[email protected].
RIN: 0581-AD22
5. National Organic Program, Organic Apiculture Practice Standard
E.O. 13771 Designation:
Legal Authority: 7 U.S.C. 6501
Abstract: This action proposes to amend the USDA organic
regulations to reflect an October 2010 recommendation submitted to the
Secretary by the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) concerning the
production of organic apicultural (or beekeeping) products.
Completed:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reason Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Withdrawn........................... 03/01/18 .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Jennifer Tucker, Phone: 202 720-3252.
RIN: 0581-AD31
6. NOP; Organic Livestock and Poultry Practices
E.O. 13771 Designation: Other.
Legal Authority: 7 U.S.C. 6501 to 6522
Abstract: This action would establish standards that support
additional practice standards for organic livestock and poultry
production. This action would add provisions to the USDA organic
regulations to address and clarify livestock and poultry living
conditions (for example, outdoor access, housing environment, and
stocking densities), health care practices (for example physical
alterations, administering medical treatment, and euthanasia), and
animal handling and transport to and during slaughter.
Completed:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reason Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Final Rule Effective................ 05/14/18 .......................
Withdrawn........................... 03/13/18 83 FR 10775
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Jennifer Tucker, Phone: 202 720-3252.
RIN: 0581-AD44
7. Growers' Trust Protection Eligibility and the Clarification of
``Written Notifications'' as Set Forth in Section 6(b) of the PACA
E.O. 13771 Designation: Not subject to, not significant.
Legal Authority: 7 U.S.C. 499
Abstract: The proposed revisions to the regulations would provide
greater direction to growers that employ growers' agents on how they
may preserve their trust rights under the Perishable Agricultural
Commodities Act (PACA). The proposed revisions would also clarify the
definition of written notification and the jurisdiction of the USDA to
investigate alleged violations under the PACA.
Completed:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reason Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Final Action........................ 02/06/18 83 FR 5175
Final Action Effective.............. 03/08/18 .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Judith Wey Rudman, Phone: 202 720-9404, Email:
[email protected].
RIN: 0581-AD50
8. Organic Research, Promotion, and Information Order/Referendum
Procedures
E.O. 13771 Designation: Not subject to, not significant.
Legal Authority: 7 U.S.C. 7411 to 7425; 7 U.S.C. 7401
Abstract: This rule invites comments on a proposed national
research and promotion (R&P) program for certified organic products.
The proposed program would cover the range of organic products that are
certified and sold per the Organic Foods Production Act and its
implementing regulations as well as organic products imported into the
U.S. under an organic equivalency arrangement.
Completed:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reason Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Withdrawn........................... 01/22/18 .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Heather Pichelman, Phone: 202 720-9915.
RIN: 0581-AD55
9. NOP--Organic Livestock and Poultry Practices--Withdrawal
E.O. 13771 Designation: Deregulatory.
Legal Authority: 7 U.S.C. 6501 to 6522
Abstract: This final rule withdraws the Organic Livestock and
Poultry Practices final rule, published on January 19, 2017.
Completed:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reason Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 12/18/17 82 FR 59988
Final Rule; Withdrawal.............. 03/13/18 83 FR 10775
Final Rule Withdrawal Effective..... 05/13/18 .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Jennifer Tucker, Phone: 202 720-3252.
RIN: 0581-AD75
BILLING CODE 3410-02-P
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)
Proposed Rule Stage
10. Branding Requirements for Bovines Imported Into the United
States From Mexico
E.O. 13771 Designation: Deregulatory.
Legal Authority: 7 U.S.C. 1622; 7 U.S.C. 8301 to 8317; 21 U.S.C.
136 and 136a; 31 U.S.C. 9701
Abstract: This rulemaking would amend the regulations regarding the
branding of bovines imported into the United States from Mexico. We are
taking this action at the request of the Government of Mexico to
address issues that have arisen with the branding requirement for these
bovines. The changes we are proposing would help prevent
inconsistencies in branding that can result in bovines being rejected
for import into the United States.
Timetable:
[[Page 27095]]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 04/12/18 83 FR 15756
NPRM Comment Period End............. 06/11/18 .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Betzaida Lopez, Senior Staff Veterinarian, National
Import Export Services, VS, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant
Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 39, Riverdale, MD
20737, Phone: 301 851-3300.
RIN: 0579-AE38
11. Removal of Emerald Ash Borer Domestic Quarantine
Regulations
E.O. 13771 Designation: Deregulatory.
Legal Authority: 7 U.S.C. 7701 to 7772; 7 U.S.C. 7781 to 7786
Abstract: This rulemaking would remove the domestic quarantine
regulations for the plant pest emerald ash borer. This action would
discontinue the domestic regulatory component of the emerald ash borer
program as a means to more effectively direct available resources
toward management and containment of the pest. Funding previously
allocated to the implementation and enforcement of these domestic
quarantine regulations would instead be directed to a non-regulatory
option of research into, and deployment of, biological control agents
for emerald ash borer, which would serve as the primary tool to
mitigate and control the pest.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 07/00/18 .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Robyn Rose, National Policy Manager, PPQ,
Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service,
4700 River Road, Unit 26, Riverdale, MD 20737-1231, Phone: 301 851-
2283.
RIN: 0579-AE42
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)
Final Rule Stage
12. Plant Pest Regulations; Update of General Provisions
E.O. 13771 Designation: Deregulatory.
Legal Authority: 7 U.S.C. 450; 7 U.S.C. 2260; 7 U.S.C. 7701 to
7772; 7 U.S.C. 7781 to 7786; 7 U.S.C. 8301 to 8817; 21 U.S.C. 111; 21
U.S.C. 114a; 21 U.S.C. 136 and 136a; 31 U.S.C. 9701; 42 U.S.C. 4331 and
4332
Abstract: We are revising our regulations regarding the movement of
plant pests. We are establishing criteria regarding the movement and
environmental release of biological control organisms, and establishing
regulations to allow the importation and movement in interstate
commerce of certain types of plant pests without restriction by
granting exceptions from permitting requirements for those pests. We
are also revising our regulations regarding the movement of soil. This
action clarifies the factors that would be considered when assessing
the risks associated with the movement of certain organisms and
facilitates the movement of regulated organisms and articles in a
manner that also protects U.S. agriculture.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notice of Intent To Prepare an 10/20/09 74 FR 53673
Environmental Impact Statement.
Notice Comment Period End........... 11/19/09 .......................
NPRM................................ 01/19/17 82 FR 6980
NPRM Comment Period Extended........ 02/13/17 82 FR 10444
NPRM Comment Period End............. 04/19/17 .......................
Final Rule.......................... 09/00/18 .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Colin Stewart, Assistant Director, Pests,
Pathogens, and Biocontrol Permits, PPQ, Department of Agriculture,
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 133,
Riverdale, MD 20737-1236, Phone: 301 851-2237.
RIN: 0579-AC98
13. Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy and Scrapie; Importation of Small
Ruminants and Their Germplasm, Products, and Byproducts
E.O. 13771 Designation: Deregulatory.
Legal Authority: 7 U.S.C. 450; 7 U.S.C. 1622; 7 U.S.C. 7701 to
7772; 7 U.S.C. 7781 to 7786; 7 U.S.C. 8301 to 8317; 21 U.S.C. 136 and
136a; 31 U.S.C. 9701
Abstract: This rulemaking amends the bovine spongiform
encephalopathy (BSE) and scrapie regulations regarding the importation
of live sheep, goats, and wild ruminants and their embryos, semen,
products, and byproducts. The scrapie revisions regarding the
importation of sheep, goats, and susceptible wild ruminants for other
than immediate slaughter are similar to those recommended by the World
Organization for Animal Health in restricting the importation of such
animals to those from scrapie-free regions or certified scrapie-free
flocks.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 07/18/16 81 FR 46619
NPRM Comment Period End............. 09/16/16 .......................
Final Rule.......................... 07/00/18 .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Alexandra MacKenzie, Veterinary Medical Officer,
Animal Permitting and Negotiating Services, NIES, VS, Department of
Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River
Road, Unit 39, Riverdale, MD 20737, Phone: 301 851-3300.
RIN: 0579-AD10
14. Establishing a Performance Standard for Authorizing the Importation
and Interstate Movement of Fruits and Vegetables
E.O. 13771 Designation: Deregulatory.
Legal Authority: 7 U.S.C. 450; 7 U.S.C. 7701 to 7772; 7 U.S.C. 7781
to 7786; 21 U.S.C. 136 and 136(a)
Abstract: This rulemaking will amend our regulations governing the
importations of fruits and vegetables by broadening our existing
performance standard to provide for consideration of all new fruits and
vegetables for importation into the United States using a notice-based
process. Rather than authorizing new imports through proposed and final
rules and specifying import conditions in the regulations, the notice-
based process uses Federal Register notices to make risk analyses
available to the public for review and comment, with authorized
commodities and their conditions of entry subsequently being listed on
the internet. It also will remove the region- or commodity-specific
phytosanitary requirements currently found in these regulations.
Likewise, we are proposing an equivalent revision of the performance
standard in our regulations governing the interstate movements of
fruits and vegetables from Hawaii and the U.S. territories (Guam,
Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands) and
the removal of commodity-specific phytosanitary requirements from those
regulations. This action will allow for the consideration of requests
to authorize
[[Page 27096]]
the importation or interstate movement of new fruits and vegetables in
a manner that enables a more flexible and responsive regulatory
approach to evolving pest situations in both the United States and
exporting countries. It will not, however, alter the science-based
process in which the risk associated with importation or interstate
movement of a given fruit or vegetable is evaluated or the manner in
which risks associated with the importation or interstate movement of a
fruit or vegetable are mitigated.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 09/09/14 79 FR 53346
NPRM Comment Period End............. 11/10/14 .......................
NPRM Comment Period Reopened........ 12/04/14 79 FR 71973
NPRM Comment Period End............. 01/09/15 .......................
NPRM Comment Period Reopened........ 02/06/15 80 FR 6665
NPRM Comment Period End............. 03/10/15 .......................
Final Rule.......................... 07/00/18 .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Nicole Russo, Assistant Director, Regulatory
Coordination and Compliance, PPQ, Department of Agriculture, Animal and
Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 133, Riverdale,
MD 20737-1236, Phone: 301 851-2159.
RIN: 0579-AD71
15. Importation of Fresh Citrus Fruit From the Republic of South Africa
Into the Continental United States
E.O. 13771 Designation: Deregulatory.
Legal Authority: 7 U.S.C. 450; 7 U.S.C. 7701 to 7772; 7 U.S.C. 7781
to 7786; 21 U.S.C. 136 and 136a
Abstract: This rulemaking will amend the fruits and vegetables
regulations to allow the importation of several varieties of fresh
citrus fruit, as well as citrus hybrids, into the continental United
States from areas in the Republic of South Africa where citrus black
spot has been known to occur. As a condition of entry, the fruit will
have to be produced in accordance with a systems approach that includes
shipment traceability, packinghouse registration and procedures, and
phytosanitary treatment. The fruit will also be required to be imported
in commercial consignments and accompanied by a phytosanitary
certificate issued by the national plant protection organization of the
Republic of South Africa with an additional declaration confirming that
the fruit has been produced in accordance with the systems approach.
This action will allow for the importation of fresh citrus fruit,
including citrus hybrids, from the Republic of South Africa while
continuing to provide protection against the introduction of plant
pests into the United States.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 08/28/14 79 FR 51273
NPRM Comment Period End............. 10/27/14 .......................
Final Rule.......................... 09/00/18 .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Marc Phillips, Senior Regulatory Policy Specialist,
Regulatory Coordination and Compliance, PPQ, Department of Agriculture,
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 133,
Riverdale, MD 20737-1231, Phone: 301 851-2114.
RIN: 0579-AD95
16. Animal Welfare; Establishing De Minimis Exemptions From Licensing
E.O. 13771 Designation: Deregulatory.
Legal Authority: 7 U.S.C. 2131 to 2159
Abstract: In the 2014 Farm Bill, Congress amended the Animal
Welfare Act (AWA) to provide the Secretary of Agriculture with the
authority to determine what facilities and activities involving AWA-
regulated animals are de minimis and therefore exempt from licensure
and oversight. We are amending the AWA regulations to enact this new
provision. This change provides APHIS with the flexibility to exempt
from licensing those dealers and exhibitors who provide adequate levels
of humane care to their animals, allowing us to target our enforcement
resources where they are most needed. Dealers and exhibitors operating
at or below the threshold will be exempted from APHIS licensing and
oversight under the AWA.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 08/04/16 81 FR 51386
NPRM Comment Period End............. 11/02/16 .......................
Final Rule.......................... 06/00/18 .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Kay Carter-Corker, Director, National Policy Staff,
Animal Care, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health
Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 84, Riverdale, MD 20737,
Phone: 301 851-3748.
RIN: 0579-AD99
17. VSTA Records and Reports Specific to International Standards for
Pharmacovigilance
E.O. 13771 Designation: Not subject to, not significant.
Legal Authority: 21 U.S.C. 151 to 159
Abstract: This rulemaking will amend the Virus-Serum-Toxin Act
regulations concerning records and reports. This change requires
veterinary biologics licensees and permittees to record and submit
reports concerning adverse events associated with the use of biological
products they produce or distribute. The information that must be
included in the adverse event reports submitted to the Animal and Plant
Health Inspection Service will be provided in separate guidance
documents. These records and reports will help ensure that APHIS can
provide complete and accurate information to consumers regarding
adverse reactions or other problems associated with the use of licensed
biological products.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 09/04/15 80 FR 53475
NPRM Comment Period End............. 11/03/15 .......................
Final Rule.......................... 06/00/18 .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Donna L. Malloy, Operational Support Section,
Center for Veterinary Biologics, Policy, Evaluation, and Licensing, VS,
Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service,
4700 River Road, Unit 148, Riverdale, MD 20737-1231, Phone: 301 851-
3426.
RIN: 0579-AE11
18. Conditions for Payment of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza
Indemnity Claims
E.O. 13771 Designation: Other.
Legal Authority: 7 U.S.C. 8301 to 8317
Abstract: We are adopting as a final rule, with changes, an interim
rule that amended the regulations pertaining to certain diseases of
livestock and poultry to specify conditions for payment of indemnity
claims for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). The interim rule
provided a formula allowing us to split such payments between poultry
and egg owners and parties with which the owners enter into contracts
to raise or care for the eggs or poultry based on the proportion of the
production cycle completed. That action was necessary to ensure that
all contractors are
[[Page 27097]]
compensated appropriately. The interim rule also clarified an existing
policy regarding the payment of indemnity for eggs destroyed due to
HPAI and required a statement from owners and contractors, unless
specifically exempted, indicating that at the time of detection of HPAI
in their facilities, they had in place and were following a biosecurity
plan aimed at keeping HPAI from spreading to commercial premises.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Interim Final Rule.................. 02/09/16 81 FR 6745
Interim Final Rule Effective........ 02/09/16 .......................
Interim Final Rule Comment Period 04/11/16 .......................
End.
Final Rule.......................... 10/00/18 .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Troy Bigelow, Senior Staff Veterinarian,
Surveillance, Preparedness and Response Services, VS, Department of
Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Federal
Building, Room 891, 210 Walnut Street, Des Moines, IA 50309, Phone: 515
284-4121.
RIN: 0579-AE14
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)
Completed Actions
19. Restructuring of Regulations on the Importation of Plants for
Planting
E.O. 13771 Designation: Deregulatory.
Legal Authority: 7 U.S.C. 450; 7 U.S.C. 7701 to 7772; 7 U.S.C. 7781
to 7786; 21 U.S.C. 136 and 136a; 31 U.S.C. 9701
Abstract: We are consolidating the regulations governing the
importation of all plants for planting under the ``plants for
planting'' regulations and adding prohibited plants for planting to the
list of plants whose importation is not authorized pending pest risk
analysis. This consolidation will move restrictions on the importation
of specific types of plants for planting from the regulations to the
Plants for Planting Manual (PPM). Under the rule, changes to these
restrictions will be made after taking public comment on notices
published in the Federal Register, rather than through proposed rules
and final rules as we currently do. As part of this consolidation, we
are removing several lists of approved items (for example, the lists of
approved growing media, packing materials, and ports of entry) from the
regulations; these lists will be provided to the public in the PPM. We
proposed to update these lists, when necessary, using the same sort of
notice-based process as will be used to update restrictions on specific
types of plants for planting. We are also establishing a framework for
the use of integrated pest risk management measures (IPRMS) in the
production of specific types of plants for planting for importation
into the United States, when the pest risk associated with the
importation of a type of plants for planting can only be addressed
through the use of integrated measures. This action does not make any
major changes to the restrictions that currently apply to the
importation of plants for planting. These changes will make
restrictions on the importation of specific types of plants for
planting easier for readers to find and allow us to more easily make
changes.
Completed:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reason Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Final Rule.......................... 03/19/18 83 FR 11845
Final Rule Effective................ 04/18/18 .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Shailaja Rabindran, Phone: 301 851-2167.
RIN: 0579-AD75
20. Importation of Campanula Spp. Plants for Planting in Approved
Growing Media From Denmark to the United States
E.O. 13771 Designation: Deregulatory.
Legal Authority: 7 U.S.C. 450; 7 U.S.C. 7701 to 7772; 7 U.S.C. 7781
to 7786; 21 U.S.C. 136 and 136a
Abstract: This rulemaking will amend the regulations governing the
importation of plants for planting to authorize the importation of
Campanula spp. plants for planting from Denmark in approved growing
media into the United States, subject to a systems approach. The
systems approach will consist of measures that are currently specified
in the regulations as generally applicable to all plants for planting
authorized importation into the United States in approved growing
media. This action will allow for the importation of Campanula spp.
plants for planting from Denmark in approved growing media, while
providing protection against the introduction of plant pests.
Completed:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reason Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Final Rule.......................... 03/15/18 83 FR 11395
Final Rule Effective................ 04/16/18 .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Narasimha Samboju, Phone: 301 851-2038.
RIN: 0579-AE31
BILLING CODE 3410-34-P
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)
Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS)
Final Rule Stage
21. Elimination of Trichina Control Regulations and Consolidation of
Thermally Processed, Commercially Sterile Regulations
E.O. 13771 Designation: Deregulatory.
Legal Authority: 21 U.S.C. 601 et seq.; 21 U.S.C. 451 et seq.
Abstract: The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) proposed to
amend the Federal meat inspection regulations to eliminate the
requirements for both ready-to-eat (RTE) and not-ready-to-eat (NRTE)
pork and pork products to be treated to destroy trichina (Trichinella
spiralis) because the regulations are inconsistent with the Hazard
Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) regulations, and these
prescriptive regulations are no longer necessary.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 03/28/16 81 FR 17337
NPRM Comment Period End............. 06/27/16 .......................
Final Action........................ 05/00/18 .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Matthew Michael, Director, Issuances Staff,
Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, Office
of Policy and Program Development, 1400 Independence Avenue SW,
Washington, DC 20250-3700, Phone: 202 720-0345, Fax: 202 690-0486,
Email: [email protected].
RIN: 0583-AD59
[FR Doc. 2018-11232 Filed 6-8-18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-DM-P