82_FR_24099 82 FR 23999 - Changes to Reporting and Notification Requirements and Other Clarifying Changes for Imported Fruits, Vegetables, and Specialty Crops

82 FR 23999 - Changes to Reporting and Notification Requirements and Other Clarifying Changes for Imported Fruits, Vegetables, and Specialty Crops

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Agricultural Marketing Service

Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 100 (May 25, 2017)

Page Range23999-24001
FR Document2017-10678

The Department of Agriculture (USDA) is adopting, as a final rule, without change, an interim rule that updated reporting and notification requirements associated with, and made clarifying changes to, the fruit, vegetable, and specialty crop import regulations for certain commodities regulated under section 608(e) (hereinafter referred to as ``8e'') of the Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act of 1937. The interim rule shifted the exempt reporting requirement for imported tomatoes destined for noncommercial outlets for experimental purposes from the tomato import regulations to the safeguard procedures section of the vegetable import regulations. In addition, the pistachio import regulations were updated by removing reference to a paper-based notification of entry process. Other administrative changes were made to several of the 8e regulations to replace outdated information. These changes to the import regulations support the International Trade Data System (ITDS), a system that streamlines and automates the filing of import and export information by the trade.

Federal Register, Volume 82 Issue 100 (Thursday, May 25, 2017)
[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 100 (Thursday, May 25, 2017)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 23999-24001]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2017-10678]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Agricultural Marketing Service

7 CFR Parts 944, 980, and 999

[Doc. No. AMS-SC-16-0083; SC16-944/980/999-1 FIR]


Changes to Reporting and Notification Requirements and Other 
Clarifying Changes for Imported Fruits, Vegetables, and Specialty Crops

AGENCY: Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA.

ACTION: Affirmation of the interim rule as final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The Department of Agriculture (USDA) is adopting, as a final 
rule, without change, an interim rule that updated reporting and 
notification requirements associated with, and made clarifying changes 
to, the fruit, vegetable, and specialty crop import regulations for 
certain commodities regulated under section 608(e) (hereinafter 
referred to as ``8e'') of the Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act of 
1937. The interim rule shifted the exempt reporting requirement for 
imported tomatoes destined for noncommercial outlets for experimental 
purposes from the tomato import regulations to the safeguard procedures 
section of the vegetable import regulations. In addition, the pistachio 
import regulations were updated by removing reference to a paper-based 
notification of entry process. Other administrative changes were made 
to several of the 8e regulations to replace outdated information. These 
changes to the import regulations support the International Trade Data 
System (ITDS), a system that streamlines and automates the filing of 
import and export information by the trade.

DATES: Effective May 30, 2017.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Shannon Ramirez, Compliance and 
Enforcement Specialist, or Vincent Fusaro, Compliance and Enforcement 
Branch Chief, Specialty Crops Program, AMS, USDA; Telephone: (202) 720-
2491, Fax: (202) 720-8938, or Email: [email protected] or 
[email protected].
    Small businesses may obtain information on complying with this 
regulation by contacting Richard Lower, Marketing Order and Agreement

[[Page 24000]]

Division, Specialty Crops Program, AMS, USDA, 1400 Independence Avenue 
SW., STOP 0237, Washington, DC 20250-0237; Telephone: (202) 720-2491, 
Fax: (202) 720-8938, or Email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This rule is issued under section 8e of the 
Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act of 1937, as amended (7 U.S.C. 601-
674), hereinafter referred to as the ``Act.'' Section 8e provides that 
whenever certain commodities are regulated under Federal marketing 
orders, imports of those commodities into the United States are 
prohibited unless they meet the same or comparable grade, size, 
quality, and/or maturity requirements as those in effect for the 
domestically produced commodities. The Act also authorizes USDA to 
perform inspections and other related functions (such as commodity 
sampling) on those imported commodities and to certify whether these 
requirements have been met.
    Parts 944, 980, and 999 of title 7 of the Code of Federal 
Regulations (CFR) specify inspection, certification, and reporting 
requirements for imported commodities regulated under 8e. These parts 
also list the imported commodities that may be exempt from grade, size, 
quality, and/or maturity requirements when imported for specific 
purposes (such as processing, donation to charitable organizations, or 
livestock feed). Additionally, these parts specify the form importers 
must use to report to USDA and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection 
(CBP) imports of commodities exempt from 8e regulations.
    USDA is issuing this rule in conformance with Executive Orders 
12866, 13771, 13563, and 13175.
    This rule continues in effect an interim rule clarifying change to 
part 980, the vegetable import regulations. The interim rule moved the 
procedure for filing an exempt commodity form for tomatoes destined for 
noncommercial outlets for experimental purposes from Sec.  980.212 of 
the tomato import regulations to Sec.  980.501 of the vegetable 
safeguard procedures import regulations. This change removed reference 
to a form that does not exist for imports and made the safeguard 
regulations consistent for all imported vegetables that are exempt from 
8e regulations.
    This rule also continues in effect the change to Sec.  999.600 of 
the pistachio import regulations that removed the reference to a paper-
based notification of entry process, known in the industry as the 
``stamp and fax'' process. This paper-based process was replaced by an 
electronic filing requirement that was developed to comply with the 
International Trade Data System (ITDS) and was specified within the 
USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) Specialty Crops Inspection 
Division's regulations in an interim rule published in the Federal 
Register on December 21, 2016 (81 FR 93571). Removing this outdated 
information streamlines the regulations and provides consistency among 
the specialty crop import regulations.
    This rule also continues in effect other minor administrative 
changes to Sec. Sec.  944.401, 999.1, and 999.600 of the fruit and 
specialty crop import regulations. These changes, which include 
updating agency and program names and removing or updating other 
information that was duplicative or out of date, helps ensure the 
import regulations contain accurate information and align with the ITDS 
objective of streamlining import processes for the trade.
    AMS has determined that these changes to the fruit, vegetable, and 
specialty crop import regulations meet CBP's requirements for ITDS by 
shifting an exempt-tomato reporting requirement to the proper safeguard 
procedures section of the vegetable import regulations. These 
regulations were revised in 2015 to provide an electronic filing 
option; streamline an entry notification process for imported 
pistachios; and remove or revise duplicative or outdated information. 
These changes help reduce the burden on America's import trade without 
compromising AMS' ability to ensure compliance with its import 
regulations.
    In an interim rule published in the Federal Register on December 5, 
2016, and effective on December 8, 2016 (81 FR 87409, Doc. No. AMS-SC-
164-0083, SC16-944/980/999-1 IR), clarifying changes were made to part 
980 by moving the exempt-use reporting requirements for tomatoes 
destined for noncommercial outlets for experimental purposes from Sec.  
980.212 (tomato import regulations) to Sec.  980.501 (safeguard 
procedures section for imported vegetables).
    In addition, Sec.  999.600(d) of the pistachio import regulations 
was revised to remove the paper-based ``stamp and fax'' process, which 
has been replaced by an electronic process that importers now use to 
notify AMS of an initial request for inspection.
    Finally, several administrative changes were made to various 
sections in parts 944 and 999 (the fruit and specialty crop import 
regulations, respectively). First, the USDA agency and program names 
were updated, where needed. Second, Sec. Sec.  944.401(e) (olives) and 
999.1(c)(1) (dates) were changed by simplifying the language regarding 
the requirement that importers provide USDA inspectors with identifying 
information about each lot being inspected. Finally, Sec.  999.1(e) 
(dates) was updated by removing a paragraph titled ``importation,'' 
because it contained redundant and incomplete information about filing 
inspection or exemption documents with CBP.

Executive Orders 12866 and 13771, and Final Regulatory Flexibility 
Analysis

    This rule does not meet the definition of a significant regulatory 
action contained in section 3(f) of Executive Order 12866, and is not 
subject to review by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). 
Additionally, because this rule does not meet the definition of a 
significant regulatory action it does not trigger the requirements 
contained in Executive Order 13771. See OMB's Memorandum titled 
``Interim Guidance Implementing Section 2 of the Executive Order of 
January 30, 2017 titled `Reducing Regulation and Controlling Regulatory 
Costs' '' (February 2, 2017). Pursuant to requirements set forth in the 
Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) (5 U.S.C. 601-612), AMS has considered 
the economic impact of this action on small entities. Accordingly, AMS 
has prepared this final regulatory flexibility analysis.
    The purpose of the RFA is to fit regulatory actions to the scale of 
businesses subject to such actions in order that small businesses will 
not be unduly or disproportionately burdened.
    Small agricultural service firms, which includes importers, are 
defined by the Small Business Administration (SBA) as those having 
annual receipts of less than $7,500,000 (13 CFR 121.201).
    Based on 2015 reporting, USDA estimates that there were two 
importers and two receivers of tomatoes that were exempt from 8e 
requirements. Although USDA does not have access to data about the 
business sizes of these importers and receivers, it is likely that the 
majority may be classified as large entities.
    This rule continues in effect the action that moved the 
requirements for reporting imported tomatoes destined for noncommercial 
outlets for experimental purposes, which are exempt from 8e 
regulations, from the tomato import regulations to the safeguard 
section of the vegetable import regulations. This change to the 
regulations did not revise the procedures currently used by importers 
and receivers of exempt tomatoes;

[[Page 24001]]

instead, it shifted the outdated requirements contained in Sec.  
980.212 to the more appropriate safeguard procedures section in Sec.  
980.501. Most importers and receivers already file FV-6 forms 
electronically with AMS, while some paper forms are still submitted to 
AMS. In 2015, AMS estimates it received five electronic FV-6 forms and 
no paper FV-6 forms for approximately 14,900 pounds of exempt tomatoes.
    As part of the full implementation of ITDS, importers and receivers 
report exempt shipments through CBP's Automated Commercial Environment 
(ACE) system and AMS' Compliance and Enforcement Management System 
(CEMS). CEMS was developed by AMS to replace AMS' Marketing Order 
Online System (MOLS), an online system that was used from its 
implementation in 2008 until it was replaced by CEMS in 2016. An 
affirmation of interim rule as final rule was published in the Federal 
Register on June 25, 2015, (80 FR 36465) that provided for the 
electronic submission of FV-6 forms, a practice that has existed since 
MOLS was implemented in 2008 but was not reflected in the regulations. 
This action imposes no additional burden on importers and receivers of 
exempt tomatoes.
    Regarding alternatives to this action, AMS determined that these 
changes to the regulations were needed to comply with ITDS 
requirements. Moving an outdated, paper-based exempt form-filing 
requirement from the import tomato regulations to the safeguard section 
of the vegetable import regulations standardized the regulations and 
properly provided for the current requirement of filing a paper or 
electronic form FV-6, which benefits importers and receivers who import 
these exempt tomatoes. In addition, changing the pistachio regulations 
by removing the paper-based ``stamp and fax'' requirement streamlined 
the regulations and reduced the burden on the trade. The other 
administrative changes made in the interim rule provided the import 
trade with accurate information.
    In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 
Chapter 35), the information collection requirements for the form FV-6 
(for commodities exempt from 8e requirements) have been previously 
approved by OMB and assigned OMB No. 0581-0167 (Specific Commodities 
Imported into United States Exempt From Import Regulations). No changes 
in the requirements for the FV-6 form as a result of this action are 
necessary. The shift of the requirements for exempt-use filings from 
the tomato import regulations to the safeguard section for imported 
vegetables was administrative in nature and did not change the practice 
that has existed for many years. Should any changes to form FV-6 become 
necessary in the future, they would be submitted to OMB for approval.
    This rule will not impose any additional reporting or recordkeeping 
requirements on either small or large importers or receivers of 
commodities exempt from 8e regulations. As with all import regulations, 
reports and forms are periodically reviewed to reduce information 
requirements and duplication by industry and public sector agencies. In 
addition, USDA has not identified any relevant Federal rules that 
duplicate, overlap, or conflict with this rule.
    Further, importers are already familiar with the long-existing 
process and requirement to file FV-6 forms for commodities exempt from 
8e regulations. Also, the import trade is fully aware of the ITDS 
initiative, which is designed to streamline and automate the filing of 
import shipment data.
    Comments on the interim rule were required to be received on or 
before February 3, 2017. No comments were received. Therefore, for the 
reasons given in the interim rule, we are adopting the interim rule as 
a final rule, without change.
    To view the interim rule, go to: https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=AMS-SC-16-0083-0001.
    This action also affirms information contained in the interim rule 
concerning Executive Orders 12866, 12988, 13175, and 13563; the 
Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35); and the E-Gov Act (44 
U.S.C. 101).
    After consideration of all relevant material presented, it is found 
that finalizing the interim rule, without change, as published in the 
Federal Register (81 FR 87409, December 5, 2016) will tend to 
effectuate the declared policy of the Act.

List of Subjects

7 CFR Part 944

    Avocados, Food grades and standards, Grapefruit, Grapes, Imports, 
Kiwifruit, Olives, Oranges.

7 CFR Part 980

    Food grades and standards, Imports, Marketing agreements, Onions, 
Potatoes, Tomatoes.

7 CFR Part 999

    Dates, Filberts, Food grades and standards, Imports, Nuts, 
Pistachios, Prunes, Raisins, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, 
Walnuts.

PARTS 944, 980, AND 999--[AMENDED]

0
Accordingly, the interim rule that amended 7 CFR parts 944, 980, and 
999 that was published at 81 FR 87409 on December 5, 2016, is adopted 
as a final rule, without change.

    Dated: May 19, 2017.
Bruce Summers,
Acting Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-10678 Filed 5-24-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 3410-02-P



                                                                                                                                                       23999

     Rules and Regulations                                                                                         Federal Register
                                                                                                                   Vol. 82, No. 100

                                                                                                                   Thursday, May 25, 2017



     This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER                    Celtis, which we have determined not to               DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
     contains regulatory documents having general            be a host plant of ALB, from the list of
     applicability and legal effect, most of which           regulated articles. This action relieved              Agricultural Marketing Service
     are keyed to and codified in the Code of
                                                             restrictions on the movement of Celtis
     Federal Regulations, which is published under                                                                 7 CFR Parts 944, 980, and 999
     50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510.                   spp. plants from areas quarantined for
                                                             ALB.                                                  [Doc. No. AMS–SC–16–0083; SC16–944/980/
     The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by                 Comments on the interim rule were                  999–1 FIR]
     the Superintendent of Documents.
                                                             required to be received on or before
                                                                                                                   Changes to Reporting and Notification
                                                             August 15, 2016. We did not receive any
                                                                                                                   Requirements and Other Clarifying
     DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE                               comments. Therefore, for the reasons                  Changes for Imported Fruits,
                                                             given in the interim rule, we are                     Vegetables, and Specialty Crops
     Animal and Plant Health Inspection                      adopting the interim rule as a final rule
     Service                                                 without change.                                       AGENCY:   Agricultural Marketing Service,
                                                                This action also affirms the                       USDA.
     7 CFR Part 301                                                                                                ACTION: Affirmation of the interim rule
                                                             information contained in the interim
     [Docket No. APHIS–2015–0097]                            rule concerning Executive Order 12866                 as final rule.
                                                             and the Regulatory Flexibility Act,                   SUMMARY:    The Department of
     Asian Longhorned Beetle: Update List                    Executive Orders 12372 and 12988, and
     of Regulated Articles                                                                                         Agriculture (USDA) is adopting, as a
                                                             the Paperwork Reduction Act.                          final rule, without change, an interim
     AGENCY:   Animal and Plant Health                          Further, for this action, the Office of            rule that updated reporting and
     Inspection Service, USDA.                               Management and Budget has waived its                  notification requirements associated
     ACTION: Affirmation of interim rule as                  review under Executive Order 12866.                   with, and made clarifying changes to,
     final rule.                                             Because this rule is waived, it does not              the fruit, vegetable, and specialty crop
                                                             trigger the requirements of Executive                 import regulations for certain
     SUMMARY:   We are adopting as a final                                                                         commodities regulated under section
     rule, without change, an interim rule                   Order 13771.
                                                                                                                   608(e) (hereinafter referred to as ‘‘8e’’) of
     that amended the Asian longhorned                       List of Subjects in 7 CFR Part 301                    the Agricultural Marketing Agreement
     beetle (ALB) regulations by removing                                                                          Act of 1937. The interim rule shifted the
     plants of the genus Celtis, which we                      Agricultural commodities, Plant
                                                                                                                   exempt reporting requirement for
     have determined not to be a host plant                  diseases and pests, Quarantine,
                                                                                                                   imported tomatoes destined for
     of ALB, from the list of regulated                      Reporting and recordkeeping                           noncommercial outlets for experimental
     articles. As a result of the interim rule,              requirements, Transportation.                         purposes from the tomato import
     there are no longer any restrictions on                                                                       regulations to the safeguard procedures
     the movement of Celtis spp. plants from                 PART 301—DOMESTIC QUARANTINE
                                                                                                                   section of the vegetable import
     areas quarantined for ALB.                              NOTICES                                               regulations. In addition, the pistachio
     DATES: Effective on May 25, 2017, we                                                                          import regulations were updated by
     are adopting as a final rule the interim                ■ Accordingly, we are adopting as a                   removing reference to a paper-based
     rule published at 81 FR 39175–39176 on                  final rule, without change, the interim               notification of entry process. Other
     June 16, 2016.                                          rule that amended 7 CFR part 301 and                  administrative changes were made to
     FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms.                    that was published at 81 FR 39175–                    several of the 8e regulations to replace
     Claudia Ferguson, M.S., Senior                          39176 on June 16, 2016.                               outdated information. These changes to
     Regulatory Policy Specialist, Regulatory                 Done in Washington, DC, this 19th day of             the import regulations support the
     Coordination and Compliance, Imports,                   May 2017.                                             International Trade Data System (ITDS),
     Regulations and Manuals, PPQ, APHIS,                                                                          a system that streamlines and automates
                                                             Michael C. Gregoire,
     4700 River Road Unit 133, Riverdale,                                                                          the filing of import and export
     MD 20737–1236; (301) 851–2352; email:                   Acting Administrator, Animal and Plant
                                                                                                                   information by the trade.
     Claudia.Ferguson@aphis.usda.gov.                        Health Inspection Service.
                                                                                                                   DATES: Effective May 30, 2017.
                                                             [FR Doc. 2017–10675 Filed 5–24–17; 8:45 am]
     SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
                                                             BILLING CODE 3410–34–P
                                                                                                                   FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
     Background                                                                                                    Shannon Ramirez, Compliance and
                                                                                                                   Enforcement Specialist, or Vincent
       In an interim rule 1 effective June 16,
                                                                                                                   Fusaro, Compliance and Enforcement
     2016, and published in the Federal
                                                                                                                   Branch Chief, Specialty Crops Program,
     Register on June 16, 2016 (81 FR 39175–
                                                                                                                   AMS, USDA; Telephone: (202) 720–
     39176, Docket No. APHIS–2015–0097),
                                                                                                                   2491, Fax: (202) 720–8938, or Email:
     we amended the Asian longhorned
                                                                                                                   Shannon.Ramirez@ams.usda.gov or
     beetle (ALB) regulations in 7 CFR
                                                                                                                   VincentJ.Fusaro@ams.usda.gov.
     301.51 by removing plants of the genus
                                                                                                                      Small businesses may obtain
       1 To view the interim rule and supporting                                                                   information on complying with this
     documentation, go to http://www.regulations.gov/#                                                             regulation by contacting Richard Lower,
     !docketDetail;D=APHIS-2015-0097.                                                                              Marketing Order and Agreement


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     24000              Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 100 / Thursday, May 25, 2017 / Rules and Regulations

     Division, Specialty Crops Program,                      paper-based process was replaced by an                and program names were updated,
     AMS, USDA, 1400 Independence                            electronic filing requirement that was                where needed. Second, §§ 944.401(e)
     Avenue SW., STOP 0237, Washington,                      developed to comply with the                          (olives) and 999.1(c)(1) (dates) were
     DC 20250–0237; Telephone: (202) 720–                    International Trade Data System (ITDS)                changed by simplifying the language
     2491, Fax: (202) 720–8938, or Email:                    and was specified within the USDA’s                   regarding the requirement that
     Richard.Lower@ams.usda.gov.                             Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS)                  importers provide USDA inspectors
     SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This rule                    Specialty Crops Inspection Division’s                 with identifying information about each
     is issued under section 8e of the                       regulations in an interim rule published              lot being inspected. Finally, § 999.1(e)
     Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act                    in the Federal Register on December 21,               (dates) was updated by removing a
     of 1937, as amended (7 U.S.C. 601–674),                 2016 (81 FR 93571). Removing this                     paragraph titled ‘‘importation,’’ because
     hereinafter referred to as the ‘‘Act.’’                 outdated information streamlines the                  it contained redundant and incomplete
     Section 8e provides that whenever                       regulations and provides consistency                  information about filing inspection or
     certain commodities are regulated under                 among the specialty crop import                       exemption documents with CBP.
     Federal marketing orders, imports of                    regulations.
                                                                This rule also continues in effect                 Executive Orders 12866 and 13771, and
     those commodities into the United                                                                             Final Regulatory Flexibility Analysis
     States are prohibited unless they meet                  other minor administrative changes to
                                                             §§ 944.401, 999.1, and 999.600 of the                    This rule does not meet the definition
     the same or comparable grade, size,
                                                             fruit and specialty crop import                       of a significant regulatory action
     quality, and/or maturity requirements as                                                                      contained in section 3(f) of Executive
                                                             regulations. These changes, which
     those in effect for the domestically                                                                          Order 12866, and is not subject to
                                                             include updating agency and program
     produced commodities. The Act also                                                                            review by the Office of Management and
                                                             names and removing or updating other
     authorizes USDA to perform inspections                                                                        Budget (OMB). Additionally, because
                                                             information that was duplicative or out
     and other related functions (such as                                                                          this rule does not meet the definition of
                                                             of date, helps ensure the import
     commodity sampling) on those                                                                                  a significant regulatory action it does
                                                             regulations contain accurate information
     imported commodities and to certify                                                                           not trigger the requirements contained
                                                             and align with the ITDS objective of
     whether these requirements have been                                                                          in Executive Order 13771. See OMB’s
                                                             streamlining import processes for the
     met.                                                                                                          Memorandum titled ‘‘Interim Guidance
                                                             trade.
        Parts 944, 980, and 999 of title 7 of the               AMS has determined that these                      Implementing Section 2 of the Executive
     Code of Federal Regulations (CFR)                       changes to the fruit, vegetable, and                  Order of January 30, 2017 titled
     specify inspection, certification, and                  specialty crop import regulations meet                ‘Reducing Regulation and Controlling
     reporting requirements for imported                     CBP’s requirements for ITDS by shifting               Regulatory Costs’ ’’ (February 2, 2017).
     commodities regulated under 8e. These                   an exempt-tomato reporting requirement                Pursuant to requirements set forth in the
     parts also list the imported commodities                to the proper safeguard procedures                    Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) (5
     that may be exempt from grade, size,                    section of the vegetable import                       U.S.C. 601–612), AMS has considered
     quality, and/or maturity requirements                   regulations. These regulations were                   the economic impact of this action on
     when imported for specific purposes                     revised in 2015 to provide an electronic              small entities. Accordingly, AMS has
     (such as processing, donation to                        filing option; streamline an entry                    prepared this final regulatory flexibility
     charitable organizations, or livestock                  notification process for imported                     analysis.
     feed). Additionally, these parts specify                pistachios; and remove or revise                         The purpose of the RFA is to fit
     the form importers must use to report to                duplicative or outdated information.                  regulatory actions to the scale of
     USDA and the U.S. Customs and Border                    These changes help reduce the burden                  businesses subject to such actions in
     Protection (CBP) imports of                             on America’s import trade without                     order that small businesses will not be
     commodities exempt from 8e                              compromising AMS’ ability to ensure                   unduly or disproportionately burdened.
     regulations.                                            compliance with its import regulations.                  Small agricultural service firms,
        USDA is issuing this rule in                            In an interim rule published in the                which includes importers, are defined
     conformance with Executive Orders                       Federal Register on December 5, 2016,                 by the Small Business Administration
     12866, 13771, 13563, and 13175.                         and effective on December 8, 2016 (81                 (SBA) as those having annual receipts of
        This rule continues in effect an                     FR 87409, Doc. No. AMS–SC–164–0083,                   less than $7,500,000 (13 CFR 121.201).
     interim rule clarifying change to part                  SC16–944/980/999–1 IR), clarifying                       Based on 2015 reporting, USDA
     980, the vegetable import regulations.                  changes were made to part 980 by                      estimates that there were two importers
     The interim rule moved the procedure                    moving the exempt-use reporting                       and two receivers of tomatoes that were
     for filing an exempt commodity form for                 requirements for tomatoes destined for                exempt from 8e requirements. Although
     tomatoes destined for noncommercial                     noncommercial outlets for experimental                USDA does not have access to data
     outlets for experimental purposes from                  purposes from § 980.212 (tomato import                about the business sizes of these
     § 980.212 of the tomato import                          regulations) to § 980.501 (safeguard                  importers and receivers, it is likely that
     regulations to § 980.501 of the vegetable               procedures section for imported                       the majority may be classified as large
     safeguard procedures import                             vegetables).                                          entities.
     regulations. This change removed                           In addition, § 999.600(d) of the                      This rule continues in effect the
     reference to a form that does not exist                 pistachio import regulations was revised              action that moved the requirements for
     for imports and made the safeguard                      to remove the paper-based ‘‘stamp and                 reporting imported tomatoes destined
     regulations consistent for all imported                 fax’’ process, which has been replaced                for noncommercial outlets for
     vegetables that are exempt from 8e                      by an electronic process that importers               experimental purposes, which are
     regulations.                                            now use to notify AMS of an initial                   exempt from 8e regulations, from the
        This rule also continues in effect the               request for inspection.                               tomato import regulations to the
     change to § 999.600 of the pistachio                       Finally, several administrative                    safeguard section of the vegetable
     import regulations that removed the                     changes were made to various sections                 import regulations. This change to the
     reference to a paper-based notification                 in parts 944 and 999 (the fruit and                   regulations did not revise the
     of entry process, known in the industry                 specialty crop import regulations,                    procedures currently used by importers
     as the ‘‘stamp and fax’’ process. This                  respectively). First, the USDA agency                 and receivers of exempt tomatoes;


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                        Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 100 / Thursday, May 25, 2017 / Rules and Regulations                                               24001

     instead, it shifted the outdated                        import regulations to the safeguard                   PARTS 944, 980, AND 999—
     requirements contained in § 980.212 to                  section for imported vegetables was                   [AMENDED]
     the more appropriate safeguard                          administrative in nature and did not
     procedures section in § 980.501. Most                   change the practice that has existed for              ■ Accordingly, the interim rule that
     importers and receivers already file FV–                many years. Should any changes to form                amended 7 CFR parts 944, 980, and 999
     6 forms electronically with AMS, while                  FV–6 become necessary in the future,                  that was published at 81 FR 87409 on
     some paper forms are still submitted to                 they would be submitted to OMB for                    December 5, 2016, is adopted as a final
     AMS. In 2015, AMS estimates it                          approval.                                             rule, without change.
     received five electronic FV–6 forms and                    This rule will not impose any                        Dated: May 19, 2017.
     no paper FV–6 forms for approximately                   additional reporting or recordkeeping
                                                                                                                   Bruce Summers,
     14,900 pounds of exempt tomatoes.                       requirements on either small or large
                                                                                                                   Acting Administrator, Agricultural Marketing
        As part of the full implementation of                importers or receivers of commodities
                                                                                                                   Service.
     ITDS, importers and receivers report                    exempt from 8e regulations. As with all
                                                                                                                   [FR Doc. 2017–10678 Filed 5–24–17; 8:45 am]
     exempt shipments through CBP’s                          import regulations, reports and forms
     Automated Commercial Environment                        are periodically reviewed to reduce                   BILLING CODE 3410–02–P

     (ACE) system and AMS’ Compliance                        information requirements and
     and Enforcement Management System                       duplication by industry and public
     (CEMS). CEMS was developed by AMS                       sector agencies. In addition, USDA has                DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
     to replace AMS’ Marketing Order                         not identified any relevant Federal rules             Agricultural Marketing Service
     Online System (MOLS), an online                         that duplicate, overlap, or conflict with
     system that was used from its                           this rule.                                            7 CFR Part 985
     implementation in 2008 until it was                        Further, importers are already familiar
     replaced by CEMS in 2016. An                            with the long-existing process and                    [Doc. No. AMS–SC–16–0107; SC17–985–1
     affirmation of interim rule as final rule               requirement to file FV–6 forms for                    FR]
     was published in the Federal Register                   commodities exempt from 8e
     on June 25, 2015, (80 FR 36465) that                    regulations. Also, the import trade is                Marketing Order Regulating the
     provided for the electronic submission                  fully aware of the ITDS initiative, which             Handling of Spearmint Oil Produced in
     of FV–6 forms, a practice that has                      is designed to streamline and automate                the Far West; Salable Quantities and
     existed since MOLS was implemented                      the filing of import shipment data.                   Allotment Percentages for the 2017–
     in 2008 but was not reflected in the                       Comments on the interim rule were                  2018 Marketing Year
     regulations. This action imposes no                     required to be received on or before                  AGENCY:  Agricultural Marketing Service,
     additional burden on importers and                      February 3, 2017. No comments were                    USDA.
     receivers of exempt tomatoes.                           received. Therefore, for the reasons
                                                                                                                   ACTION: Final rule.
        Regarding alternatives to this action,               given in the interim rule, we are
     AMS determined that these changes to                    adopting the interim rule as a final rule,            SUMMARY:   This final rule implements a
     the regulations were needed to comply                   without change.                                       recommendation from the Far West
     with ITDS requirements. Moving an                          To view the interim rule, go to:                   Spearmint Oil Administrative
     outdated, paper-based exempt form-                      https://www.regulations.gov/                          Committee (Committee) to establish the
     filing requirement from the import                      document?D=AMS-SC-16-0083-0001.                       quantity of spearmint oil produced in
     tomato regulations to the safeguard                        This action also affirms information               the Far West, by class, that handlers
     section of the vegetable import                         contained in the interim rule concerning              may purchase from, or handle on behalf
     regulations standardized the regulations                Executive Orders 12866, 12988, 13175,                 of, producers during the 2017–2018
     and properly provided for the current                   and 13563; the Paperwork Reduction                    marketing year, which begins on June 1,
     requirement of filing a paper or                        Act (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35); and the E-                2017. The Far West production area
     electronic form FV–6, which benefits                    Gov Act (44 U.S.C. 101).                              includes the states of Washington,
     importers and receivers who import                         After consideration of all relevant
                                                                                                                   Idaho, Oregon, and designated parts of
     these exempt tomatoes. In addition,                     material presented, it is found that
                                                                                                                   Nevada and Utah. The Committee
     changing the pistachio regulations by                   finalizing the interim rule, without
                                                                                                                   locally administers the marketing order
     removing the paper-based ‘‘stamp and                    change, as published in the Federal
                                                                                                                   and is comprised of spearmint oil
     fax’’ requirement streamlined the                       Register (81 FR 87409, December 5,
                                                                                                                   producers operating within the area of
     regulations and reduced the burden on                   2016) will tend to effectuate the
                                                                                                                   production. This action establishes
     the trade. The other administrative                     declared policy of the Act.
                                                                                                                   salable quantities and allotment
     changes made in the interim rule
                                                             List of Subjects                                      percentages for Class 1 (Scotch)
     provided the import trade with accurate
                                                                                                                   spearmint oil of 774,645 pounds and 36
     information.                                            7 CFR Part 944
        In accordance with the Paperwork                                                                           percent, respectively, and for Class 3
                                                               Avocados, Food grades and standards,                (Native) spearmint oil of 1,075,051
     Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C.                        Grapefruit, Grapes, Imports, Kiwifruit,
     Chapter 35), the information collection                                                                       pounds and 44 percent, respectively.
                                                             Olives, Oranges.                                      The Committee recommended these
     requirements for the form FV–6 (for
     commodities exempt from 8e                              7 CFR Part 980                                        salable quantities and allotment
     requirements) have been previously                                                                            percentages to help maintain stability in
                                                               Food grades and standards, Imports,                 the spearmint oil market.
     approved by OMB and assigned OMB                        Marketing agreements, Onions, Potatoes,
     No. 0581–0167 (Specific Commodities                                                                           DATES: Effective May 26, 2017.
                                                             Tomatoes.
     Imported into United States Exempt                                                                            FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dale
     From Import Regulations). No changes                    7 CFR Part 999                                        Novotny, Marketing Specialist, or Gary
     in the requirements for the FV–6 form                     Dates, Filberts, Food grades and                    Olson, Regional Director, Northwest
     as a result of this action are necessary.               standards, Imports, Nuts, Pistachios,                 Marketing Field Office, Marketing Order
     The shift of the requirements for                       Prunes, Raisins, Reporting and                        and Agreement Division, Specialty
     exempt-use filings from the tomato                      recordkeeping requirements, Walnuts.                  Crops Program, AMS, USDA;


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Document Created: 2018-11-08 08:53:28
Document Modified: 2018-11-08 08:53:28
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionRules and Regulations
ActionAffirmation of the interim rule as final rule.
DatesEffective May 30, 2017.
ContactShannon Ramirez, Compliance and Enforcement Specialist, or Vincent Fusaro, Compliance and Enforcement Branch Chief, Specialty Crops Program, AMS, USDA; Telephone: (202) 720- 2491, Fax: (202) 720-8938, or Email: [email protected] or [email protected]
FR Citation82 FR 23999 
CFR Citation7 CFR 944
7 CFR 980
7 CFR 999
CFR AssociatedAvocados; Food Grades and Standards; Grapefruit; Grapes; Imports; Kiwifruit; Olives; Oranges; Marketing Agreements; Onions; Potatoes; Tomatoes; Dates; Filberts; Nuts; Pistachios; Prunes; Raisins; Reporting and Recordkeeping Requirements and Walnuts

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