SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Title: Importation of Fresh Beans, Shelled or in Pods, From Jordan Into the Continental United States.

OMB Control Number: 0579-0405.

Type of Request: Extension of approval of an information collection.

Abstract: The Plant Protection Act (PPA, 7 U.S.C. 7701 et seq.) authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to restrict the importation, entry, or interstate ( printed page 5528) movement of plants, plant products, and other articles to prevent the introduction of plant pests into the United States or their dissemination within the United States. As authorized by the PPA, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) regulates the importation of certain fruits and vegetables in accordance with the regulations in “Subpart—Fruits and Vegetables” (7 CFR 319.56-1 through 319.56-76).

Section 319.56-62 provides the requirements for the importation of fresh beans ( Phaseolus vulgaris L.), shelled or in pods (French, green, snap, and string) from Jordan into the continental United States. These commodities may be imported into the United States under certain conditions to prevent the introduction of plant pests into the United States. The regulations require information collection activities, including packinghouse registration, box labeling, and a phytosanitary certificate attesting that the conditions in § 319.56-62 have been met and that each consignment has been inspected and found free the pests listed in that section.

We are asking the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to approve our use of these information collection activities for an additional 3 years.

The purpose of this notice is to solicit comments from the public (as well as affected agencies) concerning our information collection. These comments will help us:

(1) Evaluate whether the collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the Agency, including whether the information will have practical utility;

(2) Evaluate the accuracy of our estimate of the burden of the collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used;

(3) Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and

(4) Minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, through use, as appropriate, of automated, electronic, mechanical, and other collection technologies; e.g., permitting electronic submission of responses.

Estimate of burden: The public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 0.78 hours per response.

Respondents: Importers of fresh beans, shelled or in pods, from Jordan and the national plant protection organization of Jordan.

Estimated annual number of respondents: 6.

Estimated annual number of responses per respondent: 7.

Estimated annual number of responses: 40.

Estimated total annual burden on respondents: 31 hours. (Due to averaging, the total annual burden hours may not equal the product of the annual number of responses multiplied by the reporting burden per response.)

All responses to this notice will be summarized and included in the request for OMB approval. All comments will also become a matter of public record.

82 FR 5527