International Sanitary and Phytosanitary Standard-Setting Activities, 50063-50067 [2018-21577]

Download as PDF 50063 Notices Federal Register Vol. 83, No. 193 Thursday, October 4, 2018 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains documents other than rules or proposed rules that are applicable to the public. Notices of hearings and investigations, committee meetings, agency decisions and rulings, delegations of authority, filing of petitions and applications and agency statements of organization and functions are examples of documents appearing in this section. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service [Docket No. APHIS–2018–0053] International Sanitary and Phytosanitary Standard-Setting Activities Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA. ACTION: Notice and request for comments. AGENCY: In accordance with legislation implementing the results of the Uruguay Round of negotiations under the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade, we are informing the public of the international standard-setting activities of the World Organization for Animal Health, the Secretariat of the International Plant Protection Convention, and the North American Plant Protection Organization, and we are soliciting public comment on the standards to be considered. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments by either of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov/#!docket Detail;D=APHIS-2018-0053. • Postal Mail/Commercial Delivery: Send your comment to Docket No. APHIS–2018–0053, Regulatory Analysis and Development, PPD, APHIS, Station 3A–03.8, 4700 River Road Unit 118, Riverdale, MD 20737–1238. Supporting documents and any comments we receive on this docket may be viewed at https:// www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D= APHIS-2018-0053 or in our reading Room, which is located in Room 1141 of the USDA South Building, 14th Street and Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC. Normal reading room hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, except holidays. To be sure someone is there to help you, please call (202) 799–7039 before coming. daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with NOTICES SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:23 Oct 03, 2018 Jkt 247001 For general information on the topics covered in this notice, contact Ms. Jessica Mahalingappa, Assistant Deputy Administrator for Trade and Capacity Building, International Services, APHIS, Room 1132, USDA South Building, 14th Street and Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250; (202) 799–7121. For specific information regarding standard-setting activities of the World Organization for Animal Health, contact Dr. Michael David, Director, International Animal Health Standards Team, National Import Export Services, VS, APHIS, 4700 River Road Unit 33, Riverdale, MD 20737; (301) 851–3302. For specific information regarding the standard-setting activities of the International Plant Protection Convention, contact Dr. Marina Zlotina, IPPC Technical Director, International Phytosanitary Standards, PPQ, APHIS, 4700 River Road Unit 130, Riverdale, MD 20737; (301) 851–2200. For specific information on the North American Plant Protection Organization, contact Ms. Patricia Abad, NAPPO Technical Director, International Phytosanitary Standards, PPQ, APHIS, 4700 River Road Unit 130, Riverdale, MD 20737; (301) 851–2264. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Background The World Trade Organization (WTO) was established as the common international institutional framework for governing trade relations among its members in matters related to the Uruguay Round Agreements. The WTO is the successor organization to the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade. U.S. membership in the WTO was approved by Congress when it enacted the Uruguay Round Agreements Act (Pub. L. 103–465), which was signed into law on December 8, 1994. The WTO Agreements, which established the WTO, entered into force with respect to the United States on January 1, 1995. The Uruguay Round Agreements Act amended Title IV of the Trade Agreements Act of 1979 (19 U.S.C. 2531 et seq.). Section 491 of the Trade Agreements Act of 1979, as amended (19 U.S.C. 2578), requires the President to designate an agency to be responsible for informing the public of the sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) standard-setting activities of each international standard-setting PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 organization. The designated agency must inform the public by publishing an annual notice in the Federal Register that provides the following information: (1) The SPS standards under consideration or planned for consideration by the international standard-setting organization; and (2) for each SPS standard specified, a description of the consideration or planned consideration of that standard, a statement of whether the United States is participating or plans to participate in the consideration of that standard, the agenda for U.S. participation, if any, and the agency responsible for representing the United States with respect to that standard. ‘‘International standard’’ is defined in 19 U.S.C. 2578b as any standard, guideline, or recommendation: (1) Adopted by the Codex Alimentarius Commission (Codex) regarding food safety; (2) developed under the auspices of the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE, formerly known as the Office International des Epizooties) regarding animal health and welfare and zoonoses; (3) developed under the auspices of the Secretariat of the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC or the Convention) and the North American Plant Protection Organization (NAPPO) regarding plant health; or (4) established by or developed under any other international organization agreed to by the member countries of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) or the member countries of the WTO. The President, pursuant to Proclamation No. 6780 of March 23, 1995 (60 FR 15845), designated the Secretary of Agriculture as the official responsible for informing the public of the SPS standard-setting activities of Codex, OIE, IPPC, and NAPPO. The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA’s) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) informs the public of Codex standard-setting activities, and USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) informs the public of OIE, IPPC, and NAPPO standard-setting activities. FSIS publishes an annual notice in the Federal Register to inform the public of SPS standard-setting activities for Codex. Codex was created in 1962 by two United Nations organizations, the Food and Agriculture Organization and E:\FR\FM\04OCN1.SGM 04OCN1 daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with NOTICES 50064 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 193 / Thursday, October 4, 2018 / Notices the World Health Organization. It is the major international organization for encouraging international trade in food and protecting the health and economic interests of consumers. APHIS is responsible for publishing an annual notice of OIE, IPPC, and NAPPO activities related to international standards for plant and animal health and representing the United States with respect to these standards. Following are descriptions of the OIE, IPPC, and NAPPO organizations and the standard-setting agenda for each of these organizations. We have described the agenda that each of these organizations will address at their annual general sessions, including standards that may be presented for adoption or consideration, as well as other initiatives that may be underway at the OIE, IPPC, and NAPPO. The agendas for these meetings are subject to change, and the draft standards identified in this notice may not be sufficiently developed and ready for adoption as indicated. Also, while it is the intent of the United States to support adoption of international standards and to participate actively and fully in their development, it should be recognized that the U.S. position on a specific draft standard will depend on the acceptability of the final draft. Given the dynamic and interactive nature of the standard-setting process, we encourage any persons who are interested in the most current details about a specific draft standard or the U.S. position on a particular standardsetting issue, or in providing comments on a specific standard that may be under development, to contact APHIS. Contact information is provided at the beginning of this notice under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT. occurrence of animal diseases and to ensure that science-based standards govern international trade in animals and animal products. The OIE aims to achieve these through the development and revision of international standards for diagnostic tests, vaccines, and the safe international trade of animals and animal products. The OIE provides annual reports on the global distribution of animal diseases, recognizes the free status of Members for certain diseases, categorizes animal diseases with respect to their international significance, publishes bulletins on global disease status, and provides animal disease control guidelines to Members. Various OIE commissions and working groups undertake the development and preparation of draft standards, which are then circulated to Members for consultation (review and comment). Draft standards are revised accordingly and are presented to the OIE World Assembly of Delegates (all the Members) for review and adoption during the General Session, which meets annually every May. Adoption, as a general rule, is based on consensus of the OIE membership. The most recent OIE General Session occurred May 20 to May 25, 2018, in Paris, France. The Chief Trade Advisor for APHIS’ Veterinary Services program serves as the official U.S. Delegate to the OIE at this General Session. The Deputy Administrator for APHIS’ Veterinary Services program serves as the Alternate Delegate. Information about OIE draft Terrestrial and Aquatic Animal Health Code chapters may be found on the internet at https://www.aphis.usda.gov/ animal-health/export-animals-oie or by contacting Dr. Michael David (see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT above). OIE Standard-Setting Activities The OIE was established in Paris, France, in 1924 with the signing of an international agreement by 28 countries. It is currently composed of 181 Members, each of which is represented by a delegate who, in most cases, is the chief veterinary officer of that country or territory. The WTO has recognized the OIE as the international forum for setting animal health standards, reporting global animal disease events, and presenting guidelines and recommendations on sanitary measures relating to animal health. The OIE facilitates intergovernmental cooperation to prevent the spread of contagious diseases in animals by sharing scientific research among its Members. The major functions of the OIE are to collect and disseminate information on the distribution and OIE Terrestrial and Aquatic Animal Health Code Chapters Adopted During the May 2018 General Session Twenty nine Code chapters were amended, rewritten, or newly proposed and presented for adoption at the General Session. The following Code chapters are of particular interest to the United States: 1. Chapters 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 1.10, 1.11, and 1.12., Chapters on the application for official recognition by the OIE of either risk status or free status for various diseases. The United States reminded the Code Commission to respect the process for circulating new and updated chapters to allow member countries the time that is necessary to properly review and comment on such chapters. 2. Chapter 4.3., Zoning and Compartmentalization. This chapter VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:43 Oct 03, 2018 Jkt 247001 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 was significantly revised and either introduced or clarified various concepts regarding zones. 3. Chapter 4.X., Chapter on vaccination. This is a new chapter that provides member countries with basic guidelines and recommendations when considering the use of vaccines for a control program. 4. Chapter 6.7., Harmonization of national antimicrobial resistance surveillance and monitoring programmes. References to conducting antimicrobial surveillance on ‘‘the animal’s immediate environment or the wide environment’’ was deleted. 5. Articles 6.81 and 6.8.bis., Monitoring of the quantities and usage patterns of antimicrobial agents used in food producing animals. This is an existing chapter, however definitions for therapeutic use, non-therapeutic use, and growth promotion were introduced. The terms veterinary medical use and non-veterinary medical use were replaced with the terms therapeutic use and non-therapeutic use, respectively. 6. Chapter 6.13., Prevention and control of Salmonella in pigs. Several articles were revised to improve clarity, particularly with regards to the definition of commercial pigs. 7. Chapter 6.X., Introduction to recommendations for veterinary public health. This was a newly adopted chapter. 8. Article 7.1.1., Introduction to the recommendations for animal welfare. This was an amendment to an existing chapter. 9. Article 7.1.X., Guiding principles for the use of measures to assess animal welfare. The phrase ‘‘and other relevant bodies’’ was reinserted. This was important since entities such as universities and commodity groups often are the ones with the capability to collect data that can be used to set target values. 10. Chapter 7.X., Animal welfare and pig production systems. The United States supported the adoption of this new chapter, but requested that the Code Commission consider further comments that the United States will be submitting related to some inconsistencies between Articles 7.X.9 and 7.X.10 to address foraging and feeding behavior recommendations. OIE Terrestrial Animal Health Code Chapters for Upcoming and Future Review • Chapter 1.4., Animal health surveillance. • Chapter 4.Y., Official control of listed disease. This will be a new chapter. E:\FR\FM\04OCN1.SGM 04OCN1 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 193 / Thursday, October 4, 2018 / Notices daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with NOTICES • Chapter 4.Z., Introduction to recommendations for disease prevention and control. This will be a new introductory chapter for section 4. • Chapter 7.Y., Killing of reptiles for their skins, meat and other products. This will be a new chapter. • Articles 15.1.1.bis., 15.1.2., 15.1.3., and 15.1.22., Infection with African swine fever virus. • Articles 1.6.1. to 1.6.4., Procedures for self-declaration and for official recognition by the OIE. • Chapter 8.14., Infection with rabies virus. IPPC Standard-Setting Activities The IPPC is a multilateral convention adopted in 1952 to prevent the spread and introduction of pests of plants and plant products and to promote appropriate measures for their control. The WTO recognizes the IPPC as the standard setting body for plant health. Under the IPPC, the understanding of plant protection encompasses the protection of both cultivated and noncultivated plants from direct or indirect injury by plant pests. The IPPC addresses the following activities: Developing, adopting, and implementing international standards for phytosanitary (plant health) measures (ISPMs); harmonizing phytosanitary activities through adopted standards; facilitating the exchange of official and scientific information among countries; and providing technical assistance to developing countries that are contracting parties to the Convention. The IPPC is deposited within the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, and is an international agreement of 183 contracting parties. National plant protection organizations (NPPOs), in cooperation with regional plant protection organizations, the Commission on Phytosanitary Measures (CPM), and the Secretariat of the IPPC, implement the Convention. The IPPC continues to be administered at the national level by plant quarantine officials, whose primary objective is to safeguard plant resources from injurious pests. In the United States, the NPPO is APHIS’ Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ) program. The 12th Session of the CPM took place from April 16 to 20, 2018, in Rome, Italy, at the Headquarters of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. The Deputy Administrator for APHIS’ PPQ program was the U.S. delegate to the CPM. The CPM adopted the following standards at its 2018 meeting. The United States, represented by the VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:43 Oct 03, 2018 Jkt 247001 Deputy Administrator for APHIS’ PPQ program, participated in deliberations of these standards. The United States developed its position on each of these issues prior to the CPM session, which were based on APHIS’ analyses and other relevant information from other U.S. Government agencies and interested stakeholders: • Revision of ISPM 6: Surveillance. • 2015 and 2016 amendments to ISPM 5: Glossary of phytosanitary terms. • Revision of Annex 1 and Annex 2 to ISPM 15, for inclusion of the phytosanitary treatment sulphuryl fluoride fumigation and revision of the dielectric heating section. • ISPM 42: Requirements for the use of temperature treatments as a phytosanitary measures. • Phytosanitary treatment as Annex to ISPM 28: Phytosanitary treatments for regulated pests: PT 32 Vapour heat treatment for Bactrocera dorsalis on Carica papaya. • Diagnostic protocols (DPs) as Annexes to ISPM 27: Diagnostic protocols for regulated pests. Æ DP 23: Phytophthora ramorum. Æ DP 24: Tomato spotted wilt virus, Impatiens necrotic spot virus, and Watermelon silver mottle virus. In addition to adopting these plant health standards, the 2018 Commission meeting also progressed a number of plant health initiatives strategically important to the United States. These initiatives include advancing the development of a new IPPC strategic framework for 2020–2030 to set the top priorities for plant health and trade, launching a pilot of a global electronic certification system to support trade (ePhyto), developing programs aimed at improving the use and implementation of standards around the world, and creating a task force for addressing pests issues associated with the international movement of sea containers. New IPPC Standard-Setting Initiatives, Including Those in Development A number of expert working group (EWG) meetings or other technical consultations took place October 2017 through July 2018 on the topics listed below. These standard-setting initiatives are under development and may be considered for future adoption. APHIS intends to participate actively and fully in each of these working groups. APHIS developed its position on each of the topics prior to the working group meetings. The APHIS position was based on technical analyses, information from other U.S. Government agencies, and relevant PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 50065 scientific information from interested stakeholders: • Expert Working Group on Guidance on Pest Risk Management. • Technical Panel for the Glossary of Phytosanitary Terms. • Technical Panel on Diagnostic Protocols. • Technical Panel on Phytosanitary Treatments. For more detailed information on the above, contact Dr. Marina Zlotina (see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT above). PPQ actively works to achieve broad participation by States, industry, and other stakeholders in the development and use of international and regional plant health standards. Plant health stakeholders are strongly encouraged to comment on draft standards, documents, and specifications during the consultation periods. In 2018, six draft standards and one draft specification were open for consultation. APHIS posts links to draft standards on its website as they become available and provides information on the due dates for comments.1 Additional information on IPPC standards (including the IPPC work program (list of topics 2), standard-setting process, and adopted standards) is available on the IPPC website.3 For the most current information on official U.S. participation in IPPC activities, including U.S. positions on standards being considered, contact Dr. Marina Zlotina (see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT above). Those wishing to provide comments on any of the areas of work being undertaken by the IPPC may do so at any time by responding to this notice (see ADDRESSES above) or by providing comments through Dr. Zlotina. NAPPO Standard-Setting Activities NAPPO, a regional plant protection organization created in 1976 under the IPPC, coordinates the efforts among the United States, Canada, and Mexico to protect their plant resources from the entry, establishment, and spread of harmful plant pests, while facilitating intra- and inter-regional trade. As the NPPO of the United States, APHIS’ PPQ is the organization officially identified to participate in NAPPO. Through NAPPO, APHIS works closely with its regional counterparts and industries to 1 For more information on the IPPC draft ISPM consultation: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ ourfocus/planthealth/sa_international/sa_ phytostandards/ct_draft_standards. 2 IPPC list of topics: https://www.ippc.int/en/coreactivities/standards-setting/list-topics-ippcstandards/. 3 IPPC website: https://www.ippc.int/. E:\FR\FM\04OCN1.SGM 04OCN1 daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with NOTICES 50066 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 193 / Thursday, October 4, 2018 / Notices develop harmonized regional standards and approaches for managing pest threats. NAPPO conducts its work through priority-driven annual projects approved by the NAPPO Executive Committee and conducted by expert groups, including subject matter experts from each member country and regional industry representatives. Project results and updates are provided during the NAPPO annual meeting. Projects can include the development of positions, policies, or technical documents, or the development or revision of regional standards for phytosanitary measures (RSPMs). Projects can also include implementation of standards or other capacity development activities such as workshops. The 41st NAPPO annual meeting was held October 16 to 19, 2017, in Merida, Yucatan, Mexico. The meeting featured several strategic topics, including a 1day symposium on surveillance in the NAPPO countries and the Americas. The NAPPO Executive Committee meetings took place on October 16 and 20, 2017, and February 15, 2018. The Deputy Administrator for PPQ is the U.S. member of the NAPPO Executive Committee. The NAPPO expert groups, including member countries’ subject matter experts, finalized the following regional standards, documents, products, and projects in 2017–2018: • Completed an English language online training module on RSPM 12– Preparation of a Petition for First Release of a Non-indigenous Entomophagous Biological Control Agent. • Organized and delivered the first International Symposium on Risk-Based Sampling in June 2017 in Baltimore, MD, which included 122 government, industry, and academic participants from 27 countries. • Completed a NAPPO discussion document on Criteria for Evaluating Phytosanitary Seed Treatments. The NAPPO Executive Committee approved this document during the 2017 October NAPPO annual meeting. • Completed a discussion document on Likelihood of Establishment. The NAPPO Executive Committee approved this document during the 2017 October NAPPO annual meeting. • Issued via NAPPO’s Phytosanitary Alert System (PAS): 29 Official Pest Reports and 6 Emerging Pest Alerts for FY 2018 (from October 2017 to July 2018). • Conducted a review of RSPM 36 (Phytosanitary Guidelines for the Movement of Seed) and completed the archiving of RSPM 36 in-light of the VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:43 Oct 03, 2018 Jkt 247001 newly adopted ISPM 38: International Movement of Seeds. New NAPPO Standard-Setting Initiatives, Including Those in Development The 2018 work program 4 includes the following topics being worked on by NAPPO expert groups and NAPPO’s Advisory and Management Committee. APHIS intends to participate actively and fully in the 2018 NAPPO work program. The APHIS position on each topic will be guided and informed by the best technical and scientific information available, as well as on relevant input from stakeholders. For each of the following, the United States will consider its position on any draft standard after it reviews a prepared draft. Information regarding the following NAPPO projects, assignments, activities, and updates on meeting times and locations may be obtained from the NAPPO website or by contacting Ms. Patricia Abad (see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT above). 1. RSPM 9: Revision of Regional Standard for Phytosanitary Measures 9: Authorization of Laboratories for Phytosanitary Testing. 2. RSPM 35: Revision of Regional Standard for Phytosanitary Measures 35: Guidelines for the Movement of Stone and Pome Fruit Trees and Grapevines into a NAPPO Member Country. 3. ISPM 38 Implementation: Design and deliver a hemispheric (Americas focused) workshop to promote the understanding and implementation of ISPM 38: International Movement of Seeds. 4. Forestry Systems Approaches: Finalize a NAPPO Regional Standard for Phytosanitary Measures (RSPM 41) on the use of systems approaches to manage pest risks associated with the movement of wood. 5. Lymantriids: Develop a NAPPO Science and Technology document on the risks associated with Lymantriids of concern to the NAPPO region, identifying potential species and pathways of concern. 6. Khapra Beetle: Develop a discussion document on a harmonized North American approach to preventing the introduction, establishment, and spread of khapra beetle in various pathways. 7. Biological Control: Develop online training module in Spanish on preparing a petition for first release of an entomophagous biological control agent. 4 NAPPO work program: https://nappo.org/ english/710/status-current-nappo-projects/. PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 8. Risk-Based Sampling: Complete and publish proceedings from 2017 International Risk-Based Sampling Symposium (organized by NAPPO) as well as Risk-Based Sampling Manual. 9. Asian Gypsy Moth: Validate specific risk periods for regulated Asian gypsy moth in countries of origin. 10. Foundation and Procedure documents: Continue to update and finalize various foundation or procedure documents. 11. Electronic Phytosanitary Certification: Provide assistance and technical support to the IPPC ePhyto Steering Group. 12. Phytosanitary Alert System: Continue to manage the NAPPO pest reporting system. 13. Update to Pest List for RSPM 3: Movement of Potatoes into a NAPPO Member Country. 14. Regional Collaboration: Collaboration (mainly information exchange) with the Interamerican Coordinating Group in Plant Protection (GICSV), via Technical Working Groups on ePhyto and citrus greening (HLB). 15. Stakeholder Engagement: Plan, coordinate and execute activities for the October 2018 NAPPO Annual Meeting in Tucson, Arizona, and publish the quarterly newsletter. The PPQ Assistant Deputy Administrator, as the official U.S. delegate to NAPPO, intends to participate in the adoption of these regional plant health standards and projects, including the work described above, once they are completed and ready for such consideration. The information in this notice contains all the information available to us on NAPPO standards under development or consideration. For updates on meeting times and for information on the expert groups that may become available following publication of this notice, visit the NAPPO website or contact Ms. Patricia Abad (see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT above). PPQ actively works to achieve broad participation by States, industry, and other stakeholders in the development and use of international and regional plant health standards. Plant health stakeholders are strongly encouraged to comment on draft standards, documents, and specifications during consultation periods. APHIS posts links to draft standards on the internet as they become available and provides information on the due dates for comments.5 Additional information on 5 For more information on the NAPPO draft RSPM consultation: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/ aphis/ourfocus/planthealth/sa_international/sa_ phytostandards/ct_draft_standards. E:\FR\FM\04OCN1.SGM 04OCN1 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 193 / Thursday, October 4, 2018 / Notices NAPPO standards (including the NAPPO Work Program, standard setting process, and adopted standards) is available on the NAPPO website.6 Information on official U.S. participation in NAPPO activities, including U.S. positions on standards being considered, may also be obtained from Ms. Abad. Those wishing to provide comments on any of the topics being addressed in the NAPPO work program may do so at any time by responding to this notice (see ADDRESSES above) or by transmitting comments through Ms. Abad. Done in Washington, DC, on September 27, 2018. Kevin Shea, Administrator, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. [FR Doc. 2018–21577 Filed 10–3–18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–34–P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE National Agricultural Statistics Service Notice of the Advisory Committee on Agriculture Statistics Meeting National Agricultural Statistics Service, USDA. ACTION: Notice of public meeting. AGENCY: In accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act, the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) announces a meeting of the Advisory Committee on Agriculture Statistics. DATES: The Committee meeting will be held from 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, November 14, 2018, and from 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, November 15, 2018. There will be an opportunity for public questions and comments at 8:15 a.m. on Thursday, November 15, 2018. All times mentioned herein refer to Central Standard Time. ADDRESSES: The Committee meeting will take place at the Wyndham San Antonio Riverwalk, 111 E Pecan St., San Antonio, TX 78205. Written comments may be filed before or up to two weeks after the meeting with the contact person identified herein at: U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Agricultural Statistics Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Room 5041– A, South Building, Washington, DC, 20250–2000. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kevin Barnes, Associate Administrator, National Agricultural Statistics Service, telephone: 202–720–4333, eFax: 855– daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with NOTICES SUMMARY: 493–0445, or email: HQOA@ nass.usda.gov. General information about the committee can also be found at https://www.nass.usda.gov/About_ NASS/index.php. The Advisory Committee on Agriculture Statistics, which consists of 20 members appointed from 7 categories covering a broad range of agricultural disciplines and interests, has scheduled a meeting on November 14–15, 2018. During this time the Advisory Committee will discuss topics including the status of NASS programs, Census of Agriculture Updates, Census of Agriculture Program Plans, and the NASS Strategic Plan. The Committee meeting is open to the public. The public is asked to preregister for the meeting at least 10 business days prior to the meeting. Your pre-registration must state the names of each person in your group, organization, or interest represented; the number of people planning to give oral comments, if any; and whether anyone in your group requires special accommodations. Submit registrations to Executive Secretary, Advisory Committee on Agriculture Statistics, via eFax: 855– 493–0445, or email: HQOA@ nass.usda.gov. Members of the public who request to give oral comments to the Committee must arrive at the meeting site by 8:00 a.m. on Thursday, November 15, 2018. Written comments by attendees or other interested stakeholders will be welcomed for the public record before and up to two weeks following the meeting. The public may file written comments by mail to the Executive Director, Advisory Committee on Agriculture Statistics, U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Agricultural Statistics Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Room 5041–A South Building, Washington, DC, 20250–2000. Written comments can also be sent via eFax: 855–493–0445, or email: HQOA@nass.usda.gov. All statements will become a part of the official records of the USDA Advisory Committee on Agriculture Statistics and will be kept on file for public review in the office of the Executive Director, Advisory Committee on Agriculture Statistics, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC, 20250. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Signed at Washington, DC, September 19, 2018. Kevin Barnes, Associate Administrator, National Agricultural Statistics Service. [FR Doc. 2018–21611 Filed 10–3–18; 8:45 am] 6 NAPPO website: https://nappo.org/. VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:43 Oct 03, 2018 Jkt 247001 BILLING CODE 3410–20–P PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 50067 DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE National Agricultural Statistics Service Notice of Intent To Request Revision and Extension of a Currently Approved Information Collection National Agricultural Statistics Service, USDA. ACTION: Notice and request for comments. AGENCY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces the intention of the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) to request revision and extension of a currently approved information collection, the List Sampling Frame Surveys. Revision to burden hours will be needed due to changes in the size of the target population, sampling design, and questionnaire length. Annually, NASS obtains lists of farm and ranch operators from different crop and livestock organizations. Before adding these names to our list of active operators we will contact the individuals to determine if they qualify as a farm or ranch and then collect basic information from them on the size and type of operation they have. These data will be used to eliminate any duplication we may have with names already on our list. In addition to the names of potential operators we receive from different crop and livestock organizations, NASS has been investigating the use of webscraping as a source of identifying new farm operators to add to our List Frame. This new approach will be conducted under a two stage process. A short screening form will be used first to identify potential agricultural producers who will then receive a more detailed questionnaire. This approach is designed to minimize respondent burden on small or non-farming entities. DATES: Comments on this notice must be received by December 3, 2018 to be assured of consideration. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments, identified by docket number 0535–0140, by any of the following methods: • Email: ombofficer@nass.usda.gov. Include docket number above in the subject line of the message. • eFax: (855) 838–6382. • Mail: Mail any paper, disk, or CD– ROM submissions to: David Hancock, NASS Clearance Officer, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Room 5336 South Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250– 2024. SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\04OCN1.SGM 04OCN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 193 (Thursday, October 4, 2018)]
[Notices]
[Pages 50063-50067]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-21577]


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Notices
                                                Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________

This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains documents other than rules 
or proposed rules that are applicable to the public. Notices of hearings 
and investigations, committee meetings, agency decisions and rulings, 
delegations of authority, filing of petitions and applications and agency 
statements of organization and functions are examples of documents 
appearing in this section.

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Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 193 / Thursday, October 4, 2018 / 
Notices

[[Page 50063]]



DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

[Docket No. APHIS-2018-0053]


International Sanitary and Phytosanitary Standard-Setting 
Activities

AGENCY: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice and request for comments.

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

SUMMARY: In accordance with legislation implementing the results of the 
Uruguay Round of negotiations under the General Agreement on Tariffs 
and Trade, we are informing the public of the international standard-
setting activities of the World Organization for Animal Health, the 
Secretariat of the International Plant Protection Convention, and the 
North American Plant Protection Organization, and we are soliciting 
public comment on the standards to be considered.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments by either of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=APHIS-2018-0053.
     Postal Mail/Commercial Delivery: Send your comment to 
Docket No. APHIS-2018-0053, Regulatory Analysis and Development, PPD, 
APHIS, Station 3A-03.8, 4700 River Road Unit 118, Riverdale, MD 20737-
1238.
    Supporting documents and any comments we receive on this docket may 
be viewed at https://www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=APHIS-2018-
0053 or in our reading Room, which is located in Room 1141 of the USDA 
South Building, 14th Street and Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC. 
Normal reading room hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through 
Friday, except holidays. To be sure someone is there to help you, 
please call (202) 799-7039 before coming.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For general information on the topics 
covered in this notice, contact Ms. Jessica Mahalingappa, Assistant 
Deputy Administrator for Trade and Capacity Building, International 
Services, APHIS, Room 1132, USDA South Building, 14th Street and 
Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250; (202) 799-7121.
    For specific information regarding standard-setting activities of 
the World Organization for Animal Health, contact Dr. Michael David, 
Director, International Animal Health Standards Team, National Import 
Export Services, VS, APHIS, 4700 River Road Unit 33, Riverdale, MD 
20737; (301) 851-3302.
    For specific information regarding the standard-setting activities 
of the International Plant Protection Convention, contact Dr. Marina 
Zlotina, IPPC Technical Director, International Phytosanitary 
Standards, PPQ, APHIS, 4700 River Road Unit 130, Riverdale, MD 20737; 
(301) 851-2200.
    For specific information on the North American Plant Protection 
Organization, contact Ms. Patricia Abad, NAPPO Technical Director, 
International Phytosanitary Standards, PPQ, APHIS, 4700 River Road Unit 
130, Riverdale, MD 20737; (301) 851-2264.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    The World Trade Organization (WTO) was established as the common 
international institutional framework for governing trade relations 
among its members in matters related to the Uruguay Round Agreements. 
The WTO is the successor organization to the General Agreement on 
Tariffs and Trade. U.S. membership in the WTO was approved by Congress 
when it enacted the Uruguay Round Agreements Act (Pub. L. 103-465), 
which was signed into law on December 8, 1994. The WTO Agreements, 
which established the WTO, entered into force with respect to the 
United States on January 1, 1995. The Uruguay Round Agreements Act 
amended Title IV of the Trade Agreements Act of 1979 (19 U.S.C. 2531 et 
seq.). Section 491 of the Trade Agreements Act of 1979, as amended (19 
U.S.C. 2578), requires the President to designate an agency to be 
responsible for informing the public of the sanitary and phytosanitary 
(SPS) standard-setting activities of each international standard-
setting organization. The designated agency must inform the public by 
publishing an annual notice in the Federal Register that provides the 
following information: (1) The SPS standards under consideration or 
planned for consideration by the international standard-setting 
organization; and (2) for each SPS standard specified, a description of 
the consideration or planned consideration of that standard, a 
statement of whether the United States is participating or plans to 
participate in the consideration of that standard, the agenda for U.S. 
participation, if any, and the agency responsible for representing the 
United States with respect to that standard.
    ``International standard'' is defined in 19 U.S.C. 2578b as any 
standard, guideline, or recommendation: (1) Adopted by the Codex 
Alimentarius Commission (Codex) regarding food safety; (2) developed 
under the auspices of the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE, 
formerly known as the Office International des Epizooties) regarding 
animal health and welfare and zoonoses; (3) developed under the 
auspices of the Secretariat of the International Plant Protection 
Convention (IPPC or the Convention) and the North American Plant 
Protection Organization (NAPPO) regarding plant health; or (4) 
established by or developed under any other international organization 
agreed to by the member countries of the North American Free Trade 
Agreement (NAFTA) or the member countries of the WTO.
    The President, pursuant to Proclamation No. 6780 of March 23, 1995 
(60 FR 15845), designated the Secretary of Agriculture as the official 
responsible for informing the public of the SPS standard-setting 
activities of Codex, OIE, IPPC, and NAPPO. The United States Department 
of Agriculture's (USDA's) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) 
informs the public of Codex standard-setting activities, and USDA's 
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) informs the public 
of OIE, IPPC, and NAPPO standard-setting activities.
    FSIS publishes an annual notice in the Federal Register to inform 
the public of SPS standard-setting activities for Codex. Codex was 
created in 1962 by two United Nations organizations, the Food and 
Agriculture Organization and

[[Page 50064]]

the World Health Organization. It is the major international 
organization for encouraging international trade in food and protecting 
the health and economic interests of consumers.
    APHIS is responsible for publishing an annual notice of OIE, IPPC, 
and NAPPO activities related to international standards for plant and 
animal health and representing the United States with respect to these 
standards. Following are descriptions of the OIE, IPPC, and NAPPO 
organizations and the standard-setting agenda for each of these 
organizations. We have described the agenda that each of these 
organizations will address at their annual general sessions, including 
standards that may be presented for adoption or consideration, as well 
as other initiatives that may be underway at the OIE, IPPC, and NAPPO.
    The agendas for these meetings are subject to change, and the draft 
standards identified in this notice may not be sufficiently developed 
and ready for adoption as indicated. Also, while it is the intent of 
the United States to support adoption of international standards and to 
participate actively and fully in their development, it should be 
recognized that the U.S. position on a specific draft standard will 
depend on the acceptability of the final draft. Given the dynamic and 
interactive nature of the standard-setting process, we encourage any 
persons who are interested in the most current details about a specific 
draft standard or the U.S. position on a particular standard-setting 
issue, or in providing comments on a specific standard that may be 
under development, to contact APHIS. Contact information is provided at 
the beginning of this notice under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT.

OIE Standard-Setting Activities

    The OIE was established in Paris, France, in 1924 with the signing 
of an international agreement by 28 countries. It is currently composed 
of 181 Members, each of which is represented by a delegate who, in most 
cases, is the chief veterinary officer of that country or territory. 
The WTO has recognized the OIE as the international forum for setting 
animal health standards, reporting global animal disease events, and 
presenting guidelines and recommendations on sanitary measures relating 
to animal health.
    The OIE facilitates intergovernmental cooperation to prevent the 
spread of contagious diseases in animals by sharing scientific research 
among its Members. The major functions of the OIE are to collect and 
disseminate information on the distribution and occurrence of animal 
diseases and to ensure that science-based standards govern 
international trade in animals and animal products. The OIE aims to 
achieve these through the development and revision of international 
standards for diagnostic tests, vaccines, and the safe international 
trade of animals and animal products.
    The OIE provides annual reports on the global distribution of 
animal diseases, recognizes the free status of Members for certain 
diseases, categorizes animal diseases with respect to their 
international significance, publishes bulletins on global disease 
status, and provides animal disease control guidelines to Members. 
Various OIE commissions and working groups undertake the development 
and preparation of draft standards, which are then circulated to 
Members for consultation (review and comment). Draft standards are 
revised accordingly and are presented to the OIE World Assembly of 
Delegates (all the Members) for review and adoption during the General 
Session, which meets annually every May. Adoption, as a general rule, 
is based on consensus of the OIE membership.
    The most recent OIE General Session occurred May 20 to May 25, 
2018, in Paris, France. The Chief Trade Advisor for APHIS' Veterinary 
Services program serves as the official U.S. Delegate to the OIE at 
this General Session. The Deputy Administrator for APHIS' Veterinary 
Services program serves as the Alternate Delegate. Information about 
OIE draft Terrestrial and Aquatic Animal Health Code chapters may be 
found on the internet at https://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal-health/export-animals-oie or by contacting Dr. Michael David (see FOR FURTHER 
INFORMATION CONTACT above).

OIE Terrestrial and Aquatic Animal Health Code Chapters Adopted During 
the May 2018 General Session

    Twenty nine Code chapters were amended, rewritten, or newly 
proposed and presented for adoption at the General Session. The 
following Code chapters are of particular interest to the United 
States:
    1. Chapters 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 1.10, 1.11, and 1.12., Chapters on the 
application for official recognition by the OIE of either risk status 
or free status for various diseases. The United States reminded the 
Code Commission to respect the process for circulating new and updated 
chapters to allow member countries the time that is necessary to 
properly review and comment on such chapters.
    2. Chapter 4.3., Zoning and Compartmentalization. This chapter was 
significantly revised and either introduced or clarified various 
concepts regarding zones.
    3. Chapter 4.X., Chapter on vaccination. This is a new chapter that 
provides member countries with basic guidelines and recommendations 
when considering the use of vaccines for a control program.
    4. Chapter 6.7., Harmonization of national antimicrobial resistance 
surveillance and monitoring programmes. References to conducting 
antimicrobial surveillance on ``the animal's immediate environment or 
the wide environment'' was deleted.
    5. Articles 6.81 and 6.8.bis., Monitoring of the quantities and 
usage patterns of antimicrobial agents used in food producing animals. 
This is an existing chapter, however definitions for therapeutic use, 
non-therapeutic use, and growth promotion were introduced. The terms 
veterinary medical use and non-veterinary medical use were replaced 
with the terms therapeutic use and non-therapeutic use, respectively.
    6. Chapter 6.13., Prevention and control of Salmonella in pigs. 
Several articles were revised to improve clarity, particularly with 
regards to the definition of commercial pigs.
    7. Chapter 6.X., Introduction to recommendations for veterinary 
public health. This was a newly adopted chapter.
    8. Article 7.1.1., Introduction to the recommendations for animal 
welfare. This was an amendment to an existing chapter.
    9. Article 7.1.X., Guiding principles for the use of measures to 
assess animal welfare. The phrase ``and other relevant bodies'' was 
reinserted. This was important since entities such as universities and 
commodity groups often are the ones with the capability to collect data 
that can be used to set target values.
    10. Chapter 7.X., Animal welfare and pig production systems. The 
United States supported the adoption of this new chapter, but requested 
that the Code Commission consider further comments that the United 
States will be submitting related to some inconsistencies between 
Articles 7.X.9 and 7.X.10 to address foraging and feeding behavior 
recommendations.

OIE Terrestrial Animal Health Code Chapters for Upcoming and Future 
Review

     Chapter 1.4., Animal health surveillance.
     Chapter 4.Y., Official control of listed disease. This 
will be a new chapter.

[[Page 50065]]

     Chapter 4.Z., Introduction to recommendations for disease 
prevention and control. This will be a new introductory chapter for 
section 4.
     Chapter 7.Y., Killing of reptiles for their skins, meat 
and other products. This will be a new chapter.
     Articles 15.1.1.bis., 15.1.2., 15.1.3., and 15.1.22., 
Infection with African swine fever virus.
     Articles 1.6.1. to 1.6.4., Procedures for self-declaration 
and for official recognition by the OIE.
     Chapter 8.14., Infection with rabies virus.

IPPC Standard-Setting Activities

    The IPPC is a multilateral convention adopted in 1952 to prevent 
the spread and introduction of pests of plants and plant products and 
to promote appropriate measures for their control. The WTO recognizes 
the IPPC as the standard setting body for plant health. Under the IPPC, 
the understanding of plant protection encompasses the protection of 
both cultivated and non-cultivated plants from direct or indirect 
injury by plant pests. The IPPC addresses the following activities: 
Developing, adopting, and implementing international standards for 
phytosanitary (plant health) measures (ISPMs); harmonizing 
phytosanitary activities through adopted standards; facilitating the 
exchange of official and scientific information among countries; and 
providing technical assistance to developing countries that are 
contracting parties to the Convention.
    The IPPC is deposited within the Food and Agriculture Organization 
of the United Nations, and is an international agreement of 183 
contracting parties. National plant protection organizations (NPPOs), 
in cooperation with regional plant protection organizations, the 
Commission on Phytosanitary Measures (CPM), and the Secretariat of the 
IPPC, implement the Convention. The IPPC continues to be administered 
at the national level by plant quarantine officials, whose primary 
objective is to safeguard plant resources from injurious pests. In the 
United States, the NPPO is APHIS' Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ) 
program.
    The 12th Session of the CPM took place from April 16 to 20, 2018, 
in Rome, Italy, at the Headquarters of the Food and Agriculture 
Organization of the United Nations. The Deputy Administrator for APHIS' 
PPQ program was the U.S. delegate to the CPM.
    The CPM adopted the following standards at its 2018 meeting. The 
United States, represented by the Deputy Administrator for APHIS' PPQ 
program, participated in deliberations of these standards. The United 
States developed its position on each of these issues prior to the CPM 
session, which were based on APHIS' analyses and other relevant 
information from other U.S. Government agencies and interested 
stakeholders:
     Revision of ISPM 6: Surveillance.
     2015 and 2016 amendments to ISPM 5: Glossary of 
phytosanitary terms.
     Revision of Annex 1 and Annex 2 to ISPM 15, for inclusion 
of the phytosanitary treatment sulphuryl fluoride fumigation and 
revision of the dielectric heating section.
     ISPM 42: Requirements for the use of temperature 
treatments as a phytosanitary measures.
     Phytosanitary treatment as Annex to ISPM 28: Phytosanitary 
treatments for regulated pests: PT 32 Vapour heat treatment for 
Bactrocera dorsalis on Carica papaya.
     Diagnostic protocols (DPs) as Annexes to ISPM 27: 
Diagnostic protocols for regulated pests.
    [cir] DP 23: Phytophthora ramorum.
    [cir] DP 24: Tomato spotted wilt virus, Impatiens necrotic spot 
virus, and Watermelon silver mottle virus.
    In addition to adopting these plant health standards, the 2018 
Commission meeting also progressed a number of plant health initiatives 
strategically important to the United States. These initiatives include 
advancing the development of a new IPPC strategic framework for 2020-
2030 to set the top priorities for plant health and trade, launching a 
pilot of a global electronic certification system to support trade 
(ePhyto), developing programs aimed at improving the use and 
implementation of standards around the world, and creating a task force 
for addressing pests issues associated with the international movement 
of sea containers.

New IPPC Standard-Setting Initiatives, Including Those in Development

    A number of expert working group (EWG) meetings or other technical 
consultations took place October 2017 through July 2018 on the topics 
listed below. These standard-setting initiatives are under development 
and may be considered for future adoption. APHIS intends to participate 
actively and fully in each of these working groups. APHIS developed its 
position on each of the topics prior to the working group meetings. The 
APHIS position was based on technical analyses, information from other 
U.S. Government agencies, and relevant scientific information from 
interested stakeholders:
     Expert Working Group on Guidance on Pest Risk Management.
     Technical Panel for the Glossary of Phytosanitary Terms.
     Technical Panel on Diagnostic Protocols.
     Technical Panel on Phytosanitary Treatments.
    For more detailed information on the above, contact Dr. Marina 
Zlotina (see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT above).
    PPQ actively works to achieve broad participation by States, 
industry, and other stakeholders in the development and use of 
international and regional plant health standards. Plant health 
stakeholders are strongly encouraged to comment on draft standards, 
documents, and specifications during the consultation periods. In 2018, 
six draft standards and one draft specification were open for 
consultation. APHIS posts links to draft standards on its website as 
they become available and provides information on the due dates for 
comments.\1\ Additional information on IPPC standards (including the 
IPPC work program (list of topics \2\), standard-setting process, and 
adopted standards) is available on the IPPC website.\3\ For the most 
current information on official U.S. participation in IPPC activities, 
including U.S. positions on standards being considered, contact Dr. 
Marina Zlotina (see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT above). Those 
wishing to provide comments on any of the areas of work being 
undertaken by the IPPC may do so at any time by responding to this 
notice (see ADDRESSES above) or by providing comments through Dr. 
Zlotina.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ For more information on the IPPC draft ISPM consultation: 
https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/planthealth/sa_international/sa_phytostandards/ct_draft_standards.
    \2\ IPPC list of topics: https://www.ippc.int/en/core-activities/standards-setting/list-topics-ippc-standards/.
    \3\ IPPC website: https://www.ippc.int/.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

NAPPO Standard-Setting Activities

    NAPPO, a regional plant protection organization created in 1976 
under the IPPC, coordinates the efforts among the United States, 
Canada, and Mexico to protect their plant resources from the entry, 
establishment, and spread of harmful plant pests, while facilitating 
intra- and inter-regional trade. As the NPPO of the United States, 
APHIS' PPQ is the organization officially identified to participate in 
NAPPO. Through NAPPO, APHIS works closely with its regional 
counterparts and industries to

[[Page 50066]]

develop harmonized regional standards and approaches for managing pest 
threats. NAPPO conducts its work through priority-driven annual 
projects approved by the NAPPO Executive Committee and conducted by 
expert groups, including subject matter experts from each member 
country and regional industry representatives. Project results and 
updates are provided during the NAPPO annual meeting. Projects can 
include the development of positions, policies, or technical documents, 
or the development or revision of regional standards for phytosanitary 
measures (RSPMs). Projects can also include implementation of standards 
or other capacity development activities such as workshops.
    The 41st NAPPO annual meeting was held October 16 to 19, 2017, in 
Merida, Yucatan, Mexico. The meeting featured several strategic topics, 
including a 1-day symposium on surveillance in the NAPPO countries and 
the Americas. The NAPPO Executive Committee meetings took place on 
October 16 and 20, 2017, and February 15, 2018. The Deputy 
Administrator for PPQ is the U.S. member of the NAPPO Executive 
Committee.
    The NAPPO expert groups, including member countries' subject matter 
experts, finalized the following regional standards, documents, 
products, and projects in 2017-2018:
     Completed an English language online training module on 
RSPM 12-Preparation of a Petition for First Release of a Non-indigenous 
Entomophagous Biological Control Agent.
     Organized and delivered the first International Symposium 
on Risk-Based Sampling in June 2017 in Baltimore, MD, which included 
122 government, industry, and academic participants from 27 countries.
     Completed a NAPPO discussion document on Criteria for 
Evaluating Phytosanitary Seed Treatments. The NAPPO Executive Committee 
approved this document during the 2017 October NAPPO annual meeting.
     Completed a discussion document on Likelihood of 
Establishment. The NAPPO Executive Committee approved this document 
during the 2017 October NAPPO annual meeting.
     Issued via NAPPO's Phytosanitary Alert System (PAS): 29 
Official Pest Reports and 6 Emerging Pest Alerts for FY 2018 (from 
October 2017 to July 2018).
     Conducted a review of RSPM 36 (Phytosanitary Guidelines 
for the Movement of Seed) and completed the archiving of RSPM 36 in-
light of the newly adopted ISPM 38: International Movement of Seeds.

New NAPPO Standard-Setting Initiatives, Including Those in Development

    The 2018 work program \4\ includes the following topics being 
worked on by NAPPO expert groups and NAPPO's Advisory and Management 
Committee. APHIS intends to participate actively and fully in the 2018 
NAPPO work program. The APHIS position on each topic will be guided and 
informed by the best technical and scientific information available, as 
well as on relevant input from stakeholders. For each of the following, 
the United States will consider its position on any draft standard 
after it reviews a prepared draft. Information regarding the following 
NAPPO projects, assignments, activities, and updates on meeting times 
and locations may be obtained from the NAPPO website or by contacting 
Ms. Patricia Abad (see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT above).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \4\ NAPPO work program: https://nappo.org/english/710/status-current-nappo-projects/.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    1. RSPM 9: Revision of Regional Standard for Phytosanitary Measures 
9: Authorization of Laboratories for Phytosanitary Testing.
    2. RSPM 35: Revision of Regional Standard for Phytosanitary 
Measures 35: Guidelines for the Movement of Stone and Pome Fruit Trees 
and Grapevines into a NAPPO Member Country.
    3. ISPM 38 Implementation: Design and deliver a hemispheric 
(Americas focused) workshop to promote the understanding and 
implementation of ISPM 38: International Movement of Seeds.
    4. Forestry Systems Approaches: Finalize a NAPPO Regional Standard 
for Phytosanitary Measures (RSPM 41) on the use of systems approaches 
to manage pest risks associated with the movement of wood.
    5. Lymantriids: Develop a NAPPO Science and Technology document on 
the risks associated with Lymantriids of concern to the NAPPO region, 
identifying potential species and pathways of concern.
    6. Khapra Beetle: Develop a discussion document on a harmonized 
North American approach to preventing the introduction, establishment, 
and spread of khapra beetle in various pathways.
    7. Biological Control: Develop online training module in Spanish on 
preparing a petition for first release of an entomophagous biological 
control agent.
    8. Risk-Based Sampling: Complete and publish proceedings from 2017 
International Risk-Based Sampling Symposium (organized by NAPPO) as 
well as Risk-Based Sampling Manual.
    9. Asian Gypsy Moth: Validate specific risk periods for regulated 
Asian gypsy moth in countries of origin.
    10. Foundation and Procedure documents: Continue to update and 
finalize various foundation or procedure documents.
    11. Electronic Phytosanitary Certification: Provide assistance and 
technical support to the IPPC ePhyto Steering Group.
    12. Phytosanitary Alert System: Continue to manage the NAPPO pest 
reporting system.
    13. Update to Pest List for RSPM 3: Movement of Potatoes into a 
NAPPO Member Country.
    14. Regional Collaboration: Collaboration (mainly information 
exchange) with the Interamerican Coordinating Group in Plant Protection 
(GICSV), via Technical Working Groups on ePhyto and citrus greening 
(HLB).
    15. Stakeholder Engagement: Plan, coordinate and execute activities 
for the October 2018 NAPPO Annual Meeting in Tucson, Arizona, and 
publish the quarterly newsletter.
    The PPQ Assistant Deputy Administrator, as the official U.S. 
delegate to NAPPO, intends to participate in the adoption of these 
regional plant health standards and projects, including the work 
described above, once they are completed and ready for such 
consideration.
    The information in this notice contains all the information 
available to us on NAPPO standards under development or consideration. 
For updates on meeting times and for information on the expert groups 
that may become available following publication of this notice, visit 
the NAPPO website or contact Ms. Patricia Abad (see FOR FURTHER 
INFORMATION CONTACT above). PPQ actively works to achieve broad 
participation by States, industry, and other stakeholders in the 
development and use of international and regional plant health 
standards. Plant health stakeholders are strongly encouraged to comment 
on draft standards, documents, and specifications during consultation 
periods. APHIS posts links to draft standards on the internet as they 
become available and provides information on the due dates for 
comments.\5\ Additional information on

[[Page 50067]]

NAPPO standards (including the NAPPO Work Program, standard setting 
process, and adopted standards) is available on the NAPPO website.\6\ 
Information on official U.S. participation in NAPPO activities, 
including U.S. positions on standards being considered, may also be 
obtained from Ms. Abad. Those wishing to provide comments on any of the 
topics being addressed in the NAPPO work program may do so at any time 
by responding to this notice (see ADDRESSES above) or by transmitting 
comments through Ms. Abad.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \5\ For more information on the NAPPO draft RSPM consultation: 
https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/planthealth/sa_international/sa_phytostandards/ct_draft_standards.
    \6\ NAPPO website: https://nappo.org/.

    Done in Washington, DC, on September 27, 2018.
Kevin Shea,
Administrator, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-21577 Filed 10-3-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 3410-34-P
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