Notice of Request for Extension and Revision of a Currently Approved Information Collection, 31714-31715 [2024-08887]

Download as PDF 31714 Notices Federal Register Vol. 89, No. 81 Thursday, April 25, 2024 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 Agricultural Marketing Service [Doc. No. AMS–ST–24–0017] Notice of Request for Extension and Revision of a Currently Approved Information Collection Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA. ACTION: Notice and request for comments. AGENCY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces the Agricultural Marketing Service’s (AMS) intention to request approval, from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), for an extension of and revision to the currently approved information collection ‘‘Laboratory Approval and Testing Division.’’ DATES: Comments on this notice must be received by June 24, 2024 to be assured of consideration. ADDRESSES: Interested persons are invited to submit comments concerning this notice by using the electronic process available at https:// www.regulations.gov/. All comments should reference the document number and the date and page number of this issue of the Federal Register. All comments submitted in response to this notice will be posted without change, including any personal information provided, at https:// www.regulations.gov/ and will be included in the record and made available to the public. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Director (Kerry Smith), Laboratory Approval and Testing Division, Science & Technology Program, Agricultural Marketing Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Room 2912–S, Washington, DC 20250–0272; Phone: (202) 690–4089; or Email: LAS@usda.gov. lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES1 SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:54 Apr 24, 2024 Jkt 262001 SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Agency: USDA, AMS. Title: Laboratory Approval and Testing Division. OMB Number: 0581–0251. Type of Request: Extension and revision of a currently approved information collection. Abstract: Under the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946, as amended (7 U.S.C. 1621–1627), AMS’ Laboratory Approval and Testing Division (LATD) provides laboratory testing and approval services to facilitate domestic and international marketing of food and agricultural commodities. The authority for implementing LATD programs appear in regulation 7 CFR part 91. AMS’ Laboratory Approval Service (LAS) approves, or accredits, laboratories to perform testing services in support of domestic and international trade. At the request of industry, other Federal agencies, or foreign governments, AMS develops and administers laboratory approval programs (LAPs) to verify that the analysis of food and agricultural products meet country or customerspecified requirements. LAS ensures the testing of products marketed is conducted by qualified and approved laboratories. Laboratory approval program requirements include good laboratory, quality assurance and control practices; applicable domestic and international standards (such as ISO/IEC 17025); established methods and accepted equipment; and on-site audits. Laboratories voluntarily participate in LAPs and pay program fees. AMS’ National Science Laboratories (NSL) provides chemical, microbiological, and bio-molecular lab analytical testing services to facilitate domestic and international marketing of food and agricultural commodities. NSL provides testing services for AMS commodity programs, other USDA agencies, Federal and State agencies, US Military, research institutions, and private sector food and agricultural industries. Applicants voluntarily submit samples for analytical testing and pay testing fees. The information collection outlines essential information needed about a customer/business for collecting payment for AMS services; evaluating laboratories for compliance to LAP requirements; and submitting samples PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 for laboratory testing. Only authorized representatives of AMS have access to information provided on the forms. AMS needs to collect customer business information on form ST–1, Application for Service. The information includes business legal name, Federal Tax ID Number, mailing address, billing address, primary and accounts payable contact, and is used to establish an account and deliver communications for collection of service fees. AMS needs to collect information from customers for the application process and subsequent evaluations for continued participation for voluntary participation in a LAP. The greatest information collection burden is during the application process, a one-time event, which includes request for service and documented policies, procedures, and records as evidence of compliance to the LAP requirements. Once an applicant is approved into the program, the information collection burden decreases for a participant’s continued participation which includes intent to continue participation, records as evidence of ongoing compliance inbetween audits (e.g., surveillance), and documented policies, procedures, and records for audits. Occasionally, a participant’s scope of approval is reduced, or the participant exits the program. When this happens information about the participant’s request is collected. This information is essential to determine fees for service and evaluate the participant’s ability to meet the LAP requirements. AMS needs to collect information about the sample and type of testing requested to conduct voluntary analytical laboratory testing. This information can be submitted by the applicant using their internal format or on form ST–2, National Science Laboratories Sample Submission Form or ST–3, National Science Laboratories Sample Submission Form—Hemp. Such information includes applicant contact information; sample description; sample identifier/lot number, number of items; analyses requested; and inclusions needed on the analytical certificate/ report of results. Estimate of Burden: Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 0.50 hours per response. E:\FR\FM\25APN1.SGM 25APN1 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 81 / Thursday, April 25, 2024 / Notices Respondents: Food and Agricultural Businesses. Estimated Number of Respondents: 3620.00. Estimated Total Annual Responses: 4059.00. Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent: 1.12. Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 2023.70 hours. Comments: Comments are invited on: (1) whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility; (2) the accuracy of the agency’s estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information including completion of analyses related documentation; (3) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (4) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology. All responses to this notice will be summarized and included in the request for OMB approval. All comments will become a matter of public record. Melissa Bailey, Associate Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service. [FR Doc. 2024–08887 Filed 4–24–24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES1 Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request The Department of Agriculture has submitted the following information collection requirement(s) to OMB for review and clearance under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104–13. Comments are requested regarding; 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; the accuracy of the agency’s estimate of burden including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; ways to enhance the quality, utility and clarity of the information to be collected; and ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology. VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:54 Apr 24, 2024 Jkt 262001 Comments regarding this information collection received by May 28, 2024 will be considered. Written comments and recommendations for the proposed information collection should be submitted within 30 days of the publication of this notice on the following website www.reginfo.gov/ public/do/PRAMain. Find this particular information collection by selecting ‘‘Currently under 30-day Review—Open for Public Comments’’ or by using the search function. An agency may not conduct or sponsor a collection of information unless the collection of information displays a currently valid OMB control number and the agency informs potential persons who are to respond to the collection of information that such persons are not required to respond to the collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Title: Importation of Animals and Poultry, Animal and Poultry Products, Certain Animal Embryos, Semen, and Zoological Animals. OMB Control Number: 0579–0040. Summary of Collection: The Animal Health Protection Act (AHPA) of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 8301), is the primary Federal law governing the protection of animal health. The law gives the Secretary of Agriculture broad authority to detect, control, or eradicate pests or diseases of livestock or poultry. The agency charged with carrying out this disease prevention mission is the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). Disease prevention is the most effective method for maintain a healthy animal population and enhancing APHIS’ ability to compete globally in animal and animal product trade. APHIS’ Veterinary Services (VS) unit is responsible for, among other things, preventing the introduction of foreign or certain other communicable animal diseases into the United States; and for rapidly identifying, containing, eradicating, or otherwise mitigating such diseases when feasible. In connection with this mission, APHIS collects information from individuals, businesses, and farms who are involved with importation of animals or poultry, animal or poultry products, or animal germplasm (semen, ooycysts, and embryos, including eggs for hatching) into the United States as well as from foreign countries and States to support these imports. Need and Use of the Information: APHIS will collect information from foreign animal health authorities as well as U.S. importers; foreign exporters; PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 31715 veterinarians and animal health technicians in other countries; State animal health authorities; shippers; owners and operators of foreign processing plants and farms; USDAapproved zoos, laboratories, and feedlots; private quarantine facilities; and other entities involved (directly or indirectly) in the importation of animal and poultry, animals and poultry products, zoological animals, and animal germplasm. Information collection activities include: agreements; permits; application and space reservation requests; inspections; registers; declarations of importation; requests for hearings; daily logs; additional requirements; application for permits; export health certificates; letters; written notices; daily record of horse activities; written requests; opportunities to present views; reporting; applications for approval of facilities; certifications; arrival notices; on-hold shipment notifications; reports; affidavits; animal identification; written plans; checklists; specimen submissions; emergency action notifications; refusal of entry and order to dispose of fish; premises information; recordkeeping; application of seals; reports; testing submission forms; summaries; identification and certification; and notices. APHIS needs this information to help ensure that these imports do not introduce foreign animal diseases into the United States. Description of Respondents: Foreign federal governments; state, local, and tribal governments; business or other for-profit and not-for-profits; farms; and individuals and households. Number of Respondents: 73,769. Frequency of Responses: Reporting: On occasion; Recordkeeping. Total Burden Hours: 600,320. Rachelle Ragland-Greene, Acting Departmental Information Collection Clearance Officer. [FR Doc. 2024–08879 Filed 4–24–24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–34–P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request The Department of Agriculture has submitted the following information collection requirement(s) to Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and clearance under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104–13. Comments are requested regarding: whether the collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including E:\FR\FM\25APN1.SGM 25APN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 81 (Thursday, April 25, 2024)]
[Notices]
[Pages 31714-31715]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-08887]


========================================================================
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.

========================================================================


Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 81 / Thursday, April 25, 2024 / 
Notices

[[Page 31714]]



DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Agricultural Marketing Service

[Doc. No. AMS-ST-24-0017]


Notice of Request for Extension and Revision of a Currently 
Approved Information Collection

AGENCY: Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice and request for comments.

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

SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this 
notice announces the Agricultural Marketing Service's (AMS) intention 
to request approval, from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), 
for an extension of and revision to the currently approved information 
collection ``Laboratory Approval and Testing Division.''

DATES: Comments on this notice must be received by June 24, 2024 to be 
assured of consideration.

ADDRESSES: Interested persons are invited to submit comments concerning 
this notice by using the electronic process available at https://www.regulations.gov/. All comments should reference the document number 
and the date and page number of this issue of the Federal Register. All 
comments submitted in response to this notice will be posted without 
change, including any personal information provided, at https://www.regulations.gov/ and will be included in the record and made 
available to the public.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Director (Kerry Smith), Laboratory 
Approval and Testing Division, Science & Technology Program, 
Agricultural Marketing Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1400 
Independence Avenue SW, Room 2912-S, Washington, DC 20250-0272; Phone: 
(202) 690-4089; or Email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 
    Agency: USDA, AMS.
    Title: Laboratory Approval and Testing Division.
    OMB Number: 0581-0251.
    Type of Request: Extension and revision of a currently approved 
information collection.
    Abstract: Under the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946, as amended 
(7 U.S.C. 1621-1627), AMS' Laboratory Approval and Testing Division 
(LATD) provides laboratory testing and approval services to facilitate 
domestic and international marketing of food and agricultural 
commodities. The authority for implementing LATD programs appear in 
regulation 7 CFR part 91.
    AMS' Laboratory Approval Service (LAS) approves, or accredits, 
laboratories to perform testing services in support of domestic and 
international trade. At the request of industry, other Federal 
agencies, or foreign governments, AMS develops and administers 
laboratory approval programs (LAPs) to verify that the analysis of food 
and agricultural products meet country or customer-specified 
requirements. LAS ensures the testing of products marketed is conducted 
by qualified and approved laboratories. Laboratory approval program 
requirements include good laboratory, quality assurance and control 
practices; applicable domestic and international standards (such as 
ISO/IEC 17025); established methods and accepted equipment; and on-site 
audits. Laboratories voluntarily participate in LAPs and pay program 
fees.
    AMS' National Science Laboratories (NSL) provides chemical, 
microbiological, and bio-molecular lab analytical testing services to 
facilitate domestic and international marketing of food and 
agricultural commodities. NSL provides testing services for AMS 
commodity programs, other USDA agencies, Federal and State agencies, US 
Military, research institutions, and private sector food and 
agricultural industries. Applicants voluntarily submit samples for 
analytical testing and pay testing fees.
    The information collection outlines essential information needed 
about a customer/business for collecting payment for AMS services; 
evaluating laboratories for compliance to LAP requirements; and 
submitting samples for laboratory testing. Only authorized 
representatives of AMS have access to information provided on the 
forms.
    AMS needs to collect customer business information on form ST-1, 
Application for Service. The information includes business legal name, 
Federal Tax ID Number, mailing address, billing address, primary and 
accounts payable contact, and is used to establish an account and 
deliver communications for collection of service fees.
    AMS needs to collect information from customers for the application 
process and subsequent evaluations for continued participation for 
voluntary participation in a LAP. The greatest information collection 
burden is during the application process, a one-time event, which 
includes request for service and documented policies, procedures, and 
records as evidence of compliance to the LAP requirements. Once an 
applicant is approved into the program, the information collection 
burden decreases for a participant's continued participation which 
includes intent to continue participation, records as evidence of 
ongoing compliance in-between audits (e.g., surveillance), and 
documented policies, procedures, and records for audits. Occasionally, 
a participant's scope of approval is reduced, or the participant exits 
the program. When this happens information about the participant's 
request is collected. This information is essential to determine fees 
for service and evaluate the participant's ability to meet the LAP 
requirements.
    AMS needs to collect information about the sample and type of 
testing requested to conduct voluntary analytical laboratory testing. 
This information can be submitted by the applicant using their internal 
format or on form ST-2, National Science Laboratories Sample Submission 
Form or ST-3, National Science Laboratories Sample Submission Form--
Hemp. Such information includes applicant contact information; sample 
description; sample identifier/lot number, number of items; analyses 
requested; and inclusions needed on the analytical certificate/report 
of results.
    Estimate of Burden: Public reporting burden for this collection of 
information is estimated to average 0.50 hours per response.

[[Page 31715]]

    Respondents: Food and Agricultural Businesses.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 3620.00.
    Estimated Total Annual Responses: 4059.00.
    Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent: 1.12.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 2023.70 hours.
    Comments: Comments are invited on: (1) whether the proposed 
collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of 
the functions of the agency, including whether the information will 
have practical utility; (2) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of 
the burden of the proposed collection of information including 
completion of analyses related documentation; (3) ways to enhance the 
quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and 
(4) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on 
those who are to respond, including the use of appropriate automated, 
electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or 
other forms of information technology.
    All responses to this notice will be summarized and included in the 
request for OMB approval. All comments will become a matter of public 
record.

Melissa Bailey,
Associate Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service.
[FR Doc. 2024-08887 Filed 4-24-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE P

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