USDA CONSIDERS WEB TO MANAGE IMPORT REQUESTS

USDA CONSIDERS WEB TO MANAGE IMPORT REQUESTS    The U.S. Department of Agriculture wants to develop Internet Web applications to streamline the approval process for import goods susceptable to pests and noxious weeds.
   The agency said it has received an increasing number of requests in recent years to make the system more efficient.
   Under the 2000 Agricultural Risk Protection Act, also known as the Plant Protection Act, USDA is authorized to consider new technology to modernize its import approval process. The agency would like to offer shippers on-line tracking of their import requests.
   “We are taking steps via web-based mechanisms to increase the transparency of our processes and availability of all risk assessments,” the USDA said.
   The agency will take comments from the shipping industry regarding its proposal through Aug. 20. More information is available online at https://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppd/rad/webrepor.html.