APHIS PROPOSES CHANGES TO VETERINARY SERVICES USER FEES

APHIS PROPOSES CHANGES TO VETERINARY SERVICES USER FEES    The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service proposes to change the user fees to endorse export health certificates by creating a separate user fee.
   Importing countries often require these certificates to show that an animal, bird, or product has tested negative or has not been exposed to specific animal diseases. The endorsement indicates that APHIS has reviewed a certificate and believes it to be accurate and reliable.
   The endorsement process is complex. The steps involved include:
   * Reviewing supporting documents.
   * Confirming that the importing country’s requirements are met.
   * Verifying laboratory test results for each animal if tests are required.
   * Reviewing any certification statements required by the importing country.
   * Endorsing or signing the certificates.
   “Our user fees are intended to cover all of the costs associated with endorsing the certificates,” APHIS said.
   The agency will take comments about the proposed user fee structure through May 20. For more information, contact Inez Hockaday, acting director of management support staff of APHIS Veterinary Services, at (301) 734-7517, or access the proposed rule online at: https://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/14mar20010800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2003/03-6797.htm.