USDA starts electronic program to process import permits

USDA starts electronic program to process import permits    The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has launched a new online system to file, process and track import permit applications.
   “Submitting applications and receiving permits via the Internet will save customers a tremendous amount of time and effort,” the agency said in an announcement Monday.
   The system is part of the USDA’s overall phased-in effort to digitize its programs, services and information. The current phase allows importers to process permit applications online for certain plant protection and quarantine and biotechnology and regulatory services’ notifications. Veterinary service permits will be added on July 3.
   Included in the new system is the ability for importers to pay permit application fees by credit card.
   “More advances are underway including the ability to apply for more types of APHIS permits and a feature that will allow APHIS officials to generate and print shipment labels with barcodes,” the agency said. “These capabilities, among others, result in improved turnaround times and better customer service.”
   For more information about the online import permit program, access https://www.aphis.usda.gov/permits . To use the program, users must first complete an online registration by logging onto https://www.eauth.egov.usda.gov .