SuptStmt 7-14-14

2014 SUPPORTING STATEMENT

for Specified Commodities Imported into the United States

Exempt from Import Regulations

OMB No. 0581-0167

1. JUSTIFICATION

1. EXPLAIN THE CIRCUMSTANCES THAT MAKE THE COLLECTION OF INFORMATION NECESSARY. IDENTIFY ANY LEGAL OR ADMINISTRATIVE REQUIREMENTS THAT NECESSITATE THE COLLECTION.

Section 608e of the Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act of 1937, as amended (7 U.S.C. §§ 601-674; Act), requires that whenever the Secretary of Agriculture issues grade, size, quality, or maturity regulations under domestic marketing orders, the same or comparable regulations must be used for imported commodities.

Import regulations apply only during periods when the domestic marketing order regulations are in effect. Domestic Federal marketing orders currently in effect impact the following imported commodities: avocados; dates (other than dates for processing); hazelnuts (filberts); grapefruit; table grapes; kiwifruit; olives (other than Spanish-style green olives); onions; oranges; Irish potatoes; pistachios; raisins; tomatoes; and walnuts. These domestic products are exempt from meeting established grade, size, quality, and maturity requirements if they are to be used only for processing or for authorized exempt purposes, such as charity or animal feed. Imported products destined for the same processing or exempt purposes are also exempt, and therefore are not subject to section 8e of the Act. If applicable, importers may instead file form FV-6, which the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) uses to verify compliance with the following import regulations: (1) fruits; import regulations (7 CFR 944.350); (2) vegetables; import regulations (7 CFR 980.501); and (3) specialty crops; import regulations (7 CFR 999.500).

2. INDICATE HOW, BY WHOM, AND FOR WHAT PURPOSE THE INFORMATION IS TO BE USED. EXCEPT FOR A NEW COLLECTION, INDICATE THE ACTUAL USE THE AGENCY HAS MADE OF THE INFORMATION RECEIVED FROM THE CURRENT COLLECTION.

Safeguard procedures, in the form of reporting requirements, ensure that exempt products are used only for authorized purposes. Because of the ease with which imported products can enter domestic fresh market channels, the following importer and receiver reporting requirements are in place to prevent exempt imported products from doing so:

Importer’s Exempt Commodity Form: FV-6 (§§ 944.350, 980.501, 999.1, 999.100, 999.200, 999.300, and 999.400): Under the import regulations, importers wishing to import commodities for exempt purposes must complete this form prior to importation.

Launched in August 2008, the Marketing Order Online System (MOLS) captures this information electronically. MOLS is an internet-based application that allows importers and receivers of fruit, vegetable, and specialty crops to input shipment data, and then prepare and receive FV-6 certificates online. The data are simultaneously transmitted to the receiver, who verifies receipt of the commodity, and to AMS, where it is reviewed for compliance purposes by Marketing Order and Agreement Division (MOAD) staff, in the USDA’s Fruit and Vegetable Program. Importers register to use MOLS, and can access the system at http://apps.ams.usda.gov/MOLS/.

In rare instances a paper form FV-6 may be used. The form has four parts, which are distributed as follows: one copy is presented to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Department of Homeland Security; one copy is filed with MOAD within two days of the commodity entering the United States; one copy accompanies the exempt shipment to its intended destination, where the receiver certifies its receipt and that it will be used for exempt purposes, and then files that copy with MOAD; and one copy is retained by the importer.

In both the electronic and paper versions of the FV-6, the information collected includes information on the imported product (type of product and lot identification), the importer’s contact information, the U.S. Customs entry number, inspection date, and intended use (processing, charity, livestock/animal feed).

Civil Penalty Stipulation Agreement: FV-7 (§ 900.82): In a situation where a party is alleged to have violated the importation regulations, AMS can use this form to settle the matter in exchange for the payment of a fine. This gives AMS a tool to resolve certain cases without bearing the costs of a hearing. There is no burden associated with this form as only a signature is required.

3. DESCRIBE WHETHER, AND TO WHAT EXTENT, THE COLLECTION OF INFORMATION INVOLVES THE USE OF AUTOMATED, ELECTRONIC, MECHANICAL, OR OTHER TECHNOLOGICAL COLLECTION TECHNIQUES OR OTHER FORMS OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, E.G. PERMITTING ELECTRONIC SUBMISSION OF RESPONSES, AND THE BASIS FOR THE DECISION FOR ADOPTING THIS MEANS OF COLLECTION. ALSO DESCRIBE ANY CONSIDERATION OF USING INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY TO REDUCE BURDEN.

AMS uses MOLS to collect information electronically from importers and receivers, sufficient for form FV-6. Although paper forms are available, they are used minimally, and only when respondents have a unique situation that might preclude using MOLS. The use of this electronic format has reduced the burden on the public since it is faster and more user-friendly.

Form FV-7, the Civil Penalty Stipulation Agreement is only available as a paper form since it requires signatures from multiple parties, and is equivalent to a settlement agreement in cases where AMS might otherwise take legal action against a party who has violated import regulations.

3. DESCRIBE EFFORTS TO IDENTIFY DUPLICATION. SHOW SPECIFICALLY WHY ANY SIMILAR INFORMATION ALREADY AVAILABLE CANNOT BE USED OR MODIFIED FOR USE FOR THE PURPOSE(S) DESCRIBED IN ITEM 2 ABOVE.

To provide consistency and ease the reporting burden on importers who import several types of regulated products, a standardized reporting method has been established through MOLS, which populates form FV-6 and generates import certificates. MOLS can be used for all imported fresh fruit, vegetable, and specialty crop products under the import regulations, except for fresh prunes, which require the use of Prune Forms No. 1 and No. 2. Form FV-6 is periodically reviewed to avoid unnecessary information collection and duplication by industry and public sector agencies. At the present time, there are no duplications between Federal agencies as MOAD collects and cooperates with various agencies, such as the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and the AMS Fruit and Vegetable Program’s Specialty Crop Inspection Division (formerly the Fresh Products Branch and the Processed Products Branch), avoiding duplicate requests for information.

Form FV-7 is also used across all commodities where a party is charged with violating the import regulations. If AMS can reach an agreement with the violating party, the importer will pay a fine in exchange for the case being settled. Because the form is specific to the importation of fruits and vegetables for processing and other exempt uses, and MOAD works closely with U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Specialty Crop Inspection Division, there is no duplication of information collection.

3. IF THE COLLECTION OF INFORMATION IMPACTS SMALL BUSINESSES OR OTHER SMALL ENTITIES (ITEM 5 OF THE OMB FORM 83-1), DESCRIBE THE METHODS USED TO MINIMIZE BURDEN.

Of the approximately 130 respondents addressed in this information collection, approximately 80 percent can be classified as small entities. Form FV-6 requires only a minimal amount of information to be submitted, which can be supplied through the MOLS database. The submission does not require data processing equipment or a trained statistical staff. The primary sources of data used to complete FV-6 are routinely used in import transactions. Thus, the information collection and reporting burden is relatively small. The same reporting requirements are required of all importers and receivers, so any importer or receiver that is smaller than the industry average is not significantly disadvantaged.

3. DESCRIBE THE CONSEQUENCE TO FEDERAL PROGRAM OR POLICY ACTIVITIES IF THE COLLECTION IS NOT CONDUCTED OR IS CONDUCTED LESS FREQUENTLY, AS WELL AS ANY TECHNICAL OR LEGAL OBSTACLES TO REDUCING BURDEN.

This information collection was initially developed, and has since been streamlined through an internet-based application, to guarantee compliance with the import regulations addressed above. Reports required in this information collection are similar to the reporting requirements of most domestic marketing orders. The timing and frequency of collecting this information varies in accordance with import shipments.

If this information collection were not conducted, USDA would have no way of maintaining a safe and legal import program for fruits, vegetables, and specialty crops, as this is the only method of securing compliance with section 8e of the Act.

7. EXPLAIN ANY SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES THAT WOULD CAUSE AN INFORMATION COLLECTION TO BE CONDUCTED IN A MANNER:

• REQUIRING RESPONDENTS TO REPORT INFORMATION TO THE AGENCY MORE OFTEN THAN QUARTERLY;

Each regulated shipment of fruits, vegetables, or specialty crops being imported into the United States must be accompanied by a FV-6 certificate verifying that the product is for an exempt use. The certificate is received by inputting specific data into MOLS. Such shipments can occur on a daily basis. Importers complete this information collection as often as necessary.

• REQUIRING RESPONDENTS TO PREPARE A WRITTEN RESPONSE TO A COLLECTION OF INFORMATION IN FEWER THAN 30 DAYS AFTER RECEIPT OF IT;

• REQUIRING RESPONDENTS TO SUBMIT MORE THAN AN ORIGINAL AND TWO COPIES OF ANY DOCUMENT;

In rare instances a paper form FV-6 may be used. The form has four parts, which are distributed as follows: one copy is presented to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Department of Homeland Security; one copy is filed with MOAD within two days of the commodity entering the United States; one copy accompanies the exempt shipment to its intended destination, where the receiver certifies its receipt and that it will be used for exempt purposes, and then files that copy with MOAD; and one copy is retained by the importer.

• REQUIRING RESPONDENTS TO RETAIN RECORDS, OTHER THAN HEALTH, MEDICAL, GOVERNMENT CONTRACT, GRANT-IN-AID, OR TAX RECORDS FOR MORE THAN 3 YEARS;

• IN CONNECTION WITH A STATISTICAL SURVEY, THAT IS NOT DESIGNED TO PRODUCE VALID AND RELIABLE RESULTS THAT CAN BE GENERALIZED TO THE UNIVERSE OF STUDY;

• REQUIRING THE USE OF A STATISTICAL DATA CLASSIFICATION THAT HAS NOT BEEN REVIEWED AND APPROVED BY OMB;

• THAT INCLUDES A PLEDGE OF CONFIDENTIALITY THAT IS NOT SUPPORTED BY AUTHORITY ESTABLISHED IN STATUTE OR REGULATION, THAT IS NOT SUPPORTED BY DISCLOSURE AND DATA SECURITY POLICIES THAT ARE CONSISTENT WITH THE PLEDGE, OR WHICH UNNECESSARILY IMPEDES SHARING OF DATA WITH OTHER AGENCIES FOR COMPATIBLE CONFIDENTIAL USE; OR

• REQUIRING RESPONDENTS TO SUBMIT PROPRIETARY TRADE SECRET, OR OTHER CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION UNLESS THE AGENCY CAN DEMONSTRATE THAT IT HAS INSTITUTED PROCEDURES TO PROTECT THE INFORMATION’S CONFIDENTIALITY TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW.

There are no other special circumstances. The collection of information is conducted in a manner consistent with the guidelines in 5 CFR 1320.6.

7. IF APPLICABLE, PROVIDE A COPY AND IDENTIFY THE DATE AND PAGE NUMBER OF PUBLICATION IN THE FEDERAL REGISTER OF THE AGENCY’S NOTICE, REQUIRED BY 5 CFR 1320.8(D), SOLICITING COMMENTS ON THE INFORMATION COLLECTION PRIOR TO SUBMISSION TO OMB. SUMMARIZE PUBLIC COMMENTS RECEIVED IN RESPONSE TO THAT NOTICE AND DESCRIBE ACTIONS TAKEN BY THE AGENCY IN RESPONSE TO THESE COMMENTS. SPECIFICALLY ADDRESS COMMENTS RECEIVED ON COST AND HOUR BURDEN.

A 60-day notice was published in the Federal Register on March 31, 2014 (Vol. 79, No. 61, page 18005), inviting comments from interested persons through May 30, 2014. No comments were received.

• DESCRIBE EFFORTS TO CONSULT WITH PERSONS OUTSIDE THE AGENCY TO OBTAIN THEIR VIEWS ON THE AVAILABILITY OF DATA, FREQUENCY OF COLLECTION, THE CLARITY OF INSTRUCTIONS AND RECORDKEEPING, DISCLOSURE, OR REPORTING FORMAT (IF ANY), AND ON THE DATA ELEMENTS TO BE RECORDED, DISCLOSED, OR REPORTED.

• CONSULTATION WITH REPRESENTATIVES OF THOSE FROM WHOM INFORMATION IS TO BE OBTAINED OR THOSE WHO MUST COMPILE RECORDS SHOULD OCCUR AT LEAST ONCE EVERY 3 YEARS – EVEN IF THE COLLECTION OF INFORMATION ACTIVITY IS THE SAME AS IN PRIOR PERIODS. THERE MAY BE CIRCUMSTANCES THAT MAY PRECLUDE CONSULTATION IN A SPECIFIC SITUATION. THESE CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD BE EXPLAINED.

MOAD’s Compliance and Enforcement Branch, which administers and provides oversight for commodities imported under section 8e of the Act, conducts 2 to 3 port presentations per year in various U.S. ports, in an effort to keep importers, customs brokers and representatives from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection informed of section 8e requirements. Representatives of the Compliance and Enforcement Branch also consult with importers and brokers by telephone. Section 8e informational packages are also mailed and e-mailed to importers and receivers on a regular basis. MOLS users who have questions regarding complying with section 8e requirements can contact MOAD for additional information. The MOLS database is housed within the AMS information technology office.

7. EXPLAIN ANY DECISION TO PROVIDE ANY PAYMENT OR GIFT TO RESPONDENTS, OTHER THAN REMUNERATION OF CONTRACTORS OR GRANTEES.

Respondents are not provided with gifts or payments for providing information.

7. DESCRIBE ANY ASSURANCE OF CONFIDENTIALITY PROVIDED TO RESPONDENTS AND THE BASIS FOR THE ASSURANCE IN STATUTE, REGULATION, OR AGENCY POLICY.

Section 608(d) of the Act provides that information acquired will be kept confidential. Information submitted to AMS is accessible only by certain USDA employees in Washington, D.C., and are stored in a secure environment.

7. PROVIDE ADDITIONAL JUSTIFICATION FOR ANY QUESTIONS OF A SENSITIVE NATURE, SUCH AS SEXUAL BEHAVIOR AND ATTITUDES, RELIGIOUS BELIEFS, AND OTHER MATTERS THAT ARE COMMONLY CONSIDERED PRIVATE. THIS JUSTIFICATION SHOULD INCLUDE THE REASONS WHY THE AGENCY CONSIDERS THE QUESTIONS NECESSARY, THE SPECIFIC USES TO BE MADE OF THE INFORMATION, THE EXPLANATION TO BE GIVEN TO PERSONS FROM WHOM THE INFORMATION IS REQUESTED, AND ANY STEPS TO BE TAKEN TO OBTAIN THEIR CONSENT.

Questions of a sensitive nature are not included on any form in this information collection.

7. PROVIDE ESTIMATES OF THE HOUR BURDEN OF THE COLLECTION OF INFORMATION.

THE STATEMENT SHOULD:

• INDICATE THE NUMBER OF RESPONDENTS, FREQUENCY OF RESPONSE, ANNUAL HOUR BURDEN, AND AN EXPLANATION OF HOW THE BURDEN WAS ESTIMATED. UNLESS DIRECTED TO DO SO, AGENCIES SHOULD NOT CONDUCT SPECIAL SURVEYS TO OBTAIN INFORMATION ON WHICH TO BASE HOUR BURDEN ESTIMATES. CONSULTATION WITH A SAMPLE (FEWER THAN 10) OF POTENTIAL RESPONDENTS IS DESIRABLE. IF THE HOUR BURDEN ON RESPONDENTS IS EXPECTED TO VARY WIDELY BECAUSE OF DIFFERENCE IN ACTIVITY, SIZE, OR COMPLEXITY, SHOW THE RANGE OF ESTIMATED HOUR BURDEN, AND EXPLAIN THE REASONS FOR THE VARIANCE.

The number of respondents electing to file forms is approximately 130, consisting of importers and receivers. See AMS-71 spreadsheet for breakout.

• IF THIS REQUEST FOR APPROVAL COVERS MORE THAN ONE FORM, PROVIDE SEPARATE HOUR BURDEN ESTIMATES FOR EACH FORM AND AGGREGATE THE HOUR BURDENS IN ITEM 13 OF OMB FORM 83-I.

See AMS-71 spreadsheet for breakout.

• PROVIDE ESTIMATES OF ANNUALIZED COST TO RESPONDENTS FOR THE HOUR BURDENS FOR COLLECTIONS OF INFORMATION, IDENTIFYING AND USING APPROPRIATE WAGE RATE CATEGORIES.

The respondents’ estimated annual cost of reporting information to USDA is approximately $515,527.38. This total has been estimated by multiplying 17,734 total burden hours by $29.07, the national mean hourly wage of Buyers and Purchasing Agents of Farm Products, according to the U.S. Department of Labor Statistics. (National Compensation Survey: Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2013; http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes131021.htm.)

Importers and brokers, upon request, can order 25 forms per year for $7.50; 50 forms for $15.00; or 100 forms for $30.00. There is a limit of 100 FV-6 forms per year. With the development of MOAD’s internet filing feature (MOLS), however, the use of paper forms has dropped significantly. MOLS provides industry members with the convenience of completing and submitting the FV-6 form, without dependence on paper and government offices being open.

13. PROVIDE AN ESTIMATE OF THE TOTAL ANNUAL COST BURDEN TO RESPONDENTS OR RECORDKEEPERS RESULTING FROM THE COLLECTION OF INFORMATION. (DO NOT INCLUDE THE COST OF ANY HOUR BURDEN SHOWN IN ITEMS 12 AND 14).

• THE COST ESTIMATE SHOULD BE SPLIT INTO TWO COMPONENTS: (a) A TOTAL CAPITAL AND START-UP COST COMPONENT (ANNUALIZED OVER ITS EXPECTED USEFUL LIFE); AND (b) A TOTAL OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE AND PURCHASE OF SERVICES COMPONENT. THE ESTIMATES SHOULD TAKE INTO ACCOUNT COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH GENERATING, MAINTAINING, AND DISCLOSING OR PROVIDING THE INFORMATION. INCLUDE DESCRIPTIONS OF METHODS USED TO ESTIMATE MAJOR COST FACTORS INCLUDING SYSTEM AND TECHNOLOGY ACQUISITION, EXPECTED USEFUL LIFE OF CAPITAL EQUIPMENT, THE DISCOUNT RATE(S), AND THE TIME PERIOD OVER WHICH COSTS WILL BE INCURRED. CAPITAL AND START-UP COSTS INCLUDE, AMONG OTHER ITEMS, PREPARATIONS FOR COLLECTING INFORMATION SUCH AS PURCHASING COMPUTERS AND SOFTWARE; MONITORING, SAMPLING, DRILLING AND TESTING EQUIPMENT; AND RECORD STORAGE FACILITIES.

• IF COST ESTIMATES ARE EXPECTED TO VARY WIDELY, AGENCIES SHOULD PRESENT RANGES OF COST BURDENS AND EXPLAIN THE REASONS FOR THE VARIANCE. THE COST OF PURCHASING OR CONTRACTING OUT INFORMATION COLLECTION SERVICES SHOULD BE A PART OF THIS COST BURDEN ESTIMATE. IN DEVELOPING COST BURDEN ESTIMATES, AGENCIES MAY CONSULT WITH A SAMPLE OF RESPONDENTS (FEWER THAN 10), UTILIZE THE 60-DAY PRE-OMB SUBMISSION PUBLIC COMMENT PROCESS AND USE EXISTING ECONOMIC OR REGULATORY IMPACT ANALYSIS ASSOCIATED WITH THE RULEMAKING CONTAINING THE INFORMATION COLLECTION, AS APPROPRIATE.

• GENERALLY, ESTIMATES SHOULD NOT INCLUDE PURCHASES OF EQUIPMENT OR SERVICES, OR PORTIONS THEREOF, MADE: (1) PRIOR TO OCTOBER 1, 1995, (2) TO ACHIEVE REGULATORY COMPLIANCE WITH REQUIREMENTS NOT ASSOCIATED WITH THE INFORMATION COLLECTION, (3) FOR REASONS OTHER THAN TO PROVIDE INFORMATION OR KEEPING RECORDS FOR THE GOVERNMENT, OR (4) AS PART OF CUSTOMARY AND USUAL BUSINESS OR PRIVATE PRACTICES.

There are no start-up or maintenance costs to respondents or record keepers that are not included in items 2 and 14.

13. PROVIDE ESTIMATES OF ANNUALIZED COST TO THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT. ALSO, PROVIDE A DESCRIPTION OF THE METHOD USED TO ESTIMATE COST, WHICH SHOULD INCLUDE QUANTIFICATION OF HOURS, OPERATION EXPENSES (SUCH AS EQUIPMENT, OVERHEAD, PRINTING, AND SUPPORT STAFF), AND ANY OTHER EXPENSE THAT WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN INCURRED WITHOUT THIS COLLECTION OF INFORMATION. AGENCIES ALSO MAY AGGREGATE COST ESTIMATES FROM ITEMS 12, 13, AND 14 IN A SINGLE TABLE.

The Federal government’s annual costs for providing oversight of, and assistance for, this information collection, are estimated at $90,640. A breakdown of the oversight costs for the first year is as follows:

Salaries/benefits/awards $47,000

Travel $9,000

Database maintenance $10,000

Printing/Copying/Mailing/Postage $4,000

Federal Register Services $4,000

OGC (Legal Services) $8,000

Supplies/Equipment $8,640

TOTAL $90,640

13. EXPLAIN THE REASON FOR ANY PROGRAM CHANGES OR ADJUSTMENTS REPORTED IN ITEMS 13 OR 14 OF THE OMB FORM 83-1.

The Agency is requesting approval for 17,734 burden hours, based on 213,691 annual responses. Since the last submission in 2011, respondents have decreased from 345 to 130. However, responses increased by 207,481 and burden increased by 17,223 hours. Though fewer respondents, the substantial increase in responses and burden hours is due to fewer applicants applying more frequently for import exemptions over the last three years, and is attributed to the fluctuating nature of commercial trading and the volume of products imported into the United States for processing. Secondarily, the increased frequency is attributed to the convenience, success and industry members’ growing awareness of the online application that allows industry members to file the exemption form at anytime and from anywhere, without government offices being open. Approximately ninety percent of users are located in Canada.

Regulation	Reason	Previous Burden	New Burden	Difference	Type
944.350	Avocados Dec. in respondents; inc. in responses per respondents	1.25	1.33	0.08	ADJ
944.350	Grapefruit Dec. in respondents; inc. in responses per respondents	.83	1.66	.83	ADJ
944.350	Kiwifruit Dec. in respondents	.83	0.00	-.83	ADJ
944.350	Olives Dec. in respondents; inc. in responses per respondent	.83	.08	-.75	ADJ
944.350	Oranges Dec. in respondents; inc. in responses per respondent	10.38	359.31	348.93	ADJ
944.350	Grapes, Table Dec. in responses per respondent	.83	0.00	-.83	ADJ

Regulation	Reason	Previous Burden	New Burden	Difference	Type
980.501	Onions Decr. in respondents; incr. in responses per respondent	33.20	201.03	167.83	ADJ
980.501	Potatoes Decr. in respondents; incr. in responses per respondent	456.50	17,156.10	16,699.60	ADJ
980.501	Tomatoes Dec. in respondents	3.32	0.00	-3.32	ADJ
999.1	Dates Dec. in respondents; inc. in responses per respondent	.83	14.77	13.94	ADJ
999.4	Hazelnuts Imports not authorized for FV-6 filings	.83	0.00	-.83	ADJ
999.300	Raisins Dec. in respondents	.83	0.00	-.83	ADJ
999.1	Walnuts Dec. in respondents	.83	0.00	-.83	n/a
	TOTAL			17,222.99

16. FOR COLLECTIONS OF INFORMATION WHOSE RESULTS WILL BE PUBLISHED, OUTLINE PLANS FOR TABULATION, AND PUBLICATION. ADDRESS ANY COMPLEX ANALYTICAL TECHNIQUES THAT WILL BE USED. PROVIDE THE TIME SCHEDULE FOR THE ENTIRE PROJECT, INCLUDING BEGINNING AND ENDING DATES OF THE COLLECTION OF INFORMATION, COMPLETION OF REPORT, PUBLICATION DATES, AND OTHER ACTIONS.

There are no plans to publish any information or data collections.

16. IF SEEKING APPROVAL TO NOT DISPLAY THE EXPIRATION DATE FOR OMB APPROVAL OF THE INFORMATION COLLECTION, EXPLAIN THE REASONS THAT DISPLAY WOULD BE INAPPROPRIATE.

AMS requests approval not to display the expiration date on the forms associated with this information collection because having to do so would prevent the use of MOLS and its self-generated forms.

Since MOLS is an internet-based application where importers and receivers enter data and receive FV-6 certificates, requiring an expiration date on the FV-6 would make it very difficult and expensive to update MOLS. Users enter data in MOLS, which then automatically generates the form based on the data that was input.

In addition, putting expiration dates on the forms prevents them from being used once they reach expiration while the new forms are in the OMB-approval process. USDA rarely uses paper forms, except for instances when importers cannot access MOLS to receive the FV-6 electronically. Form FV-7 is equivalent to a legal settlement, and is used only when import violations occur. Requiring an expiration date on that form would increase potential errors, and could result in legal settlements being invalidated if an old form were accidentally used.

16. EXPLAIN EACH EXCEPTION TO THE CERTIFICATION STATEMENT IDENTIFIED IN ITEM 19, “CERTIFICATION FOR PAPERWORK REDUCTION ACT SUBMISSIONS,” OF OMB FORM 83-1.

The agency is able to certify compliance with all provisions under item 19 of OMB form 83-I.

2. COLLECTIONS OF INFORMATION EMPLOYING STATISTICAL METHODS

This collection of information does not employ statistical methods.