0579-0054 2019 Ss (05-21-2019)

May 2019
SUPPORTING STATEMENT
FEDERAL PLANT PEST AND
NOXIOUS WEED REGULATIONS
OMB NO. 0579-0054
NOTE: This request is a reinstatement with change of a previously approved information
collection.
JUSTIFICATION
1. Explain the circumstances that make the collection of information necessary. Identify
any legal or administrative requirements that necessitate the collection.
The United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
(APHIS), is responsible for preventing plant diseases, insect pests, and noxious weeds from
entering the United States, preventing the spread of these organisms that are not widely
distributed in the United States, and eradicating imported pests when eradication is feasible.
In accordance with Section 412 of the Plant Protection Act (Title IV, Pub L. 106-224, 114 Stat.
438, 7 U.S.C. 7712), the Secretary of Agriculture is authorized to prohibit or restrict the
importation, entry, exportation, or interstate movement of plants, plant products, biological
control organisms, noxious weeds, soil, regulated garbage, or means of conveyance, if the
Secretary determines that the prohibition or restriction is necessary to prevent the dissemination
of plant pests or disease within the United States. The associated regulations that were issued by
the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) are located in 7 CFR Parts 330 and
360.
The introduction and establishment of new plant pests or noxious weeds in the United States
could result in severe physical and economic losses to American agriculture. To prevent this
from happening, APHIS will use information collection activities in these regulations.
APHIS is asking the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to approve for 3 years use of
these information collection activities associated with preventing the entry and spread of harmful
plant pests, diseases, and noxious weeds in the United States.
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.
APHIS uses the following information collection activities to prevent the introduction and
dissemination of plant pests and noxious weeds within the United States.

Emergency Action Notification (PPQ Form 523); (7 CFR 330.106); (Individual)(Business)
PPQ Form 523 is prepared by a Federal official and issued to a broker, shipper, market owner,
or other stakeholder responsible for a certain consignment failing specific requirements and
requiring remedial action. The form describes the failure, and provides basic explanations and
options of required remedial actions. Receipt and consignment disposition are annotated by the
stakeholder.
Notice of Arrival (PPQ Form 368 or equivalent); (7 CFR 330.111); (Individual)(Business)
(Previously reported as Advanced Notice of Arrival.) Importers of regulated articles may be
required to complete PPQ Form 368 (or equivalent form depending upon port procedures) at or
before the shipment’s arrival into the United States. The form provides information needed by
Federal inspectors or officers to identify and track shipments enroute to the United States, and to
schedule inspections and treatments at the appropriate ports of entry. Timely submission
mitigates delays in the port clearance process.
Application for Permit to Move Live Plant Pests, Noxious Weeds, Soil, and Prohibited
Plants (PPQ Form 526); (7 CFR 330.201(a), 360.301(a)); (Individual)(Business)
Persons proposing the movement of live plant pests, noxious weeds, soil, or prohibited plants
must request a movement permit. Information collected in the application includes the article
being moved including its intended use; current status in the destination State or territory; place
of origin, intermediary ports, and destination of the movement; method, dates of arrival, and
size of shipments; measures for preventing plant pest dissemination, and the method of final
disposition. APHIS and State personnel (in the State of destination, as appropriate) evaluate
information provided on PPQ Form 526 to assess the risks associated with the proposed
movement of plant pests, noxious weeds, or soil, and determine whether a permit can be issued
and also to develop risk-mitigating conditions for the movement. The information is used for
the initial permit evaluation and may be reviewed for subsequent permits. A permit can be
issued for more than one organism, cover multiple shipments, and be valid for as little as one
month or up to 3 years, depending on the type of movement.
Application for Permit to Move Live Plant Pests, Noxious Weeds, Soil, and Prohibited
Plants - Interstate Movement Permit (PPQ Form 526); (7 CFR 330.201(b), 360.301(b));
(Individual)(Business)
Persons proposing the movement of live plant pests, noxious weeds, soil, or prohibited plants
from any State into or through any other State must request an interstate movement permit.
Information collected in the application includes the article being moved including its intended
use; current status in the destination State or territory; place of origin, intermediary ports, and
destination of the movement; method, dates of arrival, and size of shipments; measures for
preventing plant pest dissemination, and the method of final disposition. APHIS and State
personnel (in the State of destination, as appropriate) evaluate information provided on PPQ
Form 526 to assess the risks associated with the proposed movement of plant pests, noxious
weeds, or soil, and determine whether a permit can be issued and also to develop risk-mitigating
conditions for the movement. The information is used for the initial permit evaluation and may
be reviewed for subsequent permits. A permit can be issued for more than one organism, cover
multiple shipments, and be valid for as little as one month or up to 3 years, depending on the
type of movement.

2

Application for Permit to Move Live Plant Pests, Noxious Weeds, Soil, and Prohibited
Plants - Continued Curation Permit (PPQ Form 526); (7 CFR 330.201(a)); (Individual)
(Business)
Permittees requiring to continue their movement permit may request a continued curation permit.
Requests must be submitted prior to the expiration date of the import or interstate movement
permit.
Permit Amendments; (7 CFR 330.201); (Individual)(Business)
If a permittee determines that circumstances have changed since the permit was initially issued
and wishes the permit to be amended accordingly, he or she must request the amendment either
through APHIS’ online portal for permit applications or by contacting APHIS directly via phone
or email. The permittee may have to provide supporting information justifying the amendment.
APHIS reviews the amendment request and may amend the permit if only minor changes are
necessary. Requests for more substantive changes may require a new permit application.
Consultation with Agencies about Permit Conditions; (7 CFR 330.202(a), 360.302(a));
(State, Tribe, Local Government)
APHIS may consult with other Federal, State, or Tribal officials for their views on the danger of
dissemination of plant pests in connection with a movement of plant pests, noxious weeds, and
soil.
Initial Assessment of Site/Facility for Organism/Associated Articles; (7 CFR 330.202(b),
360.302(b)); (Individual)(Business)
Prior to issuance of a permit, APHIS will assess all sites and facilities that are listed on the
permit application, including private residences, biocontainment facilities, and field locations,
where the organism or article will be held or released. As part of this assessment, all sites and
facilities are subject to inspection and must be determined by APHIS to be constructed and
maintained in a manner that prevents the dissemination or dispersal of plant pests, biological
control organisms, or associated articles from the facility. The applicant must provide all
information requested by APHIS regarding this assessment and must allow all inspections
requested by APHIS during normal business hours. Failure to do so may result in disapproval of
the permit application.
Unscheduled Site Assessments; (7 CFR 330.202(b)); (Individual)(Business)
At any point following issuance of a permit but prior to its expiration date, an inspector may
conduct unscheduled assessments of the site or facility in which the organisms or associated
articles are held to determine whether they are constructed and are being maintained in a manner
that prevents the dissemination of organisms or associated articles from the site or facility. The
permittee must allow all such assessments requested by APHIS during normal business hours.
Failure to allow such assessments may result in revocation of the permit.
Written/Electronic Agreement of Permit Conditions; (7 CFR 330.203, 330.300(c), 360.303);
(Individual)(Business)
Prior to issuing the permit, APHIS will notify the applicant in writing or electronically of all
proposed permit conditions. The applicant must agree in writing or electronically that he or she,
and all his or her employees, agents, and/or officers, will comply with all permit conditions. If
the organism or associated article will be contained in a private residence, the applicant must
3

state in this agreement that he or she authorizes APHIS to conduct unscheduled assessments of
the organism or associated article location (including private residence) during normal business
hours.
Written/Electronic Agreement of Permit Amendments; (7 CFR 330.203, 330.300(c));
(Individual)(Business)
APHIS may amend any permit and its conditions at any time, upon determining that the
amendment is needed to address newly identified considerations concerning the risks presented
by the organism or the activities being conducted under the permit. APHIS may also amend a
permit at any time to ensure that the permit conditions are consistent with all of the requirements
of this part. As soon as circumstances allow, APHIS will notify the permittee of the amendment
to the permit and the reason(s) for it. Depending on the nature of the amendment, the permittee
may have to agree in writing or electronically that he or she, and his or her employees, agents,
and/or officers, will comply with the permit and conditions as amended before APHIS will issue
the amended permit. If APHIS requests such an agreement, and the permittee does not agree in
writing that he or she, and his or her employees, agents, and/or officers, will comply with the
amended permit and conditions, the existing permit will be revoked.
Written/Electronic Consultation/Objection of Permit Issuance Conditions
(7 CFR 330.204(a)(5)); (State, Tribe, Local Government)
A State or Tribal executive official, or a State or Tribal plant protection official authorized to do
so, may make written objection to the movement of a plant pest or noxious weed if they believe
such movement may involve dissemination of a plant pest into their State.
Withdrawal of Permit Application; (7 CFR 330.204, 360.304); (Individual)(Business)
Any permit application may be withdrawn at the request of the applicant. Requests must be
submitted in writing to APHIS who will provide written notification to the applicant as promptly
as circumstances allow.
Cancellation of a Permit Application; (7 CFR 330.204(b), 360.304); (Individual)(Business)
Any permit that has been issued may be canceled at the request of the permittee in writing to
APHIS. APHIS will notify the permittee in writing when the permit is canceled.
Appeal of Denial or Cancellation of Permit or Opportunity for Hearing; (7 CFR 330.204(c),
360.304(c)); (Individual)(Business)
Any person whose application has been denied, whose permit has been revoked or amended, or
whose authorization for actions authorized under a permit has been suspended, may appeal the
decision in writing to the Administrator within 10 business days after receiving the written
notification of the denial, revocation, amendment, or suspension. The appeal shall state all of the
facts and reasons upon which the person relies to show that the application was wrongfully
denied, permit revoked or amended, or authorization for actions under a permit suspended. The
Administrator shall grant or deny the appeal, stating the reasons for the decision as promptly as
circumstances allow.

4

Living Regulated Organisms Red and White Shipping Labels (PPQ Form 599),
(7 CFR 330.211), (Business); Quarantine Material Black and White Mailing Labels to
Return Soil Samples (PPQ Form 550), (7 CFR 330.300(d)), (Business); and Quarantine
Material Yellow and Green Mailing Labels to Return Soil Samples (PPQ Form 508),
(7 CFR 330.300(d)); (Individual)(Business)
Regulated organisms and soil must be shipped in sturdy, escape-proof containers, and permit
conditions may require an original PPQ Form 508, 550, or 599 be attached to the exterior of
each shipping package. Packages without labels on the exterior may be refused entry even if
the labels are enclosed. Each label is a tag individually numbered with a distinctive barcode
that identifies an individual shipment and directs it to a designated port of entry or Plant
Inspection Station (PIS) where it will be inspected and cleared. Labels are requested via email
using addresses provided at www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/planthealth/import-information/
permits/regulated-organism-and-soil-permits.
Notification of Intent to Hand-Carry; (7 CFR 330.212); (Individual)(Business)
A permittee requesting hand-carry shipping authorization must notify APHIS through APHIS’
online portal for permit applications or by fax after an import permit is obtained but no less
than 20 days prior to movement. The request must include (1) the passport number for the
individual or individuals who will hand-carry the plant pest, biological control organism, or
soil; (2) a description of the means of conveyance in which the individual or individuals will
travel, including flight number and airline name for air travel, or vehicle license number or
other identifying number for other modes of transportation; (3) expected date and time of first
arrival; (4) expected port of first arrival; and (5) travel itinerary from port of first arrival to final
destination. The permittee or his or her designee must notify APHIS within 24 hours of arrival
of the hand-carried plant pest, biological control organism, or soil at the biocontainment facility
or other authorized point of destination. This notification must state that the plant pest,
biological control organism, or soil has arrived at its destination and that the package in which it
was hand-carried has remained sealed until arrival. Notification must be by fax/email, or via the
APHIS website at www.aphis.usda.gov/plant_health/permits/index.shtml.
Appeal of Denial, Amendment, or Cancellation of Hand-Carry Intent; (7 CFR 330.212);
(Individual)(Business)
Any person whose request to hand-carry has been denied, or whose authorization to hand-carry
has been amended or canceled, may appeal the decision in writing to APHIS.
Application for Permit to Receive Soil (PPQ Form 525A); (7 CFR 330.300);
(Individual)(Business)
PPQ Form 525A must be submitted to receive a permit to move soil. Movement into the United
States from foreign sources is prohibited and movement within the continental United States is
restricted unless authorized by APHIS under specific conditions (e.g., safeguards applied).
Exceptions must be granted by APHIS and only under strictly controlled circumstances
described in the permit.
Garbage Conveyance Inspection and Certificate; (7 CFR 330.401(b)(2)(i)); (Business)
Garbage on or removed in the United States from a means of conveyance other than an aircraft
is exempt from requirements under § 330.401(d) if the means of conveyance is accompanied by
a certificate from an inspector stating (a) the means of conveyance had previously been cleared
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of all garbage and of all meats and meat products, whatever the country of origin, except meats
that are shelf-stable; all fresh and condensed milk and cream from countries designated in 9 CFR
94.1 as those in which foot-and-mouth disease exists; all fresh fruits and vegetables; and all eggs;
and the items previously cleared from the means of conveyance as prescribed by this paragraph
have been disposed of according to the procedures for disposing of regulated garbage, as
specified in paragraphs (d)(2) and (d)(3) of this section; (b) the means of conveyance had then
been cleaned and disinfected in the presence of the inspector; and (c) since being cleaned and
disinfected, the means of conveyance has not been in a non-Canadian foreign port.
Garbage Conveyance Inspection and Certificate for Hawaii, Territories, or Possessions;
(7 CFR 330.401(c)(2)(i)); (Business)
Garbage on or removed from a means of conveyance is regulated garbage if at the time the
garbage is on or removed from the means of conveyance the means of conveyance has moved
during the previous 1-year period, either directly or indirectly, to the continental United States
from any territory or possession or from Hawaii, to any territory or possession from any other
territory or possession or from Hawaii, or to Hawaii from any territory or possession. There are
two exceptions: (1) the means of conveyance is accompanied by a certificate from an inspector
stating that the means of conveyance had been cleared of all garbage and all fresh fruits and
vegetables; and (2) the items previously cleared from the means of conveyance as prescribed by
this paragraph have been disposed of according to the procedures for disposing of regulated
garbage.
Application for Approval of Establishment to Handle Regulated Garbage;
(7 CFR 330.401(d)(3)(i)); (Business)
(Previously reported as Application for Approval of Facility or Sewage System.) Garbage that is
offloaded from any air/maritime conveyance must be safeguarded and moved to an approved
facility for proper disposal. An application for approval of a facility is made in writing by an
authorized establishment representative or official. Facility approval will be granted after
APHIS inspects the facility and determines that the disposal of regulated garbage is adequate to
prevent the spread of plant pests (or livestock or poultry diseases) within the United States.
Opportunity to Show Cause After Withdrawal/Denial of Facility Approval;
(7 CFR 330.401(d)(3)(ii)); (Business)
Facility approval may be denied or withdrawn at any time if the Administrator determines that
approval requirements are not met, after notice of the proposed denial or withdrawal of the
approval and the reasons therefor, and an opportunity to demonstrate or achieve compliance with
such requirements has been afforded to the operator of the facility or sewage system and to the
applicant for approval. Facility approval may also be withdrawn without such prior procedure in
any case in which the public health, interest, or safety requires immediate action, and in such
case, the operator of the facility or sewage system and the applicant for approval shall promptly
thereafter be given notice of the withdrawal and the reasons therefore and an opportunity to show
cause why the approval should be reinstated. Any business whose facility approval is denied or
withdrawn may request in writing an opportunity to show why the approval was wrongfully
denied or withdrawn. Approval may be reestablished if the Administrator determines that the
requirements set forth in the regulation are met.

6

APHIS Regulated Garbage Compliance Agreement and Approval Template
(PPQ Form 519 and 519A); (7 CFR 330.403(a)); (Business)
APHIS uses compliance agreements (the generic PPQ Form 519 with PPQ Form 519A approval
template) to document APHIS requirements and formal agreements between APHIS and
caterers, garbage haulers, garbage processors, and other entities responsible for handling or
processing APHIS-regulated garbage. It must be approved by both parties before the business
may handle regulated garbage.
Request for Approval to Maintain Possession of Regulated Garbage for More Than 72
Hours; (7 CFR 330.403(a)); (Business)
Once received by the establishment, regulated garbage must not remain in the establishment’s
possession for more than 72 hours without prior approval in writing from the APHIS
Administrator. Requests may be submitted via email.
Labelling of Regulated Garbage Containers; (7 CFR 330.403(a)); (Business)(Third Party
Disclosure)
Equipment used to move/store unprocessed regulated garbage must be uniquely identified
outside the container and if words are used, marked with “REGULATED GARBAGE” or a
similar acceptable phrase in English and any appropriate foreign language.
Certification of Equipment Calibration Testing; (7 CFR 330.403(a)); (Business)
Establishments with sterilizers must have certificates of equipment calibration testing conducted
by authorized sterilizer technicians/manufacturers.
Denial of Compliance Agreement and Appeal; (7 CFR 330.403(c)); (Business)
Approval of a compliance agreement request may be denied at any time if the Administrator
determines that the applicant has not met or is unable to meet the requirements. Prior to denying
a compliance agreement application, APHIS will provide notice to the applicant as well as
provide him or her an opportunity to demonstrate or achieve compliance with requirements.
Cancellation of Compliance Agreement and Appeal; (7 CFR 330.403(d)); (Business)
Any compliance agreement may be canceled, either orally or in writing, by an inspector
whenever the inspector finds that the person who has entered into the compliance agreement has
failed to comply with the requirements. If the cancellation is oral, the cancellation and the
reasons for the cancellation will be confirmed in writing as promptly as circumstances allow.
Any person whose compliance agreement has been canceled may appeal the decision, in writing,
within 10 days after receiving written notification of the cancellation. The appeal must state all
of the facts and reasons upon which the person relies to show that the compliance agreement was
wrongfully canceled.
Request for Approval to Use New Technology for Handling Regulated Garbage;
(7 CFR 330.403); (Business)
Establishments may submit to APHIS solicitations for approval of new technologies for handling
regulated garbage.

7

Recordkeeping of Regulated Garbage Compliance; (7 CFR 330.403(a)); (Business)
Inspectors must be allowed access to all regulated garbage compliance records maintained by the
person responsible for the handling or disposal of garbage, and for all areas where handling or
disposal of garbage occurs. Businesses must retain records for three years.
3. Describe whether, and to what extent, the collection of information involves the use of
automated, electronic, mechanical, 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.
PPQ Form 525A and 526 may be completed and submitted online using ePermits. Access is
available at https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/resources/permits/sa_plants/ct_ppq_epermits.
These forms as well as PPQ Forms 519, 519A, and 368 are also available in fillable PDF
format from the APHIS Forms Library at www.aphis.usda.gov/library/forms.
PPQ Forms 508, 550, and 599 are requested and delivered by email. Instructions for requesting
the labels are available at https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/planthealth/importinformation/permits/regulated-organism-and-soil-permits.
PPQ Form 523 is initiated by port officials.
All other activity documentation is submitted via letter or email.
APHIS is involved with the Government-wide utilization of the International Trade Data System
(ITDS) via the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) to improve business operations and
further Agency missions. This will allow respondents to submit the data required by U.S.
Customs and Border Protection and its Partner Government Agencies (PGAs) such as APHIS to
import and export cargo through a Single Window concept. APHIS is also establishing a system
known as e-File for CARPOL (Certification, Accreditation, Registration, Permitting, and Other
Licensing) activities. This new system will strive to automate some of these information
collection activities. The system is still being developed and business processes continue to be
identified and mapped.
4. Describe efforts to identify duplication. Show specifically why any similar information
already available cannot be used or modified for use for the purpose described in item 2
above.
The information APHIS collects is exclusive to its mission of preventing the introduction
or dissemination of plant pests, diseases, or noxious weeds within the United States. This
information is not available from any other source.

8

5. If the collection of information impacts small businesses or other small entities, describe
any methods used to minimize burden.
The information that APHIS collects is the minimum required. APHIS estimates that 15 percent
of the business respondents may be considered small entities.
6. Describe the consequences 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.
The introduction and spread of a plant pest, noxious weed, or disease could potentially cause
severe physical and economic harm to American agriculture. If APHIS did not collect this
information or if this information was collected less frequently, APHIS’ ability to protect the
United States from a plant pest or noxious weed incursion would be significantly compromised.
7. Explain any special circumstances that require the collection to be conducted in a
manner inconsistent with the general information guidelines in 5 CFR 1320.5.
•

requiring respondents to report information to the agency more often than
quarterly;

•

requiring respondents to prepare a written response to a collection of information in
fewer than 30 days after receipt of it;
Recipients of PPQ Form 523 (Emergency Action Notification) typically have 48 hours to
decide on actions to be taken, and 7 days to complete them.
Any permittee whose permit has been cancelled or revoked by APHIS, or owner/operator
of regulated garbage handling facility whose agreement has been cancelled by APHIS,
may appeal the decision in writing within 10 days of receiving notification of the
cancellation or revocation.
A permittee requesting hand-carry shipping authorization must notify APHIS no less than
20 days prior to movement.

•

requiring respondents to submit more than an original and two copies of any document;

•

requiring respondents to retain records, other than health, medical, government
contract, grant-in-aid, or tax records for more than three 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
9

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.
No other special circumstances exist that would require this collection to be conducted
in a manner inconsistent with the general information collection guidelines in
5 CFR 1320.5.
8. 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 form, and on the data elements to be recorded, disclosed, or
reported. If applicable, provide a copy and identify the date and page number of
publication in the Federal Register of the agency’s notice, soliciting comments on the
information collection prior to submission to OMB.
Productive consultations concerning APHIS’ information collection activities were held with the
following individuals. When asked, these respondents held no particular opinion on the data
collection efforts or the availability of data for the information collection. They did not hold a
positive nor negative viewpoint on data reporting but summarized it as part of the responsibilities
of a public institution. From a general standpoint, the respondents understand the necessity of
the numerous forms and requirements to prevent the spread of diseases and pests. One expressed
satisfaction with the idea of a streamlined compliance agreement for regulated garbage.
Dr. John Sherwood
Montana State University
305 Plant BioScience Building
Boseman, Montana 59717
tel. 406-994-5153
Laura Petro
Plant Health and Pest Division Services
California Department of Food and Agriculture
P.O. Box 942871
Sacramento, California 94271-0001
tel. 916-654-1017
Amy O’Brien
BDP International Inc.
510 Walnut Street, 13th Floor
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19106
tel. 215-629-8900

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On Wednesday, February 6, 2019, APHIS published in the Federal Register on pages 2154 and
2155 a 60-day notice seeking public comment on its plans to request reinstatement of this
collection of information. One comment was received but it did not deal with any information
collection issues.
9. Explain any decision to provide any payment or gift to respondents, other than
reenumeration of contractors or grantees.
This information collection activity involves no payments or gifts to respondents.
10. Describe any assurance of confidentiality provided to respondents and the basis for the
assurance in statute, regulation, or agency policy.
Confidential business information (CBI) will be handled in accordance with APHIS policy. No
additional assurance of confidentiality is provided with this information collection. Any and all
information obtained in this collection shall not be disclosed except in accordance with 5 U.S.C.
552a. Additionally, APHIS published a System of Records Notice (APHIS-10, APHIS
Comprehensive Electronic Permitting System (ePermits), 73 FR 23406, April 30, 2008) which
describes and addresses privacy security controls and routine uses of information for individual
respondents.
11. Provide additional justification for any questions of a sensitive nature, such as sexual
behavior and attitudes, religious beliefs, and others that are 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.
This information collection activity asks no questions of a personal or sensitive nature.
12. Provide estimates of the hour burden of the collection of information. Indicate the
number of respondents, frequency of response, annual hour burden, and an explanation of
how the burden was estimated.
• Indicate the number of respondents, frequency of response, annual hour burden, and
an explanation of how the burden was estimated. 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 APHIS Form 71. APHIS estimates there are 4,833 respondents -- 3,713 businesses;
120 State, local, and tribal entities; and 1,000 individuals. Response and burden estimates
were developed using historical data, calculations, and discussions with field and industry
personnel.

11

• Provide estimates of annualized cost to respondents for the hour burdens for
collections of information, identifying and using appropriate wage rate categories.
APHIS estimates the total annualized cost to the above respondents to be $1,086,069. It
arrived at this figure by multiplying the hours of estimated response time (21,394 hours) by
the respondents’ estimated average hourly wage of $34.52, and then multiplying the result
by 1.4706 to capture benefit costs.
The average hourly wage was obtained with information from the U.S. Department of
Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics May 2017 Report - Occupational Employment and
Wages in the United States. According to DOL BLS news release USDL-18-1499 dated
September 18, 2018 (see https://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/ecec.pdf), benefits account
for 32% of employee costs, and wages account for the remaining 68%. Mathematically,
total costs can be calculated as a function of wages, resulting in a multiplier of 1.4706.
13. Provide estimates 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 estimates 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.
There is zero annual cost burden associated with capital and start-up costs, maintenance costs,
and purchase of services in connection with this program.
14. Provide estimates of annualized cost to the Federal Government. Provide a description
of the method used to estimate cost and any other expense that would not have been
incurred without this collection of information.
See APHIS Form 79. The estimated annualized cost to the Federal Government is $1,293,828.
15. Explain the reasons for any program changes or adjustments report in Items 13 or 14
of the OMB Form 83-1.
Requested
Annual Number of
Responses
Annual Time
Burden (Hours)

Program
Change Due to Change Due to
Program
Change Due to Adjustment in
Potential
Change Due to
Agency
Agency
Violation of the
New Statute
Discretion
Estimate
PRA

Previously
Approved

81,927

0

0

0

81,927

0

21,394

0

0

0

21,394

0

This reinstatement results in 4,833 respondents, 81,927 annual responses, and 21,394 hours of
burden. It includes 19 activities not previously reported accounting for 64,461 responses and
8,563 burden hours. Details of the 19 activities are provided in the table below.
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Activities Not Previously Reported
7 CFR
330.106
330.201
330.202, 360.302
330.202, 360.302
330.202
330.203, 330.300,
360.303
330.203, 300
330.204, 360.304
330.204, 360.304
330.211, 300
330.212
330.212
330.401
330.403
330.403
330.403
330.403
330.403
330.403

ACTIVITY
PPQ 523, Emergency Action Notification
Permit Amendments
Consultation with Agencies
Initial Assessment of Site/Facility
Unscheduled Site Assessment
Written Agreement Permit Conditions
Written Agreement Permit Conditions by APHIS
Withdrawal of Permit Application
Cancellation of Permit Application
PPQ 599, PPQ 550, PPQ 508 Shipping Labels
Notification of Intent to Hand Carry
Appeal of Denial, Amend, or Cancel Intent to H/C
Garbage Conveyance Inspection and Certificate
Request for Approval to Maintain RG > 72 Hours
Labelling Regulated Garbage Containers
Certification of Equipment Calibration Testing
Cancellation of Compliance Agreement
Request for Approval to Use New Technology
Regulated Garbage Compliance Recordkeeping

RESPONSES
2
1,056
960
550
11

BURDEN HOURS
2
1,056
960
1,100
33

3,302
268
285
185
5,035
73
2
2,447
1
50,000
210
1
3
70

561
54
143
93
841
12
2
2,447
1
850
53
2
3
350

64,461

8,563

16. For collections of information whose results are planned to be published, outline plans
for tabulation and publication.
APHIS has no plans to tabulate or publish the information collected.
17. If seeking approval to not display the expiration date for OMB approval of the
information collections, explain the reasons that display would be inappropriate.
PPQ Form 508, PPQ Form 550, and PPQ Form 599 are small shipping labels. Adding OMB
information to the labels impairs their utility. APHIS is seeking approval to not display OMB
information on the labels.
PPQ Form 368 is used in 3 information collections: 0579-0049, 0579-0054, and 0579-0076.
PPQ Form 519 is used in 12 information collections: 0579-0049, 0579-0054, 0579-0088, 05790155, 0579-0310, 0579-0317, 0579-0322, 0579-0331, 0579-0337, 0579-0346, 0579-0363, and
0579-0450. PPQ Form 523 is used in 7 information collections: 0579-0040, 0579-0049, 05790054, 0579-0088, 0579-0144, 0579-0207, and 0579-0310. PPQ Form 526 is used in 2
information collections: 0579-0054 and 0579-0207. PPQ Form 599 is used in 2 information
collections: 0579-0054 and 0579-0207. Because these information collections have different
expiration dates, adding the date to the form would be impractical. APHIS is seeking approval to
not display the OMB information collection expiration date on these forms; however, APHIS is
exploring the creation of common forms.

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PPQ will display the expiration date on the PPQ Form 519A and PPQ Form 525A.
18. Explain each exception to the certification statement identified in the “Certification
for Paperwork Reduction Act.”
APHIS is able to certify compliance with all the provisions under the Act.
B. Collections of Information Employing Statistical Methods
Statistical methods are not used in this information collection.

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