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Statement of Need: FSIS is proposing these regulations to provide for the electronic import system, which will be available through the Agency's Public Health Information System (PHIS), a computerized, Web-based inspection information system. The import system will enable applicants to electronically submit and track import inspection applications that are required for all commercial entries of FSIS regulated products imported in to the U.S. FSIS inspection program personnel will be able to access the PHIS system to assign appropriate imported product inspection activities. The electronic import system will also facilitate the foreign imported product and annual foreign establishment certifications by providing immediate and direct electronic government-to-government exchange of information. The Agency is proposing to delete the Canadian streamlined import inspection procedures because they have not been in use since 1990 and are obsolete. Sanitation SOPs are written procedures establishments develop, implement, and maintain to prevent direct contamination or adulteration of meat or poultry products. To ensure that imported meat and poultry products do not become contaminated while undergoing reinspection prior to entering the U.S., FSIS is proposing to clarify that official import inspection establishments must develop written Sanitation SOPs.

Summary of the Legal Basis: The authorities for this proposed rule are: the Federal Meat Inspection Act (FMIA) (21 U.S.C. 601 to 695), the Poultry Products Inspection Act (PPIA) (21 U.S.C. 451 to 470), Egg Products Inspection Act (EPIA)(21 U.S.C. 1031 to 1056) and the regulations that implement these Acts.

Alternatives: The use of the electronic import system is voluntary. The Agency will continue to accept and process paper import inspection applications, and foreign establishment and foreign imported product certificates. The Canadian streamlined import inspection procedures are not currently in use. Proposing Sanitation SOPs in official import inspection establishments will prevent direct contamination or adulteration of product. Therefore, no alternatives were considered.

Anticipated Costs and Benefits: Under this proposed rule, the industry will have the option of filing inspection applications electronically and submitting electronic foreign product and establishment certificates through the PHIS. Since the electronic option is voluntary; applicants and the foreign countries that choose to file electronically will do so only if the benefits outweigh the cost. Sanitation (SOPs) are a condition of approval for official import inspection establishments, and as a requirement for official import inspection establishments to continue to operate under Federal inspection. The proposed rule will clarify that official import inspection establishments must have developed written Sanitation SOPs before being granted approval and that existing official import inspection establishments must meet Sanitation SOP requirements. Since, in practice, FSIS has always expected official import inspection establishments to maintain Sanitation SOPs during the reinspection of imported products, the proposed amendment for these sanitation requirements will have little, if any, cost impact on the industry.

Risks: None.