APHIS Launches Phased Implementation of ePermits System for Imports
The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has issued a press release announcing that on April 3, 2006, it launched ePermits, a new Web-based system to streamline the import process.
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New System Allows Electronic Filing, Processing, and Tracking of Permit Applications
APHIS states that the new system, which is being released in multiple phases, is a Web-based tool that allows the electronic filing, processing and tracking of permit applications.
Current phase. The current phase allows individuals to process permit applications online for certain plant protection and quarantine (PPQ) and biotechnology and regulatory services' (BRS) notifications.
Subsequent phases, etc. According to APHIS, Veterinary Services (VS) is in the process of finalizing its system and plans to launch its ePermits section on July 3, 2006. More advances are also 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.
Credit card payment.In addition to online applications, ePermits also features a payment engine capability so individuals can pay permit application fees by credit card, when applicable, as part of the online process.
To Access ePermits System, Users Must Complete eAuthentication
In order to access the ePermits system, APHIS explains that users must complete a registration process called eAuthentication, a system used by U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) agencies to enable individuals to obtain accounts that allow access to certain USDA Web applications and services through the internet.
(See ITT's Online Archives or 08/01/05 news, 05080115, for BP summary of APHIS' announcement of a meeting on the proposed design & development of the ePermits system.)
-additional information on ePermits is available at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/permits/
-additional information on eAuthentication is available at http://www.eauth.egov.usda.gov/
APHIS Contact - Melissa O'Dell (301) 734-5222
APHIS Press Release (dated 04/03/06) available at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/newsroom/content/2006/04/epsystem.shtml
APHIS Fact Sheet on ePermits (dated 06/06) available at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/publications/aphis_general/content/printable_version/epermits4-2006.pdf