USDA Cuts Paperwork Hours for Inedible Import Samples Collection
Published Date: 2/18/2025
Notice
Summary
The USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service is updating the paperwork for importing undenatured inedible products and samples used for lab tests, research, or trade shows. They’re cutting down the time it takes to fill out forms by 8,818 hours because fewer applications are coming in and the forms got easier to use. If you’re involved in importing these products, get ready for the changes and send your comments by April 21, 2025.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Paperwork burden cut by 8,818 hours
If you import undenatured inedible meat, poultry, or egg products or import product samples for labs, FSIS is reducing the total paperwork burden estimate by 8,818 hours because fewer applications are being filed and forms now take less time to complete. FSIS estimates there are 160 importers, each filing about 39 responses per year, with an estimated total annual burden on respondents of 671 hours.
Samples exempt from import reinspection but notification required
If you import meat, poultry, or egg product samples for laboratory examination, research, evaluative testing, or trade show exhibition, those samples are not subject to FSIS import reinspection requirements (citing 9 CFR 327.19, 381.207, 557.19, and 590.960). However, firms must complete FSIS Form 9540-5 (Notification of Intent to Import Samples) to show the samples will not be mixed with product sold or distributed in commerce.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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