Requirements for Requests To Amend Import Regulations

We are establishing regulations governing the submission of requests for changes in our regulations that restrict the importation of plants, plant parts, and plant products. We are taking this action because, despite existing non-regulatory guidance on the submission of requests, few applicants provide the basic information we require to properly consider their requests. The new regulations will help ensure that we are provided with the information we need to prepare a risk analysis and/or other analyses that evaluate the risks and other effects associated with a proposed change to the regulations. This information is needed for us to effectively consider the request, and submission of the information at the time the request is made allows us to proceed with our consideration of the request in a timely manner.