In the June 21, 2016, Federal Register, APHIS amended its regulations regarding the importation and exportation of animals, plants, and animal and plant products to address instances where the current regulations require the use of a hard-copy form or specify that a particular document must be submitted in writing. The rule amends the regulations to provide the flexibility needed for persons to take advantage of electronic systems when a regulation has a limiting requirement. The amendments do not mandate the use of electronic systems or preclude the use of paper documents; rather, they address those instances where regulations specify a submission method to the exclusion of other methods. The rule was effective June 21, 2016.
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