[Federal Register: May 7, 1999 (Volume 64, Number 88)] [Notices] [Page 24658-24659] From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov] [DOCID:fr07my99-95] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Collection of Fees at United States Ports Designated To Conduct Rodent Infestation Inspections and Issue Deratting and Deratting Exemption Certificates AGENCY: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). ACTION: Notice. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is adopting a requirement for collection of user fees for conducting rodent infestation inspection of ships, and issuing Deratting and Deratting Exemption Certificates. While the United States does not require these certificates for ships to enter its seaports, the United States conducts inspections and issues certificates in accordance with 42 CFR 71.46 and Article 17 of the International Health Regulations. DATES: Effective date is June 6, 1999. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: James E. Barrow, Chief, Program Operations Branch, Division of Quarantine, National Center for Infectious Diseases, CDC, Mailstop E-03, Atlanta, Georgia 30333, telephone: (404) 639-8107, fax (404) 639-2599, e-mail: jeb1@cdc.gov. Authority: 42 U.S.C. 264-271, 42 CFR 71.46, IHR Articles 17 and 53. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to charge fees for rodent infestation inspections of ships, and issuance of Deratting and Deratting Exemption Certificates, where these services are provided directly by employees or vendors of the CDC was published in the Federal Register on November 24, 1998 (63 FR 64967). Comments Received Interested parties were afforded an opportunity to comment on the proposal. One media inquiry and no comments were received during the comment period. Conclusion CDC has determined that in the interest of defraying the cost of inspection and certificate issuance, user fees will be implemented for rodent infestation of ships, and issuance of Deratting and Deratting Exemption Certificates. Rodent infestation inspections for ships will be conducted at 11 major ports upon request, including: Baltimore, Maryland; Honolulu, Hawaii; Houston, Texas; Jacksonville, Florida; Los Angeles, California; Miami, Florida; New Orleans, Louisiana; New York, New York; San Francisco, California; Savannah, Georgia; and Seattle, Washington. Cost Impact The United States does not require a Rodent Infestation Inspection, or a Deratting or Deratting Exemption Certificate, for ships to enter its seaports. Article 17 of the International Health Regulations, published by the World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland, requires that each Health Administration provide these services, and Article 82 outlines the criteria for charging fees. 42 CFR 71.46 authorizes the performance of these services by the Public Health Service as carried out by CDC. CDC has for many years offered these services at no cost to the owners or agents of ships requesting them. These user fees will, in a manner consistent with most other countries, pass the cost of conducting these services along as a charge to those receiving and benefitting from the inspections and certificates. Regulatory Impact The requirements adopted herein will not have substantial direct effects on the States, on the relationship between the national government and the States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government. Therefore, in accordance with Executive Order 12612, it is determined that this action does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the preparation of a Federalism Assessment. This action (1) is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866; (2) will not have a significant economic impact, positive or negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act; and (3) does not impose additional costs upon any State or local government as a result of a mandate imposed upon them as a government agency, as described in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act. Collection of Information This final rule contains no new collection-of-information requirements under the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.). User Fee Administration 1. Effective June 6, 1999, user fees will be collected for all rodent infestation inspections of ships, and the associated issuance of Deratting and Deratting Exemption Certificates, by CDC and its vendors. 2. Rodent infestation inspections for ships will be conducted at 11 ports upon request, including: Baltimore, Maryland; Honolulu, Hawaii; Houston, Texas; Jacksonville, Florida; Los Angeles, California; Miami, Florida; New Orleans, Louisiana; New York, New York; San Francisco, California; Savannah, Georgia; and Seattle, Washington. 3. Costs are determined by taking into consideration such items as salaries, benefits, vendor services, printing, supplies, and agency overhead. The charge for the first full year during which fees for rodent infestation inspections and issuance of Deratting and Deratting Exemption Certificates are assessed is $150 for each inspection conducted. Shipping companies will be provided by mail instructions for submitting fees. The fees will be due at the address specified in the bill, not later than 30 days following the inspection. Arrangements may also be made to prepay user fees and draw against those prepayments. [[Page 24659]] Dated: May 3, 1999. Joseph R. Carter, Acting Associate Director for Management and Operation, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). [FR Doc. 99-11485 Filed 5-6-99; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4163-18-P