APHIS eFile Streamlines Permitting and Licensing for Faster, Simpler Process
Contact:
APHISpress@usda.gov
WASHINGTON - December 20, 2023 - The U.S.Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) announces completion of its eFile system, a digital platform that streamlines the permitting and licensing process for animal and plant health and animal welfare activities.
APHIS eFile is a one-stop shop for all APHIS-issued registrations, permits, and other licenses. It allows stakeholders to apply for and manage permits and licenses online and provides real-time tracking of application status. APHIS eFile also automates many of the manual tasks involved in the permitting and licensing process, making it more efficient and accurate.
“APHIS eFile is a major step forward in modernizing our permitting and licensing process,” said Michael Watson, APHIS Acting Administrator. “It automates more than 70% of our licensing and permitting processes and makes it easier for stakeholders to comply with our regulations, so we can focus on protecting animal and plant health and welfare.”
APHIS’ Animal Care (AC), Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ), Veterinary Services (VS), and Biotechnology Regulatory Services (BRS) programs now all successfully provide customers and stakeholder services through eFile.
APHIS eFile's successful implementation across these programs has yielded significant improvements for both customers and employees. AC's Learning Registration Assistant reduced calls to specialists by assisting over 57,100 users, while VS's Permitting Assistant helped avoid unnecessary applications and accelerated permit processing, issuing nearly 33,500 permits. PPQ's eFile streamlined permitting issuance, reducing processing time from weeks to minutes, while BRS's Permitting Assistant empowered users by enabling them to determine permit requirements before applying. These achievements showcase APHIS’ efforts through eFile to modernize its regulatory services for its customers while ultimately supporting the Agency’s mission of safeguarding animal and plant health.
APHIS issues and manages all APHIS permits exclusively through eFile. To learn more about eFile, please visit the APHIS’ eFile website.
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APHIS protects the health of U.S. agriculture and natural resources against invasive pests and diseases, regulates genetically engineered crops, administers the Animal Welfare Act, and helps people and wildlife coexist. We also certify the health of U.S. agricultural exports and resolve phytosanitary and sanitary issues to open, expand, and maintain markets for U.S plant and animal products.
USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. In the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit www.usda.gov.