[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 137 (Monday, July 19, 1999)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 38599-38603]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-18321]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

9 CFR Part 94

[Docket No. 98-095-1]


Pork and Pork Products From Mexico Transiting the United States

AGENCY: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA.

ACTION: Proposed rule.

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SUMMARY: The importation and in-transit movement of fresh (chilled or 
frozen) pork and pork products from Mexico into the United States is 
restricted because of the presence of hog cholera in some areas in 
Mexico. We are proposing to amend the regulations to allow fresh 
(chilled or frozen) pork and pork products from the Mexican States of 
Baja California Sur, Coahuila, Nuevo Leon, Tamaulipas, Sinaloa, 
Campeche, and Quintana Roo to transit the United States, under certain 
conditions, for export to another country. We are proposing this action 
because there has been no outbreak of hog cholera in any of the States 
of Baja California Sur, Coahuila, Nuevo Leon, Tamaulipas, Sinaloa, 
Campeche, or Quintana Roo since 1993, and it appears that fresh 
(chilled or frozen) pork and pork products from each of the above 
States could transit the United States under seal with an insignificant 
risk of introducing hog cholera.

DATES: We invite you to comment on this docket. We will consider all 
comments that we receive by September 17, 1999.

ADDRESSES: Please send your comment and three copies to: Docket No. 98-
095-1, Regulatory Analysis and Development, PPD, APHIS, Suite 3C03, 
4700 River Road, Unit 118, Riverdale, MD 20737-1238. Please state that 
your comment refers to Docket No. 98-095-1.
    You may read any comments that we receive on this docket in our 
reading room. The reading room is located in room 1141 of the USDA 
South Building, 14th Street and Independence Avenue, SW., Washington 
DC. Normal reading room hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through 
Friday, except holidays. To be sure someone is there to help you, 
please call (202) 690-2817 before coming.
    APHIS documents published in the Federal Register, and related 
information, including the names of organizations and individuals who 
have commented on APHIS rules, are available on the Internet at http://
www.aphis.usda.gov/ppd/rad/webrepor.html.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. Michael David, Senior Staff 
Veterinarian, Animals Program, National Center for Import and Export, 
VS, APHIS, 4700 River Road Unit 39, Riverdale, MD 20737, (301) 734-
4356.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    The regulations in 9 CFR part 94 (referred to below as the 
regulations)

[[Page 38600]]

prohibit or restrict the importation of certain animals and animal 
products into the United States to prevent the introduction of certain 
animal diseases. Section 94.9 of the regulations prohibits the 
importation of pork and pork products into the United States from 
countries where hog cholera exists, unless the pork or pork products 
have been treated in one of several ways, all of which involve heating 
or curing and drying.
    Because hog cholera exists in certain areas in Mexico, pork and 
pork products from most Mexican States must meet the requirements of 
Sec. 94.9 to be imported into the United States. Section 94.20 provides 
an exception, allowing the importation of fresh (chilled or frozen) 
pork and pork products from the Mexican State of Sonora.
    Under Sec. 94.15, pork and pork products that are from certain 
Mexican States and that are not eligible for entry into the United 
States in accordance with the regulations in Sec. 94.9 or Sec. 94.20 
may transit the United States for immediate export if certain 
conditions are met. These provisions were added to the regulations in 
1992, following a United States Department of Agriculture investigation 
of the hog cholera situation in Sonora, Mexico, and a determination 
that pork and pork products from Sonora could transit the United 
States, under certain conditions, with minimal risk of introducing hog 
cholera. Final rules published in the Federal Register in 1995, 1996, 
and 1997 applied the provisions to Chihuahua, Yucatan, and Baja 
California, respectively.
    Mexico's Director of Animal Health has requested that we allow pork 
and pork products from additional Mexican States to transit the United 
States under the same conditions. The additional Mexican States are 
Baja California Sur, Coahuila, Nuevo Leon, Tamaulipas, Sinaloa, 
Campeche, and Quintana Roo.
    In response, officials of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection 
Service (APHIS) have met with Mexican representatives knowledgeable in 
disease prevention, epidemiology, and diagnostic methods. The team 
reviewed the information supplied by these representatives (discussed 
below) and found two factors contributing to the seven States' apparent 
successes in remaining free of hog cholera: The States' locations and 
controls by Mexico's Division of Animal Health on the movement into the 
States of pork, pork products, and live swine. Based on this review, 
the team recommended granting Mexico's request.

General Information

    As required by the Mexican Government, pork from Mexico that is 
currently eligible to transit the United States under Sec. 94.15 must 
be processed and packaged in Tipo de Internacional Federal (TIF) plants 
that are approved by the Mexican Government and that are subject to 
strict Federal supervision to ensure that international health 
standards are maintained. A ``TIF'' may be a slaughter facility or a 
processing plant, or a combination of the two.
    The seven States that are subject to this proposed rule and other 
States recognized by Mexico as free of hog cholera may import live 
swine only from other hog cholera-free States and countries. The 
Mexican Government requires shipments of swine from hog cholera-free 
countries to be accompanied by a certificate of origin issued by that 
country's veterinary authorities and by a certificate of import issued 
by the Mexican veterinary authorities. States recognized by Mexico as 
free of hog cholera also require and issue their own permits and health 
certificates, further ensuring that the products originate in a hog 
cholera-free region. In addition, live swine and pork imported into 
these hog cholera-free States must be shipped in sealed trucks, and all 
shipments are inspected at inspection stations located either on State 
lines or at international ports of entry.
    The Mexican government also requires that any fresh pork or pork 
products that are shipped for processing to a hog cholera-free State 
from a region where hog cholera is believed to exist arrive at TIF 
processing plants in sealed, numbered containers. The seals must show 
no evidence of tampering, and the shipment must be accompanied by a 
certificate signed by an authorized official in the region of origin. 
Once they arrive at the TIF plant in a hog cholera-free State, such 
pork and pork products must be clearly labeled and set apart from pork 
that is eligible for importation into the United States to ensure that 
no comminglement occurs. Mexico further protects its swine population 
from hog cholera by requiring that pork that originates in non-hog 
cholera-free regions may only enter commerce in hog cholera-free States 
after it is heated or cured and dried.

Baja California Sur

    The last outbreak of hog cholera in the Mexican State of Baja 
California Sur occurred in May 1993. Vaccination for hog cholera was 
discontinued in 1980. Mexico officially recognized Baja California Sur 
as free of hog cholera in December 1993.
    Baja California Sur is bordered on the north by the Mexican State 
of Baja California, which Mexico recognizes as free of hog cholera. To 
the west of Baja California Sur is the Pacific Ocean and to the east is 
the Gulf of California.
    There is little swine production in Baja California Sur and there 
are no TIF plants that handle swine and pork in the State. According to 
1997 production data, Baja California Sur produced 788 metric tons of 
pork (less than one tenth of one percent of Mexico's total pork 
production for that year).

Coahuila

    The last outbreak of hog cholera in the Mexican State of Coahuila 
occurred in 1984. Vaccination for hog cholera was discontinued in 1984. 
Mexico officially recognized Coahuila as free of hog cholera in July 
1995.
    Coahuila is bordered on the northwest by the Mexican State of 
Chihuahua, which Mexico recognizes as free of hog cholera. Coahuila is 
bordered on the southwest by the Mexican States of Durango and 
Zacatecas, both of which are in the eradication phase of Mexico's 
National Campaign Against Classical Swine Fever (hog cholera). To the 
southeast of Coahuila is the Mexican State of Nuevo Leon, which Mexico 
declared free of hog cholera in July 1995. To the north and east of 
Coahuila is the United States, which is free of hog cholera.
    Three TIF plants handle swine and pork in the State of Coahuila. 
According to 1997 production data, Coahuila produced approximately 
13,423 metric tons of pork (less than 1.5 percent of Mexico's total 
pork production for that year).

Nuevo Leon

    The last outbreak of hog cholera in the Mexican State of Nuevo Leon 
occurred in 1990. Vaccination for hog cholera was discontinued in 1993. 
Mexico officially recognized Nuevo Leon as free of hog cholera in July 
1995.
    Nuevo Leon is bordered on the northwest by the Mexican State of 
Coahuila, on the northeast by the United States, and on the northeast 
and southeast by the Mexican State of Tamaulipas, which Mexico 
considers free of hog cholera. To the southwest of Nuevo Leon is the 
Mexican State of San Luis Potosi, which is in the eradication phase of 
Mexico's National Campaign Against Classical Swine Fever.
    Eight TIF plants handle swine and pork in the State of Nuevo Leon. 
According to 1997 production data, Nuevo Leon produced approximately

[[Page 38601]]

17,416 metric tons of pork (less than 2 percent of Mexico's total pork 
production for that year).

Tamaulipas

    The last outbreak of hog cholera in the Mexican State of Tamaulipas 
occurred in 1984. Vaccination for hog cholera was discontinued in 1993. 
Mexico officially recognized Tamaulipas as free of hog cholera in July 
1995.
    Tamaulipas is bordered on the northwest by the Mexican State of 
Nuevo Leon and on the northeast by the United States. To the southeast 
of Tamaulipas is the Gulf of Mexico. To the south and west of 
Tamaulipas are the Mexican States of San Luis Potosi and Veracruz. San 
Luis Potosi is in the eradication phase of Mexico's National Campaign 
Against Classical Swine Fever, and Veracruz is in the control phase.
    One TIF plant handles swine and pork in the State of Tamaulipas. 
According to 1997 production data, Tamaulipas produced approximately 
6,490 metric tons of pork (less than 1 percent of Mexico's total pork 
production for that year).

Sinaloa

    The last outbreak of hog cholera in the Mexican State of Sinaloa 
occurred in April 1990. Vaccination for hog cholera was discontinued in 
1990. Mexico officially recognized Sinaloa as free of hog cholera in 
November 1993.
    Sinaloa is bordered on the west by the Gulf of California and the 
Pacific Ocean. To the north and northeast of Sinaloa are the Mexican 
States of Sonora and Chihuahua, both of which are considered free of 
hog cholera by Mexico. To the east and south of Sinaloa are the Mexican 
States of Durango and Nayarit. Both Durango and Nayarit are in the 
eradication phase of Mexico's National Campaign Against Classical Swine 
Fever.
    Three TIF plants handle swine and pork in the State of Sinaloa. 
According to 1997 production data, Sinaloa produced approximately 
12,968 metric tons of pork (less than 1.5 percent of Mexico's total 
pork production for that year).

Campeche

    The last outbreak of hog cholera in the Mexican State of Campeche 
occurred in 1989. Vaccination for hog cholera was discontinued in 1995. 
Mexico officially recognized Campeche as free of hog cholera in 
December 1997.
    Campeche is bordered on the northeast and east by the Mexican 
States of Yucatan and Quintana Roo, respectively, both of which are 
considered free of hog cholera by Mexico. To the northwest of Campeche 
is the Gulf of Mexico. South and southwest of Campeche are Guatemala 
and the Mexican State of Tabasco. Hog cholera is believed to exist in 
Guatemala. Tabasco is currently in the control phase of Mexico's 
National Campaign Against Classical Swine Fever.
    According to 1997 production data, Campeche produced approximately 
3,363 metric tons of pork (less than one half of 1 percent of Mexico's 
total pork production for that year).

Quintana Roo

    The last outbreak of hog cholera in the Mexican State of Quintana 
Roo occurred in 1980. Vaccination for hog cholera was discontinued in 
1994. Mexico officially recognized Baja California as free of hog 
cholera in July 1996.
    Quintana Roo is bordered on the north and west by the Mexican 
States of Yucatan and Campeche, both of which are considered free of 
hog cholera by Mexico. To the east of Quintana Roo is the Caribbean 
Sea. South of Quintana Roo is Belize, which has not been officially 
recognized as free of hog cholera and, therefore, does not export pork 
or live swine to Mexico.
    There are no TIF plants that handle swine and pork in the State of 
Quintana Roo. According to 1997 production data, Quintana Roo produced 
approximately 7,250 metric tons of pork (less than 1 percent of 
Mexico's total pork production for that year).

Conditions for Movement Through the United States

    The following conditions for in-transit movement currently apply to 
pork and pork products from Baja California, Chihuahua, Sonora, and 
Yucatan. Under this proposed rule, they would also apply to pork and 
pork products from Baja California Sur, Coahuila, Nuevo Leon, 
Tamaulipas, Sinaloa, Campeche, and Quintana Roo.
    1. Any person wishing to move pork or pork products from one of 
these States through the United States for export must first obtain a 
permit for importation from APHIS. The application for the permit tells 
APHIS who will be involved in the transportation, how much and what 
type of pork and pork products will be transported, when they will be 
transported, and the method and route of shipment.
    2. The pork or pork products must be packaged prior to movement 
from the State in a leakproof container and sealed with a serially 
numbered seal approved by APHIS. The container must remain sealed at 
all times while transiting the United States.
    3. The person moving the pork or pork products through the United 
States must inform the APHIS officer at the United States port of 
arrival, in writing, of the following information before the pork or 
pork products arrive in the United States: The time and date that the 
pork or pork products are expected at the port of arrival in the United 
States, the time schedule and route of the shipments through the United 
States, the permit number, and the serial numbers of the seals on the 
containers.
    4. The pork or pork products must transit the United States under 
Customs bond.
    5. The pork or pork products must be exported from the United 
States within the time period specified on the permit.
    Any pork or pork products exceeding the time limit specified on the 
permit or transiting in violation of any of the requirements of the 
permit or the regulations may be destroyed or otherwise disposed of at 
the discretion of the Administrator, APHIS, pursuant to section 2 of 
the Act of February 2, 1903, as amended (21 U.S.C. 111).
    These safeguards are intended to prevent tampering with the 
shipments, ensure that the shipments actually leave the United States, 
and otherwise ensure that the shipments do not present a risk of 
introducing hog cholera into the United States.
    Under these circumstances--the low risk associated with the pork 
and pork products coupled with the safeguards for in-transit 
shipments--we believe that there would be little, if any, risk of 
introducing hog cholera into the United States by allowing pork and 
pork products from Baja California Sur, Coahuila, Nuevo Leon, 
Tamaulipas, Sinaloa, Campeche, and Quintana Roo to transit the United 
States for export. Therefore, we are proposing to amend Sec. 94.15 to 
allow pork and pork products from the Mexican States of Baja California 
Sur, Coahuila, Nuevo Leon, Tamaulipas, Sinaloa, Campeche, and Quintana 
Roo to transit the United States for export under the same conditions 
that currently apply to pork and pork products from Baja California, 
Chihuahua, Sonora, and Yucatan.

Executive Order 12866 and Regulatory Flexibility Act

    This proposed rule has been reviewed under Executive Order 12866. 
The rule has been determined to be not significant for the purposes of 
Executive Order 12866 and, therefore, has not been reviewed by the 
Office of Management and Budget.

[[Page 38602]]

    In accordance with 5 U.S.C. 603, we have performed an Initial 
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis, which is set out below, regarding the 
effects of this proposed rule on small entities. Based on the 
information we have, there is no basis to conclude that this rule will 
result in any significant economic effects on a substantial number of 
small entities. However, we do not currently have all of the data 
necessary for a comprehensive analysis of the effects of this proposed 
rule on small entities. Therefore, we are inviting comments on 
potential effects. In particular, we are interested in determining the 
number and kind of small entities that may incur benefits or costs from 
the implementation of this proposed rule.
    In accordance with 21 U.S.C. 111-113, 114a, 115, 117, 120, 123, and 
134a, the Secretary of Agriculture has the authority to promulgate 
regulations and take measures to prevent the introduction into the 
United States, and the interstate dissemination within the United 
States, of communicable diseases of livestock and poultry.
    This proposed rule would allow fresh (chilled or frozen) pork and 
pork products from the Mexican States of Baja California Sur, Coahuila, 
Nuevo Leon, Tamaulipas, Sinaloa, Campeche, and Quintana Roo to transit 
the United States, under certain conditions, for export to another 
country.
    There appears to be little risk of hog cholera exposure from 
shipments of pork and pork products from Baja California Sur, Coahuila, 
Nuevo Leon, Tamaulipas, Sinaloa, Campeche, and Quintana Roo transiting 
the United States. Assuming that proper risk management techniques 
continue to be applied in Mexico, and that accident and exposure risk 
are minimized by proper handling during transport, the risk of exposure 
to hog cholera from pork in transit from Mexico through the United 
States would be minimal.
    The proposed rule would have no direct effect on U.S. producers and 
consumers of pork because Mexican pork would only transit the United 
States and would not enter U.S. marketing channels. Neither the 
quantity or price of pork traded in U.S. domestic markets, nor U.S. 
consumer or producer surplus would be affected by the proposed rule.

Effects on Small Transport Firms

    This proposed rule, if implemented, could directly affect U.S. 
trucking companies in the border states of Texas and California. These 
companies would benefit from transporting an estimated 5 to 6 thousand 
metric tons annually of Mexican pork and pork products from U.S. land 
border ports to U.S. maritime ports. Additional annual revenues 
generated by the proposed rule would range from $2,000 to $3,000 for 
California transport firms (based on an additional 5 to 7 trips 
annually), and from $10,000 to $57,000 for Texas transport firms (based 
on an additional 15 to 18 trips annually). The majority (98 percent) of 
trucking firms in Texas and California meets the Small Business 
Administration's definition of small firm (less than $18.5 million in 
receipts annually). However, based on the limited number of trips and 
negligible amount of revenue generated by these trips, it is safe to 
conclude that the proposed rule would not have a significant economic 
impact on a substantial number of small trucking firms.

Effects on U.S. Pork Exporters

    The extent to which the proposed rule would affect U.S. pork 
exporters is unclear, but, based on historical data on Mexican pork 
exports, it appears that the overall effect of the proposed rule would 
be to increase the quantity of Mexican pork destined for the Japanese 
frozen pork market. According to Japanese import statistics, Japan 
imported 382,000 metric tons of frozen swine cuts valued at roughly 
$1.9 billion in 1997. Denmark, Taiwan, and the United States were the 
top three suppliers, but Mexico and Canada, who are relative newcomers 
to the Japanese frozen pork market, have gained market share in recent 
years. As discussed above, we estimate that an additional 5,000 to 
6,000 metric tons annually of frozen pork from Mexico would transit the 
United States for Japan after adoption of the proposed rule. This is 
roughly 1.4 percent of the total quantity imported by Japan in 1997.
    During the period 1996 through 1997, Mexican frozen pork exports to 
Japan increased from 12,953 metric tons (valued at $76 million) to 
24,408 metric tons (valued at $122 million). During the same period, 
U.S. frozen pork exports to Japan decreased from 64,500 metric tons 
valued at $360 million to 48,000 metric tons valued at $244 million. 
Analysts cite price advantage and the willingness of Mexican packers to 
tailor pork cuts to Japanese specifications as key reasons for Mexico's 
increased market share in 1997.
    Since this rule simply allows pork from additional Mexican States 
to transit the United States for immediate export, it is unclear 
whether this rule would result in increased volumes of Mexican exports 
to foreign regions (e.g., Japan), though it would likely result in 
increased volumes of pork transiting the United States. It is possible 
that the volume of Mexico's total pork exports would remain constant, 
though the volume of pork in transit through the United States would 
increase. This scenario would likely have a minimal economic effect on 
U.S. pork exporters, whether small or large. However, since we are 
unable to determine whether this rule will result in increased volumes 
of Mexican pork exports, we cannot determine the effect of this rule on 
U.S. pork exporters, whether small or large.

Trade Relations

    This proposal would remove some restrictions on the importation of 
pork and pork products from Mexico and would encourage a positive 
trading environment between the United States and Mexico and other 
regions where hog cholera is considered to exist by stimulating 
economic activity and providing export opportunities to foreign pork 
processing industries.
    The proposed changes to the regulations would result in new 
information collection or recordkeeping requirements, as described 
below under the heading, ``Paperwork Reduction Act.''

Executive Order 12988

    This proposed rule has been reviewed under Executive Order 12988, 
Civil Justice Reform. If this proposed rule is adopted: (1) All State 
and local laws and regulations that are inconsistent with this rule 
will be preempted; (2) no retroactive effect will be given to this 
rule; and (3) administrative proceedings will not be required before 
parties may file suit in court challenging this rule.

Paperwork Reduction Act

    In accordance with section 3507(d) of the Paperwork Reduction Act 
of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), the information collection or 
recordkeeping requirements included in this proposed rule have been 
submitted for approval to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). 
Please send written comments to the Office of Information and 
Regulatory Affairs, OMB, Attention: Desk Officer for APHIS, Washington, 
DC 20503. Please state that your comments refer to Docket No. 98-095-1. 
Please send a copy of your comments to: (1) Docket No. 98-095-1, 
Regulatory Analysis and Development, PPD, APHIS, suite 3C03, 4700 River 
Road Unit 118, Riverdale, MD 20737-1238, and (2) Clearance Officer, 
OCIO, USDA, room 404-W, 14th Street and Independence Avenue, SW., 
Washington, DC 20250. A comment to OMB is best assured of having its 
full

[[Page 38603]]

effect if OMB receives it within 30 days of publication of this 
proposed rule.
    This proposed rule would amend the regulations to allow fresh 
(chilled or frozen) pork and pork products from the Mexican States of 
Baja California Sur, Coahuila, Nuevo Leon, Tamaulipas, Sinaloa, 
Campeche, and Quintana Roo to transit the United States, under certain 
conditions, for export to another country.
    Implementing this proposed rule would necessitate the use of 
several information collection activities, including the completion of 
an import permit application, the placement of serially number seals on 
product containers, and the forwarding of a written, pre-arrival 
notification to APHIS port personnel.
    We are asking OMB to approve these information collection 
activities in connection with our efforts to ensure that fresh pork and 
pork products transiting the United States from Mexico pose a 
negligible risk of introducing hog cholera into the United States.
    We are soliciting comments from the public (as well as affected 
agencies) concerning our proposed information collection and 
recordkeeping requirements. These comments will help us:
    (1) Evaluate whether the proposed information collection is 
necessary for the proper performance of our agency's functions, 
including whether the information will have practical utility;
    (2) Evaluate the accuracy of our estimate of the burden of the 
proposed information collection, including the validity of the 
methodology and assumptions used;
    (3) Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to 
be collected; and
    (4) Minimize the burden of the information collection on those who 
are to respond (such as through the use of appropriate automated, 
electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or 
other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting electronic 
submission of responses).
    Estimate of burden: Public reporting burden for this collection of 
information is estimated to average .744 hours per response.
    Respondents: Exporters in Mexico, and full-time, salaried 
veterinarians of Mexico's Animal Health Inspection Service.
    Estimated annual number of respondents: 20.
    Estimated annual number of responses per respondent: 12.5.
    Estimated annual number of responses: 250.
    Estimated total annual burden on respondents: 186 hours.
    Copies of this information collection can be obtained from: 
Clearance Officer, OCIO, USDA, room 404-W, 14th Street and Independence 
Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250.

List of Subjects in 9 CFR Part 94

    Animal diseases, Imports, Livestock, Meat and meat products, Milk, 
Poultry and poultry products, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.

    Accordingly, we propose to amend 9 CFR part 94 as follows:

PART 94--RINDERPEST, FOOT-AND-MOUTH DISEASE, FOWL PEST (FOWL 
PLAGUE), VELOGENIC VISCEROTROPIC NEWCASTLE DISEASE, AFRICAN SWINE 
FEVER, HOG CHOLERA, AND BOVINE SPONGIFORM ENCEPHALOPATHY: 
PROHIBITED AND RESTRICTED IMPORTATIONS

    1. The authority citation for part 94 would continue to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 7 U.S.C. 147a, 150ee, 161, 162, and 450; 19 U.S.C. 
1306; 21 U.S.C. 111, 114a, 134a, 134b, 134c, 134f, 136, and 136a; 31 
U.S.C. 9701; 42 U.S.C. 4331 and 4332; 7 CFR 2.22, 2.80, and 
371.2(d).

    2. In Sec. 94.15, paragraph (b) introductory text would be revised 
to read as follows:


Sec. 94.15  Animal products and materials; movement and handling.

* * * * *
    (b) Pork and pork products from Baja California, Baja California 
Sur, Campeche, Chihuahua, Coahuila, Nuevo Leon, Quintana Roo, Sinaloa, 
Sonora, Tamaulipas, and Yucatan, Mexico, that are not eligible for 
entry into the United States in accordance with this part may transit 
the United States for immediate export if the following conditions are 
met:
* * * * *
    Done in Washington, DC, this 13th day of July, 1999.
Charles P. Schwalbe,
Acting Administrator, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.
[FR Doc. 99-18321 Filed 7-16-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-34-P