CBP Seeks Comments on Info Collection for Bonded Facility Merchandise Operations

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is requesting comments by Aug. 20 for an existing information collection concerning the Application and Approval to Manipulate, Examine, Sample, or Transfer Goods. CBP proposes to extend the expiration date of this information collection with no change to the burden hours or to the information collected. The notice ran in the Federal Register June 19.

Form 3499 Required for Operations in CBP Bonded Facility

CBP Form 3499, "Application and Approval to Manipulate, Examine, Sample or Transfer Goods," is used as an application to perform various operations on merchandise that is located at a CBP approved bonded facility. This form is filed by importers, consignees, transferees, or owners of merchandise, and is subject to approval by the port director. The data requested on the form identifies the merchandise for which action is being sought and specifies in detail what operation is to be performed. The form may also be approved as a blanket application to manipulate for a period of up to 1 year, for a continuous or repetitive manipulation. CBP Form 3499 is provided for by 19 CFR 19.8 and is available (here).

CBP Estimates 151,140 at 6 Minutes per Response

CBP estimates there will be 151,140 responses from businesses. The time per response is estimated to be 6 minutes. CBP estimates the total annual burden hours will be 15,114.

Comments Requested on Ways to Minimize Burden, Etc.

CBP is asking for comments from the general public and other federal agencies on (a) whether the collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information shall have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency’s estimates of the burden of the collection of information; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; (d) ways to minimize the burden, including the use of automated collection techniques or the use of other forms of information technology; and (e) the annual costs burden to respondents or record keepers from the collection of information (a total capital/startup costs and operations and maintenance costs).

CBP Contact -- Tracey Denning (202) 325-0265