CBP Seeks Comments on Info Collection for Petroleum Refineries in Foreign Trade Sub-zones

CBP is requesting comments by Oct. 9 for an existing information collection on petroleum refineries in foreign trade sub-zones. 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 Aug. 8.

Provisions of Foreign Trade Zones Act

The Foreign Trade Zones Act, 19 U.S.C. 81c(d) contains specific provisions for petroleum refinery sub-zones. It permits refiners and CBP to assess the relative value of such multiple products at the end of the manufacturing period during which these products were produced when the actual quantities of these products resulting from the refining process can be measured with certainty. Also, the amendment permits the products refined in a sub-zone during a manufacturing period to be attributed to a given crude introduced into production during the period, to the extent that such products were producible or could have been produced the from quantities removed from the sub-zone if Industry Standards of Potential Production on a Practical Operating Basis (known as producibility) is utilized.19 CFR 146.4(d) provides that the operator of the refinery sub-zone is required to retain all records relating to the above mentioned activities for five years after the merchandise is removed from the sub-zone. Further, the records shall be readily available for CBP review at the sub-zone. Record keeping compliance instructions are (here).

CBP Estimates 81 Responses at 1000 Hours per Response

CBP estimates there will be 81 responses per year. The time per response is estimated to be 1,000 hours. CBP estimates the total annual burden hours will be 81,000.

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