CBP Seeks Comments on Info Collection for Agency Rulings

November 5, 2012 by Tim Warren|Customs

CBP is requesting comments by Jan. 7 for an existing information collection administrative ruling. CBP proposes to extend the expiration date of this information collection without a change to the burden hours or to the information collected. The notice was in the Federal Register Nov. 6.

Issuance of Administrative Rulings

The information collected is necessary in order to enable CBP to respond to requests by importers and others for the issuance of administrative rulings. These rulings pertain to the interpretation of applicable laws related to prospective and current transactions involving classification, marking, and country of origin. The collection of information in Part 177 of the CBP Regulations is also necessary to enable CBP to make proper decisions regarding the issuance of binding rulings that modify or revoke prior CBP binding rulings.

CBP Estimates 12,000 Rulings Respondents

CBP estimates there will be 12,000 rulings respondents per year and that will take 10 hours per response. CBP estimates the total annual burden hours for rulings will be 120,000. CBP estimates there will be 200 appeals respondents per year and that will take 40 hours per response. CBP estimates the total annual burden hours for rulings will be 8,000.

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 of capital/startup costs and operations and maintenance costs).

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