CBP Seeks Comments on Info Collection for Containers of Duty-Free Goods
CBP is requesting comments by Jan. 22 for an existing information collection on holders or containers which enter the U.S. duty free. 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 is scheduled to run in the Federal Register Nov. 20.
Markings Required
Articles that were manufactured in the U.S. and exported and returned without having been advanced in value or improved in condition by any process of manufacture may be brought back into the U.S. duty-free. The duty-free entry of substantial holders or containers of foreign manufacture is also allowed if duty had been paid upon a previous importation. A consumption entry must be made along with the reason for the article not being subject to duty set forth on the entry. However, an importer who brings in merchandise packed in U.S. manufactured containers or holders or previously duty-paid containers or holders, and does so several times a year involving a great many containers or holders, may mark the container or holder with the HTS number in lieu of filing of entry papers each time. CBP believes such frequent filing of entry papers for these containers or holders would be overly burdensome to the importer or shipper.
Substantial holders or containers are to have prescribed markings in clear and conspicuous letters of such a size that they will be easily discernible. CBP regulations eliminate the need for an importer to file entry documents by instead requiring the marking of the containers or holders to indicate under which item number of the HTS the containers or holders are entitled duty free entry. In order to comply with 19 CFR 10.41b, the owner of the holder or container is required to place the markings on a metal tag or plate containing the following information: 9801.00.10, HTS; the name of the owner; and the serial number assigned by the owner. In the case of serially numbered holders or containers of foreign manufacture for which free clearance under the second provision of item 9803.00.50 HTS is claimed, the owner must place the following markings containing the following information: 9803.00.50 HTS; the port code numbers of the port of entry; the entry number; the last two digits of the fiscal year of entry covering the importation of the holders and containers on which duty was paid; the name of the owner; and the serial number assigned by the owner.
CBP Estimates 360 Responses
CBP estimates there will be 20 respondents per year and 18 responses per respondent, meaning a total of 360 responses. CBP estimates the total annual burden hours will be 90.
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