CBP Seeks Comments on Info Collections for Drawback

CBP is seeking comments by March 20 on an existing information collection related to the drawback process regulations, it said in a notice. CBP proposes to extend the expiration date of this information collection with no change to the information collected and a decrease of the estimated burden hours associated with the collection.

CBP Forms 7551, 7552 and 7553

The collections of information related to the drawback process are required to implement the provisions of 19 CFR Part 191, and certain provisions of part 181 (regarding NAFTA drawback claims), which provide for refunds of duties, as well as taxes and fees in certain situations, imposed on merchandise where there is a subsequent related exportation or destruction. The claims referred to in this notice are limited to drawback claims filed in compliance with the regulations in parts 181 and 191 and under 19 USC 1313, as it was in effect prior to the amendments made by the Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act of 2015. If the requirements set forth in Parts 181 and 191 are met, claimants may file for a refund using CBP Form 7551, Drawback Entry. CBP Form 7552, Delivery Certificate for Purposes of Drawback, is used to record transfers of merchandise and is also used each time a change to the merchandise occurs as a result of a manufacturing operation. CBP Form 7553, Notice of Intent to Export, Destroy or Return Merchandise for Purposes of Drawback, is used to notify CBP if an exportation, destruction, or return of the imported merchandise will take place.

CBP Burden Estimates

For Form 7551, CBP estimated 50,836 total annual responses, estimated to create about 29,652 total annual burden hours. For Form 7552, CBP estimated 40,000 total annual responses, estimated to create about 22,000 total annual burden hours. For Form 7553, CBP estimated 3,000 total annual responses, estimated to create about 1,650 total annual burden hours.

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; and (d) ways to minimize the burden, including the use of automated collection techniques or the use of other forms of information technology.

(Federal Register 01/19/18)