CBP Seeks Comments on Info Collection for Record Keeping

June 4, 2019 |Customs

CBP is seeking comments by Aug. 5 on an existing information collection for CBP record-keeping requirements. CBP proposes to extend the expiration date of this information collection with no change to the record-keeping requirements or to the estimated burden hours associated with the collection.

Recordkeeping

The North American Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act, Title VI, known as the Customs Modernization Act (Mod Act) amended title 19 U.S.C. 1508, 1509 and 1510 by revising customs laws related to recordkeeping, examination of books and witnesses, regulatory audit procedures and judicial enforcement. Specifically, the Mod Act amended § 1508 by expanding the list of parties subject to CBP recordkeeping requirements; distinguishing between records which pertain to the entry of merchandise and financial records needed to substantiate the correctness of information contained in entry documentation; and identifying a list of records which must be maintained and produced upon request by CBP. The information and records are used by CBP to verify the accuracy of the claims made on the entry documents regarding the tariff status of imported merchandise, admissibility, classification/nomenclature, value and rate of duty applicable to the entered goods. The CBP recordkeeping requirements are provided for by 19 CFR 163 and instructions are available at: http://www.cbp.gov/document/publications/recordkeeping.

CBP Estimates

CBP estimated 5,459 total annual responses, estimated to create about 1,040 hours each or 5,677,360 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 06/05/19)