80_FR_47557 80 FR 47405 - Liberalization of Certain Documentary Evidence Required as Proof of Exportation on Drawback Claims

80 FR 47405 - Liberalization of Certain Documentary Evidence Required as Proof of Exportation on Drawback Claims

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
U.S. Customs and Border Protection
DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY

Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 152 (August 7, 2015)

Page Range47405-47407
FR Document2015-19466

This document amends U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regulations by removing some of the requirements for documentation used to establish proof of exportation for drawback claims. Currently, claimants must provide originally signed documentary evidence or a certified copy of such documentary evidence to establish the date and fact of exportation of articles for drawback purposes. This document also amends various sections of title 19 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) to reflect that there is no longer a legal requirement that the export invoice for mail shipments be certified. Additionally, this document amends Appendix B to part 191 of title 19 so that the Appendix reflects previous regulatory amendments closing four drawback offices. Finally, this document amends CBP regulations to reflect the change from the legacy agency name of U.S. Customs Service to the current agency name of U.S. Customs and Border Protection and to make other non-substantive editorial changes.

Federal Register, Volume 80 Issue 152 (Friday, August 7, 2015)
[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 152 (Friday, August 7, 2015)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 47405-47407]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2015-19466]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

U.S. Customs and Border Protection

DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY

19 CFR Parts 181 and 191

[CBP Dec. 15-11]
RIN 1515-AE02


Liberalization of Certain Documentary Evidence Required as Proof 
of Exportation on Drawback Claims

AGENCY: U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Department of Homeland 
Security; Department of the Treasury.

ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: This document amends U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) 
regulations by removing some of the requirements for documentation used 
to establish proof of exportation for drawback claims. Currently, 
claimants must provide originally signed documentary evidence or a 
certified copy of such documentary evidence to establish the date and 
fact of exportation of articles for drawback purposes. This document 
also amends various sections of title 19 of the Code of Federal 
Regulations (CFR) to reflect that there is no longer a legal 
requirement that the export invoice for mail shipments be certified. 
Additionally, this document amends Appendix B to part 191 of title 19 
so that the Appendix reflects previous regulatory amendments closing 
four drawback offices. Finally, this document amends CBP regulations to 
reflect the change from the legacy agency name of U.S. Customs Service 
to the current agency name of U.S. Customs and Border Protection and to 
make other non-substantive editorial changes.

DATES: This final rule is effective on August 7, 2015.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For legal aspects, Carrie L. Owens, 
Chief, Entry Process & Duty Refunds Branch, Regulations and Rulings, 
Office of International Trade, (202) 325-0266. For operational aspects, 
Celestine L. Harrell, Chief, Post Release and Trade Processes Branch, 
Office of International Trade, (202) 863-6937.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    This document amends the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) 
regulations by: (1) Removing some of the requirements for drawback 
claimants to establish proof of exportation; (2) conforming Appendix B 
to part 191 of the CBP regulations to previous regulatory changes 
reflecting the closing of four drawback offices; (3) updating the 
regulations to reflect that CBP is now part of the Department of 
Homeland Security; and (4) making other non-substantive editorial and 
nomenclature changes.

Easing the Requirements for Establishing Proof of Exportation

    This document amends title 19 of the Code of Federal Regulations 
(19 CFR) by making amendments to 19 CFR parts 181 and 191, 
specifically, sections 19 CFR 181.47, 191.72 and 191.74 to align CBP 
documentation requirements with current business practices related to 
the documents used to establish the date and fact of exportation for 
purposes of drawback. In order to qualify for drawback, claimants must 
establish that articles are exported or destroyed. When drawback is 
claimed for exported goods, the claimant must submit documentation that 
establishes fully the date and fact of exportation and the identity of 
the exporter. See 19 CFR 191.72. For certain types of drawback claims 
subject to the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), 
documentation must also establish the identity and location of the 
ultimate consignee of the exported goods. See 19 CFR 181.47 
(b)(2)(ii)(G).
    The documents for establishing exportation include, but are not 
limited to: a bill of lading, air waybill, freight waybill, Canadian 
Customs manifest, and/or cargo manifest. See 19 CFR 191.72(a). If the 
export is a mail shipment, vessel supply, or transfer to a foreign 
trade zone, other procedures to establish exportation may apply. See 19 
CFR 191.72 (c)-(e). Current CBP regulations specify that the documents 
listed in paragraph (a) must be either originally signed or certified 
copies thereof. See 19 CFR 191.72(a). Additionally, certain claims 
subject to NAFTA require that the claimant produce an originally signed 
document or a certified copy of such document. See 19 CFR 
181.47(b)(2)(ii)(G).
    Acquiring pen and ink signatures for the original documentation or 
certified copies of such documentation is time consuming and often 
unrealistic for the trade. CBP realizes the difficulty of having to 
provide a pen and ink signature for documents when these documents are 
issued electronically and do not contain an actual pen and ink 
signature. As a consequence, drawback claims are often denied when 
claimants can produce only documentary evidence that does not contain a 
signature or copies of such documents that are not certified.

[[Page 47406]]

    As such, CBP is amending its regulations by removing the 
requirement that the documentary evidence that establishes the date and 
fact of exportation for drawback eligibility be originally signed or 
that any copy of such documentary evidence must be certified. CBP will 
now allow claimants to provide unsigned originals or copies of 
documentary evidence as proof of export for drawback eligibility. 
Therefore, copies of original documentary evidence will no longer need 
to be certified.
    Additionally, pursuant to 19 CFR 191.72(c), CBP currently requires 
a certified export invoice for mail shipments and references section 
191.74. Even though section 191.72(c) cites to section 191.74 as a 
reference for the ``certified export invoice'' requirement for mail 
shipments, the regulatory text of 19 CFR 191.74 does not require a 
claimant to submit a certified copy of the export invoice, but only 
requires that the claimant provide the official postal records. There 
is no reference to ``export invoice'' in section 191.74. Further, the 
only reference to ``certification'' is in the title heading to section 
191.74. Accordingly, CBP is removing the phrase ``Certification of'' 
from the heading text to section 191.74 as it is misleading as to what 
that regulation requires. Thus, CBP is clarifying that claimants 
submitting postal records in support of exportation in accordance with 
section 191.74 may submit either originals or uncertified copies of 
official postal records by clearly stating that within the text of 
section 191.74. Further, CBP is revising section 191.72(c) to 
accurately reflect the plain language of section 191.74 by requiring 
evidence of official postal records (originals or copies) that 
demonstrate exportation by mail.
    Other non-substantive editorial changes to reflect the plain 
English mandate are made to these regulatory sections, 19 CFR 181.47, 
191.72 and 191.74.

Conforming Amendments

    CBP inadvertently failed to remove from Appendix B to part 191 
references to certain drawback offices when the agency previously 
amended the regulations to close four drawback offices. Three drawback 
offices were closed in 2003 (Boston, MA; New Orleans, LA; and Miami, 
FL) and one in 2010 (Long Beach, CA). See Consolidation of Customs 
Drawback Centers: Final rule, 68 FR 3381, dated January 24, 2003; and 
Further Consolidation of CBP Drawback Centers: Final rule, 75 FR 24392, 
dated May 5, 2010. Accordingly, this document amends Appendix B, 
Sections II through V within part 191 of 19 CFR to reflect the closure 
of those four drawback offices by removing the reference to eight 
drawback offices and by removing the references to the locations of the 
four closed offices (that is, Boston, MA; Long Beach, CA; Miami, FL; 
and New Orleans, LA).

Nomenclature Changes

    On November 25, 2002, the President signed into law the Homeland 
Security Act of 2002 (Pub. L. 107-296, 116 Stat. 2135). Accordingly, as 
of March 1, 2003, the former U.S. Customs Service of the Department of 
the Treasury was transferred to DHS and reorganized to become CBP. 
Accordingly, this document further amends Sec.  181.47 to reflect the 
change from the legacy agency name, U.S. Customs Service, to the 
current name, U.S. Customs and Border Protection or CBP.

Discussion of Changes

Part 181

    Section 181.47 of the CBP regulations (19 CFR 181.47) pertains to 
the documents required for a NAFTA drawback claim. Paragraph 
(b)(2)(ii)(G) of Sec.  181.47 is amended by removing the requirement 
that copies of the exemplar documents in that paragraph be certified.
    In addition, section 181.47 contains the legacy agency name of 
Customs. Accordingly, Sec.  181.47 is amended to remove the outdated 
information and replace it with the current agency name CBP in 
Sec. Sec.  181.47(b)(2), 181.47(b)(2)(i)(A), 181.47(b)(2)(i)(B), 
181.47(b)(2)(i)(F), 181.47(b)(2)(ii)(A), 181.47(b)(2)(ii)(B), 
181.47(b)(2)(ii)(C), 181.47(b)(2)(ii)(D), 181.47(b)(2)(ii)(E), 
181.47(b)(2)(iii)(A), 181.47(b)(2)(iii)(B), and 181.47(b)(2)(iii)(D). 
Additionally, the word ``shall'' is replaced with either ``must'', 
``will'' or ``is'', as appropriate, in paragraphs (a), (b)(1), 
(b)(2)(i), (b)(2)(i)(E), (b)(2)(ii), (b)(2)(ii)(B), (b)(2)(ii)(G), 
(b)(2)(ii)(H), (b)(2)(iii), (b)(2)(iv), (b)(2)(v), and (c) of Sec.  
181.47 to conform with the plain English mandate.

Part 191

    Section 191.72 of the CBP regulations (19 CFR 191.72) pertains to 
exportation procedures for drawback. Section 191.72(a) is amended by 
removing the terms ``originally signed'' and ``certified'' from the 
list of acceptable documentary evidence for establishing the date and 
fact of exportation for drawback eligibility. Section 191.72(c) is 
revised to reflect the requirements of section 191.74 and to reflect 
that the postal records for export shipments no longer have to be 
certified. Section 191.74 is amended by removing the words 
``Certification of'' from the heading text because the text of 191.74 
does not require a claimant to submit a certified copy of the postal 
record and the title heading cannot impose a legal requirement that is 
not also reflected in the regulatory text. CBP is also making it clear 
that claimants may submit either originals or copies of official postal 
records by adding the parenthetical phrase ``(originals or copies)'' 
after the phrase ``official postal records'' in section 191.74.
    This document also makes non-substantive amendments to Appendix B, 
Sections II through V within part 191 of 19 CFR as discussed above.

Inapplicability of Notice and Delayed Effective Date

    Because the amendments in parts 181 and 191 of 19 CFR set forth in 
this document merely relieve a burden on the public and the amendments 
to the Appendix of part 191 conform the regulations to previous 
regulatory changes to reflect the consolidation of drawback offices, 
CBP finds that good cause exists for dispensing with notice and public 
procedure as unnecessary under 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(B). For this same 
reason, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3), CBP finds good cause for 
dispensing with the requirement for a delayed effective date.

Regulatory Flexibility Act

    Because this document is not subject to the notice and public 
procedure requirements of 5 U.S.C. 553, it is not subject to the 
provisions of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.).

Executive Order 12866

    These amendments do not meet the criteria for a ``significant 
regulatory action'' as specified in Executive Order 12866, as 
supplemented by Executive Order 13563.

Signing Authority

    This regulation is being issued in accordance with 19 CFR 
0.1(a)(1), pertaining to the authority of the Secretary of the Treasury 
(or that of his delegate) to approve regulations concerning drawback.

List of Subjects

19 CFR Part 181

    Administrative practice and procedure, Customs duties and 
inspection, Exports, Imports, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.

[[Page 47407]]

19 CFR Part 191

    Claims, Customs duties and inspection, Exports, Reporting and 
recordkeeping requirements.

Amendments to the CBP Regulations

    For the reasons set forth above, parts 181 and 191 of the CBP 
Regulations (19 CFR parts 181 and 191) and Appendix B to part 191 of 19 
CFR are amended as set forth below:

PART 181--NORTH AMERICAN FREE TRADE AGREEMENT

0
1. The general authority citation for part 181 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority:  19 U.S.C. 66, 1202 (General Note 3(i), Harmonized 
Tariff Schedule of the United States), 1624, 3314.
* * * * *


Sec.  181.47  [Amended]


0
2. In Sec.  181.47:
0
a. Paragraph (a) is amended by:
0
(i) In the first sentence, by removing the word ``shall'' and adding, 
in its place, the word ``will'';
0
(ii) In the second sentence, by removing the word ``shall'' each place 
it occurs and adding, in its place, the word ``must''; and
0
(iii) In the third sentence, by removing the word ``shall'' and adding, 
in its place, the word ``will'';
0
b. Paragraph (b)(1) is amended by removing the word ``shall'' each 
place it occurs and adding, in its place, the word ``must'';
0
c. Paragraph (b)(2) introductory text is amended by removing the word 
``Customs'' and adding, in its place, the term ``CBP'';
0
d. Paragraph (b)(2)(i) is amended by removing the word ``shall'' and 
adding, in its place, the word ``must'';
0
e. Paragraphs (b)(2)(i)(A), (b)(2)(i)(B) and (b)(2)(i)(F) are amended 
by removing the word ``Customs'' and adding, in its place, the term 
``CBP'';
0
f. Paragraphs (b)(2)(i)(E) and (b)(2)(ii) introductory text are amended 
by removing the word ``shall'' and adding, in its place, the word 
``must'';
0
g. Paragraph (b)(2)(ii)(A) is amended by removing the word ``Customs'' 
and adding, in its place, the term ``CBP''; and by removing the word 
``shall'' and adding, in its place, the word ``must'';
0
h. Paragraph (b)(2)(ii)(B) is amended by:
0
(i) Removing the first and third occurrence of the word ``Customs'' and 
adding, in its place, the term ``CBP'';
0
(ii) Removing the second occurrence of the word ``Customs'' and adding, 
in its place, the words ``the CBP-assigned''; and
0
(iii) Removing the word ``shall'' and adding, in its place, the word 
``must'';
0
i. Paragraphs (b)(2)(ii)(C), (b)(2)(ii)(D) and (b)(2)(ii)(E) are 
amended by removing the word ``Customs'' and adding, in its place, the 
term ``CBP'';
0
j. Paragraph (b)(2)(ii)(G) is revised;
0
k. Paragraph (b)(2)(ii)(H) is amended by removing the phrase ``shall 
be'' and adding, in its place, the word ``is'';
0
l. Paragraph (b)(2)(iii) is amended by removing the word ``shall'' and 
adding, in its place, the word ``must'';
0
m. Paragraphs (b)(2)(iii)(A), (b)(2)(iii)(B), and (b)(2)(iii)(D) are 
amended by removing the word ``Customs'' each place it appears and 
adding, in its place, the term ``CBP'';
0
n. Paragraph (b)(2)(iv) is amended by:
0
(i) Removing the first occurrence of the word ``shall'' and adding, in 
its place, the word ``will''; and
0
(ii) Removing the second occurrence of the word ``shall'' and adding, 
in its place, the word ``must'';
0
o. Paragraph (b)(2)(v) is amended by removing the word ``shall'' and 
adding, in its place, the word ``will''; and
0
p. Paragraph (c) introductory text is amended by removing the word 
``shall'' and adding, in its place, the word ``must''.
    The revision reads as follows:


Sec.  181.47  Completion of claim for drawback.

* * * * *
    (b) * * *
    (2) * * *
    (ii) * * *
    (G) Evidence of exportation. Acceptable documentary evidence of 
exportation of goods to Canada or Mexico may include originals or 
copies of any of the following documents that are issued by the 
exporting carrier: bill of lading, air waybill, freight waybill, export 
ocean bill of lading, Canadian customs manifest, and cargo manifest. 
Supporting documentary evidence must establish fully the time and fact 
of exportation, the identity of the exporter, and the identity and 
location of the ultimate consignee of the exported goods;
* * * * *

PART 191--DRAWBACK

0
3. The general authority citation for part 191 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority:  5 U.S.C. 301; 19 U.S.C. 66, 1202 (General Note 3(i), 
Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States), 1313, 1624.
* * * * *


Sec.  191.72  [Amended]

    4. In Sec.  191.72:

0
a. The introductory paragraph is amended by removing the word ``shall'' 
and adding, in its place, the word ``must'' in the first two sentences; 
and
0
b. Paragraphs (a) and (c) are revised to read as follows:


Sec.  191.72  Exportation procedures.

* * * * *
    (a) Documentary evidence of exportation (originals or copies) 
issued by the exporting carrier, such as a bill of lading, air waybill, 
freight waybill, Canadian Customs manifest, and/or cargo manifest;''.
* * * * *
    (c) Official postal records (originals or copies) which evidence 
exportation by mail (Sec.  191.74);
* * * * *


Sec.  191.74  [Amended]

0
5. In Sec.  191.74:
0
a. The section heading is revised;
0
b. In the first sentence, add the parenthetical ``(originals or 
copies'') after the phrase ``the official postal records''; and
0
c. The last sentence is amended by removing the parenthetical ``(see 
Sec.  191.51(a)'' and adding, in its place, the parenthetical ``(see 
Sec.  191.51(a))''.
    The revision reads as follows:


Sec.  191.74  Exportation by mail.

* * * * *

Appendix B to Part 191 [Amended]

0
6. In Appendix B to Part 191, Sections II through V, under the headings 
titled, ``CBP OFFICE WHERE DRAWBACK CLAIMS WILL BE FILED'' remove the 
parenthetical ``(The 8 offices where drawback claims can be filed are 
located at: Boston, MA; New York, NY; Miami, FL; New Orleans, LA; 
Houston, TX; Long Beach, CA; Chicago, IL; San Francisco, CA)'' each 
place it appears and adding, in its place, the parenthetical ``(The 
four offices where drawback claims can be filed are located at: New 
York, NY; Houston, TX; Chicago, IL; San Francisco, CA)''.

R. Gil Kerlikowske,
Commissioner, U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
    Approved: August 4, 2015.
Timothy E. Skud,
Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Treasury.
[FR Doc. 2015-19466 Filed 8-6-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 9111-14-P



                                                                 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 152 / Friday, August 7, 2015 / Rules and Regulations                                        47405

                                             PART 746—[AMENDED]                                      DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND                                to part 191 of the CBP regulations to
                                                                                                     SECURITY                                              previous regulatory changes reflecting
                                             ■ 3. The authority citation for 15 CFR                                                                        the closing of four drawback offices; (3)
                                             part 746 continues to read as follows:                  U.S. Customs and Border Protection                    updating the regulations to reflect that
                                                                                                                                                           CBP is now part of the Department of
                                                Authority: 50 U.S.C. app. 2401 et seq.; 50           DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY                            Homeland Security; and (4) making
                                             U.S.C. 1701 et seq.; 22 U.S.C. 287c; Sec 1503,                                                                other non-substantive editorial and
                                             Pub. L. 108–11, 117 Stat. 559; 22 U.S.C. 6004;          19 CFR Parts 181 and 191                              nomenclature changes.
                                             22 U.S.C. 7201 et seq.; 22 U.S.C. 7210; E.O.
                                             12854, 58 FR 36587, 3 CFR, 1993 Comp., p.               [CBP Dec. 15–11]                                      Easing the Requirements for
                                             614; E.O. 12918, 59 FR 28205, 3 CFR, 1994               RIN 1515–AE02                                         Establishing Proof of Exportation
                                             Comp., p. 899; E.O. 13222, 66 FR 44025, 3                                                                        This document amends title 19 of the
                                             CFR, 2001 Comp., p. 783; E.O. 13338, 69 FR              Liberalization of Certain Documentary                 Code of Federal Regulations (19 CFR) by
                                             26751, 3 CFR, 2004 Comp., p 168;                        Evidence Required as Proof of                         making amendments to 19 CFR parts
                                             Presidential Determination 2003–23 of May               Exportation on Drawback Claims                        181 and 191, specifically, sections 19
                                             7, 2003, 68 FR 26459, May 16, 2003;                                                                           CFR 181.47, 191.72 and 191.74 to align
                                             Presidential Determination 2007–7 of                    AGENCY:  U.S. Customs and Border
                                                                                                     Protection, Department of Homeland                    CBP documentation requirements with
                                             December 7, 2006, 72 FR 1899 (January 16,                                                                     current business practices related to the
                                             2007); Notice of August 7, 2014, 79 FR 46959            Security; Department of the Treasury.
                                                                                                                                                           documents used to establish the date
                                             (August 11, 2014); Notice of May 6, 2015, 80            ACTION: Final rule.
                                                                                                                                                           and fact of exportation for purposes of
                                             FR 26815 (May 8, 2015).                                                                                       drawback. In order to qualify for
                                                                                                     SUMMARY:    This document amends U.S.
                                             ■ 4. Section 746.5 is amended by                        Customs and Border Protection (CBP)                   drawback, claimants must establish that
                                             revising paragraph (a)(2) to read as                    regulations by removing some of the                   articles are exported or destroyed. When
                                             follows:                                                requirements for documentation used to                drawback is claimed for exported goods,
                                                                                                     establish proof of exportation for                    the claimant must submit
                                             § 746.5   Russian industry sector sanctions.            drawback claims. Currently, claimants                 documentation that establishes fully the
                                                                                                     must provide originally signed                        date and fact of exportation and the
                                                (a) * * *                                                                                                  identity of the exporter. See 19 CFR
                                                                                                     documentary evidence or a certified
                                                (2) Additional prohibition on those                  copy of such documentary evidence to                  191.72. For certain types of drawback
                                             informed by BIS. BIS may inform                         establish the date and fact of exportation            claims subject to the North American
                                             persons, either individually by specific                of articles for drawback purposes. This               Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA),
                                             notice or through amendment to the                      document also amends various sections                 documentation must also establish the
                                             EAR, that a license is required for a                   of title 19 of the Code of Federal                    identity and location of the ultimate
                                             specific export, reexport, or transfer (in-             Regulations (CFR) to reflect that there is            consignee of the exported goods. See 19
                                             country) or for the export, reexport, or                no longer a legal requirement that the                CFR 181.47 (b)(2)(ii)(G).
                                             transfer (in-country) of specified items                export invoice for mail shipments be                     The documents for establishing
                                             to a certain end-user or end-use, because               certified. Additionally, this document                exportation include, but are not limited
                                             there is an unacceptable risk of use in,                amends Appendix B to part 191 of title                to: a bill of lading, air waybill, freight
                                                                                                     19 so that the Appendix reflects                      waybill, Canadian Customs manifest,
                                             or diversion to, the activities specified
                                                                                                     previous regulatory amendments closing                and/or cargo manifest. See 19 CFR
                                             in paragraph (a)(1) of this section in
                                                                                                                                                           191.72(a). If the export is a mail
                                             Russia. Specific notice is to be given                  four drawback offices. Finally, this
                                                                                                                                                           shipment, vessel supply, or transfer to a
                                             only by, or at the direction of, the                    document amends CBP regulations to
                                                                                                                                                           foreign trade zone, other procedures to
                                             Deputy Assistant Secretary for Export                   reflect the change from the legacy
                                                                                                                                                           establish exportation may apply. See 19
                                             Administration. When such notice is                     agency name of U.S. Customs Service to
                                                                                                                                                           CFR 191.72 (c)–(e). Current CBP
                                             provided orally, it will be followed by                 the current agency name of U.S.
                                                                                                                                                           regulations specify that the documents
                                             a written notice within two working                     Customs and Border Protection and to
                                                                                                                                                           listed in paragraph (a) must be either
                                             days signed by the Deputy Assistant                     make other non-substantive editorial
                                                                                                                                                           originally signed or certified copies
                                             Secretary for Export Administration.                    changes.
                                                                                                                                                           thereof. See 19 CFR 191.72(a).
                                             However, the absence of any such                        DATES: This final rule is effective on                Additionally, certain claims subject to
                                             notification does not excuse persons                    August 7, 2015.                                       NAFTA require that the claimant
                                             from compliance with the license                        FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For                  produce an originally signed document
                                             requirements of paragraph (a)(1) of this                legal aspects, Carrie L. Owens, Chief,                or a certified copy of such document.
                                             section.                                                Entry Process & Duty Refunds Branch,                  See 19 CFR 181.47(b)(2)(ii)(G).
                                                                                                     Regulations and Rulings, Office of                       Acquiring pen and ink signatures for
                                             *      *    *     *     *
                                                                                                     International Trade, (202) 325–0266. For              the original documentation or certified
                                               Dated: July 30, 2015.                                 operational aspects, Celestine L. Harrell,            copies of such documentation is time
                                             Eric L. Hirschhorn,                                     Chief, Post Release and Trade Processes               consuming and often unrealistic for the
                                             Under Secretary of Commerce for Industry                Branch, Office of International Trade,                trade. CBP realizes the difficulty of
                                             and Security.                                           (202) 863–6937.                                       having to provide a pen and ink
                                             [FR Doc. 2015–19274 Filed 8–6–15; 8:45 am]              SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:                            signature for documents when these
                                                                                                                                                           documents are issued electronically and
                                             BILLING CODE 3510–33–P                                  Background                                            do not contain an actual pen and ink
rmajette on DSK2TPTVN1PROD with RULES




                                                                                                       This document amends the U.S.                       signature. As a consequence, drawback
                                                                                                     Customs and Border Protection (CBP)                   claims are often denied when claimants
                                                                                                     regulations by: (1) Removing some of                  can produce only documentary
                                                                                                     the requirements for drawback                         evidence that does not contain a
                                                                                                     claimants to establish proof of                       signature or copies of such documents
                                                                                                     exportation; (2) conforming Appendix B                that are not certified.


                                        VerDate Sep<11>2014   15:21 Aug 06, 2015   Jkt 235001   PO 00000   Frm 00007   Fmt 4700   Sfmt 4700   E:\FR\FM\07AUR1.SGM   07AUR1


                                             47406               Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 152 / Friday, August 7, 2015 / Rules and Regulations

                                                As such, CBP is amending its                         amends Appendix B, Sections II through                postal records for export shipments no
                                             regulations by removing the                             V within part 191 of 19 CFR to reflect                longer have to be certified. Section
                                             requirement that the documentary                        the closure of those four drawback                    191.74 is amended by removing the
                                             evidence that establishes the date and                  offices by removing the reference to                  words ‘‘Certification of’’ from the
                                             fact of exportation for drawback                        eight drawback offices and by removing                heading text because the text of 191.74
                                             eligibility be originally signed or that                the references to the locations of the                does not require a claimant to submit a
                                             any copy of such documentary evidence                   four closed offices (that is, Boston, MA;             certified copy of the postal record and
                                             must be certified. CBP will now allow                   Long Beach, CA; Miami, FL; and New                    the title heading cannot impose a legal
                                             claimants to provide unsigned originals                 Orleans, LA).                                         requirement that is not also reflected in
                                             or copies of documentary evidence as                                                                          the regulatory text. CBP is also making
                                             proof of export for drawback eligibility.               Nomenclature Changes
                                                                                                                                                           it clear that claimants may submit either
                                             Therefore, copies of original                              On November 25, 2002, the President                originals or copies of official postal
                                             documentary evidence will no longer                     signed into law the Homeland Security                 records by adding the parenthetical
                                             need to be certified.                                   Act of 2002 (Pub. L. 107–296, 116 Stat.               phrase ‘‘(originals or copies)’’ after the
                                                Additionally, pursuant to 19 CFR                     2135). Accordingly, as of March 1, 2003,              phrase ‘‘official postal records’’ in
                                             191.72(c), CBP currently requires a                     the former U.S. Customs Service of the                section 191.74.
                                             certified export invoice for mail                       Department of the Treasury was                           This document also makes non-
                                             shipments and references section                        transferred to DHS and reorganized to                 substantive amendments to Appendix B,
                                             191.74. Even though section 191.72(c)                   become CBP. Accordingly, this                         Sections II through V within part 191 of
                                             cites to section 191.74 as a reference for              document further amends § 181.47 to                   19 CFR as discussed above.
                                             the ‘‘certified export invoice’’                        reflect the change from the legacy
                                             requirement for mail shipments, the                     agency name, U.S. Customs Service, to                 Inapplicability of Notice and Delayed
                                             regulatory text of 19 CFR 191.74 does                   the current name, U.S. Customs and                    Effective Date
                                             not require a claimant to submit a                      Border Protection or CBP.                                Because the amendments in parts 181
                                             certified copy of the export invoice, but                                                                     and 191 of 19 CFR set forth in this
                                             only requires that the claimant provide                 Discussion of Changes
                                                                                                                                                           document merely relieve a burden on
                                             the official postal records. There is no                Part 181                                              the public and the amendments to the
                                             reference to ‘‘export invoice’’ in section                                                                    Appendix of part 191 conform the
                                             191.74. Further, the only reference to                    Section 181.47 of the CBP regulations
                                                                                                     (19 CFR 181.47) pertains to the                       regulations to previous regulatory
                                             ‘‘certification’’ is in the title heading to                                                                  changes to reflect the consolidation of
                                             section 191.74. Accordingly, CBP is                     documents required for a NAFTA
                                                                                                     drawback claim. Paragraph (b)(2)(ii)(G)               drawback offices, CBP finds that good
                                             removing the phrase ‘‘Certification of’’                                                                      cause exists for dispensing with notice
                                             from the heading text to section 191.74                 of § 181.47 is amended by removing the
                                                                                                     requirement that copies of the exemplar               and public procedure as unnecessary
                                             as it is misleading as to what that                                                                           under 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(B). For this same
                                             regulation requires. Thus, CBP is                       documents in that paragraph be
                                                                                                     certified.                                            reason, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3),
                                             clarifying that claimants submitting                                                                          CBP finds good cause for dispensing
                                             postal records in support of exportation                  In addition, section 181.47 contains
                                                                                                     the legacy agency name of Customs.                    with the requirement for a delayed
                                             in accordance with section 191.74 may                                                                         effective date.
                                             submit either originals or uncertified                  Accordingly, § 181.47 is amended to
                                             copies of official postal records by                    remove the outdated information and                   Regulatory Flexibility Act
                                             clearly stating that within the text of                 replace it with the current agency name
                                                                                                     CBP in §§ 181.47(b)(2),                                  Because this document is not subject
                                             section 191.74. Further, CBP is revising                                                                      to the notice and public procedure
                                             section 191.72(c) to accurately reflect                 181.47(b)(2)(i)(A), 181.47(b)(2)(i)(B),
                                                                                                     181.47(b)(2)(i)(F), 181.47(b)(2)(ii)(A),              requirements of 5 U.S.C. 553, it is not
                                             the plain language of section 191.74 by                                                                       subject to the provisions of the
                                             requiring evidence of official postal                   181.47(b)(2)(ii)(B), 181.47(b)(2)(ii)(C),
                                                                                                     181.47(b)(2)(ii)(D), 181.47(b)(2)(ii)(E),             Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601
                                             records (originals or copies) that                                                                            et seq.).
                                             demonstrate exportation by mail.                        181.47(b)(2)(iii)(A), 181.47(b)(2)(iii)(B),
                                                Other non-substantive editorial                      and 181.47(b)(2)(iii)(D). Additionally,               Executive Order 12866
                                             changes to reflect the plain English                    the word ‘‘shall’’ is replaced with either
                                                                                                                                                             These amendments do not meet the
                                             mandate are made to these regulatory                    ‘‘must’’, ‘‘will’’ or ‘‘is’’, as appropriate,
                                                                                                                                                           criteria for a ‘‘significant regulatory
                                             sections, 19 CFR 181.47, 191.72 and                     in paragraphs (a), (b)(1), (b)(2)(i),
                                                                                                                                                           action’’ as specified in Executive Order
                                             191.74.                                                 (b)(2)(i)(E), (b)(2)(ii), (b)(2)(ii)(B),
                                                                                                                                                           12866, as supplemented by Executive
                                                                                                     (b)(2)(ii)(G), (b)(2)(ii)(H), (b)(2)(iii),
                                             Conforming Amendments                                                                                         Order 13563.
                                                                                                     (b)(2)(iv), (b)(2)(v), and (c) of § 181.47 to
                                                CBP inadvertently failed to remove                   conform with the plain English                        Signing Authority
                                             from Appendix B to part 191 references                  mandate.
                                             to certain drawback offices when the                                                                            This regulation is being issued in
                                             agency previously amended the                           Part 191                                              accordance with 19 CFR 0.1(a)(1),
                                             regulations to close four drawback                         Section 191.72 of the CBP regulations              pertaining to the authority of the
                                             offices. Three drawback offices were                    (19 CFR 191.72) pertains to exportation               Secretary of the Treasury (or that of his
                                             closed in 2003 (Boston, MA; New                         procedures for drawback. Section                      delegate) to approve regulations
                                             Orleans, LA; and Miami, FL) and one in                  191.72(a) is amended by removing the                  concerning drawback.
                                             2010 (Long Beach, CA). See                              terms ‘‘originally signed’’ and
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                                                                                                                                                           List of Subjects
                                             Consolidation of Customs Drawback                       ‘‘certified’’ from the list of acceptable
                                             Centers: Final rule, 68 FR 3381, dated                  documentary evidence for establishing                 19 CFR Part 181
                                             January 24, 2003; and Further                           the date and fact of exportation for                    Administrative practice and
                                             Consolidation of CBP Drawback Centers:                  drawback eligibility. Section 191.72(c)               procedure, Customs duties and
                                             Final rule, 75 FR 24392, dated May 5,                   is revised to reflect the requirements of             inspection, Exports, Imports, Reporting
                                             2010. Accordingly, this document                        section 191.74 and to reflect that the                and recordkeeping requirements.


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                                                                 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 152 / Friday, August 7, 2015 / Rules and Regulations                                              47407

                                             19 CFR Part 191                                         its place, the words ‘‘the CBP-assigned’’;            § 191.72     [Amended]
                                                                                                     and                                                       4. In § 191.72:
                                               Claims, Customs duties and
                                                                                                     ■ (iii) Removing the word ‘‘shall’’ and
                                             inspection, Exports, Reporting and                                                                            ■ a. The introductory paragraph is
                                             recordkeeping requirements.                             adding, in its place, the word ‘‘must’’;
                                                                                                     ■ i. Paragraphs (b)(2)(ii)(C), (b)(2)(ii)(D)          amended by removing the word ‘‘shall’’
                                             Amendments to the CBP Regulations                       and (b)(2)(ii)(E) are amended by                      and adding, in its place, the word
                                                                                                     removing the word ‘‘Customs’’ and                     ‘‘must’’ in the first two sentences; and
                                               For the reasons set forth above, parts
                                             181 and 191 of the CBP Regulations (19                  adding, in its place, the term ‘‘CBP’’;               ■ b. Paragraphs (a) and (c) are revised to
                                             CFR parts 181 and 191) and Appendix                     ■ j. Paragraph (b)(2)(ii)(G) is revised;              read as follows:
                                             B to part 191 of 19 CFR are amended as                  ■ k. Paragraph (b)(2)(ii)(H) is amended
                                                                                                                                                           § 191.72     Exportation procedures.
                                             set forth below:                                        by removing the phrase ‘‘shall be’’ and
                                                                                                     adding, in its place, the word ‘‘is’’;                *     *     *     *     *
                                             PART 181—NORTH AMERICAN FREE                            ■ l. Paragraph (b)(2)(iii) is amended by                (a) Documentary evidence of
                                             TRADE AGREEMENT                                         removing the word ‘‘shall’’ and adding,               exportation (originals or copies) issued
                                                                                                     in its place, the word ‘‘must’’;                      by the exporting carrier, such as a bill
                                             ■ 1. The general authority citation for                 ■ m. Paragraphs (b)(2)(iii)(A),                       of lading, air waybill, freight waybill,
                                             part 181 continues to read as follows:                  (b)(2)(iii)(B), and (b)(2)(iii)(D) are                Canadian Customs manifest, and/or
                                              Authority: 19 U.S.C. 66, 1202 (General                 amended by removing the word                          cargo manifest;’’.
                                             Note 3(i), Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the            ‘‘Customs’’ each place it appears and                 *     *     *     *     *
                                             United States), 1624, 3314.                             adding, in its place, the term ‘‘CBP’’;
                                                                                                                                                             (c) Official postal records (originals or
                                             *      *     *       *      *                           ■ n. Paragraph (b)(2)(iv) is amended by:
                                                                                                                                                           copies) which evidence exportation by
                                                                                                     ■ (i) Removing the first occurrence of
                                             § 181.47   [Amended]                                                                                          mail (§ 191.74);
                                                                                                     the word ‘‘shall’’ and adding, in its
                                                                                                     place, the word ‘‘will’’; and                         *     *     *     *     *
                                             ■  2. In § 181.47:
                                                                                                     ■ (ii) Removing the second occurrence                 § 191.74     [Amended]
                                             ■  a. Paragraph (a) is amended by:
                                             ■ (i) In the first sentence, by removing
                                                                                                     of the word ‘‘shall’’ and adding, in its
                                                                                                     place, the word ‘‘must’’;                             ■ 5. In § 191.74:
                                             the word ‘‘shall’’ and adding, in its
                                                                                                     ■ o. Paragraph (b)(2)(v) is amended by                ■ a. The section heading is revised;
                                             place, the word ‘‘will’’;
                                                                                                     removing the word ‘‘shall’’ and adding,               ■ b. In the first sentence, add the
                                             ■ (ii) In the second sentence, by
                                                                                                     in its place, the word ‘‘will’’; and                  parenthetical ‘‘(originals or copies’’)
                                             removing the word ‘‘shall’’ each place it
                                                                                                     ■ p. Paragraph (c) introductory text is               after the phrase ‘‘the official postal
                                             occurs and adding, in its place, the
                                             word ‘‘must’’; and                                      amended by removing the word ‘‘shall’’                records’’; and
                                                                                                     and adding, in its place, the word
                                             ■ (iii) In the third sentence, by removing                                                                    ■ c. The last sentence is amended by
                                                                                                     ‘‘must’’.
                                             the word ‘‘shall’’ and adding, in its                                                                         removing the parenthetical ‘‘(see
                                             place, the word ‘‘will’’;                                  The revision reads as follows:
                                                                                                                                                           § 191.51(a)’’ and adding, in its place, the
                                             ■ b. Paragraph (b)(1) is amended by                     § 181.47 Completion of claim for                      parenthetical ‘‘(see § 191.51(a))’’.
                                             removing the word ‘‘shall’’ each place it               drawback.                                                The revision reads as follows:
                                             occurs and adding, in its place, the                    *      *    *     *     *
                                             word ‘‘must’’;                                            (b) * * *                                           § 191.74     Exportation by mail.
                                             ■ c. Paragraph (b)(2) introductory text is                (2) * * *                                           *        *    *       *   *
                                             amended by removing the word                              (ii) * * *
                                             ‘‘Customs’’ and adding, in its place, the                                                                     Appendix B to Part 191 [Amended]
                                                                                                       (G) Evidence of exportation.
                                             term ‘‘CBP’’;                                           Acceptable documentary evidence of                    ■  6. In Appendix B to Part 191, Sections
                                             ■ d. Paragraph (b)(2)(i) is amended by                  exportation of goods to Canada or                     II through V, under the headings titled,
                                             removing the word ‘‘shall’’ and adding,                 Mexico may include originals or copies                ‘‘CBP OFFICE WHERE DRAWBACK
                                             in its place, the word ‘‘must’’;                        of any of the following documents that                CLAIMS WILL BE FILED’’ remove the
                                             ■ e. Paragraphs (b)(2)(i)(A), (b)(2)(i)(B)              are issued by the exporting carrier: bill             parenthetical ‘‘(The 8 offices where
                                             and (b)(2)(i)(F) are amended by                         of lading, air waybill, freight waybill,              drawback claims can be filed are located
                                             removing the word ‘‘Customs’’ and                       export ocean bill of lading, Canadian                 at: Boston, MA; New York, NY; Miami,
                                             adding, in its place, the term ‘‘CBP’’;                 customs manifest, and cargo manifest.                 FL; New Orleans, LA; Houston, TX;
                                             ■ f. Paragraphs (b)(2)(i)(E) and (b)(2)(ii)             Supporting documentary evidence must                  Long Beach, CA; Chicago, IL; San
                                             introductory text are amended by                        establish fully the time and fact of                  Francisco, CA)’’ each place it appears
                                             removing the word ‘‘shall’’ and adding,                 exportation, the identity of the exporter,            and adding, in its place, the
                                             in its place, the word ‘‘must’’;                        and the identity and location of the                  parenthetical ‘‘(The four offices where
                                             ■ g. Paragraph (b)(2)(ii)(A) is amended                 ultimate consignee of the exported                    drawback claims can be filed are located
                                             by removing the word ‘‘Customs’’ and                    goods;                                                at: New York, NY; Houston, TX;
                                             adding, in its place, the term ‘‘CBP’’;                 *      *    *     *     *                             Chicago, IL; San Francisco, CA)’’.
                                             and by removing the word ‘‘shall’’ and
                                             adding, in its place, the word ‘‘must’’;                PART 191—DRAWBACK                                     R. Gil Kerlikowske,
                                             ■ h. Paragraph (b)(2)(ii)(B) is amended                                                                       Commissioner, U.S. Customs and Border
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                                             by:                                                     ■ 3. The general authority citation for               Protection.
                                             ■ (i) Removing the first and third                      part 191 continues to read as follows:                  Approved: August 4, 2015.
                                             occurrence of the word ‘‘Customs’’ and                    Authority: 5 U.S.C. 301; 19 U.S.C. 66,              Timothy E. Skud,
                                             adding, in its place, the term ‘‘CBP’’;                 1202 (General Note 3(i), Harmonized Tariff            Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Treasury.
                                             ■ (ii) Removing the second occurrence                   Schedule of the United States), 1313, 1624.           [FR Doc. 2015–19466 Filed 8–6–15; 8:45 am]
                                             of the word ‘‘Customs’’ and adding, in                  *      *      *      *       *                        BILLING CODE 9111–14–P




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Document Created: 2015-12-15 10:56:34
Document Modified: 2015-12-15 10:56:34
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionRules and Regulations
ActionFinal rule.
DatesThis final rule is effective on August 7, 2015.
ContactFor legal aspects, Carrie L. Owens, Chief, Entry Process & Duty Refunds Branch, Regulations and Rulings, Office of International Trade, (202) 325-0266. For operational aspects, Celestine L. Harrell, Chief, Post Release and Trade Processes Branch, Office of International Trade, (202) 863-6937.
FR Citation80 FR 47405 
RIN Number1515-AE02
CFR Citation19 CFR 181
19 CFR 191
CFR AssociatedAdministrative Practice and Procedure; Customs Duties and Inspection; Exports; Imports; Reporting and Recordkeeping Requirements and Claims

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