80 FR 47558 - Importation of Distilled Spirits, Wine, Beer, Tobacco Products, Processed Tobacco, and Cigarette Papers and Tubes; Availability of Pilot Program and Filing Instructions To Test the Collection of Import Data for Implementation of the International Trade Data System
DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY
Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 152 (August 7, 2015)
Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau
Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 152 (August 7, 2015)
| Page Range | 47558-47561 | |
| FR Document | 2015-19456 |
[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 152 (Friday, August 7, 2015)] [Notices] [Pages 47558-47561] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2015-19456] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau [Docket No. TTB-2015-0012; Notice No. 156] Importation of Distilled Spirits, Wine, Beer, Tobacco Products, Processed Tobacco, and Cigarette Papers and Tubes; Availability of Pilot Program and Filing Instructions To Test the Collection of Import Data for Implementation of the International Trade Data System AGENCY: Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, Treasury. ACTION: Notice of availability and request for comments. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) is announcing a pilot program in which importers, Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and TTB will test, as part of the International Trade Data System (ITDS) project, the electronic collection of import data required by TTB and the transfer of that data through CBP to TTB. TTB is also announcing the availability of and requesting comment on a draft set of instructions that describes how importers of distilled spirits, wine, beer, tobacco products, processed tobacco, or cigarette papers and tubes may file information electronically to meet TTB requirements at the importation of those commodities. The information gathered through the comments on the draft instructions and pilot program and through an evaluation of the pilot program will allow TTB and CBP to refine their implementation of ITDS. DATES: Comments on the draft Filing Instructions must be received by October 6, 2015. The pilot program will commence no earlier than August 19, 2015, and will continue until concluded by publication of a notice in the Federal Register ending the test. Pilot program participants should consult the following Web site to determine which ports are or will be operational for the test: http://www.cbp.gov/document/guidance/list-aceitds-pga-message-set-pilot-ports. Comments on the pilot will be accepted through the duration of the pilot. ADDRESSES: Please send your comments on the draft Automated Commercial Environment Filing Instructions for TTB-Regulated Commodities and on the pilot program to one of the following addresses:http://www.regulations.gov (via the online comment form for this document as posted within Docket No. TTB-2015-0012 at Regulations.gov, the Federal e-rulemaking portal); U.S. Mail: Director, Regulations and Rulings Division, Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, 1310 G Street NW., Box 12, Washington, DC 20005; or Hand delivery/courier in lieu of mail: Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, 1310 G Street NW., Suite 400, Washington, DC 20005. See the Public Participation section of this document for specific instructions and requirements for submitting comments. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For information about the filing instructions or the pilot program, contact John Kyranos, Regulations and Rulings Division, Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, 1310 G Street NW., Box 12, Washington, DC 20005; telephone (202) 453-1039, extension 001; or email [email protected]. For technical questions related to the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) or Automated Broker Interface (ABI) transmissions, contact Steven Zaccaro at [email protected]. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: TTB Authority The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) of the Department [[Page 47559]] of the Treasury regulates, among other things, the importation of distilled spirits, wine, and malt beverages pursuant to the Federal Alcohol Administration Act (FAA Act). TTB also administers the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (IRC), with respect to the taxation of distilled spirits, wine, beer, tobacco products, processed tobacco, and cigarette papers and tubes. These statutory provisions are the basis of TTB regulations that require importers to submit certain information to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) upon importation. Section 103(a) of the FAA Act (27 U.S.C. 203(a)) requires that a person obtain a permit before engaging in certain activities related to distilled spirits, wine, and malt beverages, including importation. This section of the FAA Act states that it shall be unlawful, except pursuant to a ``basic permit'' issued by the Secretary of the Treasury (the Secretary), to engage in the business of importing into the United States distilled spirits, wine, or malt beverages. Section 103(a) of the FAA Act also states that it is unlawful, except pursuant to a basic permit, for any person so engaged to sell, offer or deliver for sale, contract to sell, or ship, in interstate or foreign commerce, directly or indirectly or through an affiliate, distilled spirits, wine, or malt beverages so imported. The terms ``distilled spirits'' and ``wine,'' when used in the context of the FAA Act, apply only to distilled spirits and wine for nonindustrial use. Additionally, section 105(e) of the FAA Act (27 U.S.C. 205(e)) authorizes the Secretary to prescribe regulations relating to the labeling of distilled spirits, wine, and malt beverages. With regard to imported commodities, the FAA Act provides that no person shall remove from customs custody, in bottles, for sale or any other commercial purpose, distilled spirits, wine, or malt beverages, without having obtained a certificate of label approval and being in possession of that certificate. Chapter 51 of the IRC pertains to the taxation and regulation of distilled spirits (including spirits used for both beverage and nonbeverage purposes), wines, and beer (see 26 U.S.C. chapter 51). The IRC imposes a Federal excise tax on all distilled spirits, wine, and beer manufactured in or imported into the United States. See, respectively, 26 U.S.C. 5001, 5041, and 5051. In general, the tax on imported distilled spirits, wine, and beer is collected by CBP, along with any import duties. The IRC at 26 U.S.C. 5232, 5364, and 5418 provides for limited circumstances under which products may be withdrawn from customs custody without payment of tax for transfer to the bonded premises of an industry member regulated by TTB. These provisions cover distilled spirits imported in bulk and released from customs custody for transfer to a distilled spirits plant, natural wine (as defined in 26 U.S.C. 5381) imported in bulk and released from customs custody for transfer to a bonded wine cellar, and beer imported in bulk and released from customs custody for transfer to a brewery. Under these circumstances, the proprietor of the bonded premises becomes liable for the tax on the product withdrawn from customs custody upon its release from customs custody, and the applicable tax is collected by TTB when the product is removed from the distilled spirits plant, bonded wine cellar, or brewery, respectively. The IRC also contains provisions under which imported distilled spirits may be entered free of tax by the United States or any governmental agency of the United States for nonbeverage purposes. See 26 U.S.C. 5313. Furthermore, industrial alcohol may under certain circumstances be imported free of tax from the Virgin Islands to qualified industrial alcohol users. See 26 U.S.C. 5314(b). Chapter 52 of the IRC contains excise tax and related provisions pertaining to tobacco products and cigarette papers and tubes. Section 5701 of the IRC (26 U.S.C. 5701) imposes Federal excise tax on such commodities manufactured in or imported into the United States. In general, the tax on imported tobacco products and cigarette papers and tubes is collected by CBP, along with any import duties. Under 26 U.S.C. 5704, tobacco products and cigarette papers and tubes may be released from customs custody under certain conditions without payment of tax for delivery to the proprietor of an export warehouse or a manufacturer of tobacco products or cigarette papers and tubes. Upon removal from the manufacturer's premises, the tax on such products is collected by TTB. Chapter 52 of the IRC also contains provisions pertaining to the manufacture and importation of processed tobacco, which is not subject to tax. Section 5712 of the IRC (26 U.S.C. 5712) requires that importers of tobacco products or processed tobacco, before engaging in such business, apply for and obtain a permit. TTB administers the FAA Act and chapters 51 and 52 of the IRC pursuant to section 1111(d) of the Homeland Security Act of 2002, as codified at 6 U.S.C. 531(d). The Secretary has delegated various authorities through Treasury Department Order 120-01, dated December 10, 2013, to the TTB Administrator to perform the functions and duties in the administration and enforcement of these provisions. Responsibility for collecting, accounting for, and depositing as internal revenue the excise taxes due incident to the importation of alcohol and tobacco products is vested by statute with the Secretary of the Treasury (see 6 U.S.C. 212), but has been delegated to the Secretary of Homeland Security and CBP. See Treasury Department Order 100-16, 68 FR 28322 (May 23, 2003), and 6 U.S.C. 212 and 215(1). The TTB regulations at 27 CFR parts 1, 4, 5, and 7 set forth requirements related to certain FAA Act provisions. Section 1.20 (27 CFR 1.20) repeats the FAA Act basic permit requirement for importers of distilled spirits, wine, and malt beverages. Parts 4, 5, and 7 require that, in order for an imported distilled spirit, wine, or malt beverage to be released from customs custody, a certificate of label approval must be ``deposited with the appropriate Customs officer at the port of entry.'' See 27 CFR 4.40, 5.51, and 7.31, respectively, regarding wine, distilled spirits, and malt beverages. Parts 4 and 5 also include several requirements related to certification of the origin and, in some cases, method of production of certain alcohol beverages by a foreign government. In general, certificates relating to origin or method of production are required to ``accompany'' the imported commodities. See 27 CFR 4.27, 4.45, and 5.52. The TTB regulations at 27 CFR part 27 set forth requirements related to the IRC provisions that apply to importations of distilled spirits, wine, and beer. One example of a requirement for which records must be filed with CBP is the importation of distilled spirits in bulk without payment of tax, which is subject to the requirements in subparts H and I of part 27. For such releases, the person importing the spirits must prepare a record of information that is given to the customs officer upon release of the spirits from customs custody. Part 27 also includes requirements to submit information for transfers of distilled spirits without payment of tax from customs custody to a distilled spirits plant (27 CFR 27.172) and for imports of distilled spirits free of tax for use of a government agency (27 CFR 27.183). The TTB regulations at 27 CFR part 26 address distilled spirits, wine, and beer brought into the United States from [[Page 47560]] Puerto Rico or the Virgin Islands and contain provisions similar to those in part 27, as well as requirements associated with tax-free shipments to industrial alcohol users (27 CFR 26.292). (Note: As provided in 19 CFR 101.1, Puerto Rico is within the customs territory of the United States; the Virgin Islands is not. As described below, this notice addresses a document and pilot program related to the electronic filing of import information with CBP. Because shipments into the United States from Puerto Rico are not treated as imports by CBP, such shipments are not covered by this initiative.) The TTB regulations at 27 CFR part 41 address the importation of tobacco products, processed tobacco, and cigarette papers and tubes. In that part, Sec. 41.81 requires certain information to be submitted to CBP regarding imported tobacco products or cigarette papers or tubes, and Sec. 41.86 requires information to be submitted using a specified form in order for tobacco products or cigarette papers and tubes imported and released without payment of tax to be delivered to a specified TTB-permitted manufacturer or export warehouse proprietor. Electronic Submission of TTB-Required Information to CBP On March 27, 2014, TTB published in the Federal Register (79 FR 17029) a direct final rule, T.D. TTB-119, that among other amendments added a new section to 27 CFR part 73. Part 73 addresses the electronic submission of forms and electronic signatures. The new section, 27 CFR 73.40, provides that a regulated entity may satisfy any requirement in the TTB regulations to submit a form to another agency by submitting the form to the agency by electronic means, as long as the agency provides for, and authorizes, the electronic submission of the form and any registration and other requirements to use the electronic submission functionality are met. In part 73, the term ``form'' includes all documents required to be submitted. The International Trade Data System The International Trade Data System (ITDS) is an interagency program to establish a single electronic access point (or ``single window'') through which importers and exporters may submit the data required by Federal government agencies for international trade transactions. The Security and Accountability for Every Port Act of 2006 (SAFE Port Act, Pub L. 109-347) mandated participation in ITDS for all agencies that require documentation for clearing or licensing the importation and exportation of cargo. The purpose of ITDS is to eliminate redundant information requirements, to efficiently regulate the flow of commerce, and to effectively enforce laws and regulations relating to international trade, by establishing a single portal system, operated by CBP, for the collection and distribution of standard electronic import and export data required by all participating Federal agencies. TTB is one of the Partner Government Agencies (PGAs) working with CBP to implement ITDS. The ``single window'' utilizes the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE), which is maintained by CBP. ACE allows importers and exporters to enter one set of data for each consignment of imported or exported articles. Currently, importers and exporters that are regulated by multiple agencies or that import or export commodities regulated by multiple agencies must submit data to those agencies through various channels, often in paper form. Through the implementation of ITDS, data will be entered into ACE and then made available to each government agency. The PGA Message Set defines the agency-specific information that importers will submit directly through the Automated Broker Interface (ABI), which transfers data into ACE as part of the CBP entry process. After the importer submits the data, it will be available to TTB, along with certain other data collected through the ABI filing. Executive Order--Streamlining the Export/Import Process for America's Businesses On February 19, 2014, the President issued Executive Order 13659, ``Streamlining the Export/Import Process for America's Businesses.'' \1\ The Executive Order mandated that ITDS be operational by December 31, 2016. It also directed Federal agencies that use ITDS to review their existing regulations for the import and export of goods to determine whether those regulations need to be modified to implement ITDS and further improve and streamline existing processes for import and export, and if so, to initiate rulemaking to implement those modifications. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \1\ See http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2014/02/19/executive-order-streamlining-exportimport-process-america-s-businesses. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- ITDS Pilot Program TTB intends to initiate a pilot program beginning no earlier than August 19, 2015, to test the electronic collection and transfer of data from importers through CBP to TTB. Instead of submitting the paper forms and documents currently required in TTB's regulations, participating U.S. importers and brokers will follow the draft ACE Filing Instructions for TTB-Regulated Commodities (Filing Instructions), described below, and use the PGA Message Set to send TTB-specific data elements and electronic images through ABI to ACE for review by TTB. The specific data elements are outlined in the draft Filing Instructions. TTB anticipates that this pilot program will help TTB and importers prepare for an efficient transition to ACE. To be eligible to apply for this pilot, importers must have the ability to file ACE entry summaries and ACE cargo release, and must file entries for TTB-regulated commodities. All pilot program participants are required to use a software program that has completed ACE certification testing for the PGA Message Set. Upon commencement of this test, a limited number of ports of entry will be accepting PGA Message Set data. A list of those ports and the dates they become operational is provided on the following CBP Web site: http://www.cbp.gov/document/guidance/list-aceitds-pga-message-set-pilot-ports. CBP may expand the pilot functionality to additional ports in the future. Test participants and interested parties should consult the above-referenced Web site for changes or additions to the list of ports. Importers must import articles regulated by TTB through a listed port in order to participate in the pilot program. As discussed earlier, TTB's import regulations currently require importers to submit to CBP various forms and documents in paper format. Importers who are accepted for participation in the pilot program will be supplying information electronically in accordance with the Filing Instructions. TTB will consider pilot program participants who follow the Filing Instructions to be in compliance with the current requirements to submit paper documents. TTB will provide further details in its approval letters to accepted applicants. The PGA Message Set that will be used in the pilot program incorporates requirements that will be published in a future issue of the Federal Register as a notice of proposed rulemaking, with a solicitation for public comment. (The notice of proposed rulemaking will propose amendments to the regulations both to accommodate the use of ITDS and to improve TTB's overall import processes, pursuant to the Executive Order discussed above.) The final PGA [[Page 47561]] Message Set used for importation of TTB-regulated commodities will be consistent with the TTB regulations established for those commodities. To apply to participate in the pilot program, please contact John Kyranos, Regulations and Rulings Division, Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, 1310 G Street NW., Box 12, Washington, DC 20005; telephone (202) 453-2265, extension 001; or email [email protected]. For technical questions related to the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) or Automated Broker Interface (ABI) transmissions, contact Steven Zaccaro at [email protected]. Please note that acceptance into the pilot program is based on the eligibility of the participant, along with TTB's need to include a broad cross-section of importers of the commodities regulated by TTB in order to evaluate the effectiveness of the system. In addition, participants may have different start dates. Draft Filing Instructions Available for Comment To facilitate implementation of ITDS and ACE for importers of alcohol and tobacco products, TTB is making available for review and comment a draft document containing instructions for importers of TTB- regulated articles on how to use the new system. The draft ACE Filing Instructions for TTB-Regulated Commodities document made available via this notice is intended to provide a framework for discussion, review, and comment, in order to aid the system development. The draft Filing Instructions document also reflects requirements that TTB may propose through the future publication in the Federal Register of a notice of proposed rulemaking, with a solicitation for public comment. The comments TTB receives on that notice of proposed rulemaking, as well as the comments received on the draft Filing Instructions themselves through this notice, may result in changes to the Filing Instructions. The draft Filing Instructions are available on Regulations.gov as part of Docket No. TTB-2015-0012 on Regulations.gov. You can also obtain a copy by contacting John Kyranos as described above. Public Participation Comments Invited TTB invites comments from interested members of the public on the draft Filing Instructions. TTB is particularly interested in comments related to the usability of the Filing Instructions. TTB will also accept comments regarding the pilot program through the duration of the test. Submitting Comments You may submit comments on the Filing Instructions or on the pilot program by using one of the following three methods: Federal e-Rulemaking Portal: You may send comments via the online comment form posted with this notice within Docket No. TTB-2015- 0012 on Regulations.gov, the Federal e-rulemaking portal, at http://www.regulations.gov. A direct link to that docket is available under Notice No. 156 on the TTB Web site at http://www.ttb.gov/rrd/fedreg-misc.shtml. Supplemental files may be attached to comments submitted via Regulations.gov. For complete instructions on how to use Regulations.gov, visit the site and click on the ``Help'' tab. U.S. Mail: You may send comments via postal mail to the Director, Regulations and Rulings Division, Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, 1310 G Street NW., Box 12, Washington, DC 20005. Hand Delivery/Courier: You may hand-carry your comments or have them hand-carried to the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, 1310 G Street NW., Suite 400, Washington, DC 20005. Please submit your comments by the closing date shown above in this notice. Your comments must reference Notice No. 156 and include your name and mailing address. Your comments also must be made in English, be legible, and be written in language acceptable for public disclosure. TTB does not acknowledge receipt of comments, and TTB considers all comments as originals. In your comment, please clearly state if you are commenting for yourself or on behalf of an association, business, or other entity. If you are commenting on behalf of an entity, your comment must include the entity's name as well as your name and position title. In your comment via Regulations.gov, please enter the entity's name in the ``Organization'' blank of the online comment form. If you comment via postal mail or hand delivery/courier, please submit your entity's comment on letterhead. Confidentiality All submitted comments and attachments are part of the public record and subject to disclosure. Do not enclose any material in your comments that you consider to be confidential or inappropriate for public disclosure. Public Disclosure TTB will post, and you may view, copies of this notice, the Filing Instructions, and any online or mailed comments received about this proposal within Docket No. TTB-2015-0012 on the Federal e-rulemaking portal, Regulations.gov, at http://www.regulations.gov. A direct link to that docket is available on the TTB Web site at http://www.ttb.gov/rrd/fedreg-misc.shtm under Notice No. 156. You may also reach the relevant docket through the Regulations.gov search page at http://www.regulations.gov. For information on how to use Regulations.gov, click on the site's ``Help'' tab. All posted comments will display the commenter's name, organization (if any), city, and State, and, in the case of mailed comments, all address information, including email addresses. TTB may omit voluminous attachments or material that the Bureau considers unsuitable for posting. You may also view copies of this notice, the Filing Instructions, and any electronic or mailed comments that TTB receives about this proposal by appointment at the TTB Information Resource Center, 1310 G Street NW., Washington, DC 20005. You may also obtain copies at 20 cents per 8.5- x 11-inch page. Contact TTB's information specialist at the above address or by telephone at 202-453-2270 to schedule an appointment or to request copies of comments or other materials. Drafting Information Andrew Malone of the Regulations and Rulings Division drafted this notice. Signed: July 30, 2015. John J. Manfreda, Administrator. [FR Doc. 2015-19456 Filed 8-6-15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4810-31-P
![47558 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 152 / Friday, August 7, 2015 / Notices
1105.7(c) (environmental report), 49 8339. Comments on environmental and electronically to meet TTB requirements
CFR 1105.11 (transmittal letter), 49 CFR historic preservation matters must be at the importation of those commodities.
1105.12 (newspaper publication), and filed within 15 days after the EA The information gathered through the
49 CFR 1152.50(d)(1) (notice to becomes available to the public. comments on the draft instructions and
governmental agencies) have been met. Environmental, historic preservation, pilot program and through an evaluation
As a condition to this exemption, any public use, or trail use/rail banking of the pilot program will allow TTB and
employee adversely affected by the conditions will be imposed, where CBP to refine their implementation of
abandonment shall be protected under appropriate, in a subsequent decision. ITDS.
Oregon Short Line Railroad— Pursuant to the provisions of 49 CFR DATES: Comments on the draft Filing
Abandonment Portion Goshen Branch 1152.29(e)(2), NKCR shall file a notice Instructions must be received by
Between Firth & Ammon, in Bingham & of consummation with the Board to October 6, 2015.
Bonneville Counties, Idaho, 360 I.C.C. signify that it has exercised the The pilot program will commence no
91 (1979). To address whether this authority granted and fully abandoned earlier than August 19, 2015, and will
condition adequately protects affected the lines. If consummation has not been continue until concluded by publication
employees, a petition for partial effected by NKCR’s filing of a notice of of a notice in the Federal Register
revocation under 49 U.S.C. 10502(d) consummation by August 7, 2016, and ending the test. Pilot program
must be filed. there are no legal or regulatory barriers
Provided no formal expression of participants should consult the
to consummation, the authority to following Web site to determine which
intent to file an offer of financial abandon will automatically expire.
assistance (OFA) has been received, this ports are or will be operational for the
Board decisions and notices are test: http://www.cbp.gov/document/
exemption will be effective on available on our Web site at
September 8, 2015, unless stayed guidance/list-aceitds-pga-message-set-
‘‘WWW.STB.DOT.GOV.’’ pilot-ports. Comments on the pilot will
pending reconsideration. Petitions to
Decided: August 4, 2015. be accepted through the duration of the
stay that do not involve environmental
issues,2 formal expressions of intent to By the Board, Rachel D. Campbell, pilot.
Director, Office of Proceedings. ADDRESSES: Please send your comments
file an OFA under 49 CFR
Brendetta S. Jones, on the draft Automated Commercial
1152.27(c)(2),3 and trail use/rail banking
requests under 49 CFR 1152.29 must be Clearance Clerk. Environment Filing Instructions for
filed by August 17, 2015. Petitions to [FR Doc. 2015–19449 Filed 8–6–15; 8:45 am] TTB-Regulated Commodities and on the
reopen or requests for public use BILLING CODE 4915–01–P pilot program to one of the following
conditions under 49 CFR 1152.28 must addresses:
be filed by August 27, 2015, with the • http://www.regulations.gov (via the
Surface Transportation Board, 395 E DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY online comment form for this document
Street SW., Washington, DC 20423– as posted within Docket No. TTB–2015–
0001. Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade 0012 at Regulations.gov, the Federal e-
A copy of any petition filed with the Bureau rulemaking portal);
Board should be sent to NKCR’s • U.S. Mail: Director, Regulations and
[Docket No. TTB–2015–0012; Notice No.
representative: Karl Morell, Karl Morell 156] Rulings Division, Alcohol and Tobacco
& Associates, 655 Fifteenth Street NW., Tax and Trade Bureau, 1310 G Street
Suite 225, Washington, DC 20005. Importation of Distilled Spirits, Wine, NW., Box 12, Washington, DC 20005; or
If the verified notice contains false or Beer, Tobacco Products, Processed • Hand delivery/courier in lieu of
misleading information, the exemption Tobacco, and Cigarette Papers and mail: Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and
is void ab initio. Tubes; Availability of Pilot Program Trade Bureau, 1310 G Street NW., Suite
NKCR has filed environmental and and Filing Instructions To Test the 400, Washington, DC 20005.
historic reports that address the effects, Collection of Import Data for See the Public Participation section of
if any, of the abandonment on the Implementation of the International this document for specific instructions
environment and historic resources. Trade Data System and requirements for submitting
OEA will issue an environmental comments.
assessment (EA) by August 14, 2015. AGENCY: Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and
Trade Bureau, Treasury. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For
Interested persons may obtain a copy of information about the filing instructions
the EA by writing to OEA (Room 1100, ACTION: Notice of availability and
or the pilot program, contact John
Surface Transportation Board, request for comments. Kyranos, Regulations and Rulings
Washington, DC 20423–0001) or by Division, Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and
calling OEA at (202) 245–0305. SUMMARY: The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax
and Trade Bureau (TTB) is announcing Trade Bureau, 1310 G Street NW., Box
Assistance for the hearing impaired is 12, Washington, DC 20005; telephone
available through the Federal a pilot program in which importers,
Customs and Border Protection (CBP), (202) 453–1039, extension 001; or email
Information Relay Service at (800) 877– regulations@ttb.gov.
and TTB will test, as part of the
2 The Board will grant a stay if an informed International Trade Data System (ITDS) For technical questions related to the
decision on environmental issues (whether raised project, the electronic collection of Automated Commercial Environment
by a party or by the Board’s Office of Environmental import data required by TTB and the (ACE) or Automated Broker Interface
Analysis (OEA) in its independent investigation) transfer of that data through CBP to (ABI) transmissions, contact Steven
cannot be made before the exemption’s effective Zaccaro at steven.j.zaccaro@
tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
date. See Exemption of Out-of-Serv. Rail Lines, 5 TTB. TTB is also announcing the
I.C.C. 2d 377 (1989). Any request for a stay should availability of and requesting comment cbp.dhs.gov.
be filed as soon as possible so that the Board may on a draft set of instructions that SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
take appropriate action before the exemption’s describes how importers of distilled
effective date.
spirits, wine, beer, tobacco products, TTB Authority
3 Each OFA must be accompanied by the filing
fee, which is currently set at $1,600. See 49 CFR processed tobacco, or cigarette papers The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and
1002.2(f)(25). and tubes may file information Trade Bureau (TTB) of the Department
VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:24 Aug 06, 2015 Jkt 235001 PO 00000 Frm 00109 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\07AUN1.SGM 07AUN1](https://thefederalregister.org/doc/80_FR_47710/page/1.svg)
![Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 152 / Friday, August 7, 2015 / Notices 47561
Message Set used for importation of will also accept comments regarding the that you consider to be confidential or
TTB-regulated commodities will be pilot program through the duration of inappropriate for public disclosure.
consistent with the TTB regulations the test.
Public Disclosure
established for those commodities.
Submitting Comments TTB will post, and you may view,
To apply to participate in the pilot
program, please contact John Kyranos, You may submit comments on the copies of this notice, the Filing
Regulations and Rulings Division, Filing Instructions or on the pilot Instructions, and any online or mailed
Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade program by using one of the following comments received about this proposal
Bureau, 1310 G Street NW., Box 12, three methods: within Docket No. TTB–2015–0012 on
Washington, DC 20005; telephone (202) • Federal e-Rulemaking Portal: You the Federal e-rulemaking portal,
453–2265, extension 001; or email may send comments via the online Regulations.gov, at http://
regulations@ttb.gov. For technical comment form posted with this notice www.regulations.gov. A direct link to
questions related to the Automated within Docket No. TTB–2015–0012 on that docket is available on the TTB Web
Commercial Environment (ACE) or Regulations.gov, the Federal e- site at http://www.ttb.gov/rrd/fedreg-
Automated Broker Interface (ABI) rulemaking portal, at http:// misc.shtm under Notice No. 156. You
transmissions, contact Steven Zaccaro at www.regulations.gov. A direct link to may also reach the relevant docket
steven.j.zaccaro@cbp.dhs.gov. that docket is available under Notice through the Regulations.gov search page
Please note that acceptance into the No. 156 on the TTB Web site at http:// at http://www.regulations.gov. For
pilot program is based on the eligibility www.ttb.gov/rrd/fedreg-misc.shtml. information on how to use
of the participant, along with TTB’s Supplemental files may be attached to Regulations.gov, click on the site’s
need to include a broad cross-section of comments submitted via ‘‘Help’’ tab.
importers of the commodities regulated Regulations.gov. For complete All posted comments will display the
by TTB in order to evaluate the instructions on how to use commenter’s name, organization (if
effectiveness of the system. In addition, Regulations.gov, visit the site and click any), city, and State, and, in the case of
participants may have different start on the ‘‘Help’’ tab. mailed comments, all address
dates. • U.S. Mail: You may send comments information, including email addresses.
via postal mail to the Director, TTB may omit voluminous attachments
Draft Filing Instructions Available for or material that the Bureau considers
Comment Regulations and Rulings Division,
Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade unsuitable for posting.
To facilitate implementation of ITDS Bureau, 1310 G Street NW., Box 12, You may also view copies of this
and ACE for importers of alcohol and Washington, DC 20005. notice, the Filing Instructions, and any
tobacco products, TTB is making • Hand Delivery/Courier: You may electronic or mailed comments that TTB
available for review and comment a hand-carry your comments or have them receives about this proposal by
draft document containing instructions hand-carried to the Alcohol and appointment at the TTB Information
for importers of TTB-regulated articles Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, 1310 G Resource Center, 1310 G Street NW.,
on how to use the new system. Street NW., Suite 400, Washington, DC Washington, DC 20005. You may also
The draft ACE Filing Instructions for 20005. obtain copies at 20 cents per 8.5- x 11-
TTB-Regulated Commodities document Please submit your comments by the inch page. Contact TTB’s information
made available via this notice is closing date shown above in this notice. specialist at the above address or by
intended to provide a framework for Your comments must reference Notice telephone at 202–453–2270 to schedule
discussion, review, and comment, in No. 156 and include your name and an appointment or to request copies of
order to aid the system development. mailing address. Your comments also comments or other materials.
The draft Filing Instructions document must be made in English, be legible, and
also reflects requirements that TTB may Drafting Information
be written in language acceptable for
propose through the future publication public disclosure. TTB does not Andrew Malone of the Regulations
in the Federal Register of a notice of acknowledge receipt of comments, and and Rulings Division drafted this notice.
proposed rulemaking, with a solicitation TTB considers all comments as Signed: July 30, 2015.
for public comment. The comments TTB originals. John J. Manfreda,
receives on that notice of proposed In your comment, please clearly state Administrator.
rulemaking, as well as the comments if you are commenting for yourself or on [FR Doc. 2015–19456 Filed 8–6–15; 8:45 am]
received on the draft Filing Instructions behalf of an association, business, or BILLING CODE 4810–31–P
themselves through this notice, may other entity. If you are commenting on
result in changes to the Filing behalf of an entity, your comment must
Instructions. include the entity’s name as well as DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY
The draft Filing Instructions are your name and position title. In your
available on Regulations.gov as part of comment via Regulations.gov, please [Internal Revenue Service]
Docket No. TTB–2015–0012 on enter the entity’s name in the
Regulations.gov. You can also obtain a Open Meeting of the Taxpayer
‘‘Organization’’ blank of the online Advocacy Panel Taxpayer Assistance
copy by contacting John Kyranos as comment form. If you comment via
described above. Center Improvements Project
postal mail or hand delivery/courier, Committee
Public Participation please submit your entity’s comment on
tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
letterhead. AGENCY: Internal Revenue Service (IRS),
Comments Invited
Treasury.
Confidentiality
TTB invites comments from interested ACTION: Notice of Meeting.
members of the public on the draft All submitted comments and
Filing Instructions. TTB is particularly attachments are part of the public record SUMMARY: An open meeting of the
interested in comments related to the and subject to disclosure. Do not Taxpayer Advocacy Panel Taxpayer
usability of the Filing Instructions. TTB enclose any material in your comments Assistance Center Improvements Project
VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:24 Aug 06, 2015 Jkt 235001 PO 00000 Frm 00112 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\07AUN1.SGM 07AUN1](https://thefederalregister.org/doc/80_FR_47710/page/4.svg)
Document Created: 2015-12-15 10:57:01
Document Modified: 2015-12-15 10:57:01
| Category | Regulatory Information | |
| Collection | Federal Register | |
| sudoc Class | AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106: | |
| Publisher | Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration | |
| Section | Notices | |
| Action | Notice of availability and request for comments. | |
| Dates | Comments on the draft Filing Instructions must be received by October 6, 2015. | |
| Contact | For information about the filing instructions or the pilot program, contact John Kyranos, Regulations and Rulings Division, Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, 1310 G Street NW., Box 12, Washington, DC 20005; telephone (202) 453-1039, extension 001; or email [email protected] | |
| FR Citation | 80 FR 47558 |
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