80_FR_70373 80 FR 70154 - Customs and Border Protection's Bond Program

80 FR 70154 - Customs and Border Protection's Bond Program

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

Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 219 (November 13, 2015)

Page Range70154-70170
FR Document2015-28503

This document adopts as a final rule, with changes, proposed amendments to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regulations that serve to centralize the processing of continuous bonds at CBP's Revenue Division within the Office of Administration. Upon consideration of comments received from the public in response to the proposed rulemaking, and in light of CBP's ongoing efforts concerning the development of electronic bonds, CBP has determined not to proceed at this time with certain proposed regulatory changes relating to the application, approval, and execution of bonds. CBP has also determined not to proceed with proposals relating to provisions that are the subject of other rulemakings currently under inter-departmental review. In the notice of proposed rulemaking, CBP used the terms ``CBP-approved electronic data interchange system'' and ``electronic filing'' to describe the manner by which continuous bonds may be submitted to CBP. In this final rule, these terms are clarified to reflect that continuous bonds may be scanned and submitted to CBP as an email attachment, or by facsimile. This document also amends the CBP regulations to allow for the filing of single transaction bonds pursuant to these methods. In this rulemaking, CBP also clarifies the CBP regulations to reflect that intellectual property rights sample bonds are posted to protect the importer or owner of the sample, and changes provisions of the international carrier bond regarding the payment of fees. Lastly, this final rule adopts non-substantive amendments to the regulations regarding nomenclature and organizational changes, including editorial changes to enhance general readability, and makes technical corrections to reflect statutory amendments.

Federal Register, Volume 80 Issue 219 (Friday, November 13, 2015)
[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 219 (Friday, November 13, 2015)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 70154-70170]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2015-28503]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

U.S. Customs and Border Protection

DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY

19 CFR Parts 101, 113, and 133

[CBP Dec. 15-15, USCBP-2006-0013]
RIN 1515-AD56 [formerly 1505-AB54]


Customs and Border Protection's Bond Program

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

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This document adopts as a final rule, with changes, proposed 
amendments to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regulations 
that serve to centralize the processing of continuous bonds at CBP's 
Revenue Division within the Office of Administration. Upon 
consideration of comments received from the public in response to the 
proposed rulemaking, and in light of CBP's ongoing efforts concerning 
the development of electronic bonds, CBP has determined not to proceed 
at this time with certain proposed regulatory changes relating to the 
application, approval, and execution of bonds. CBP has also determined 
not to proceed with proposals relating to provisions that are the 
subject of other rulemakings currently under inter-departmental review. 
In the notice of proposed rulemaking, CBP used the terms ``CBP-approved 
electronic data interchange system'' and ``electronic filing'' to 
describe the manner by which continuous bonds may be submitted to CBP. 
In this final rule, these terms are clarified to reflect that 
continuous bonds may be scanned and submitted to CBP as an email 
attachment, or by facsimile. This document also amends the CBP 
regulations to allow for the filing of single transaction bonds 
pursuant to these methods. In this rulemaking, CBP also clarifies the 
CBP regulations to reflect that intellectual property rights sample 
bonds are posted to protect the importer or owner of the sample, and 
changes provisions of the international carrier bond regarding the 
payment of fees. Lastly, this final rule adopts non-substantive 
amendments to the regulations regarding nomenclature and organizational 
changes, including editorial changes to enhance general readability, 
and makes technical corrections to reflect statutory amendments.

DATES: Effective December 14, 2015.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kara Welty, Chief, Debt Management 
Branch, Revenue Division, Office of Administration, Tel. (317) 614-
4614.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Background

Proposed Rule

    On January 5, 2010, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) 
published in the Federal Register (75 FR 266) a proposal to amend title 
19 of the Code of Federal Regulations (19 CFR) regarding CBP's bond 
program. The proposed amendments to CBP's bond regulations were 
intended to update and modernize CBP's bond program and centralize the 
filing, review and approval of continuous bonds at CBP's Revenue 
Division, Office of Administration, in Indianapolis, Indiana, which 
assumes the bond functions previously performed at the port level. In 
that document, CBP also proposed to amend Sec.  113.64, which 
prescribes international carrier bond conditions, to state that an 
obligor must pay liquidated damages for failure to timely submit to CBP 
passenger processing fees that were required to be collected. In 
addition, CBP proposed to amend the regulations in part 133 to reflect 
that bonds relating to allegations of counterfeit trademarks are 
permitted to be continuous bonds.

Bond Final Rule Separate and Distinct From eBond Test

    Title VI of the North American Free Trade Agreement Implementation 
Act, Public Law 103-182, 107 Stat. 2057 (Dec. 8, 1993), establishes the 
National Customs Automation Program (NCAP), an automated and electronic 
system for the processing of commercial importations. CBP is currently 
conducting a voluntary NCAP eBond test. In a general notice published 
in the Federal Register (79 FR 70881) on November 28, 2014, CBP 
described the terms and conditions of the eBond test which provides for 
the transmission to the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) of 
electronic bond contracts (eBonds) between principals and sureties, 
with CBP as the third-party beneficiary, for the purpose of linking 
those eBonds to the transactions they are intended to secure (eBond 
system). The test deployed on January 3, 2015, and a modification to 
the test was published in the Federal Register (80 FR 899) and went 
into effect on January 7, 2015.
    The eBond test is separate and distinct from this bond final rule. 
In this regard, it is noted that the eBond test pertains to electronic 
bonds that are not submitted on the CBP Form 301 and that are 
transmitted through an electronic data interchange to ACE to secure a 
limited subset of ACE entry types. The bond regulations contained in 
this final rule, however, pertain to all entry types and provide for 
the filing of both continuous bonds and single transaction bonds 
primarily on the CBP Form 301. As a result of this rule, CBP Form 301 
bonds may be scanned and emailed to CBP as a computer file attachment 
(i.e., in a .pdf or a .tif format), or submitted by facsimile (fax) or 
mail. Bonds emailed or faxed to CBP on the CBP Form 301 are not 
submitted via a ``CBP-approved electronic data interchange system'' in 
that they do not constitute a computer-to-computer interchange of 
strictly formatted messages. To clarify this fact, this final rule no 
longer refers to CBP Form 301 bonds, or the submission of bonds outside 
of the eBond test, as ``electronic'' or submitted or filed

[[Page 70155]]

``electronically'' or via a ``CBP-authorized electronic data 
interchange system.'' Moreover, as bonds may still be submitted to CBP 
outside of the eBond test, it is important to note the following:
     Non-eBond test participants must adhere to the regulatory 
provisions set forth in Chapter 1 of title 19 of the Code of Federal 
Regulations.
     For eBond test participants, the regulatory provisions set 
forth in Chapter 1 of title 19 of the CFR are suspended to the extent 
that they conflict with the terms of the eBond test.

Amendments Suggested by Commenters

    This final rule adopts changes suggested by commenters in response 
to the proposed rulemaking that are a natural outgrowth of that 
document. Specifically, the changes:
     Permit both single transaction bonds (STBs) and continuous 
bonds to be scanned and submitted to CBP as an email attachment or by 
fax.
     Liberalize the existing procedure, set forth in Sec.  
113.37(d), by which agents or attorneys acting for a corporate surety 
may identify themselves to CBP by permitting the submission of a 
surety-generated 9-digit alphanumeric identification number as a 
substitute for submission of a social security number.
     Remove the reference, in Sec.  113.38(c)(4), to ``port 
director'' as among the CBP personnel authorized to determine whether 
CBP will accept the bonds of a particular surety.
     Effect a technical correction to Sec.  113.52, which 
currently requires that CBP report a bonded debt to the Department of 
Justice for prosecution if unpaid for 90 days. As section 2103 of the 
Miscellaneous Trade and Technical Corrections Act of 2004 amended 19 
U.S.C. 1514 by extending the time to file and amend a protest from 90 
days to 180 days after the date of liquidation or reliquidation, or 
date of the decision, order, or finding being protested for entries 
made on or after December 18, 2004, the 90-day period should be changed 
to 180 days to reflect that fact.

Clarifying and Conforming Amendments

    This document also amends the regulations to effect clarifications 
that better explain the bond process and conform the regulations to 
reflect amendments to title 19 of the CFR that went into effect after 
publication of the proposed rule. Specifically, these changes:
     Clarify in Sec.  113.14, which pertains to situations 
where the approved form of a bond is inadequate, that in situations 
where CBP determines that none of the conditions contained in Subpart 
G, CBP Bond Conditions, of part 113 are applicable to a transaction 
sought to be secured, either the Director, Revenue Division, or the 
port director, may draft conditions that cover the transaction as CBP 
deems appropriate and the port director is not limited to drafting 
conditions only for single transaction bonds (STBs) in these instances. 
This change is necessary to reflect the fact that there are certain 
continuous bonds for which the port director, and not the Revenue 
Division, will draft bond conditions that are specific to the issues 
and the geography of the port involved.
     Clarify in Sec.  113.15, which prescribes the retention of 
approved bonds, that except for bonds containing the agreement to pay 
court costs (condemned goods) (see Sec.  113.72), and as may otherwise 
be deemed appropriate by CBP, bonds that are approved by the port 
director will be retained at the port office and bonds that are 
approved at the Revenue Division (including bonds relating to repayment 
of erroneous drawback payments containing the conditions set forth in 
Sec.  113.65) will be retained at the Revenue Division.
     Clarify the introductory language in Sec.  113.39(a) to 
state that reports to CBP Headquarters are to be sent to the attention 
of the Executive Director, Regulations and Rulings, Office of 
International Trade.
     Clarify Sec.  113.64(b)(1) and (2) to state, in positive 
terms, that the principal (carrier) must pay processing fees to CBP 
``within'' the prescribed number of ``calendar'' days after the close 
of the calendar quarter in which they were due.
     Clarify Sec.  133.25(c), relating to the terms of the IPR 
sample bond, by adding in the second sentence the phrase ``. . ., 
conditioned to indemnify the importer or owner of the imported article 
against any loss or damage resulting from the furnishing of the sample 
by CBP to the owner of the mark.'' This language is added to eliminate 
confusion and make clear that the IPR sample bond is posted to protect 
the importer or owner of the sample.

Proposals Not Adopted

    As noted above, this final rule adopts changes suggested by 
commenters in response to the proposed rulemaking, including 
recommendations to not proceed with certain proposed amendments. In 
this document, CBP has also determined not to adopt as final certain 
regulatory proposals that are the subject of other CBP rulemakings that 
are currently in formal inter-departmental review. In addition, CBP is 
not finalizing certain proposals in light of ongoing efforts concerning 
the development and deployment of eBonds in the ACE environment. In 
this regard, it is noted that CBP has announced a deployment schedule 
that will include electronic filing of STBs. This schedule is available 
for viewing at: http://www.cbp.gov/sites/default/files/documents/Product%20Backlog%20as%20of%2003-31-14.pdf. As many of the regulatory 
changes offered in the proposed rule may not be consistent with the 
deployment of eBonds in the ACE, or have otherwise been overtaken by 
events, the following proposed changes are not being adopted as final, 
in whole or in part (notwithstanding non-substantive editorial changes 
that are retained in this document), as described below:
     Proposed changes to 19 CFR 113.11 relating to bond 
applications, with the exception that this section is amended to 
specify that both STBs and continuous bonds may be scanned and 
submitted to CBP as an email attachment or by fax, paper STBs may be 
filed at the Revenue Division or with the port director, and continuous 
bonds must be filed with the Director, Revenue Division.
     Proposed changes to 19 CFR 113.12 regarding bond approval, 
with the exception that paragraphs (a) and (b) are respectively amended 
to state that STBs may be approved by either the Revenue Division or by 
the director of the port where filed, and continuous bonds will be 
approved by the Director, Revenue Division.
     Proposed changes to 19 CFR 113.13(c) which would remove 
the 30-day time period from date of notification within which a 
principal must remedy a bond deficiency. Upon further review, and in 
response to commenters' suggestions, CBP has decided to reinstate a 
prescribed time period within which a principal must remedy the bond 
insufficiency. CBP views a 30-day response period as too lengthy to 
adequately protect the revenue and ensure compliance with applicable 
law and regulations, and therefore this provision is amended to 
prescribe a 15-day period.
     Proposed changes to 19 CFR 113.21 relating to information 
required on the bond.
     Proposed changes to 19 CFR 113.22 relating to witnesses 
required on the bond.
     Proposed changes to 19 CFR 113.23 relating to changes made 
on the bond.
     Proposed changes to 19 CFR 113.24 relating to riders, with 
the exception

[[Page 70156]]

that this section is amended to reflect that riders must be filed with 
the Revenue Division and may be scanned and submitted to CBP as an 
email attachment or by fax. In addition, this section clarifies that 
riders must be attached to their related bond if submitted in a paper 
format and sets forth a reference to the CBP Web site containing a 
comprehensive listing of acceptable riders. In addition, this section 
sets forth a reference to the CBP Web site containing a comprehensive 
listing of acceptable riders.
     Proposed changes to 19 CFR 113.25 relating to seals on the 
bond.
     Proposed changes to 19 CFR 113.26 relating to riders, with 
the exception that this section is amended to allow the filing of 
riders up to sixty days prior to the effective date rather than thirty 
days.
     Proposed changes to 19 CFR 113.27 relating to termination 
of bonds, with the exception that this section is amended to reflect 
that termination notices must be sent to the Revenue Division.
     Proposed changes to 19 CFR 113.33 relating to bond 
execution requirements of corporations, with the exception that 
paragraph (c) is amended to include a reference to the Revenue 
Division.
     Proposed changes to 19 CFR 113.37 relating to signature 
and seal requirements of corporate sureties, with the exception that 
the outdated existing reference to the ``Bureau of Government Financial 
Operations'' is replaced with an updated reference to ``Bureau of the 
Fiscal Service'' to reflect current administrative and legal 
authorities. Also, as noted above, CBP is adopting as final the 
proposed amendments to paragraph (d) whereby agents or attorneys acting 
for a corporate surety may identify themselves to CBP by submitting a 
surety-generated 9-digit alphanumeric identification number as a 
substitute for submission of a social security number.
     Proposed changes to 19 CFR 113.39 to reflect a generalized 
reference to ``authorized CBP officer'' as to who may recommend the 
removal of a surety company from Treasury Department Circular 570, with 
the exception that this section is amended by adding references to the 
Revenue Division and also to replace the outdated existing reference to 
the ``Bureau of Government Financial Operations'' with an updated 
reference to ``Bureau of the Fiscal Service''.
     Proposed changes to Sec.  113.40, which provides for 
acceptance of cash deposits or obligations of the United States in lieu 
of sureties on bonds, with the exception that this section is amended 
to provide that the Secretary of Homeland Security is among those who 
may authorize the enforcement of bond laws and regulations and the 
Director, Revenue Division, and not the Port Director, is authorized to 
accept cash deposits in lieu of sureties on bonds.
     Proposed changes to 19 CFR 113.62(a)(1)(i) to include a 
reference to the ``periodic monthly statement'' inasmuch as this type 
of payment is made pursuant to a test program that has not been 
provided by regulation.
     Proposed changes to the title of the bond set forth in 
Appendix A to Part 113 from ``Airport Customs Security Area'' to 
``Airport CBP Security Area'' in that the term ``CBP'' is improperly 
restrictive in this context. Here, CBP uses ``Customs'' in the generic 
sense of the word rather than as a continued reference to the legacy 
component of CBP, the U.S. Customs Service, previously referred to 
throughout title 19 CFR as ``Customs.'' It is noted, however, that CBP 
adopts in this final rule the proposal to convert this bond from a term 
bond to a continuous bond.
     Proposed changes to Appendices A and D to part 113 which 
would remove the witness requirements.
     Proposed changes to 19 CFR 133.21(d) and 19 CFR 133.42(e), 
as the proposed amendments to these intellectual property rights sample 
bond provisions are the subject of existing rulemakings which are in 
formal inter-departmental review.

Discussion of Comments

    Eight commenters responded to CBP's solicitation of public comment 
in the proposed rule. A description of the comments received, together 
with CBP's analyses, is set forth below.
    Comment:
    One commenter requested confirmation that the proposed substitution 
of the reference to the Department of the Treasury in 19 CFR 113.1, 
with a reference to the
    Department of Homeland Security (DHS), does not create a deficiency 
in authority for CBP to require bonds or other security.
    CBP Response:
    The proposed substitution does not create a deficiency in 
authority. First, in view of the authority transferred by the Homeland 
Security Act of 2002 and delegated by Treasury Department Order No. 
100-16 (May 23, 2003), Appendix to part 0 of title 19 of the Code of 
Federal Regulations (19 CFR part 0), all of the Secretary of the 
Treasury's authority pursuant to 19 U.S.C. 1623(a) was transferred and/
or delegated to the DHS Secretary who then appropriately delegated it 
to the Commissioner of CBP, who may re-delegate it further within CBP. 
Second, any authority outside the scope of 19 U.S.C. 1623(a) is 
encompassed within the dependent clause of the sentence which begins 19 
CFR 113.1.
    Comment:
    Six commenters provided submissions regarding various aspects of 
the bond application process as set forth in proposed Sec.  113.11. The 
bond application comments are summarized as follows:
     The level of continuous bond application detail specified 
in proposed Sec.  113.11(c) is much greater than the amount of 
information currently collected in bond applications and constitutes a 
new ``collection of information'' pursuant to the Paperwork Reduction 
Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3507). This contradicts CBP's statement in the 
proposed rule that ``[T]here are no new collections of information 
proposed in this document.''
     The requirement to submit an application for a STB, as set 
forth in proposed Sec.  113.11(a), should be removed. The commenters 
noted that STBs are rarely, if ever, accompanied by bond applications 
and the transaction that the bond secures serves to provide CBP with 
the necessary information.
     In the alternative, if CBP elects to retain applications 
for STBs, as is required in proposed Sec.  113.11(a), CBP should modify 
the provision to state that STB applications may be filed at either the 
Revenue Division or the port, and either of those locales may review 
and approve the bond.
     Requiring applications for any type of customs bonds is an 
outmoded concept as the preponderance of bond sufficiency decisions 
rendered by the Revenue Division are not based on the application, but 
on the Revenue Division's analysis of data that is readily and 
routinely extracted from CBP's own data systems. In this regard, it is 
noted that CBP's data processing and analysis capabilities are vastly 
more comprehensive today than those that were in existence in 1985 when 
the current bond application regulatory requirements were promulgated. 
CBP should handle its request for more specific information collection 
through utilization of CBP Directives.
     The detail set forth in the proposed bond application 
involves certain information which is pertinent only in the case of 
Activity Code 1 continuous bonds, even though the requirements of 
proposed Sec.  113.11(c) purport to apply to all activity codes.
     Proposed Sec.  113.11(d) requires updates to application 
information in the event of a ``material change.''

[[Page 70157]]

Commenters note CBP has not enforced this provision for 25 years. In 
addition, the term ``material change'' is undefined and therefore 
subjective, vague, and difficult to enforce. CBP has the ability to 
determine for itself whether any information has changed materially 
enough to warrant a new bond and, as the bond obligee, it is good risk 
management practice to continually review all bonds for adequacy.
     References in Sec.  113.11 to CBP Form 301 should be 
deleted inasmuch as certain bonds filed with CBP (e.g., Importer 
Security Filing (ISF) ``Appendix D'' Bonds, Airport Customs Security 
Area ``Appendix A'' Bonds) are not filed on the CBP Form 301.
     Proposed Sec.  113.11(c)(1)(v) requires that the bond 
applicant provide information relating to the nature of the 
relationship between principal, co-principals, or unincorporated 
divisions or trade names appearing on the bond. This new requirement 
does not have any relation to protection of revenue and/or setting bond 
amounts.
     Proposed Sec.  113.11(c)(1)(viii) requires the applicant 
to report ``anticipated'' material changes to the nature of the 
merchandise that will be imported over the subsequent 12 months. This 
new requirement does not have any relation to protection of revenue.
     Proposed Sec.  113.11(c)(1)(xii) and (xiii) duplicate the 
information requested in paragraph (e).
     It is not necessary that a bond application be executed 
under seal and this requirement should be removed from proposed Sec.  
113.11(e)(1). By waiving this requirement, proposed paragraphs (e)(1) 
and (e)(2) can be combined and require the same certification language 
for everyone and every situation.
     As proposed, Sec.  113.11 pertains to bond applications, 
paragraph (e)(1) should be amended by adding the word ``applications'' 
to clarify that the provision pertains to paper bond applications.
     The last sentence in the certification language set forth 
in proposed Sec.  113.11(e)(2) presumes that every bond application 
submitted electronically will be submitted by a corporate applicant. 
Non-corporate applicants will not be able to make such a certification.
     The term ``continuous transaction bond'' in proposed Sec.  
113.11(c)(1) should read ``continuous bonds.''
     In the proposed rule, CBP would permit certain 
documentation to be submitted to the Revenue Division in a non-paper 
format. As such submissions will not contain a written signature or 
seal, CBP proposes to add alternative certification language stating 
that the bonds are legally binding ``to the same extent as if signed 
and under seal.'' CBP should not permit certification in lieu of 
requiring a signature on non-paper bonds without developing appropriate 
safeguards to verify and authenticate the intent of the parties to be 
bound without the evidence of signatures. Part 113 should be limited to 
bonds submitted by mail, fax or other electronic imagery where the 
signature and seal will be visible (i.e., as a .pdf or .tif email 
attachment). CBP should engage the surety industry and trade in 
discussions to establish the proper regulatory language. Self-
certification of one's own authority is susceptible to fraud. In a 
related submission, another commenter noted that if an electronic bond 
transmission to CBP is not pursuant to an ``authorized electronic 
interchange system,'' as required by 19 U.S.C. 1623(e), a signature is 
required. To remedy these problems, the commenters suggest amending 
proposed Sec.  113.11 by: (1) Deleting the introductory paragraph and 
all references to CBP Form 301; (2) deleting the requirement to submit 
a bond application for STBs set forth in proposed paragraph (a); (3) 
removing the specific bond information set forth in proposed paragraph 
(c); (4) deleting the requirement to submit bond application updates in 
the event of material change; (5) stating that CBP may require a 
prospective or existing continuous or term bond principal to file a 
written bond application and, when required, the application must 
include the information specified by the Revenue Division in order to 
properly evaluate bond sufficiency; (6) changing the reference to 
``paper bond'' in proposed Sec.  113.11(e)(1) to read, ``paper bond 
application'', and; (7) adding the words, ``where applicable'' to the 
certification language in Sec.  113.11(e)(2) to reflect that not all 
non-paper bond applications will be from corporate applicants. The 
commenters maintain that such amendments to the bond application 
procedures will result in true paperwork reduction without sacrificing 
CBP's ability to obtain and review the information it needs to make 
sound bond sufficiency decisions.
    CBP Response:
    For reasons discussed elsewhere in this preamble, CBP has 
determined not to proceed with most of the proposed changes to 19 CFR 
113.11. It is noted, however, that this final rule amends the CBP 
regulations to reflect the proposal to set forth CBP's bond application 
procedures in Sec.  113.11 (which are currently prescribed in Sec.  
113.12) and to set forth the bond approval regulations in Sec.  113.12 
(which are currently prescribed in Sec.  113.11) as this non-
substantive change reflects the proper chronological order of bond 
processing events. It is further noted that CBP is amending the STB 
bond application process set forth in Sec.  113.11(a) to provide that 
the STB bond application may be in the form of a letter and filed with 
the Director, Revenue Division or the port director, or the STB may be 
scanned and submitted to CBP as an email attachment or by fax. 
Similarly, CBP is amending Sec.  113.11(b) to provide that continuous 
bonds must be submitted to the Director, Revenue Division and may be 
scanned and submitted to CBP as an email attachment or by fax. Lastly, 
this final rule removes references to CBP Form 301 in Sec.  113.11.
    Comment:
    Several commenters noted that a reference to term bonds should be 
added to proposed Sec.  113.11 to encompass Airport Customs Security 
Area Bonds or, in the alternative, term bonds should be converted into 
a continuous bond format.
    CBP Response:
    CBP agrees with the commenters' suggestion that Airport Customs 
Security Area Bonds, which are currently term bonds that lapse at the 
end of a specified period,
    should be converted to a continuous bond type. This change will 
allow CBP to avoid lapses in coverage and thereby enhance security. The 
conversion poses no economic burden on the public and is a logical 
outgrowth of the proposed rulemaking in that it serves to ensure a 
uniform approach to bond approval, maintenance, and periodic review. 
Accordingly, this document amends Appendix A to 19 CFR part 113 by 
removing the bond text pertaining to specific duration of the bond and 
to locality.
    Comment:
    Several commenters provided submissions regarding various aspects 
of the bond approval process as set forth in proposed Sec.  113.12. The 
bond approval comments are summarized as follows:
     Paragraph (a) should reflect that the Revenue Division 
already accepts emailed STB versions of the ISF Bond (Appendix D to 
part 113).
     The last sentence of proposed Sec.  113.12(b) should be 
changed to state that ``only one continuous bond for a particular 
activity `code' will be authorized for each principal.'' This is 
necessary because the unqualified reference to ``a particular 
activity,'' as is currently proposed, is too broad and susceptible to 
an unintended

[[Page 70158]]

interpretation that would require a principal to obtain more continuous 
bonds than are needed to cover all of its activities.
    CBP Response:
    CBP agrees that additional clarification as to who may approve 
bonds is beneficial. Accordingly, this document amends Sec.  113.12(a) 
to state that STBs may be approved by the Revenue Division or by the 
director of the port where the STB is filed, and amends Sec.  113.12(b) 
to state that continuous bonds must be approved by the Revenue 
Division. As CBP has determined not to proceed with the remainder of 
the proposed amendments to Sec.  113.12, it is not necessary to address 
other comments concerning this section.
    Comment:
    Several commenters noted that CBP has apparently launched a new 
electronic single transaction bond program (``e-STB''). The program 
appears to be unauthorized and violative of the NPRM which repeatedly 
indicates that STBs will continue to be filed and approved by port 
directors. The final rule should authorize, but not require, the 
centralization of e-STBs at the Revenue Division.
    CBP Response:
    This comment predates deployment of the eBond test on January 3, 
2015, and prior to this date CBP had not launched a formal e-STB 
program; rather, based on individual program requirements, such as 
Importer Security Filing (ISF) and Automated Commercial Environment 
(ACE) entries, CBP has accepted and processed scanned images of bonds 
transmitted via email. Nevertheless, as noted above, CBP is in 
agreement with the commenters' suggestion to liberalize the manner by 
which STBs may be submitted to CBP. To that end, this final rule amends 
the CBP regulations to permit STBs to be scanned and submitted to CBP 
as an email attachment or by fax. For purposes of uniformity, this 
document also amends Sec.  113.11(b) to clarify that continuous bonds 
may be scanned and submitted to CBP as an email attachment or by fax.
    Comment:
    Several commenters provided comments regarding the proposed 
amendments to Sec.  113.13(c), which pertain to CBP's periodic review 
to determine bond sufficiency. The comments are summarized as follows:
     Six commenters objected to the proposed amendments to 
Sec.  113.13(c) which state that CBP will periodically review each bond 
on file to determine whether the bond is adequate to protect the 
revenue and ensure compliance with applicable law and regulations, and 
that, if CBP determines a bond to be inadequate, the principal will be 
promptly notified in writing and additional security for any and all of 
the principal's transactions covered by the bond may be required until 
the deficiency is remedied. The commenters state that the proposed 
changes would permit CBP to deactivate a bond and/or require additional 
collateralization almost immediately, regardless of the reason for the 
insufficiency. Although 19 CFR 113.13(c), as it is currently proposed 
to be amended, suggests that a bond insufficiency is determined by 
whether ``the bond is adequate to protect the revenue and ensure 
compliance with the law and regulations,'' the commenters note that CBP 
finds insufficiency and deactivates bonds for a variety of reasons, not 
all of them involving threats to compliance or the revenue. The 
commenters request that CBP maintain the 30 days written notice to the 
principal as is currently provided in the regulations.
     Several commenters object to CBP's ability to render a 
bond insufficient in situations where a bond has been identified as 
``inadequate,'' but the inadequacy is not significant enough to rise to 
the level of jeopardizing compliance or revenue.
     One commenter suggests replacing the word ``immediate'' in 
paragraph (d), with a word connoting a more reasonable period of time.
     The bond is an agreement between the principal, CBP, and 
the surety, and any notice given by CBP to the principal should also be 
given to the surety.
     Several commenters suggest the language in proposed 
paragraphs (c) and (d) pertaining to ``additional securities'' is 
duplicative and need only be stated once in paragraph (d).
    CBP Response:
    When circumstances require, CBP must be able to act quickly to 
protect the revenue and ensure compliance with law and regulation. 
There have been situations where the passage of time between CBP's 
decision finding a bond to be insufficient and the principal increasing 
the bond in response to such a finding has resulted in the agency 
having to write off millions of dollars in uncollectible revenue. It is 
noted that even in situations where the continuous bond is rendered 
insufficient ``immediately,'' the trade retains the ability to move 
cargo without excessive delay by using STBs. In an effort to alleviate 
concern that CBP will improperly render a bond insufficient in 
situations where the bond inadequacy is not significant enough to rise 
to the level of jeopardizing compliance or revenue, CBP will reinstate 
a prescribed time period within which a principal is given the 
opportunity to remedy the bond insufficiency. As noted above in this 
document, CBP views the existing 30-day response period as too lengthy 
to adequately protect the revenue and ensure compliance with applicable 
law and regulations; therefore, Sec.  113.13(c) is amended to prescribe 
a 15-day period within which a principal must remedy a deficiency and 
to state that where CBP has determined that a bond is insufficient to 
adequately protect the revenue and ensure compliance with applicable 
law and regulations, CBP may provide written notice to the principal 
and surety that additional security in the form of cash deposit or STB 
may be required for any and all of the principal's transactions until 
the deficiency is remedied. CBP will provide notice of any 
insufficiency to both the principal and the surety.
    Comment:
    Several commenters expressed concern with the ISF implications of 
CBP's proposed amendments to Sec.  113.13 which would allow CBP to 
deactivate a bond and/or require additional collateralization almost 
immediately. Before introduction of the ISF requirement, this action 
would cause delays in filing an entry for release as the cargo arrives 
at terminals in the U.S. Under ISF, the immediate inactivation of a 
bond for any insufficiency takes on troubling implications in that 
cargo will be held back from being sent to the U.S. by the carrier 
overseas. If the cargo is not laden aboard the vessel at the foreign 
port, it may cause significant shipping delays.
    CBP response:
    CBP disagrees and notes that even in situations where the 
continuous bond is rendered insufficient ``immediately,'' the trade 
retains the ability to move cargo without excessive delay by using 
STBs. This includes using a STB to satisfy the ISF bonding requirement.
    Comment:
    Seven commenters disagree that CBP is ``entitled to presume, 
without verification, that submitted bond applications and related 
documentation, which include the bond, are properly executed, complete, 
accurate, and in full compliance with all applicable laws.'' This 
language, or substantially similar variations thereof, was proposed to 
be added to various provisions throughout part 113. The commenters 
state that, as CBP is the obligee of the bond and a party to it, CBP 
has a duty to exercise due diligence to ensure that the bond meets the 
regulations and requirements CBP establishes. The explicit elimination 
of CBP's accountability indicates a radical, unnecessary and

[[Page 70159]]

inappropriate change in CBP's approach to the bond process and 
protection of the revenue and such change was not adequately discussed 
in the proposed rule's preamble. It was also suggested that, as a 
matter of law, it is inconceivable that the courts would allow CBP to 
collect against sureties on bonds which were produced fraudulently, or 
are deficient on their face, or are inconsistent with CBP regulations 
and statutory requirements. One commenter noted that the presumption of 
validity, authority and accuracy may attach to the filer, but not to 
the surety unless the filer's authority is specifically verified. If a 
bond is submitted and accepted by CBP, then CBP must also take 
responsibility for the problems, errors or deficiencies in the bond 
which it has accepted.
    CBP Response:
    As CBP has determined not to proceed with the proposed regulatory 
provisions containing this language, it is not necessary to address 
these comments.
    Comment:
    One commenter suggests that the requirement to ``line out'' unused 
portions of the CBP Form 301 should be retained in Sec.  113.21 as it 
helps reduce ambiguity or uncertainty as to the intent of the principal 
or the surety when completing the bond.
    CBP response:
    As CBP has determined not to proceed with the proposed changes to 
19 CFR 113.21, it is not necessary to address this comment.
    Comment:
    One commenter agrees with CBP's proposal to remove Sec.  113.22, 
which pertains to bond witness requirements, and suggests that all 
references to witnesses should be removed from Sec. Sec.  113.24(d), 
113.40(b), and Appendices A, B, C, and D to part 113.
    CBP Response:
    As CBP has determined not to proceed with the proposed changes to 
19 CFR 113.22, it is not necessary to address this comment.
    Comment:
    Four comments were received regarding Sec.  113.23, which describes 
the types of changes that may be made to a bond and the process by 
which to effect such changes. The comments are summarized below:
     This section should be amended to read that changes may be 
made to the bond ``filing'' and not the actual bond because the bond 
has not been approved yet.
     One commenter suggests that the last sentence in Sec.  
113.23(c) be amended to read, ``[W]hen a modification or interlineation 
is desired, the principal or surety will withdraw the bond filing if 
submitted to CBP and a new bond will be executed.''
    CBP response:
    As CBP has determined not to proceed with the proposed changes to 
19 CFR 113.23, it is not necessary to address these comments.
    Comment:
    Four commenters made submissions regarding the proposed amendments 
to riders in Sec.  113.24. The comments are summarized as follows:
     Any future riders should be able to be submitted to the 
Revenue Division.
     Proposed Sec.  113.24(e) requires that all riders 
submitted on paper be signed by both the principal and co-principals. 
This requirement deviates from the existing requirement to have a rider 
signed by only the affected principal and, as such, is overly 
burdensome and unnecessary. In the alternative, if this revision is 
retained in the final, the requirement should also apply to each surety 
and co-surety. Section 113.24(e) does not provide the format for all 
acceptable riders, and the final rule should either list all acceptable 
riders or refer the reader to the CBP Web site for a complete listing.
     As Sec.  113.26 states that the riders in Sec. Sec.  
113.24(e)(2) and (3) are effective on the ``date in the rider,'' CBP 
needs to include an effective date in these riders.
     CBP should remove the requirement that the rider must be 
executed under seal inasmuch as the only approved riders are those 
intended to correct information that does not rise to the level of 
materially altering the bond itself (i.e., address change, name change, 
etc.).
     One commenter noted that the riders named in proposed 
Sec.  113.24, which are to be filed at the Revenue Division, are for a 
change to the principal's name or address, as well as addition and 
deletion riders for unincorporated divisions on a bond. The commenter 
suggests that reconciliation riders, which are currently filed at CBP 
Headquarters, should also be filed at the Revenue Division to avoid 
situations where a bond is terminated, but the rider is not. If a new 
bond is filed with a new surety, the rider is deemed unavailable as it 
indicates the surety on the terminated bond. Any entry flagged for 
reconciliation under the new bond is not valid because there is no 
reconciliation rider for the new bond. This is a CBP system issue and 
it would be advisable for the Revenue Division to control the filing 
and termination of reconciliation riders.
    CBP Response:
    CBP is not proceeding with the finalization of most of the proposed 
amendments to Sec.  113.24. One exception is the amendment that 
provides that riders must be filed with the Revenue Division and that 
they may be scanned and filed as an email attachment or by fax. Other 
exceptions are the amendment of paragraph (c) to clarify that riders 
must be attached to their related bond if submitted in a paper format 
and the amendment of Sec.  113.24 to include a reference to the CBP Web 
site containing a listing of all acceptable riders. As CBP has 
determined not to proceed with the remainder of the proposed changes to 
19 CFR 113.24, it is not necessary to address the rest of the comments 
pertaining to this section. In response to the commenter's concern that 
there may be situations where a bond is terminated but the rider is 
not, CBP wishes to clarify that termination of the bond also terminates 
any and all riders to the bond.
    Comment:
    Five commenters noted the following regarding the seal requirements 
set forth in proposed Sec.  113.25.
     CBP should add language to this provision stating that 
seal requirements apply only to bonds directly executed by principals 
(e.g., corporate officers), and that bonds executed by a duly empowered 
attorney-in-fact acting for the principal are exempt from seal 
requirements.
     As bonds are produced in a variety of ways, the 
regulations should specify whether the requirements imposed on the 
party executing the bond apply to the principal, surety or both.
     Paragraph (a), which requires that the party executing a 
bond submitted electronically to CBP ``must retain a copy of the paper 
seal and make such seal available to CBP for inspection upon request,'' 
should be amended to apply to the party ``filing'' the electronic bond 
inasmuch as this more accurately reflects the typical business practice 
and makes a necessary distinction.
     CBP should specify whether the requirement to retain a 
copy of the paper bond, and provide it to CBP upon request, is imposed 
upon the principal, the surety, or both.
    CBP Response:
    As CBP has determined not to proceed with the proposed changes to 
19 CFR 113.25, it is not necessary to address these comments.
    Comment:
    Several commenters made recommendations pertaining to the effective 
dates of bonds and bond riders set forth in Sec.  113.26. The comments 
follow:

[[Page 70160]]

     One commenter requested that CBP clarify, in paragraph 
(e), that the applicable time frame is 15 business days.
     CBP should make the rule more flexible with respect to the 
effective date of riders that are filed to correct an initial 
rejection.
    CBP Response:
    As CBP has determined not to proceed with the proposed changes to 
19 CFR 113.26, with the exception that this document amends this 
section to allow the filing of riders up to 60 days prior to their 
effective dates, it is not necessary to address these comments.
    Comment:
    Several commenters submitted the following comments regarding bond 
termination procedures set forth in Sec.  113.27:
     Proposed Sec.  113.27 should be amended to provide CBP 
with the discretion to permit a withdrawal of a termination if it would 
be in the interest of CBP, the principal, and the surety.
     A commenter expressed dissatisfaction with the proposed 
amendments to Sec.  113.27(b) which eliminate the current authority for 
sureties to terminate a bond in less than 30 days upon a showing ``that 
a lesser time is reasonable under the circumstances,'' and recommends 
that the authority be reinstated.
     The trade supports the proposed procedures set forth in 
paragraph (c) which avoid gaps in bond coverage.
     One commenter noted that pursuant to Sec.  113.27(c)(1), a 
new bond must be filed after termination has taken effect and the bond 
must contain the conditions in Subpart G, regardless of whether the new 
bond is on CBP Form 301 or some other form in the regulations. As the 
conditions in Subpart G are only found on the CBP Form 301 and not on 
the other forms, the regulation should be amended accordingly.
     One commenter stated that the proposed language in Sec.  
113.27(c)(2) permits a termination to be conditioned on the approval of 
a new bond intended to replace the one being terminated. The commenter 
supports the concept, but not the way it is expressed (``. . . 
terminated pursuant to this section . . .'') as this could circumvent a 
surety's decision to terminate a bond when that surety does not desire 
any delay or extension as to when termination becomes effective. A 
surety does not need a principal's consent to terminate the bond, so 
the principal should not be able to delay that decision once the surety 
has given notice of termination under Sec.  113.27(b). Further, this 
language should apply only when the principal has given notice of 
termination under Sec.  113.27(a), and it should be moved there with 
some minor changes. A surety does not have a need to avail itself of 
the method outlined in proposed Sec.  113.27(c)(2).
     Several commenters recommended removing the reference to 
``sureties'' in Sec.  113.27(c)(2) as this provision pertains to 
actions initiated by principals (usually importers), and by moving the 
regulatory text set forth in paragraph (c)(2) to paragraph (a). This 
restructuring will clarify that proposed paragraph (c)(2) does not 
apply to Sec.  113.27(b).
    CBP Response:
    As CBP has determined not to proceed with the proposed changes to 
19 CFR 113.27, with the exception that termination notices must be 
filed at the Revenue Division and they may be submitted to CBP via 
email or by fax, it is not necessary to address these comments.
    Comment:
    Several comments were submitted regarding corporations and Limited 
Liability Corporations (LLC) in Sec.  113.33:
     One commenter suggested that CBP should amend proposed 
Sec.  113.33 to include a definition of ``corporation.''
     One commenter noted that proposed Sec.  113.33(b) states 
that where the continuous bond of a corporate principal or LLC 
principal is submitted to CBP in an electronic format, the bond must 
contain the certification language set forth in Sec.  113.11(e)(2). The 
commenter continued to note that the CBP Form 301 is subject to OMB 
approval and, as this certification is not required under the existing 
regulations, the addition of any language must be approved by OMB. The 
commenter also expresses concern that there is no physical room on the 
CBP Form 301 to place this certification.
    CBP Response:
    As CBP has determined not to proceed with most of the proposed 
changes to 19 CFR 113.33, with the exception that Sec.  133.33(c) is 
amended to add a reference to the Revenue Division, it is not necessary 
to address these comments.
    Comment:
    One commenter stated that the use of individual sureties is 
outmoded and therefore Sec.  113.35 should be removed from title 19 of 
the CFR. However, another commenter suggested that this section should 
be revised to set forth the specific types of property that can be 
posted by individual sureties (e.g., such assets should be liquid and 
be able to be readily valued).
    CBP Response:
    Although this provision is not commonly used, CBP opts to retain it 
and does not deem further specification as to the types of property 
that may be posted by individual sureties as necessary.
    Comment:
    One commenter noted that CBP should amend Sec.  113.37(d) to remove 
the requirement that an agent or attorney on the bond must provide his 
or her social security number (SSN), as this requirement is counter to 
the protections afforded by the Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. 552a). 
The commenter noted that CBP no longer uses the importer number (i.e., 
Employee Identification Number, whether CBP-assigned or SSN) of the 
bond principal on the CBP Form 5955a. Additionally, the commenter noted 
that the Department of Commerce's Bureau of Census abolished the use of 
SSNs in its Automated Export System, citing 5 U.S.C. 552a, and 
suggested that CBP allow a surety attorney-in-fact to obtain and use a 
CBP-assigned importer number.
    CBP Response:
    In this final rule CBP is not adopting most of the proposed changes 
to Sec.  113.37, with the following exceptions:
     Sections 113.37(d) and (g)(ii) are amended to allow an 
agent or attorney to place either his/her social security number or a 
surety-generated 9-digit alphanumeric identification number on the 
bond.
     Sections 113.37(a) and (f) are amended by removing the 
outdated reference to ``Bureau of Government Financial Operations'' and 
replacing it with a reference to ``Bureau of the Fiscal Service'' in 
order to conform to current administrative and legal authorities.
     Section 113.37(g)(1) is amended to allow corporate surety 
powers of attorney to be scanned and submitted to CBP as an email 
attachment, or by fax or mail.
    Comment:
    Two commenters suggested that CBP should amend proposed Sec.  
113.37(g) to reflect that the ACE permits a surety to manage its powers 
of attorney without the need to prepare and submit CBP Form 5297 on 
paper to CBP. Another commenter stated that CBP should authorize the 
electronic filing of CBP Form 5297.
    CBP Response:
    As noted above, CBP is amending Sec.  113.37(g) to allow for the 
corporate surety powers of attorney to be scanned and submitted to CBP 
as an email attachment, or by fax or by mail.
    Comment:
    One commenter recommended that a change is needed to the language 
set

[[Page 70161]]

forth in proposed Sec.  113.38, which pertains to delinquent sureties, 
in order to harmonize the provision with the goal of bond 
centralization. Specifically, paragraph (c)(4) proposes to include a 
port director, along with the Commissioner of CBP and the Director, 
Revenue Division, as a person with the authority to determine that CBP 
will no longer accept the bonds of a particular surety. The commenter 
notes that this is troubling because the opinion of an individual port 
director may set policy based upon his or her criteria, instead of upon 
criteria developed and administered centrally. Further, such language 
is inconsistent with current Sec.  113.38(c)(1) and (2) which 
distinguish between decisions as to non-acceptance of bonds by a port 
director and decisions as to non-acceptance of bonds by the 
Commissioner which are issued to port directors. It is also 
inconsistent with proposed Sec.  113.39(a) which states that the role 
of any authorized CBP officer in determinations relating to the removal 
of a surety from Treasury Department Circular 570 status is that of 
fact gathering and reporting, with the ultimate determination as to 
whether to refer a matter to Treasury to be made by CBP Headquarters.
    CBP Response:
    We agree with the commenter. CBP will revert back to the existing 
language in Sec.  113.38(c)(4) which states that ``an appropriate CBP 
officer'' will make these decisions. This final rule also amends Sec.  
113.38(c)(4) to no longer require that notice to the surety be provided 
in person or by certified mail.
    Comment:
    One commenter requested that CBP extend the effective date of the 
final rule to 180 days from date of publication in the Federal 
Register.
    CBP Response:
    CBP does not view an extension beyond the stated effective date to 
be necessary as the amendments to part 113 promulgated in this document 
do not require the trade to adopt different procedures.
    Comment:
    Several commenters noted that the substantive changes proposed in 
the notice were never the subject of a pre-publication dialogue with 
the trade, despite the fact that CBP meets regularly with the trade.
    CBP Response:
    CBP engaged in pre-publication dialogue of these issues with the 
trade on numerous occasions during the development of this rulemaking. 
CBP believes that the agency met its trade outreach obligations 
regarding the content and development of these regulations.
    Comment:
    Several commenters noted that the proposed changes to Sec.  113.39 
would allow an ``authorized CBP officer'' to initiate a procedure to 
remove a surety from Treasury Department Circular 570. The commenters 
note that this is an extremely serious action as the Treasury 
Department Circular 570 is the basis for the surety to secure all types 
of federal government obligations, not merely customs obligations. 
Accordingly, it is recommended that CBP delegate the authority to 
initiate this action to the Commissioner of CBP or the Director, 
Revenue Division (the same individuals authorized to refuse to accept 
bonds of significantly delinquent sureties).
    CBP Response:
    CBP shares the commenters' concern, and this document does not 
adopt the proposed amendments to 19 CFR 113.39 which would have had the 
effect of replacing the existing references to ``port director or 
Fines, Penalties, and Forfeitures Officer'' with a more generalized 
reference to ``CBP.'' However, in order to reflect the centralization 
of the continuous bond program at the Revenue Division, this provision 
is amended to include ``authorized Revenue Division personnel,'' in 
addition to port directors and Fine, Penalties and Forfeitures 
Officers, as among those who may recommend that a surety company be 
removed from Treasury Department Circular 570.
    Comment:
    Section 113.40 prescribes the terms by which cash deposits or other 
types of U.S. obligations may be accepted by CBP in lieu of sureties on 
bonds. Paragraph (a) of this section requires that the party execute 
CBP Form 301 with the appropriate activity designated. A commenter 
noted that, as CBP bonds exist in formats other than the CBP Form 301, 
this paragraph should be amended to reflect that fact. A commenter also 
inquired whether the proposed amendments to Sec.  113.40 authorize port 
directors to accept cash deposits or other obligations to secure single 
transactions.
    CBP Response:
    As a completed CBP Form 301 is not required for every type of cash-
in-lieu of surety bond, Sec.  113.40 is amended accordingly. This 
document also reverts to the original procedure set forth in paragraph 
(a) which provides that a port director retains the authority to accept 
cash deposits or obligations of the United States in lieu of sureties 
on STBs.
    Comment:
    One commenter recommended that CBP make a technical change to 
current Sec.  113.52, which requires that CBP report a bonded debt to 
the Department of Justice for prosecution if unpaid for 90 days. The 
commenter notes that as a party has 180 days to submit a protest to 
CBP, the 90-day period should be changed to 180 days to reflect that 
fact.
    CBP Response:
    CBP agrees. Section 2103 of the Miscellaneous Trade and Technical 
Corrections Act of 2004 amended 19 U.S.C. 1514 by extending the time to 
file and amend a protest from 90 days to 180 days after the date of 
liquidation or reliquidation, or date of the decision, order, or 
finding being protested for entries made on or after December 18, 2004. 
This document makes a technical correction to 19 CFR 113.52 to reflect 
the statutory amendment.
    Comment:
    One commenter requested that CBP clarify what is meant by the term 
``paper bond'' as used in proposed Sec. Sec.  113.11 and 113.25(a). 
Until CBP adopts the paperless eBond concept, every bond is a paper 
bond and every bond application is a paper bond application. It appears 
the defining element as to which rules for signatures and certification 
apply is to be determined by the means of delivery to CBP, and CBP 
should be more precise in its language. CBP should define the term 
``electronic bond'' as that term is used in Sec.  113.25(b) to mean a 
paper bond that is transmitted electronically.
    CBP Response:
    As discussed above, CBP has further clarified the text of 
Sec. Sec.  113.11, and of other provisions within part 113 as 
appropriate, to reflect that bonds and related documents may be scanned 
and submitted to CBP as an email attachment or by fax. Scanned or faxed 
documents will contain the requisite signatures and certifications.

Conclusion

    After review of the comments and further consideration, CBP has 
decided to adopt as final, with the changes discussed above in the 
preamble and with additional non-substantive editorial changes, the 
proposed rule published in the Federal Register (75 FR 266) on January 
5, 2010.

Executive Orders 13563 And 12866

    Executive Orders 13563 and 12866 direct agencies to assess the 
costs and benefits of available regulatory alternatives and, if 
regulation is necessary, to select regulatory approaches that maximize 
net benefits (including potential economic, environmental, public 
health and safety effects, distributive impacts, and equity). Executive 
Order 13563

[[Page 70162]]

emphasizes the importance of quantifying both costs and benefits, of 
reducing costs, of harmonizing rules, and of promoting flexibility. 
This rule is not a ``significant regulatory action,'' under section 
3(f) of Executive Order 12866. Accordingly, OMB has not reviewed this 
regulation.

Regulatory Flexibility Act

    This section examines the impact on small entities as required by 
the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et. seq.), as amended by 
the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement and Fairness Act of 1996. A 
small entity may be a small business (defined as any independently 
owned and operated business not dominant in its field that qualifies as 
a small business per the Small Business Act); a small not-for-profit 
organization; or a small governmental jurisdiction (locality with fewer 
than 50,000 people).
    The entities affected by this rule are importers and various other 
parties who file bonds with CBP as required by the CBP regulations. 
``Importers'' are not defined as a ``major industry'' by the Small 
Business Administration (SBA) and do not have a unique North American 
Industry Classification System (NAICS) code; rather, virtually all 
industries classified by SBA include entities that import goods and 
services into the United States. Thus, entities affected by this rule 
would likely consist of a broad range of large, medium, and small 
businesses operating under the customs laws and other laws that CBP 
administers and enforces. These entities include, but are not limited 
to, importers, brokers, and freight forwarders, as well as other 
businesses that conduct various activities under continuous bonds.
    The amendments set forth in this rule align the CBP regulations 
with current common practice and improve efficiency by requiring 
importers to file continuous bonds at the Revenue Division, requiring 
STBs to be filed at either the Revenue Division or with the port 
director, and permitting both continuous bonds and STBs to be scanned 
and submitted to CBP via email as an attachment or by fax.
    Because these amendments affect such a wide-ranging group of 
entities involved in the importation of goods to the United States, the 
number of entities subject to this rule is considered ``substantial.'' 
It is not anticipated that there will be additional costs associated 
with filing continuous or single transaction bonds with the Revenue 
Division instead of the local port, and many importers already file 
these types of bonds directly with the Revenue Division. Additionally, 
these changes to the regulations confer a benefit to the entities as a 
result of increased efficiencies and harmonized standards in bond 
processing. The effects of these amendments, however, do not rise to 
the level of being considered a ``significant'' economic impact.
    In the proposed rulemaking, CBP solicited comments on this 
conclusion. As we did not receive any comments contradicting our 
findings, CBP certifies that this final rule will not have a 
significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities.

Paperwork Reduction Act

    The information collections contained in this rule have been 
previously submitted and approved by the Office of Management and 
Budget (OMB) and assigned OMB control numbers 1651-0050 and 1515-0144. 
An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to 
respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a valid 
control number assigned by OMB.

Signing Authority

    This document is being issued in accordance with 19 CFR 0.1(a)(1).

List of Subjects

19 CFR Part 101

    Administrative practice and procedure, Customs duties and 
inspections, Organization and functions (Government agencies).

19 CFR Part 113

    Bonds, Customs duties and inspection, Imports, Reporting and 
recordkeeping requirements, Surety bonds.

19 CFR Part 133

    Bonds, Copyrights, Counterfeit goods, Customs duties and 
inspection, Imports, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, 
Restricted merchandise, Seizures and forfeitures.

Amendments to the CBP Regulations

    For the reasons stated above, parts 101, 113 and 133 of title 19 of 
the Code of Federal Regulations (19 CFR parts 101, 113 and 133) are 
amended as follows:

PART 101--GENERAL PROVISIONS

0
1. The general authority citation for part 101 is revised to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 5 U.S.C. 301; 6 U.S.C. 101, et. seq.; 19 U.S.C. 2, 
66, 1202 (General Note 3(i), Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the 
United States), 1623, 1624, 1646a.
* * * * *

0
2. Section 101.1 is amended by adding definitions for ``CBP,'' 
``Commissioner or Commissioner of Customs,'' ``Customs or U.S. Customs 
Service,'' and ``Customs regulations or CBP regulations'' in 
alphabetical order to read as follows:


Sec.  101.1  Definitions.

* * * * *
    CBP. The term ``CBP'' means U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
    Commissioner or Commissioner of Customs. The terms ``Commissioner'' 
or ``Commissioner of Customs'' mean Commissioner of U.S. Customs and 
Border Protection.
    Customs or U.S. Customs Service. The terms ``Customs'' or ``U.S. 
Customs Service'' mean U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
    Customs regulations or CBP regulations. The terms ``Customs 
regulations'' or ``CBP regulations'' mean Chapter 1 of title 19 of the 
Code of Federal Regulations (19 CFR Chapter 1).
* * * * *

PART 113--CBP BONDS

0
3. The general authority citation for part 113 is revised to read as 
follows:

    Authority:  6 U.S.C. 101, et. seq.; 19 U.S.C. 66, 1623, 1624.
* * * * *
0
4. The part 113 heading is revised to read as set forth above.


Sec.  113.0  [Amended]


0
5. Section 113.0 is amended by removing the word ``Customs'' and adding 
in its place the term ``CBP''.


0
6. Section 113.1 is revised to read as follows:


Sec.  113.1  Authority to require security or execution of bond.

    Where a bond or other security is not specifically required by law 
or regulation, the Commissioner of CBP may by specific instruction 
require, or authorize the Director, Revenue Division or the port 
director to require, such bonds or other security considered necessary 
for the protection of the revenue or to assure compliance with any 
pertinent law, regulation, or instruction.

Sec.  113.2  [Amended]

0
7. In Sec.  113.2:
0
a. The heading is amended by removing the word ``Customs'' and adding 
in its place the term ``CBP'';
0
b. The introductory text is amended by removing the word ``Customs'' 
and adding in its place the term ``CBP'';
0
c. Paragraph (c) is amended by removing the word ``shall'' and adding

[[Page 70163]]

in its place the word ``will'', and by adding the word ``as'' before 
the word ``he''; and
0
d. In paragraph (d), the first sentence is amended by removing the word 
``entry'' and adding in its place the word ``transaction'', the second 
sentence is amended by removing the word ``shall'' and adding in its 
place the word ``will'', and the third sentence is amended by removing 
the word ``Customs'' and adding in its place the term ``CBP''.


0
8. Section 113.4 is amended by revising paragraph (a) and amending 
paragraph (b) by removing the words ``Customs laws or regulations'' and 
adding in their place the words ``customs laws or CBP regulations''.
    The revision reads as follows:


Sec.  113.4  Bonds and carnets.

    (a) Bonds. All bonds required to be given under the customs laws or 
CBP regulations will be known as CBP bonds.
* * * * *
0
9. Section 113.11 is revised to read as follows:


Sec.  113.11  Bond application.

    (a) Single transaction bond application. In order to insure that 
the revenue is adequately protected, the port director may require a 
person who will be engaged in a single customs transaction relating to 
the importation or entry of merchandise to file a bond application. The 
single transaction bond application may be in the form of a letter 
filed with the Director, Revenue Division or the port director, or the 
application may be scanned and submitted to CBP as an email attachment 
or by fax. The application must identify the value and nature of the 
merchandise involved in the transaction to be secured. When the proper 
bond in a sufficient amount is filed with the entry summary or with the 
entry, or when the entry summary is filed at the time of entry, an 
application will not be required.
    (b) Continuous bond application. To secure multiple transactions 
relating to the importation or entry of merchandise or the operation of 
a bonded smelting or refining warehouse, a continuous bond application 
must be submitted to the Director, Revenue Division. The continuous 
bond application may be in the form of a letter or it may be scanned 
and submitted to CBP as an email attachment or by facsimile (fax).
    (1) Information required. The application must contain the 
following information:
    (i) The general character of the merchandise to be entered; and
    (ii) The total amount of ordinary customs duties (including any 
taxes required by law to be treated as duties), plus the estimated 
amount of any other tax or taxes on the merchandise to be collected by 
CBP, accruing on all merchandise imported by the principal during the 
calendar year preceding the date of the application. The total amount 
of duties and taxes will be that which would have been required to be 
deposited had the merchandise been entered for consumption even though 
some or all of the merchandise may have been entered under bond. If the 
value or nature of the merchandise to be imported will change in any 
material respect during the next year the change must be identified. If 
no imports were made during the calendar year prior to the application, 
a statement of the duties and taxes it is estimated will accrue on all 
importations during the current year shall be submitted.
    (2) Application updates. If the Director, Revenue Division approves 
a bond based upon the application, whenever there is a significant 
change in the information provided under this paragraph, the principal 
on the bond must submit a new application containing an update of the 
information required by paragraph (b)(1) of this section. The new 
application must be filed no later than 30 days after the new facts 
become known to the principal.
    (c) Certification. Any application submitted under this section 
must be signed by the applicant and contain the following 
certification:

    I certify that the factual information contained in this 
application is true and accurate and any information provided which 
is based upon estimates is based upon the best information available 
on the date of this application.


0
10. Section 113.12 is revised to read as follows:


Sec.  113.12  Bond approval.

    (a) Single transaction bonds. Single transaction bonds will be 
approved by the Revenue Division or the director of the port where 
filed.
    (b) Continuous bonds. Continuous bonds must be approved by the 
Revenue Division. Only one continuous bond for a particular activity 
will be authorized for each principal.


0
11. In Sec.  113.13:
0
a. The first sentence in paragraph (a) is amended by removing the words 
``Customs bond shall'' and adding in their place the words ``CBP bond 
must'', and the second and third sentences in paragraph (a) are amended 
by removing the word ``shall'' each place that it appears and adding 
the word ``will'';
0
b. Paragraph (b) introductory text is amended by removing the words 
``the port director or drawback office in the case of a bond relating 
to repayment of erroneous drawback payment (see Sec.  113.11) should at 
least'' and adding in their place the words ``CBP will'';
0
c. Paragraph (b)(2) is revised;
0
d. Paragraph (b)(4) is amended by removing the word ``Customs'' and 
adding in its place the term ``CBP'';
0
e. Paragraph (c) is revised; and
0
f. Paragraph (d) is amended by removing the words ``a port director or 
drawback office'' and adding in their place the term ``CBP''; by 
removing the word ``Customs'' and adding in its place the words ``all 
applicable''; and by removing the words ``he shall'' and adding in 
their place the words ``CBP may immediately''.
    The revisions read as follows:


Sec.  113.13  Amount of bond.

* * * * *
    (b) * * *
    (2) The prior record of the principal in complying with CBP demands 
for redelivery, the obligation to hold unexamined merchandise intact, 
and other requirements relating to enforcement and administration of 
customs and other laws and CBP regulations;
* * * * *
    (c) Periodic review of bond sufficiency. CBP will periodically 
review each bond on file to determine whether the bond is adequate to 
protect the revenue and ensure compliance with applicable law and 
regulations. If CBP determines that a bond is inadequate, the principal 
and surety will be promptly notified in writing. The principal will 
have 15 days from the date of notification to remedy the deficiency. 
Notwithstanding the foregoing, where CBP determines that a bond is 
insufficient to adequately protect the revenue and ensure compliance 
with applicable law and regulations, CBP may provide written notice to 
the principal and surety that, upon receipt thereof, additional 
security in the form of cash deposit or single transaction bond may be 
required for any and all of the principal's transactions until the 
deficiency is remedied.
* * * * *

0
12. Section 113.14 is revised to read as follows:


Sec.  113.14  Approved form of bond inadequate.

    If CBP determines that none of the conditions contained in subpart 
G of this part is applicable to a transaction sought to be secured, the 
Director,

[[Page 70164]]

Revenue Division, or the port director, as CBP deems appropriate, will 
draft conditions that cover the transaction. Before execution of the 
bond, the conditions must be submitted to Headquarters, Attention: 
Executive Director, Regulations and Rulings, Office of International 
Trade, for approval.

0
13. Section 113.15 is revised to read as follows:


Sec.  113.15  Retention of approved bonds.

    Except for bonds containing an agreement to pay court costs 
(condemned goods) (see Sec.  113.72), and except as may otherwise be 
deemed appropriate by CBP, bonds that are approved by the port director 
will be retained at the port office and bonds that are approved by the 
Revenue Division (including bonds relating to repayment of erroneous 
drawback payments containing the conditions set forth in Sec.  113.65) 
will be retained at the Revenue Division. The bond containing the 
agreement to pay court costs (condemned goods), will be transmitted to 
the United States attorney, as required by section 608, Tariff Act of 
1930, as amended (19 U.S.C. 1608).


Sec.  113.21  [Amended]

0
14. In Sec.  113.21:
0
a. Paragraphs (a)(1), (b), (c), and (e) are amended by removing the 
word ``shall'' each place that it appears and adding in its place the 
word ``must''; and
0
b. Paragraph (d) is amended by removing the word ``shall'' and adding 
in its place the word ``may''.

Sec.  113.22  [Amended]

0
15. Section 113.22 is amended in paragraphs (a) and (b) by removing the 
word ``shall'' each place it appears and adding in its place the word 
``must''.

Sec.  113.23  [Amended]

0
16. In Sec.  113.23:
0
a. Paragraph (b) is amended by removing the word ``shall'' and adding 
in its place the word ``must'';
0
b. Paragraph (c) is amended, in the first sentence, 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'' 
and, in the second sentence, by removing the word ``shall'' and adding 
in its place the word ``may''; and
0
c. Paragraph (d) is amended: by removing the word ``Customs'' each 
place that it appears and adding in its place the term ``CBP''; by 
removing, in the first sentence, the word ``shall'' and adding in its 
place the word ``may'', and; in the second sentence, be removing the 
word ``shall'' and adding in its place the word ``will''.

0
17. In Sec.  113.24:
0
a. Paragraphs (a), (b) and (c) are revised; and
0
b. Paragraph (d) is amended by removing the word ``shall'' each place 
that it appears and adding in its place the word ``must'', and by 
removing the word ``Customs'' each place that it appears and adding in 
its place the term ``CBP''.
    The revisions read as follows:


Sec.  113.24  Riders.

    (a) Types of riders. The Revenue Division will accept all types of 
authorized bond riders. For a comprehensive listing, see the CBP Web 
site located at www.cbp.gov.
    (b) Location and method of filing. A bond rider must be filed at 
the Revenue Division, and may be submitted in paper or scanned and 
submitted to the Revenue Division as an email attachment or by 
facsimile (fax).
    (c) Attachment of rider to paper bond. A rider submitted to CBP in 
paper format must be securely attached to the related bond to prevent 
their loss or misplacement.
* * * * *


Sec.  113.25  [Amended]

0
18. Section 113.25 is amended by removing the word ``shall'' each place 
that it appears and adding in its place the word ``must''.

0
19. In Sec.  113.26:
0
a. Paragraph (a) is revised;
0
b. Paragraph (b) is amended by removing the words ``the Customs Bond, 
Customs'' and adding in their place the term ``CBP''; and
0
c. Paragraph (c) is amended by removing the words ``the Customs Bond, 
Customs'' and adding in their place the term ``CBP''.
    The revision reads as follows:


Sec.  113.26  Effective dates of bonds and riders.

    (a) General. A continuous bond, and any associated application 
required by Sec.  113.11 or a rider, must be filed at least 60 days 
prior to the effective date requested for the continuous bond or rider.
* * * * *

0
20. Section 113.27 is revised to read as follows:


Sec.  113.27  Effective dates of termination of bond.

    (a) Termination by principal/co-principal. A written request by a 
principal or co-principal to terminate a bond must be mailed, faxed, or 
emailed to the Revenue Division or, in the case of a bond relating to 
repayment of erroneous drawback payment, to the drawback office where 
the bond was approved. The termination will take effect on the date 
requested if that date is at least 10 business days after the date CBP 
receives the request. If no termination date is requested, the 
termination will take effect on the tenth business day following the 
date CBP receives the request.
    (b) Termination by surety. A surety may not disavow already 
incurred obligations but may, with or without the consent of the 
principal, terminate its agreement to accept future obligations on a 
bond. The surety must provide reasonable notice of termination, made 
pursuant to the methods set forth in paragraph (a) of this section, to 
both the Revenue Division or a drawback office, as appropriate, and to 
the principal. The notice must state the date on which the termination 
will be effective. Thirty days will constitute reasonable notice unless 
the surety can show to the satisfaction of CBP that a shorter time 
frame is reasonable under the facts and circumstances.
    (c) Effect of termination. If a bond is terminated, no new customs 
transactions may be charged against the bond. A new bond in an 
appropriate amount on CBP Form 301, containing the appropriate bond 
conditions set forth in subpart G of this part, must be filed before 
further customs activity may be transacted.


0
21. In Sec.  113.32:
0
a. Introductory text is added;
0
b. Paragraph (a) is removed;
0
c. Paragraph (b) is redesignated as paragraph (a) and is amended by 
removing the word ``shall'' and adding in its place the word ``must''; 
and
0
d. Paragraph (c) is redesignated as paragraph (b) and is amended, in 
the first sentence, by removing the word ``shall'' and adding in its 
place the word ``will'', and by removing the second sentence.
    The addition reads as follows:


Sec.  113.32  Partnerships as principals.

    A partnership, including a limited partnership, means any business 
association recognized as such under the laws of the State where the 
association is organized.
* * * * *

0
22. Section 113.33 is amended:
0
a. In paragraph (a), by removing the word ``Customs'' and adding in its 
place the term ``CBP'';
0
b. In paragraph (b), be removing the word ``shall'' each place that it 
appears

[[Page 70165]]

and adding in its place the word ``must'';
0
c. By revising paragraph (c);
0
d. In paragraph (d), by removing the words ``port director'' and adding 
in their place the words ``Revenue Division'', and removing the word 
``shall'' each place that it appears and adding in its place the word 
``must''; and
0
e. In paragraph (e), removing the words ``shall be'' and adding in 
their place the word ``are''.
    The revision reads as follows:


Sec.  113.33  Corporations (including Limited Liability Corporations) 
as principals.

* * * * *
    (c) Bond executed by an officer of corporation. When a bond is 
executed by an officer of a corporation, a power of attorney will not 
be required if the person signing the bond on behalf of the corporation 
is known to the Revenue Division, port director, or drawback office to 
be the president, vice president, treasurer, or secretary of the 
corporation. The officer's signature is prima facie evidence of that 
officer's authority to bind the corporation. When a power of attorney 
is required, it must conform to the requirements of subpart C, part 
141, of this chapter.
* * * * *


Sec.  113.34  [Amended]

0
23. Section 113.34 is amended by removing the word ``shall'' in the 
second sentence and adding in its place the word ``may''.

0
24. Section 113.35 is revised to read as follows:


Sec.  113.35  Individual sureties.

    (a) Number required. If individuals sign as sureties, there must be 
two sureties on the bond unless CBP is satisfied that one surety is 
sufficient to protect the revenue and ensure compliance with the law 
and regulations.
    (b) Qualifications to act as surety--(1) Residency and citizenship. 
Each individual surety on a CBP bond must be both a resident and 
citizen of the United States.
    (2) Granting of power of attorney. Any individual, unless 
prohibited by law, may grant a power of attorney to sign as surety on 
CBP bonds. Unless the power is unlimited, all persons to whom the power 
relates must be named.
    (3) Property requirements. For both single transaction and 
continuous bonds, each individual surety must have property available 
as security within the customs territory of the United States. The 
current market value of the property, less any encumbrance, must be 
equal to or greater than the amount of the bond. If one individual 
surety is accepted, the individual surety must have property the value 
of which, less any encumbrance, is equal to or greater than twice the 
amount of the bond.
    (c) Oath and evidence of solvency. Before being accepted as a 
surety, the individual must:
    (1) Take an oath on CBP Form 3579, setting forth:
    (i) The amount of assets over and above all debts and liabilities 
and such exemptions as may be allowed by law; and
    (ii) The general description and location of one or more pieces of 
real estate owned within the customs territory of the United States, 
and the value thereof, less any encumbrance.
    (2) Produce such evidence of solvency and financial responsibility 
as CBP may require.
    (d) Determination of financial responsibility. An individual will 
not be accepted as surety on a bond until CBP is satisfied as to the 
financial responsibility of the individual. CBP may request Immigration 
and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to conduct an immediate investigation to 
verify a surety's financial responsibility.
    (e) Continuancy of financial responsibility. In order to ascertain 
the continued solvency and financial responsibility of individual 
sureties, CBP will require a new oath and determine the financial 
responsibility of each individual surety as prescribed in paragraphs 
(c) and (d) of this section at least once every six months, and more 
often if deemed advisable.

Sec.  113.36  [Amended]

0
25. Section 113.36 is amended by removing the word ``shall'' and adding 
in its place the word ``will''.

0
26. In Sec.  113.37:
0
a. The second sentence in paragraph (a) is amended by removing the word 
``Customs'' and adding in its place the term ``CBP''; removing the word 
``shall'' where it appears after the word ``corporation'' and adding in 
its place the word ``will''; removing the words ``shall be for a 
greater amount than'' and adding in their place the words ``may 
exceed'', and; removing the phrase ``Bureau of Government Financial 
Operations'' and adding in its place the phrase, ``Bureau of the Fiscal 
Service''.
0
b. Paragraph (b) is amended by removing the word ``Customs'' and adding 
in its place the term ``CBP'';
0
c. Paragraph (c) is amended by removing the word ``shall'' and adding 
in its place the word ``must'';
0
d. Paragraph (d) is revised;
0
e. Paragraph (e) is amended by removing the word ``shall'' each place 
that it appears and adding in its place the word ``must'';
0
f. Paragraph (f) is amended by removing the words ``Bureau of 
Government Financial Operations'' and adding in their place the words, 
``Bureau of the Fiscal Service''; removing the word ``shall'' and 
adding in its place the word ``must''; removing, in the last paragraph 
of the ``Corporate Sureties Agreement for Limitation of Liability'' set 
forth under paragraph (f), the number ``19__'' and adding in its place 
``20__''; and removing in the signature block the words ``Port Director 
(Drawback Office)'' and adding in their place the words ``Authorized 
CBP officer'';
0
g. Paragraph (g)(1) introductory text and (g)(1)(ii) are revised;
0
h. Paragraph (g)(2) is amended by removing the word ``shall'' each 
place that it appears and adding in its place the word ``must'' and by 
removing the word ``Customs'' each place that it appears and adding in 
its place the term ``CBP'';
0
i. Paragraph (g)(3) is amended by removing the word ``Customs'' each 
place it appears and adding in its place the term ``CBP''; in the 
first, second and third sentences by removing the word ``shall'' each 
place that it appears and adding in its place the word ``must', and; in 
the fourth sentence, by removing the word ``shall'' and adding in its 
place the word ``will'';
0
j. Paragraph (g)(4) is amended by removing the word ``shall'' each 
place that it appears and adding in its place the word ``will'' and by 
removing the word ``Customs'' and adding in its place the term ``CBP''; 
and
0
k. Paragraph (g)(5) is revised.
    The revisions read as follows:


Sec.  113.37  Corporate sureties.

* * * * *
    (d) Social security or other surety-generated identification number 
of agent or attorney on the bond. In the appropriate place on each bond 
executed by the agent or attorney acting for a corporate surety, the 
agent or attorney must place his/her social security number or other 
surety-generated 9-digit alphanumeric identification number, as it 
appears on the corporate surety power of attorney.
* * * * *
    (g) * * *
    (1) Execution and contents. Corporate surety powers of attorney may 
be submitted to CBP on the CBP Form 5297 and may be scanned and 
submitted as

[[Page 70166]]

an email attachment, or submitted by facsimile (fax) or mail.
* * * * *
    (ii) Name and address of agent or attorney, and social security 
number or other surety-generated 9-digit alphanumeric identification 
number for the agent or attorney.
* * * * *
    (5) Change on the power of attorney. (i) No change may be made on 
the CBP Form 5297 after it has been approved by CBP except the 
following:
    (A) Grantee name change;
    (B) Grantee address change; and
    (C) The addition of port(s) to the corporate surety power of 
attorney on file.
    (ii) To make any other change to the power of attorney two separate 
CBP Forms 5297 must be submitted, one revoking the previous power of 
attorney, and one containing a new grant of authority.


0
27. In Sec.  113.38:
0
a. The heading and text of paragraph (a) are amended by removing the 
word ``Customs'' each place it appears and adding the term ``CBP'' in 
its place; and the text of paragraph (a) is further amended by removing 
the word, ``shall'' and adding in its place the word, ``will'';
0
b. The heading and text of paragraph (b) are amended by removing the 
word ``Customs'' each place it appears and adding the term ``CBP'' in 
its place;
0
c. Paragraph (c)(1) is amended in the heading and first sentence by 
adding the words ``single transaction'' before the word ``bond'' each 
place that it appears and, in the second sentence, by removing the 
language, ``Director, Border Security and Trade Compliance Division'' 
and adding in its place, ``Executive Director, Regulations and Rulings, 
Office of International Trade,'';
0
d. Paragraph (c)(2) is revised;
0
e. Paragraph (c)(3) is amended by removing the word ``Customs'' and 
adding in its place the term ``CBP''; and
0
f. Paragraph (c)(4) is revised.
    The revisions read as follows:


Sec.  113.38  Delinquent sureties.

* * * * *
    (c) * * *
    (2) Non-acceptance of bond upon instruction by Commissioner of CBP 
or Director, Revenue Division. The Commissioner of CBP, or the 
Director, Revenue Division, may issue instructions to CBP officers not 
to accept a bond secured by an individual or corporate surety who, 
without just cause, is significantly delinquent with respect to either 
the number or dollar amounts of outstanding bills.
* * * * *
    (4) Review and final decision. After a review of any submission 
made by a surety under paragraph (c)(3) of this section, if an 
appropriate CBP officer is still of the opinion that bonds secured by 
the surety should not be accepted, written notice of the decision will 
be provided to the surety at least five days before the date that CBP 
will no longer accept the bonds of the surety. Copies of the notice 
will also be provided to the Executive Director, Regulations and 
Rulings, Office of International Trade and, if the notice does not 
originate from the Revenue Director, to the Director, Revenue Director. 
Notice will be given to the public by publishing the decision in the 
Customs Bulletin.
* * * * *

0
28. In Sec.  113.39:
0
a. The introductory text is revised;
0
b. Paragraph (a) introductory text is revised;
0
c. Paragraph (a)(5) is amended by removing the words the ``port 
director or Fines, Penalties, and Forfeitures Officer'' and adding in 
their place the words ``port director, Fines, Penalties, and 
Forfeitures Officer, or authorized Revenue Director personnel''; and
0
d. Paragraph (b) is amended in the first sentence, by removing the 
words ``The Director, Border Security and Trade Compliance Division, 
shall'' and adding in their place the words ``CBP Headquarters will''; 
in the second sentence, by removing the words ``Bureau of Government 
Financial Operations'' and adding in their place the words, ``Bureau of 
the Fiscal Service''; and, in the last sentence, by removing the words 
``port director and Fines, Penalties, and Forfeitures Officer'' and 
adding in their place the words ``port director, Fines, Penalties, and 
Forfeitures Officer, and Director, Revenue Division''.
    The revisions read as follows:


Sec.  113.39  Procedure to remove a surety from Treasury Department 
Circular 570.

    If a port director, Fines, Penalties, and Forfeitures Officer, or 
authorized Revenue Division officer is dissatisfied with a surety 
company because the company has neglected or refused to pay a valid 
demand made on the surety company's bond or otherwise has failed to 
honor an obligation on that bond, the port director, Fines, Penalties, 
and Forfeitures Officer, or authorized Revenue Division personnel may 
take the following steps to recommend that the surety company be 
removed from Treasury Department Circular 570.
    (a) Report to Headquarters. A port director, Fines, Penalties, and 
Forfeitures Officer, or authorized Revenue Division officer will send 
the following evidence to CBP Headquarters, Attention: Executive 
Director, Regulations and Rulings, Office of International Trade:
* * * * *

0
29. In Sec.  113.40:
0
a. Paragraph (a) is revised;
0
b. Paragraph (b) introductory text is revised and the ``Power of 
Attorney and Agreement (For Corporation)'' form is amended by removing 
the designation ``19__'' each place that it appears and adding ``20__'' 
in its place; and
0
c. Paragraph (c) is revised.
    The revisions read as follows:


Sec.  113.40  Acceptance of cash deposits or obligations of the United 
States in lieu of sureties on bonds.

    (a) General provisions. In lieu of sureties on any bond required or 
authorized by any law, regulation, or instruction which the Secretary 
of the Treasury, the Secretary of Homeland Security, or the 
Commissioner of CBP are authorized to enforce, the Director, Revenue 
Division or, in the case of single transaction bonds, a port director, 
may accept United States money, United States bonds (except for savings 
bonds), United States certificates of indebtedness, Treasury notes, or 
Treasury bills in an amount equal to the face amount of the bond that 
would be required. The option to deposit cash or U.S. obligations in 
lieu of sureties is at the option of the importer, and a CBP Form 301 
or other CBP-approved bond designating the appropriate activity for the 
cash deposits or U.S. obligations in lieu of surety must be filed. When 
cash or obligations in lieu of surety are accepted, it must be for a 
term of no more than one year. Additional cash deposits or obligations 
in lieu of surety may be required.
    (b) Authority to sell United States obligations on default. At the 
time of deposit with the Director, Revenue Division, of any U.S. 
obligation (other than U.S. money), the obligor must deliver a duly 
executed power of attorney and agreement authorizing the Director, 
Revenue Division, in the case of any default in the performance of any 
of the conditions of the bond, to sell the obligation so deposited and 
to apply the proceeds of the sale, in whole or in part, to the 
satisfaction of any damages, demands, or deficiency arising by reason 
of default. The format of the power of attorney and agreement, when the 
obligor is a corporation, is set forth below and must be appropriately 
modified when the obligor is either an individual or a partnership:
* * * * *
    (c) Application of United States money or obligations on default. 
If

[[Page 70167]]

United States cash or obligations are deposited in lieu of surety on 
any bond, the appropriate CBP officer is authorized to apply the cash 
or money received from the deposited obligation to satisfy any damages, 
demand, or deficiency arising from a default under the bond.

Sec.  113.41  [Amended]

0
30. Section 113.41 is amended by removing the word ``shall'' and adding 
in its place the word ``must'', and removing the word ``Customs'' and 
adding in its place the term ``CBP''.

Sec.  113.42  [Amended]

0
31. Section 113.42 is amended by removing from the first sentence the 
word ``shall'' and adding in its place the word ``must''; removing the 
word ``Customs'' and adding in its place the term ``CBP''; and removing 
in the second sentence the word ``shall'' and adding in its place the 
word ``will''.

0
32. In Sec.  113.43:
0
a. Paragraph (a) is revised;
0
b. Paragraph (b) is amended by removing the word ``shall'' each place 
that it appears and adding in its place the word ``will'' and removing 
the words ``2 months'' each place that they appear and adding in their 
place the words ``60 days''; and
0
c. Paragraph (c) is amended by removing the word ``shall'' each place 
that it appears and adding in its place the word ``will''.
    The revision reads as follows:


Sec.  113.43  Extension of time period.

    (a) Application received within time period. If a document referred 
to in Sec.  113.42 is not produced within 120 days from the date of the 
transaction in connection with which the bond was given, the port 
director or an appropriate CBP officer, in his or her discretion, and 
upon written application of the importer, may extend the period for one 
further period not to exceed 60 days.
* * * * *


Sec.  113.44  [Amended]

0
33. In Sec.  113.44, paragraph (b) is amended by removing the word 
``shall'' and adding in its place the word ``must''.

Sec.  113.45  [Amended]

0
34. Section 113.45 is amended by removing the word ``shall'' and adding 
in its place the word ``must'' and removing the word ``entry'' each 
place that it appears and adding in its place the word ``transaction''.

Sec.  113.51   [Amended]

0
35. Section 113.51 is amended by removing the word ``Customs'' and 
adding in its place the term ``CBP''.

0
36. Section 113.52 is revised to read as follows:


Sec.  113.52  Failure to satisfy the bond.

    If any CBP bond, except one given only for the production of free-
entry or reduced-duty documents (see Sec.  113.43(c) of this chapter) 
has not been satisfied upon the expiration of 180 days after liability 
has accrued under the bond, the matter will be reported to the 
Department of Justice for prosecution unless measures have been taken 
to file an application for relief or protest in accordance with the 
provisions of this chapter or to satisfactorily settle this matter.

Sec.  113.53  [Amended]

0
37. In Sec.  113.53:
0
a. The section heading is amended by removing the word ``Customs'' and 
adding in its place the term ``CBP'';
0
b. Paragraph (a) introductory text is amended by removing in the 
paragraph heading the word ``Customs'' and adding in its place the term 
``CBP'' and removing the word ``Customs'' each place that it appears 
and adding in its place the term ``CBP'';
0
c. Paragraph (a)(3) is amended by adding after the word 
``Commissioner'' the words ``of CBP''; and
0
d. Paragraph (b) is amended by adding in the paragraph heading, after 
the word ``director'', the words ``or other authorized CBP officer''; 
removing, in the text, the word ``Customs'' and adding in its place the 
term ``CBP''; adding after the word ``director'' the words ``or other 
authorized CBP officer''; and removing the word ``shall'' and adding in 
its place the word ``will''.

Sec.  113.55  [Amended]

0
38. In Sec.  113.55:
0
a. Paragraph (c) introductory text is amended by removing the word 
``shall'' each place that it appears and adding in its place the word 
``must'' and removing the word ``Customs'' and adding in its place the 
word ``customs'';
0
b. Paragraph (c)(1) is amended by removing the word ``shall'' and 
adding in its place the word ``will'';
0
c. Paragraph (c)(3) is amended by removing the word ``Customs'' and 
adding in its place the term ``CBP''; and
0
d. Paragraph (d) is removed.

Subpart G--CBP Bond Conditions

0
39. The subpart G heading is revised to read as set forth above.

Sec.  113.61  [Amended]

0
40. Section 113.61 is amended in the first sentence by removing the 
word ``Customs'' and adding in its place the word ``customs'' and in 
the second sentence by removing the word ``Customs'' and adding in its 
place the term ``CBP''.

0
41. In Sec.  113.62:
0
a. The introductory text is amended by removing the word ``shall'' and 
adding in its place the word ``must'' and by removing the words 
``single entry'' and adding in their place the words ``single 
transaction'';
0
b. Paragraphs (a)(1) introductory text, (a)(1)(ii), and (a)(2) 
introductory text are amended by removing the word ``Customs'' each 
place that it appears and adding in its place the term ``CBP'';
0
c. Paragraph (a)(3) is amended by removing the words ``the port 
director'' and adding in their place the term ``CBP'';
0
d. Paragraph (b) introductory text and paragraph (b)(1) are amended by 
removing the word ``Customs'' each place that it appears and adding in 
its place the term ``CBP'';
0
e. Paragraph (c) is amended by removing the word ``Customs'' and adding 
in its place the term ``CBP'';
0
f. Paragraph (d) introductory text is amended by removing the word 
``Customs'' wherever it appears and adding in its place the term 
``CBP'';
0
g. Paragraph (f) introductory text and paragraph (f)(2) are amended by 
removing the word ``Customs'' wherever it appears and adding in its 
place the term ``CBP'';
0
h. Paragraph (f)(3) is revised;
0
i. Paragraph (g)(1) is amended by removing the word ``Customs'' and 
adding in its place the term ``CBP'';
0
j. Paragraph (h)(2) is revised;
0
k. Paragraphs (h)(3) and (4) are amended by removing the word 
``Customs'' each place that it appears and adding in its place the term 
``CBP'';
0
l. The heading and text of paragraph (i) are amended by removing the 
words ``Customs Regulations'' each place that they appear and adding in 
their place the words ``CBP regulations''; and by removing the words 
``Customs security'' each place that they appear and adding in their 
place the words ``customs security'';
0
m. Paragraph (j) is amended by removing the words ``Customs and Border 
Protection'' and adding in their place the term ``CBP'';
0
n. Paragraph (k)(2) is amended by removing the words ``Customs and 
Border Protection (CBP)'' and adding in their place the term ``CBP''; 
and
0
o. Paragraphs (m)(2) and (4) are amended by removing the word

[[Page 70168]]

``Customs'' each place that it appears and adding in its place the term 
``CBP'' and removing the word ``shall'' each place that it appears and 
adding in its place the word ``will''.
    The revisions to Sec.  113.62 read as follows:


Sec.  113.62  Basic importation and entry bond conditions.

* * * * *
    (f) * * *
    (3) Keep any customs seal or cording on the merchandise intact 
until the merchandise is examined by CBP.
* * * * *
    (h) * * *
    (2) If a fishing vessel, to present the original approved 
application to CBP within 24 hours on each arrival of the vessel in the 
customs territory of the United States from a fishing voyage;
* * * * *


Sec.  113.63  [Amended]

0
42. In Sec.  113.63:
0
a. The introductory text is amended by removing the word ``shall'' each 
place that it appears and adding in its place the word ``must'';
0
b. Paragraph (a)(2) is amended by removing the words ``Customs 
Regulations'' and adding in their place the words ``CBP regulations'';
0
c. Paragraph (a)(3) is amended by adding the term ``CBP'' before the 
word ``regulations'' and removing the word ``Customs'' and adding in 
its place the term ``CBP'';
0
d. Paragraph (a)(5) is amended by removing the word ``Customs'' each 
place that it appears and adding in its place the term ``CBP'' and 
removing the word ``Regulations'' and adding in its place the word 
``regulations'';
0
e. Paragraph (b)(2) is amended by removing the word ``Customs'' and 
adding in its place the term ``CBP'';
0
f. Paragraph (b)(3) is amended by removing the words ``Customs 
Regulations'' and adding in their place the words ``CBP regulations'';
0
g. Paragraphs (c)(1) and (2) are amended by removing the word 
``Customs'' each place that it appears and adding in its place the term 
``CBP'';
0
h. Paragraph (c)(3) is amended by removing the words ``Customs 
Regulations'' and adding in its place the words ``CBP regulations'';
0
i. Paragraph (c)(4) is amended by removing the word ``Customs'' and 
adding in its place the term ``CBP'' and removing the words ``Customs 
Regulations'' and adding in their place the words ``CBP regulations'';
0
j. Paragraph (d) is amended by removing in the paragraph heading and 
text the word ``Customs'' each place that it appears and adding in 
their place the term ``CBP'';
0
k. Paragraph (e) is amended by removing the words ``Customs laws and 
regulations'' and adding in their place the words ``customs laws and 
CBP regulations'';
0
l. The heading and text of paragraph (f) are amended by removing the 
words ``Customs Regulations'' each place that they appear and adding in 
their place the words ``CBP regulations'' and by removing the words 
``Customs security'' each place that they appear and adding in their 
place the words ``customs security'';
0
m. Paragraph (g) is amended by removing the words ``Customs and Border 
Protection'' and adding in their place the term ``CBP'';
0
n. Paragraph (h)(1) is amended by removing the word ``Customs'' and 
adding in its place the term ``CBP'';
0
o. Paragraph (h)(2) is amended by removing the words ``Customs 
Regulations'' and adding in their place the words ``CBP regulations'';
0
p. Paragraph (h)(5) is amended by removing the word ``Customs'' and 
adding in its place the term ``CBP'';
0
q. Paragraph (i)(2) is amended by removing the word ``shall'' and 
adding in its place the word ``will'' and by removing the word 
``Customs'' and adding in its place the term ``CBP''; and
0
r. Paragraph (i)(3) is amended by removing the word ``Customs'' and 
adding in its place the term ``CBP''.

0
43. In Sec.  113.64:
0
a. The introductory text is amended by removing the word ``shall'' and 
adding in its place the word ``must'' and by removing the word 
``entry'' and adding in its place the word ``transaction'';
0
b. Paragraph (a) is amended by removing the words ``Customs and Border 
Protection (CBP)'' and adding in their place the term ``CBP'' and by 
removing the second sentence;
0
c. Paragraphs (b) through (k) are redesignated as paragraphs (c) 
through (l);
0
d. A new paragraph (b) is added;
0
e. Newly redesignated paragraph (c) is amended by removing the word 
``Customs'' each place that it appears and adding in its place the term 
``CBP''; by removing the word ``Regulations'' each place it appears and 
adding in its place the word ``regulations'', and; in the third 
sentence, by removing the word ``shall'' and adding in its place the 
word ``will'';
0
f. The heading and text of newly redesignated (j) are amended by 
removing the words ``Customs Regulations'' each place they appear and 
adding in their place the words ``CBP regulations''; and by removing 
the words ``Customs security'' each place that they appear and adding 
in their place the words ``customs security''; and
0
g. Newly redesignated paragraphs (l)(1) and (2) are amended by removing 
the word ``Customs'' each place that it appears and adding in its place 
the term ``CBP''.
    The addition reads as follows:


Sec.  113.64  International carrier bond conditions.

* * * * *
    (b) Agreement to pay liquidated damages--(1) Passenger processing 
fees: If the principal (carrier) fails to pay passenger processing fees 
to CBP within 31 calendar days after the close of the calendar quarter 
in which they were required to be collected pursuant to Sec.  24.22(g) 
of this chapter, the obligors (principal and surety, jointly and 
severally) agree to pay liquidated damages equal to two times the 
passenger processing fees that were required to be collected but not 
timely remitted to CBP, regardless of whether such fees were in fact 
collected from passengers, as prescribed by regulation.
    (2) Railroad car processing fees: If the principal (carrier) fails 
to pay railroad car processing fees to CBP within 60 calendar days 
after the close of the calendar month in which they were collected 
pursuant to Sec.  24.22(d) of this chapter, the obligors (principal and 
surety, jointly and severally) agree to pay liquidated damages equal to 
two times the railroad car processing fees which have not been timely 
paid to CBP as prescribed by regulation.
    (3) Reimbursement fees payable by express consignment carrier and 
centralized hub facilities. If the principal (carrier) fails to timely 
pay the reimbursement fees payable to CBP by express consignment 
carrier facilities and centralized carrier facilities pursuant to the 
terms set forth in Sec.  24.23(b)(4) of this chapter, the obligors 
(principal and surety, jointly and severally) agree to pay liquidated 
damages equal to two times the fees which have not been timely paid to 
CBP as prescribed by that section.
* * * * *


Sec.  113.65  [Amended]

0
44. In Sec.  113.65:
0
a. The introductory text is amended by removing the word ``shall'' and 
adding in its place the word ``must'' and by removing the word 
``entry'' and adding in its place the word ``transaction''; and
0
b. Paragraphs (a)(3) and (4) are amended by removing the word

[[Page 70169]]

``Customs'' each place that it appears and adding in its place the term 
``CBP''.

0
45. In Sec.  113.66:
0
a. The introductory text is amended by removing the word ``shall'' each 
place that it appears and adding in its place the word ``must'';
0
b. Paragraph (a) introductory text and paragraph (a)(1) are revised;
0
c. Paragraph (b)(3) is amended by removing the word ``Customs'' and 
adding in its place the term ``CBP'';
0
d. Paragraph (c)(2) is amended by removing the word ``Customs'' and 
adding in its place the term ``CBP'';
0
e. Paragraph (d)(2) is amended by removing the word ``shall'' and 
adding in its place the word ``will'' and by removing the word 
``Customs'' and adding in its place the term ``CBP''; and
0
f. Paragraph (d)(3) is amended by removing the word ``Customs'' and 
adding in its place the term ``CBP''.
    The revisions read as follows:


Sec.  113.66  Control of containers and instruments of international 
traffic bond conditions.

    (a) Agreement to Enter Any Diverted Instrument of International 
Traffic. If a principal brings in and takes out of the customs 
territory of the United States an instrument of international traffic 
without entry and without payment of duty, as provided by the CBP 
regulations and section 322(a), Tariff Act of 1930, as amended (19 
U.S.C. 1322(a)) the principal agrees to:
    (1) Report promptly to CBP when the instrument is diverted to 
point-to-point local traffic in the customs territory of the United 
States or when the instrument is otherwise withdrawn in the customs 
territory of the United States from its use as an instrument of 
international traffic.
* * * * *


Sec.  113.67  [Amended]

0
46. In Sec.  113.67:
0
a. Paragraph (a) introductory text is amended by removing the word 
``shall'' each place that it appears and adding in its place the word 
``must'';
0
b. Paragraph (a)(1) introductory text is amended by removing the word 
``Customs'' and adding in its place the term ``CBP'';
0
c. Paragraph (a)(1)(i) is amended by removing the words ``Customs 
Regulations'' and adding in their place the words ``CBP regulations'';
0
d. Paragraph (a)(1)(iii) is amended by removing the word ``Customs'' 
and adding in its place the term ``CBP'';
0
e. Paragraph (a)(2)(iii) is amended by removing the word ``shall'' and 
adding in its place the word ``will''; and by removing the word 
``Customs'' each place it appears and adding in its place the term 
``CBP'';
0
f. Paragraph (b) introductory text is amended by removing the word 
``shall'' each place it appears and adding in its place the word 
``must'';
0
g. Paragraph (b)(1) introductory text is amended by removing the word 
``Customs'' and adding in its place the term ``CBP'';
0
h. Paragraph (b)(1)(i) is amended by removing the words ``Customs 
Regulations'' and adding in their place the words ``CBP regulations''; 
and
0
i. Paragraphs (b)(1)(iii) and (b)(2)(iii) are amended by removing the 
word ``Customs'' each place it appears and adding in its place the term 
``CBP''.

Sec.  113.68  [Amended]

0
47. In Sec.  113.68:
0
a. The introductory text is amended by removing the word ``shall'' each 
place that it appears and adding in its place the word ``must''; and by 
removing the word ``entry'' and adding in its place the word 
``transaction'';
0
b. Paragraph (a) is amended by removing the word ``Customs'' and adding 
in its place the term ``CBP''; and
0
c. The second sentence of paragraph (b) is amended by removing the word 
``shall'' and adding in its place the word ``will''; and by removing 
the word ``Customs'' and adding in its place the term ``CBP''.

Sec.  113.69  [Amended]

0
48. In Sec.  113.69:
0
a. The introductory text is amended by removing the word ``shall'' each 
place it appears and adding in its place the word ``must'' and by 
removing the word ``entry'' and adding in its place the word 
``transaction''; and
0
b. The introductory text of the ``Production of Bill of Lading Bond 
Conditions'' is amended by removing the word ``Customs'' and adding in 
its place the term ``CBP''.

Sec.  113.70  [Amended]

0
49. In Sec.  113.70:
0
a. The introductory text is amended by removing the word ``shall'' each 
place it appears and adding in its place the word ``must'' and by 
removing the word ``entry'' and adding in its place the word 
``transaction''; and
0
b. The first sentence in the ``Bond Condition to Indemnify United 
States for Detention of Copyrighted Material'' is amended by removing 
the word ``Customs'' and adding in its place the term ``CBP''.

Sec.  113.71  [Amended]

0
50. In Sec.  113.71, the introductory text is amended by removing the 
word ``shall'' each place that it appears and adding in its place the 
word ``must'' and by removing the word ``entry'' and adding in its 
place the word ``transaction''.

Sec.  113.72  [Amended]

0
51. In Sec.  113.72, the introductory text is amended by removing the 
word ``shall'' each place that it appears and adding in its place the 
word ``must'' and by removing the word ``entry'' and adding in its 
place the word ``transaction''.

Sec.  113.73  [Amended]

0
52. In Sec.  113.73:
0
a. The introductory text is amended by removing the word ``shall'' each 
place that it appears and adding in its place the word ``must'';
0
b. Paragraph (a)(1) is amended by removing the words ``Customs 
Regulations'' and adding in their place the words ``CBP regulations'';
0
c. Paragraph (a)(2) is amended by removing the word ``Customs'' each 
place that it appears and adding in its place the term ``CBP'' by 
removing the word ``Regulations'' and adding in its place the word 
``regulations'' and by removing the word ``shall'' in the third 
sentence and adding in its place the word ``will'';
0
d. Paragraph (b) is amended by removing the word ``shall'' and adding 
in its place the word ``will'' and by removing the word ``Customs'' and 
adding in its place the term ``CBP'';
0
e. Paragraph (c) is amended by removing the words ``Customs and Border 
Protection (CBP)'' and adding in their place the term ``CBP'';
0
f. Paragraph (d)(2) is amended by removing the words ``Customs 
officer'' and adding in its place the words ``CBP Officer''; and
0
g. Paragraph (e) is amended by removing the words ``Customs 
Regulations'' and adding in their place the words ``CBP regulations''.


Sec.  113.74  [Amended]

0
53. Section 113.74 is amended by removing the word ``entry'' and adding 
in its place the word ``transaction''.

0
54. Appendix A to Part 113 is revised to read as follows:

Appendix A to Part 113--Airport Customs Security Area Bond

AIRPORT CUSTOMS SECURITY AREA BOND

    ___(name of principal) of ___(address) and ___(name of surety) 
of ___(address) are held and firmly bound unto the United States of 
America in the sum of __dollars ($__), for the payment of

[[Page 70170]]

which we bind ourselves, our heirs, executors, administrators, 
successors, and assigns, jointly and severally, by these conditions.
    WITNESS our hands and seals this __day of __, 20__. WHEREAS, the 
principal (including the principal's employees, agents, and 
contractors) desires access to airport customs security areas;
    Now, Therefore, the Condition of this Obligation is Such That--
    The principal agrees to comply with the CBP regulations 
applicable to customs security areas at airports. If the principal 
defaults on the condition of this obligation, the principal and 
surety, jointly and severally, agree to pay liquidated damages of 
$1,000 for each default; or such other amount as may be authorized 
by law or regulation. This bond is effective ___, 20__, and remains 
in force for one year beginning with the effective date and for each 
succeeding annual period, or until terminated. This bond constitutes 
a separate bond for each annual period in the amount listed above 
for liabilities that accrue in each annual period.
    Signed, Sealed, and Delivered in the Presence of --



Name
Address



Name
Address
Principal (SEAL)



Name
Address



Name
Address



Name
Address
Surety (SEAL)



Name
Address

Appendix B to Part 113 [Amended]

0
55. Appendix B to Part 113 is amended by removing the word ``Customs'' 
each place that it appears and adding in its place the term ``CBP''.

Appendix C to Part 113 [Amended]

0
56. Appendix C to Part 113 is amended by removing the word ``Customs'' 
each place that it appears and adding in its place the term ``CBP''.

PART 133--TRADEMARKS, TRADE NAMES, AND COPYRIGHTS

0
57. The general and specific authority citations for part 133 continue 
to read as follows:

    Authority: 15 U.S.C. 1124, 1125, 1127; 17 U.S.C. 101, 601, 602, 
603; 19 U.S.C. 66, 1202, 1499, 1526, 1624; 31 U.S.C. 9701;
* * * * *
    Sections 133.21 through 133.25 also issued under 18 U.S.C. 1905; 
Sec. 818(g), Pub. L. 112-81.
* * * * *

0
58. In Sec.  133.25, paragraph (c) is revised to read as follows:


Sec.  133.25  Procedure on detention of articles subject to 
restriction.

* * * * *
    (c) Disclosure to the trademark or trade name owner. At any time 
following presentation of the merchandise for CBP's examination, but 
prior to seizure, CBP may release a sample of the suspect merchandise 
to the owner of the trademark or trade name for examination or testing 
to assist in determining whether the article imported bears an 
infringing trademark or trade name. To obtain a sample under this 
paragraph, the owner of the mark must furnish to CBP a bond in the form 
and amount specified by CBP, conditioned to indemnify the importer or 
owner of the imported article against any loss or damage resulting from 
the furnishing of the sample by CBP to the owner of the mark. CBP may 
demand the return of the sample at any time. The owner must return the 
sample to CBP upon demand or at the conclusion of the examination or 
testing, whichever occurs sooner. In the event that the sample is 
damaged, destroyed, or lost while in the possession of the trademark or 
trade name owner, the owner must, in lieu of returning the sample, 
certify to CBP that: ``The sample described as [insert description] and 
provided pursuant to 19 CFR 133.25(c) was (damaged/destroyed/lost) 
during examination or testing for trademark infringement.''
* * * * *

R. Gil Kerlikowske,
Commissioner.
    Approved: November 4, 2015.
Timothy E. Skud,
Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Treasury.
[FR Doc. 2015-28503 Filed 11-12-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 9111-14-P



                                                70154            Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 219 / Friday, November 13, 2015 / Rules and Regulations

                                                shall send an acknowledgement letter to                 Division within the Office of                         proposed to amend § 113.64, which
                                                the requester which shall confirm                       Administration. Upon consideration of                 prescribes international carrier bond
                                                receipt of the requester’s appeal.* * *                 comments received from the public in                  conditions, to state that an obligor must
                                                  (c) Upon receipt of an appeal                         response to the proposed rulemaking,                  pay liquidated damages for failure to
                                                involving records initially denied on the               and in light of CBP’s ongoing efforts                 timely submit to CBP passenger
                                                basis of FOIA exemption (b)(1), the                     concerning the development of                         processing fees that were required to be
                                                records shall be forwarded to the                       electronic bonds, CBP has determined                  collected. In addition, CBP proposed to
                                                Deputy Assistant Secretary for Security                 not to proceed at this time with certain              amend the regulations in part 133 to
                                                (DAS) for a declassification review. The                proposed regulatory changes relating to               reflect that bonds relating to allegations
                                                DAS may overrule previous                               the application, approval, and execution              of counterfeit trademarks are permitted
                                                classification determinations in whole                  of bonds. CBP has also determined not                 to be continuous bonds.
                                                or in part if continued protection in the               to proceed with proposals relating to                 Bond Final Rule Separate and Distinct
                                                interest of national security is no longer              provisions that are the subject of other              From eBond Test
                                                required, or no longer required at the                  rulemakings currently under inter-
                                                same level. The DAS shall advise the                    departmental review. In the notice of                    Title VI of the North American Free
                                                Assistant General Counsel for Litigation,               proposed rulemaking, CBP used the                     Trade Agreement Implementation Act,
                                                Employment, and Oversight, the                          terms ‘‘CBP-approved electronic data                  Public Law 103–182, 107 Stat. 2057
                                                General Counsel, the General Counsel to                 interchange system’’ and ‘‘electronic                 (Dec. 8, 1993), establishes the National
                                                the Inspector General, or Deputy                        filing’’ to describe the manner by which              Customs Automation Program (NCAP),
                                                Inspector General, as appropriate, of his               continuous bonds may be submitted to                  an automated and electronic system for
                                                or her decision.                                        CBP. In this final rule, these terms are              the processing of commercial
                                                                                                        clarified to reflect that continuous                  importations. CBP is currently
                                                *     *      *    *     *                                                                                     conducting a voluntary NCAP eBond
                                                                                                        bonds may be scanned and submitted to
                                                §§ 4.23, 4.25, 4.28, and 4.29 and Appendix B            CBP as an email attachment, or by                     test. In a general notice published in the
                                                  [Amended]                                             facsimile. This document also amends                  Federal Register (79 FR 70881) on
                                                ■ 3. In addition to the amendments                      the CBP regulations to allow for the                  November 28, 2014, CBP described the
                                                made above, in 15 CFR part 4, remove                    filing of single transaction bonds                    terms and conditions of the eBond test
                                                the words ‘‘Assistant General Counsel                   pursuant to these methods. In this                    which provides for the transmission to
                                                for Administration’’ and add, in their                  rulemaking, CBP also clarifies the CBP                the Automated Commercial
                                                place, the words ‘‘Assistant General                                                                          Environment (ACE) of electronic bond
                                                                                                        regulations to reflect that intellectual
                                                Counsel for Litigation, Employment,                                                                           contracts (eBonds) between principals
                                                                                                        property rights sample bonds are posted
                                                and Oversight’’ in the following places:                                                                      and sureties, with CBP as the third-party
                                                                                                        to protect the importer or owner of the
                                                ■ a. Section 4.23(d)(2);
                                                                                                                                                              beneficiary, for the purpose of linking
                                                                                                        sample, and changes provisions of the
                                                ■ b. Section 4.25(a)(2) and (g)(3)(ii);
                                                                                                                                                              those eBonds to the transactions they
                                                                                                        international carrier bond regarding the
                                                ■ c. Section 4.28(a)(1)(ii) and
                                                                                                                                                              are intended to secure (eBond system).
                                                                                                        payment of fees. Lastly, this final rule
                                                (a)(2)(ii)(D);                                                                                                The test deployed on January 3, 2015,
                                                                                                        adopts non-substantive amendments to
                                                ■ d. Section 4.29(b), (c), (e), (g)(1), (h),
                                                                                                                                                              and a modification to the test was
                                                                                                        the regulations regarding nomenclature
                                                and (i); and                                                                                                  published in the Federal Register (80
                                                                                                        and organizational changes, including
                                                ■ e. Appendix B.
                                                                                                                                                              FR 899) and went into effect on January
                                                                                                        editorial changes to enhance general                  7, 2015.
                                                [FR Doc. 2015–28712 Filed 11–12–15; 8:45 am]            readability, and makes technical                         The eBond test is separate and
                                                BILLING CODE 3510–BW–P                                  corrections to reflect statutory                      distinct from this bond final rule. In this
                                                                                                        amendments.                                           regard, it is noted that the eBond test
                                                                                                        DATES: Effective December 14, 2015.                   pertains to electronic bonds that are not
                                                DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND                                  FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:   Kara               submitted on the CBP Form 301 and
                                                SECURITY                                                Welty, Chief, Debt Management Branch,                 that are transmitted through an
                                                                                                        Revenue Division, Office of                           electronic data interchange to ACE to
                                                U.S. Customs and Border Protection                                                                            secure a limited subset of ACE entry
                                                                                                        Administration, Tel. (317) 614–4614.
                                                                                                                                                              types. The bond regulations contained
                                                DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY                              SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
                                                                                                                                                              in this final rule, however, pertain to all
                                                                                                        Background                                            entry types and provide for the filing of
                                                19 CFR Parts 101, 113, and 133                                                                                both continuous bonds and single
                                                                                                        Proposed Rule                                         transaction bonds primarily on the CBP
                                                [CBP Dec. 15–15, USCBP–2006–0013]
                                                                                                          On January 5, 2010, U.S. Customs and                Form 301. As a result of this rule, CBP
                                                RIN 1515–AD56 [formerly 1505–AB54]                      Border Protection (CBP) published in                  Form 301 bonds may be scanned and
                                                                                                        the Federal Register (75 FR 266) a                    emailed to CBP as a computer file
                                                Customs and Border Protection’s
                                                                                                        proposal to amend title 19 of the Code                attachment (i.e., in a .pdf or a .tif
                                                Bond Program
                                                                                                        of Federal Regulations (19 CFR)                       format), or submitted by facsimile (fax)
                                                AGENCY:  U.S. Customs and Border                        regarding CBP’s bond program. The                     or mail. Bonds emailed or faxed to CBP
                                                Protection, Department of Homeland                      proposed amendments to CBP’s bond                     on the CBP Form 301 are not submitted
                                                Security; Department of the Treasury.                   regulations were intended to update and               via a ‘‘CBP-approved electronic data
                                                ACTION: Final rule.                                     modernize CBP’s bond program and                      interchange system’’ in that they do not
jstallworth on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with RULES




                                                                                                        centralize the filing, review and                     constitute a computer-to-computer
                                                SUMMARY:    This document adopts as a                   approval of continuous bonds at CBP’s                 interchange of strictly formatted
                                                final rule, with changes, proposed                      Revenue Division, Office of                           messages. To clarify this fact, this final
                                                amendments to the U.S. Customs and                      Administration, in Indianapolis,                      rule no longer refers to CBP Form 301
                                                Border Protection (CBP) regulations that                Indiana, which assumes the bond                       bonds, or the submission of bonds
                                                serve to centralize the processing of                   functions previously performed at the                 outside of the eBond test, as
                                                continuous bonds at CBP’s Revenue                       port level. In that document, CBP also                ‘‘electronic’’ or submitted or filed


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                                                                 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 219 / Friday, November 13, 2015 / Rules and Regulations                                       70155

                                                ‘‘electronically’’ or via a ‘‘CBP-                      situations where CBP determines that                  are currently in formal inter-
                                                authorized electronic data interchange                  none of the conditions contained in                   departmental review. In addition, CBP
                                                system.’’ Moreover, as bonds may still                  Subpart G, CBP Bond Conditions, of                    is not finalizing certain proposals in
                                                be submitted to CBP outside of the                      part 113 are applicable to a transaction              light of ongoing efforts concerning the
                                                eBond test, it is important to note the                 sought to be secured, either the Director,            development and deployment of eBonds
                                                following:                                              Revenue Division, or the port director,               in the ACE environment. In this regard,
                                                   • Non-eBond test participants must                   may draft conditions that cover the                   it is noted that CBP has announced a
                                                adhere to the regulatory provisions set                 transaction as CBP deems appropriate                  deployment schedule that will include
                                                forth in Chapter 1 of title 19 of the Code              and the port director is not limited to               electronic filing of STBs. This schedule
                                                of Federal Regulations.                                 drafting conditions only for single                   is available for viewing at: http://www.
                                                   • For eBond test participants, the                   transaction bonds (STBs) in these                     cbp.gov/sites/default/files/documents/
                                                regulatory provisions set forth in                      instances. This change is necessary to                Product%20Backlog%20as%20of%20
                                                Chapter 1 of title 19 of the CFR are                    reflect the fact that there are certain               03-31-14.pdf. As many of the regulatory
                                                suspended to the extent that they                       continuous bonds for which the port                   changes offered in the proposed rule
                                                conflict with the terms of the eBond                    director, and not the Revenue Division,               may not be consistent with the
                                                test.                                                   will draft bond conditions that are                   deployment of eBonds in the ACE, or
                                                                                                        specific to the issues and the geography              have otherwise been overtaken by
                                                Amendments Suggested by Commenters
                                                                                                        of the port involved.                                 events, the following proposed changes
                                                  This final rule adopts changes                           • Clarify in § 113.15, which                       are not being adopted as final, in whole
                                                suggested by commenters in response to                  prescribes the retention of approved                  or in part (notwithstanding non-
                                                the proposed rulemaking that are a                      bonds, that except for bonds containing               substantive editorial changes that are
                                                natural outgrowth of that document.                     the agreement to pay court costs                      retained in this document), as described
                                                Specifically, the changes:                              (condemned goods) (see § 113.72), and                 below:
                                                  • Permit both single transaction                      as may otherwise be deemed                               • Proposed changes to 19 CFR 113.11
                                                bonds (STBs) and continuous bonds to                    appropriate by CBP, bonds that are                    relating to bond applications, with the
                                                be scanned and submitted to CBP as an                   approved by the port director will be                 exception that this section is amended
                                                email attachment or by fax.                             retained at the port office and bonds                 to specify that both STBs and
                                                  • Liberalize the existing procedure,                  that are approved at the Revenue                      continuous bonds may be scanned and
                                                set forth in § 113.37(d), by which agents               Division (including bonds relating to                 submitted to CBP as an email
                                                or attorneys acting for a corporate surety              repayment of erroneous drawback                       attachment or by fax, paper STBs may
                                                may identify themselves to CBP by                       payments containing the conditions set                be filed at the Revenue Division or with
                                                permitting the submission of a surety-                  forth in § 113.65) will be retained at the            the port director, and continuous bonds
                                                generated 9-digit alphanumeric                          Revenue Division.                                     must be filed with the Director, Revenue
                                                identification number as a substitute for                  • Clarify the introductory language in             Division.
                                                submission of a social security number.                 § 113.39(a) to state that reports to CBP                 • Proposed changes to 19 CFR 113.12
                                                  • Remove the reference, in                            Headquarters are to be sent to the                    regarding bond approval, with the
                                                § 113.38(c)(4), to ‘‘port director’’ as                 attention of the Executive Director,                  exception that paragraphs (a) and (b) are
                                                among the CBP personnel authorized to                   Regulations and Rulings, Office of                    respectively amended to state that STBs
                                                determine whether CBP will accept the                   International Trade.                                  may be approved by either the Revenue
                                                bonds of a particular surety.                              • Clarify § 113.64(b)(1) and (2) to                Division or by the director of the port
                                                  • Effect a technical correction to                    state, in positive terms, that the                    where filed, and continuous bonds will
                                                § 113.52, which currently requires that                 principal (carrier) must pay processing               be approved by the Director, Revenue
                                                CBP report a bonded debt to the                         fees to CBP ‘‘within’’ the prescribed                 Division.
                                                Department of Justice for prosecution if                number of ‘‘calendar’’ days after the                    • Proposed changes to 19 CFR
                                                unpaid for 90 days. As section 2103 of                  close of the calendar quarter in which                113.13(c) which would remove the 30-
                                                the Miscellaneous Trade and Technical                   they were due.                                        day time period from date of
                                                Corrections Act of 2004 amended 19                         • Clarify § 133.25(c), relating to the             notification within which a principal
                                                U.S.C. 1514 by extending the time to file               terms of the IPR sample bond, by adding               must remedy a bond deficiency. Upon
                                                and amend a protest from 90 days to 180                 in the second sentence the phrase ‘‘. . .,            further review, and in response to
                                                days after the date of liquidation or                   conditioned to indemnify the importer                 commenters’ suggestions, CBP has
                                                reliquidation, or date of the decision,                 or owner of the imported article against              decided to reinstate a prescribed time
                                                order, or finding being protested for                   any loss or damage resulting from the                 period within which a principal must
                                                entries made on or after December 18,                   furnishing of the sample by CBP to the                remedy the bond insufficiency. CBP
                                                2004, the 90-day period should be                       owner of the mark.’’ This language is                 views a 30-day response period as too
                                                changed to 180 days to reflect that fact.               added to eliminate confusion and make                 lengthy to adequately protect the
                                                                                                        clear that the IPR sample bond is posted              revenue and ensure compliance with
                                                Clarifying and Conforming
                                                                                                        to protect the importer or owner of the               applicable law and regulations, and
                                                Amendments
                                                                                                        sample.                                               therefore this provision is amended to
                                                  This document also amends the                                                                               prescribe a 15-day period.
                                                                                                        Proposals Not Adopted
                                                regulations to effect clarifications that                                                                        • Proposed changes to 19 CFR 113.21
                                                better explain the bond process and                       As noted above, this final rule adopts              relating to information required on the
                                                conform the regulations to reflect                      changes suggested by commenters in                    bond.
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                                                amendments to title 19 of the CFR that                  response to the proposed rulemaking,                     • Proposed changes to 19 CFR 113.22
                                                went into effect after publication of the               including recommendations to not                      relating to witnesses required on the
                                                proposed rule. Specifically, these                      proceed with certain proposed                         bond.
                                                changes:                                                amendments. In this document, CBP has                    • Proposed changes to 19 CFR 113.23
                                                  • Clarify in § 113.14, which pertains                 also determined not to adopt as final                 relating to changes made on the bond.
                                                to situations where the approved form                   certain regulatory proposals that are the                • Proposed changes to 19 CFR 113.24
                                                of a bond is inadequate, that in                        subject of other CBP rulemakings that                 relating to riders, with the exception


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                                                70156            Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 219 / Friday, November 13, 2015 / Rules and Regulations

                                                that this section is amended to reflect                 of Homeland Security is among those                   Commissioner of CBP, who may re-
                                                that riders must be filed with the                      who may authorize the enforcement of                  delegate it further within CBP. Second,
                                                Revenue Division and may be scanned                     bond laws and regulations and the                     any authority outside the scope of 19
                                                and submitted to CBP as an email                        Director, Revenue Division, and not the               U.S.C. 1623(a) is encompassed within
                                                attachment or by fax. In addition, this                 Port Director, is authorized to accept                the dependent clause of the sentence
                                                section clarifies that riders must be                   cash deposits in lieu of sureties on                  which begins 19 CFR 113.1.
                                                attached to their related bond if                       bonds.                                                   Comment:
                                                submitted in a paper format and sets                      • Proposed changes to 19 CFR                           Six commenters provided
                                                forth a reference to the CBP Web site                   113.62(a)(1)(i) to include a reference to             submissions regarding various aspects
                                                containing a comprehensive listing of                   the ‘‘periodic monthly statement’’                    of the bond application process as set
                                                acceptable riders. In addition, this                    inasmuch as this type of payment is                   forth in proposed § 113.11. The bond
                                                section sets forth a reference to the CBP               made pursuant to a test program that                  application comments are summarized
                                                Web site containing a comprehensive                     has not been provided by regulation.                  as follows:
                                                listing of acceptable riders.                             • Proposed changes to the title of the                 • The level of continuous bond
                                                   • Proposed changes to 19 CFR 113.25                  bond set forth in Appendix A to Part                  application detail specified in proposed
                                                relating to seals on the bond.                          113 from ‘‘Airport Customs Security                   § 113.11(c) is much greater than the
                                                   • Proposed changes to 19 CFR 113.26                  Area’’ to ‘‘Airport CBP Security Area’’ in            amount of information currently
                                                relating to riders, with the exception                  that the term ‘‘CBP’’ is improperly                   collected in bond applications and
                                                that this section is amended to allow the               restrictive in this context. Here, CBP                constitutes a new ‘‘collection of
                                                filing of riders up to sixty days prior to              uses ‘‘Customs’’ in the generic sense of              information’’ pursuant to the Paperwork
                                                the effective date rather than thirty days.             the word rather than as a continued                   Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3507).
                                                   • Proposed changes to 19 CFR 113.27                  reference to the legacy component of                  This contradicts CBP’s statement in the
                                                relating to termination of bonds, with                  CBP, the U.S. Customs Service,                        proposed rule that ‘‘[T]here are no new
                                                the exception that this section is                      previously referred to throughout title               collections of information proposed in
                                                amended to reflect that termination                     19 CFR as ‘‘Customs.’’ It is noted,                   this document.’’
                                                notices must be sent to the Revenue                     however, that CBP adopts in this final                   • The requirement to submit an
                                                Division.                                               rule the proposal to convert this bond                application for a STB, as set forth in
                                                   • Proposed changes to 19 CFR 113.33                  from a term bond to a continuous bond.                proposed § 113.11(a), should be
                                                relating to bond execution requirements                   • Proposed changes to Appendices A                  removed. The commenters noted that
                                                of corporations, with the exception that                and D to part 113 which would remove                  STBs are rarely, if ever, accompanied by
                                                paragraph (c) is amended to include a                   the witness requirements.                             bond applications and the transaction
                                                reference to the Revenue Division.                        • Proposed changes to 19 CFR                        that the bond secures serves to provide
                                                   • Proposed changes to 19 CFR 113.37                  133.21(d) and 19 CFR 133.42(e), as the                CBP with the necessary information.
                                                relating to signature and seal                          proposed amendments to these                             • In the alternative, if CBP elects to
                                                requirements of corporate sureties, with                intellectual property rights sample bond              retain applications for STBs, as is
                                                the exception that the outdated existing                provisions are the subject of existing                required in proposed § 113.11(a), CBP
                                                reference to the ‘‘Bureau of Government                 rulemakings which are in formal inter-                should modify the provision to state
                                                Financial Operations’’ is replaced with                 departmental review.                                  that STB applications may be filed at
                                                an updated reference to ‘‘Bureau of the                                                                       either the Revenue Division or the port,
                                                Fiscal Service’’ to reflect current                     Discussion of Comments                                and either of those locales may review
                                                administrative and legal authorities.                     Eight commenters responded to CBP’s                 and approve the bond.
                                                Also, as noted above, CBP is adopting as                solicitation of public comment in the                    • Requiring applications for any type
                                                final the proposed amendments to                        proposed rule. A description of the                   of customs bonds is an outmoded
                                                paragraph (d) whereby agents or                         comments received, together with CBP’s                concept as the preponderance of bond
                                                attorneys acting for a corporate surety                 analyses, is set forth below.                         sufficiency decisions rendered by the
                                                may identify themselves to CBP by                         Comment:                                            Revenue Division are not based on the
                                                submitting a surety-generated 9-digit                     One commenter requested                             application, but on the Revenue
                                                alphanumeric identification number as                   confirmation that the proposed                        Division’s analysis of data that is readily
                                                a substitute for submission of a social                 substitution of the reference to the                  and routinely extracted from CBP’s own
                                                security number.                                        Department of the Treasury in 19 CFR                  data systems. In this regard, it is noted
                                                   • Proposed changes to 19 CFR 113.39                  113.1, with a reference to the                        that CBP’s data processing and analysis
                                                to reflect a generalized reference to                     Department of Homeland Security                     capabilities are vastly more
                                                ‘‘authorized CBP officer’’ as to who may                (DHS), does not create a deficiency in                comprehensive today than those that
                                                recommend the removal of a surety                       authority for CBP to require bonds or                 were in existence in 1985 when the
                                                company from Treasury Department                        other security.                                       current bond application regulatory
                                                Circular 570, with the exception that                     CBP Response:                                       requirements were promulgated. CBP
                                                this section is amended by adding                         The proposed substitution does not                  should handle its request for more
                                                references to the Revenue Division and                  create a deficiency in authority. First, in           specific information collection through
                                                also to replace the outdated existing                   view of the authority transferred by the              utilization of CBP Directives.
                                                reference to the ‘‘Bureau of Government                 Homeland Security Act of 2002 and                        • The detail set forth in the proposed
                                                Financial Operations’’ with an updated                  delegated by Treasury Department                      bond application involves certain
                                                reference to ‘‘Bureau of the Fiscal                     Order No. 100–16 (May 23, 2003),                      information which is pertinent only in
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                                                Service’’.                                              Appendix to part 0 of title 19 of the                 the case of Activity Code 1 continuous
                                                   • Proposed changes to § 113.40,                      Code of Federal Regulations (19 CFR                   bonds, even though the requirements of
                                                which provides for acceptance of cash                   part 0), all of the Secretary of the                  proposed § 113.11(c) purport to apply to
                                                deposits or obligations of the United                   Treasury’s authority pursuant to 19                   all activity codes.
                                                States in lieu of sureties on bonds, with               U.S.C. 1623(a) was transferred and/or                    • Proposed § 113.11(d) requires
                                                the exception that this section is                      delegated to the DHS Secretary who                    updates to application information in
                                                amended to provide that the Secretary                   then appropriately delegated it to the                the event of a ‘‘material change.’’


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                                                                 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 219 / Friday, November 13, 2015 / Rules and Regulations                                           70157

                                                Commenters note CBP has not enforced                    seal, CBP proposes to add alternative                 in § 113.12 (which are currently
                                                this provision for 25 years. In addition,               certification language stating that the               prescribed in § 113.11) as this non-
                                                the term ‘‘material change’’ is undefined               bonds are legally binding ‘‘to the same               substantive change reflects the proper
                                                and therefore subjective, vague, and                    extent as if signed and under seal.’’ CBP             chronological order of bond processing
                                                difficult to enforce. CBP has the ability               should not permit certification in lieu of            events. It is further noted that CBP is
                                                to determine for itself whether any                     requiring a signature on non-paper                    amending the STB bond application
                                                information has changed materially                      bonds without developing appropriate                  process set forth in § 113.11(a) to
                                                enough to warrant a new bond and, as                    safeguards to verify and authenticate the             provide that the STB bond application
                                                the bond obligee, it is good risk                       intent of the parties to be bound without             may be in the form of a letter and filed
                                                management practice to continually                      the evidence of signatures. Part 113                  with the Director, Revenue Division or
                                                review all bonds for adequacy.                          should be limited to bonds submitted by               the port director, or the STB may be
                                                   • References in § 113.11 to CBP Form                 mail, fax or other electronic imagery                 scanned and submitted to CBP as an
                                                301 should be deleted inasmuch as                       where the signature and seal will be                  email attachment or by fax. Similarly,
                                                certain bonds filed with CBP (e.g.,                     visible (i.e., as a .pdf or .tif email                CBP is amending § 113.11(b) to provide
                                                Importer Security Filing (ISF)                          attachment). CBP should engage the                    that continuous bonds must be
                                                ‘‘Appendix D’’ Bonds, Airport Customs                   surety industry and trade in discussions              submitted to the Director, Revenue
                                                Security Area ‘‘Appendix A’’ Bonds) are                 to establish the proper regulatory                    Division and may be scanned and
                                                not filed on the CBP Form 301.                          language. Self-certification of one’s own             submitted to CBP as an email
                                                   • Proposed § 113.11(c)(1)(v) requires                authority is susceptible to fraud. In a               attachment or by fax. Lastly, this final
                                                that the bond applicant provide                         related submission, another commenter                 rule removes references to CBP Form
                                                information relating to the nature of the               noted that if an electronic bond                      301 in § 113.11.
                                                relationship between principal, co-                     transmission to CBP is not pursuant to                   Comment:
                                                principals, or unincorporated divisions                 an ‘‘authorized electronic interchange                   Several commenters noted that a
                                                or trade names appearing on the bond.                   system,’’ as required by 19 U.S.C.                    reference to term bonds should be
                                                This new requirement does not have                      1623(e), a signature is required. To                  added to proposed § 113.11 to
                                                any relation to protection of revenue                   remedy these problems, the commenters                 encompass Airport Customs Security
                                                and/or setting bond amounts.                            suggest amending proposed § 113.11 by:                Area Bonds or, in the alternative, term
                                                   • Proposed § 113.11(c)(1)(viii)                      (1) Deleting the introductory paragraph               bonds should be converted into a
                                                requires the applicant to report                        and all references to CBP Form 301; (2)               continuous bond format.
                                                ‘‘anticipated’’ material changes to the                 deleting the requirement to submit a                     CBP Response:
                                                nature of the merchandise that will be                  bond application for STBs set forth in                   CBP agrees with the commenters’
                                                imported over the subsequent 12                         proposed paragraph (a); (3) removing                  suggestion that Airport Customs
                                                months. This new requirement does not                   the specific bond information set forth               Security Area Bonds, which are
                                                have any relation to protection of                      in proposed paragraph (c); (4) deleting               currently term bonds that lapse at the
                                                revenue.                                                the requirement to submit bond                        end of a specified period,
                                                   • Proposed § 113.11(c)(1)(xii) and                   application updates in the event of                      should be converted to a continuous
                                                (xiii) duplicate the information                        material change; (5) stating that CBP                 bond type. This change will allow CBP
                                                requested in paragraph (e).                             may require a prospective or existing                 to avoid lapses in coverage and thereby
                                                   • It is not necessary that a bond                    continuous or term bond principal to                  enhance security. The conversion poses
                                                application be executed under seal and                  file a written bond application and,                  no economic burden on the public and
                                                this requirement should be removed                      when required, the application must                   is a logical outgrowth of the proposed
                                                from proposed § 113.11(e)(1). By                        include the information specified by the              rulemaking in that it serves to ensure a
                                                waiving this requirement, proposed                      Revenue Division in order to properly                 uniform approach to bond approval,
                                                paragraphs (e)(1) and (e)(2) can be                     evaluate bond sufficiency; (6) changing               maintenance, and periodic review.
                                                combined and require the same                           the reference to ‘‘paper bond’’ in                    Accordingly, this document amends
                                                certification language for everyone and                 proposed § 113.11(e)(1) to read, ‘‘paper              Appendix A to 19 CFR part 113 by
                                                every situation.                                        bond application’’, and; (7) adding the               removing the bond text pertaining to
                                                   • As proposed, § 113.11 pertains to                  words, ‘‘where applicable’’ to the                    specific duration of the bond and to
                                                bond applications, paragraph (e)(1)                     certification language in § 113.11(e)(2)              locality.
                                                should be amended by adding the word                    to reflect that not all non-paper bond                   Comment:
                                                ‘‘applications’’ to clarify that the                    applications will be from corporate                      Several commenters provided
                                                provision pertains to paper bond                        applicants. The commenters maintain                   submissions regarding various aspects
                                                applications.                                           that such amendments to the bond                      of the bond approval process as set forth
                                                   • The last sentence in the                           application procedures will result in                 in proposed § 113.12. The bond
                                                certification language set forth in                     true paperwork reduction without                      approval comments are summarized as
                                                proposed § 113.11(e)(2) presumes that                   sacrificing CBP’s ability to obtain and               follows:
                                                every bond application submitted                        review the information it needs to make                  • Paragraph (a) should reflect that the
                                                electronically will be submitted by a                   sound bond sufficiency decisions.                     Revenue Division already accepts
                                                corporate applicant. Non-corporate                         CBP Response:                                      emailed STB versions of the ISF Bond
                                                applicants will not be able to make such                   For reasons discussed elsewhere in                 (Appendix D to part 113).
                                                a certification.                                        this preamble, CBP has determined not                    • The last sentence of proposed
                                                   • The term ‘‘continuous transaction                  to proceed with most of the proposed                  § 113.12(b) should be changed to state
jstallworth on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with RULES




                                                bond’’ in proposed § 113.11(c)(1) should                changes to 19 CFR 113.11. It is noted,                that ‘‘only one continuous bond for a
                                                read ‘‘continuous bonds.’’                              however, that this final rule amends the              particular activity ‘code’ will be
                                                   • In the proposed rule, CBP would                    CBP regulations to reflect the proposal               authorized for each principal.’’ This is
                                                permit certain documentation to be                      to set forth CBP’s bond application                   necessary because the unqualified
                                                submitted to the Revenue Division in a                  procedures in § 113.11 (which are                     reference to ‘‘a particular activity,’’ as is
                                                non-paper format. As such submissions                   currently prescribed in § 113.12) and to              currently proposed, is too broad and
                                                will not contain a written signature or                 set forth the bond approval regulations               susceptible to an unintended


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                                                70158            Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 219 / Friday, November 13, 2015 / Rules and Regulations

                                                interpretation that would require a                     and that, if CBP determines a bond to                 time period within which a principal is
                                                principal to obtain more continuous                     be inadequate, the principal will be                  given the opportunity to remedy the
                                                bonds than are needed to cover all of its               promptly notified in writing and                      bond insufficiency. As noted above in
                                                activities.                                             additional security for any and all of the            this document, CBP views the existing
                                                   CBP Response:                                        principal’s transactions covered by the               30-day response period as too lengthy to
                                                   CBP agrees that additional                           bond may be required until the                        adequately protect the revenue and
                                                clarification as to who may approve                     deficiency is remedied. The commenters                ensure compliance with applicable law
                                                bonds is beneficial. Accordingly, this                  state that the proposed changes would                 and regulations; therefore, § 113.13(c) is
                                                document amends § 113.12(a) to state                    permit CBP to deactivate a bond and/or                amended to prescribe a 15-day period
                                                that STBs may be approved by the                        require additional collateralization                  within which a principal must remedy
                                                Revenue Division or by the director of                  almost immediately, regardless of the                 a deficiency and to state that where CBP
                                                the port where the STB is filed, and                    reason for the insufficiency. Although                has determined that a bond is
                                                amends § 113.12(b) to state that                        19 CFR 113.13(c), as it is currently                  insufficient to adequately protect the
                                                continuous bonds must be approved by                    proposed to be amended, suggests that                 revenue and ensure compliance with
                                                the Revenue Division. As CBP has                        a bond insufficiency is determined by                 applicable law and regulations, CBP
                                                determined not to proceed with the                      whether ‘‘the bond is adequate to                     may provide written notice to the
                                                remainder of the proposed amendments                    protect the revenue and ensure                        principal and surety that additional
                                                to § 113.12, it is not necessary to address             compliance with the law and                           security in the form of cash deposit or
                                                other comments concerning this section.                 regulations,’’ the commenters note that               STB may be required for any and all of
                                                   Comment:                                             CBP finds insufficiency and deactivates               the principal’s transactions until the
                                                   Several commenters noted that CBP                    bonds for a variety of reasons, not all of            deficiency is remedied. CBP will
                                                has apparently launched a new                           them involving threats to compliance or               provide notice of any insufficiency to
                                                electronic single transaction bond                      the revenue. The commenters request                   both the principal and the surety.
                                                program (‘‘e-STB’’). The program                        that CBP maintain the 30 days written                    Comment:
                                                appears to be unauthorized and                          notice to the principal as is currently                  Several commenters expressed
                                                violative of the NPRM which repeatedly                  provided in the regulations.                          concern with the ISF implications of
                                                indicates that STBs will continue to be                    • Several commenters object to CBP’s               CBP’s proposed amendments to § 113.13
                                                filed and approved by port directors.                   ability to render a bond insufficient in              which would allow CBP to deactivate a
                                                The final rule should authorize, but not                situations where a bond has been                      bond and/or require additional
                                                require, the centralization of e-STBs at                identified as ‘‘inadequate,’’ but the                 collateralization almost immediately.
                                                the Revenue Division.                                   inadequacy is not significant enough to               Before introduction of the ISF
                                                   CBP Response:                                        rise to the level of jeopardizing                     requirement, this action would cause
                                                   This comment predates deployment                     compliance or revenue.                                delays in filing an entry for release as
                                                of the eBond test on January 3, 2015,                      • One commenter suggests replacing                 the cargo arrives at terminals in the U.S.
                                                and prior to this date CBP had not                      the word ‘‘immediate’’ in paragraph (d),              Under ISF, the immediate inactivation
                                                launched a formal e-STB program;                        with a word connoting a more                          of a bond for any insufficiency takes on
                                                rather, based on individual program                     reasonable period of time.                            troubling implications in that cargo will
                                                requirements, such as Importer Security                    • The bond is an agreement between                 be held back from being sent to the U.S.
                                                Filing (ISF) and Automated Commercial                   the principal, CBP, and the surety, and               by the carrier overseas. If the cargo is
                                                Environment (ACE) entries, CBP has                      any notice given by CBP to the principal              not laden aboard the vessel at the
                                                accepted and processed scanned images                   should also be given to the surety.                   foreign port, it may cause significant
                                                of bonds transmitted via email.                            • Several commenters suggest the                   shipping delays.
                                                Nevertheless, as noted above, CBP is in                 language in proposed paragraphs (c) and                  CBP response:
                                                agreement with the commenters’                          (d) pertaining to ‘‘additional securities’’              CBP disagrees and notes that even in
                                                suggestion to liberalize the manner by                  is duplicative and need only be stated                situations where the continuous bond is
                                                which STBs may be submitted to CBP.                     once in paragraph (d).                                rendered insufficient ‘‘immediately,’’
                                                To that end, this final rule amends the                    CBP Response:                                      the trade retains the ability to move
                                                CBP regulations to permit STBs to be                       When circumstances require, CBP                    cargo without excessive delay by using
                                                scanned and submitted to CBP as an                      must be able to act quickly to protect the            STBs. This includes using a STB to
                                                email attachment or by fax. For                         revenue and ensure compliance with                    satisfy the ISF bonding requirement.
                                                purposes of uniformity, this document                   law and regulation. There have been                      Comment:
                                                also amends § 113.11(b) to clarify that                 situations where the passage of time                     Seven commenters disagree that CBP
                                                continuous bonds may be scanned and                     between CBP’s decision finding a bond                 is ‘‘entitled to presume, without
                                                submitted to CBP as an email                            to be insufficient and the principal                  verification, that submitted bond
                                                attachment or by fax.                                   increasing the bond in response to such               applications and related documentation,
                                                   Comment:                                             a finding has resulted in the agency                  which include the bond, are properly
                                                   Several commenters provided                          having to write off millions of dollars in            executed, complete, accurate, and in full
                                                comments regarding the proposed                         uncollectible revenue. It is noted that               compliance with all applicable laws.’’
                                                amendments to § 113.13(c), which                        even in situations where the continuous               This language, or substantially similar
                                                pertain to CBP’s periodic review to                     bond is rendered insufficient                         variations thereof, was proposed to be
                                                determine bond sufficiency. The                         ‘‘immediately,’’ the trade retains the                added to various provisions throughout
                                                comments are summarized as follows:                     ability to move cargo without excessive               part 113. The commenters state that, as
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                                                   • Six commenters objected to the                     delay by using STBs. In an effort to                  CBP is the obligee of the bond and a
                                                proposed amendments to § 113.13(c)                      alleviate concern that CBP will                       party to it, CBP has a duty to exercise
                                                which state that CBP will periodically                  improperly render a bond insufficient in              due diligence to ensure that the bond
                                                review each bond on file to determine                   situations where the bond inadequacy is               meets the regulations and requirements
                                                whether the bond is adequate to protect                 not significant enough to rise to the                 CBP establishes. The explicit
                                                the revenue and ensure compliance                       level of jeopardizing compliance or                   elimination of CBP’s accountability
                                                with applicable law and regulations,                    revenue, CBP will reinstate a prescribed              indicates a radical, unnecessary and


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                                                                 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 219 / Friday, November 13, 2015 / Rules and Regulations                                          70159

                                                inappropriate change in CBP’s approach                  or surety will withdraw the bond filing                  CBP is not proceeding with the
                                                to the bond process and protection of                   if submitted to CBP and a new bond will               finalization of most of the proposed
                                                the revenue and such change was not                     be executed.’’                                        amendments to § 113.24. One exception
                                                adequately discussed in the proposed                       CBP response:                                      is the amendment that provides that
                                                rule’s preamble. It was also suggested                     As CBP has determined not to                       riders must be filed with the Revenue
                                                that, as a matter of law, it is                         proceed with the proposed changes to                  Division and that they may be scanned
                                                inconceivable that the courts would                     19 CFR 113.23, it is not necessary to                 and filed as an email attachment or by
                                                allow CBP to collect against sureties on                address these comments.                               fax. Other exceptions are the
                                                bonds which were produced                                  Comment:                                           amendment of paragraph (c) to clarify
                                                fraudulently, or are deficient on their                    Four commenters made submissions                   that riders must be attached to their
                                                face, or are inconsistent with CBP                      regarding the proposed amendments to                  related bond if submitted in a paper
                                                regulations and statutory requirements.                 riders in § 113.24. The comments are                  format and the amendment of § 113.24
                                                One commenter noted that the                            summarized as follows:                                to include a reference to the CBP Web
                                                presumption of validity, authority and                     • Any future riders should be able to              site containing a listing of all acceptable
                                                accuracy may attach to the filer, but not               be submitted to the Revenue Division.                 riders. As CBP has determined not to
                                                to the surety unless the filer’s authority                 • Proposed § 113.24(e) requires that               proceed with the remainder of the
                                                is specifically verified. If a bond is                  all riders submitted on paper be signed               proposed changes to 19 CFR 113.24, it
                                                submitted and accepted by CBP, then                     by both the principal and co-principals.              is not necessary to address the rest of
                                                CBP must also take responsibility for the               This requirement deviates from the                    the comments pertaining to this section.
                                                problems, errors or deficiencies in the                 existing requirement to have a rider                  In response to the commenter’s concern
                                                bond which it has accepted.                             signed by only the affected principal                 that there may be situations where a
                                                   CBP Response:                                        and, as such, is overly burdensome and                bond is terminated but the rider is not,
                                                   As CBP has determined not to                         unnecessary. In the alternative, if this              CBP wishes to clarify that termination of
                                                proceed with the proposed regulatory                    revision is retained in the final, the                the bond also terminates any and all
                                                provisions containing this language, it is              requirement should also apply to each                 riders to the bond.
                                                not necessary to address these                          surety and co-surety. Section 113.24(e)                  Comment:
                                                comments.                                               does not provide the format for all                      Five commenters noted the following
                                                   Comment:                                             acceptable riders, and the final rule                 regarding the seal requirements set forth
                                                   One commenter suggests that the                      should either list all acceptable riders or           in proposed § 113.25.
                                                requirement to ‘‘line out’’ unused                      refer the reader to the CBP Web site for                 • CBP should add language to this
                                                portions of the CBP Form 301 should be                  a complete listing.                                   provision stating that seal requirements
                                                retained in § 113.21 as it helps reduce                    • As § 113.26 states that the riders in            apply only to bonds directly executed
                                                ambiguity or uncertainty as to the intent               §§ 113.24(e)(2) and (3) are effective on              by principals (e.g., corporate officers),
                                                of the principal or the surety when                     the ‘‘date in the rider,’’ CBP needs to               and that bonds executed by a duly
                                                completing the bond.                                    include an effective date in these riders.            empowered attorney-in-fact acting for
                                                   CBP response:
                                                                                                           • CBP should remove the requirement                the principal are exempt from seal
                                                   As CBP has determined not to                                                                               requirements.
                                                                                                        that the rider must be executed under
                                                proceed with the proposed changes to                                                                             • As bonds are produced in a variety
                                                                                                        seal inasmuch as the only approved
                                                19 CFR 113.21, it is not necessary to                                                                         of ways, the regulations should specify
                                                                                                        riders are those intended to correct
                                                address this comment.                                                                                         whether the requirements imposed on
                                                   Comment:                                             information that does not rise to the
                                                                                                        level of materially altering the bond                 the party executing the bond apply to
                                                   One commenter agrees with CBP’s
                                                                                                        itself (i.e., address change, name change,            the principal, surety or both.
                                                proposal to remove § 113.22, which
                                                pertains to bond witness requirements,                  etc.).                                                   • Paragraph (a), which requires that
                                                and suggests that all references to                        • One commenter noted that the                     the party executing a bond submitted
                                                witnesses should be removed from                        riders named in proposed § 113.24,                    electronically to CBP ‘‘must retain a
                                                §§ 113.24(d), 113.40(b), and Appendices                 which are to be filed at the Revenue                  copy of the paper seal and make such
                                                A, B, C, and D to part 113.                             Division, are for a change to the                     seal available to CBP for inspection
                                                   CBP Response:                                        principal’s name or address, as well as               upon request,’’ should be amended to
                                                   As CBP has determined not to                         addition and deletion riders for                      apply to the party ‘‘filing’’ the electronic
                                                proceed with the proposed changes to                    unincorporated divisions on a bond.                   bond inasmuch as this more accurately
                                                19 CFR 113.22, it is not necessary to                   The commenter suggests that                           reflects the typical business practice and
                                                address this comment.                                   reconciliation riders, which are                      makes a necessary distinction.
                                                   Comment:                                             currently filed at CBP Headquarters,                     • CBP should specify whether the
                                                   Four comments were received                          should also be filed at the Revenue                   requirement to retain a copy of the
                                                regarding § 113.23, which describes the                 Division to avoid situations where a                  paper bond, and provide it to CBP upon
                                                types of changes that may be made to a                  bond is terminated, but the rider is not.             request, is imposed upon the principal,
                                                bond and the process by which to effect                 If a new bond is filed with a new surety,             the surety, or both.
                                                such changes. The comments are                          the rider is deemed unavailable as it                    CBP Response:
                                                summarized below:                                       indicates the surety on the terminated                   As CBP has determined not to
                                                   • This section should be amended to                  bond. Any entry flagged for                           proceed with the proposed changes to
                                                read that changes may be made to the                    reconciliation under the new bond is                  19 CFR 113.25, it is not necessary to
jstallworth on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with RULES




                                                bond ‘‘filing’’ and not the actual bond                 not valid because there is no                         address these comments.
                                                because the bond has not been approved                  reconciliation rider for the new bond.                   Comment:
                                                yet.                                                    This is a CBP system issue and it would                  Several commenters made
                                                   • One commenter suggests that the                    be advisable for the Revenue Division to              recommendations pertaining to the
                                                last sentence in § 113.23(c) be amended                 control the filing and termination of                 effective dates of bonds and bond riders
                                                to read, ‘‘[W]hen a modification or                     reconciliation riders.                                set forth in § 113.26. The comments
                                                interlineation is desired, the principal                   CBP Response:                                      follow:


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                                                70160            Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 219 / Friday, November 13, 2015 / Rules and Regulations

                                                   • One commenter requested that CBP                   the principal has given notice of                        Although this provision is not
                                                clarify, in paragraph (e), that the                     termination under § 113.27(a), and it                 commonly used, CBP opts to retain it
                                                applicable time frame is 15 business                    should be moved there with some minor                 and does not deem further specification
                                                days.                                                   changes. A surety does not have a need                as to the types of property that may be
                                                   • CBP should make the rule more                      to avail itself of the method outlined in             posted by individual sureties as
                                                flexible with respect to the effective date             proposed § 113.27(c)(2).                              necessary.
                                                of riders that are filed to correct an                     • Several commenters recommended                      Comment:
                                                initial rejection.                                      removing the reference to ‘‘sureties’’ in                One commenter noted that CBP
                                                   CBP Response:                                        § 113.27(c)(2) as this provision pertains             should amend § 113.37(d) to remove the
                                                   As CBP has determined not to                         to actions initiated by principals                    requirement that an agent or attorney on
                                                proceed with the proposed changes to                    (usually importers), and by moving the                the bond must provide his or her social
                                                19 CFR 113.26, with the exception that                  regulatory text set forth in paragraph                security number (SSN), as this
                                                this document amends this section to                    (c)(2) to paragraph (a). This                         requirement is counter to the
                                                allow the filing of riders up to 60 days                restructuring will clarify that proposed              protections afforded by the Privacy Act
                                                prior to their effective dates, it is not               paragraph (c)(2) does not apply to                    of 1974 (5 U.S.C. 552a). The commenter
                                                necessary to address these comments.                    § 113.27(b).                                          noted that CBP no longer uses the
                                                   Comment:                                                CBP Response:                                      importer number (i.e., Employee
                                                   Several commenters submitted the                                                                           Identification Number, whether CBP-
                                                                                                           As CBP has determined not to
                                                following comments regarding bond                                                                             assigned or SSN) of the bond principal
                                                                                                        proceed with the proposed changes to
                                                termination procedures set forth in                                                                           on the CBP Form 5955a. Additionally,
                                                                                                        19 CFR 113.27, with the exception that
                                                § 113.27:                                                                                                     the commenter noted that the
                                                                                                        termination notices must be filed at the
                                                   • Proposed § 113.27 should be                                                                              Department of Commerce’s Bureau of
                                                                                                        Revenue Division and they may be
                                                amended to provide CBP with the                                                                               Census abolished the use of SSNs in its
                                                                                                        submitted to CBP via email or by fax, it
                                                discretion to permit a withdrawal of a                                                                        Automated Export System, citing 5
                                                                                                        is not necessary to address these
                                                termination if it would be in the interest                                                                    U.S.C. 552a, and suggested that CBP
                                                                                                        comments.
                                                of CBP, the principal, and the surety.                                                                        allow a surety attorney-in-fact to obtain
                                                   • A commenter expressed                                 Comment:
                                                                                                           Several comments were submitted                    and use a CBP-assigned importer
                                                dissatisfaction with the proposed                                                                             number.
                                                amendments to § 113.27(b) which                         regarding corporations and Limited
                                                                                                        Liability Corporations (LLC) in § 113.33:                CBP Response:
                                                eliminate the current authority for                                                                              In this final rule CBP is not adopting
                                                sureties to terminate a bond in less than                  • One commenter suggested that CBP
                                                                                                        should amend proposed § 113.33 to                     most of the proposed changes to
                                                30 days upon a showing ‘‘that a lesser                                                                        § 113.37, with the following exceptions:
                                                                                                        include a definition of ‘‘corporation.’’
                                                time is reasonable under the                                                                                     • Sections 113.37(d) and (g)(ii) are
                                                circumstances,’’ and recommends that                       • One commenter noted that
                                                                                                                                                              amended to allow an agent or attorney
                                                the authority be reinstated.                            proposed § 113.33(b) states that where
                                                                                                                                                              to place either his/her social security
                                                   • The trade supports the proposed                    the continuous bond of a corporate
                                                                                                                                                              number or a surety-generated 9-digit
                                                procedures set forth in paragraph (c)                   principal or LLC principal is submitted
                                                                                                                                                              alphanumeric identification number on
                                                which avoid gaps in bond coverage.                      to CBP in an electronic format, the bond
                                                                                                                                                              the bond.
                                                   • One commenter noted that pursuant                  must contain the certification language
                                                                                                                                                                 • Sections 113.37(a) and (f) are
                                                to § 113.27(c)(1), a new bond must be                   set forth in § 113.11(e)(2). The
                                                                                                                                                              amended by removing the outdated
                                                filed after termination has taken effect                commenter continued to note that the
                                                                                                                                                              reference to ‘‘Bureau of Government
                                                and the bond must contain the                           CBP Form 301 is subject to OMB
                                                                                                                                                              Financial Operations’’ and replacing it
                                                conditions in Subpart G, regardless of                  approval and, as this certification is not
                                                                                                                                                              with a reference to ‘‘Bureau of the Fiscal
                                                whether the new bond is on CBP Form                     required under the existing regulations,
                                                                                                                                                              Service’’ in order to conform to current
                                                301 or some other form in the                           the addition of any language must be
                                                                                                                                                              administrative and legal authorities.
                                                regulations. As the conditions in                       approved by OMB. The commenter also                      • Section 113.37(g)(1) is amended to
                                                Subpart G are only found on the CBP                     expresses concern that there is no                    allow corporate surety powers of
                                                Form 301 and not on the other forms,                    physical room on the CBP Form 301 to                  attorney to be scanned and submitted to
                                                the regulation should be amended                        place this certification.                             CBP as an email attachment, or by fax
                                                accordingly.                                               CBP Response:                                      or mail.
                                                   • One commenter stated that the                         As CBP has determined not to                          Comment:
                                                proposed language in § 113.27(c)(2)                     proceed with most of the proposed                        Two commenters suggested that CBP
                                                permits a termination to be conditioned                 changes to 19 CFR 113.33, with the                    should amend proposed § 113.37(g) to
                                                on the approval of a new bond intended                  exception that § 133.33(c) is amended to              reflect that the ACE permits a surety to
                                                to replace the one being terminated. The                add a reference to the Revenue Division,              manage its powers of attorney without
                                                commenter supports the concept, but                     it is not necessary to address these                  the need to prepare and submit CBP
                                                not the way it is expressed (‘‘. . .                    comments.                                             Form 5297 on paper to CBP. Another
                                                terminated pursuant to this section                        Comment:                                           commenter stated that CBP should
                                                . . .’’) as this could circumvent a                        One commenter stated that the use of               authorize the electronic filing of CBP
                                                surety’s decision to terminate a bond                   individual sureties is outmoded and                   Form 5297.
                                                when that surety does not desire any                    therefore § 113.35 should be removed                     CBP Response:
                                                delay or extension as to when                           from title 19 of the CFR. However,                       As noted above, CBP is amending
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                                                termination becomes effective. A surety                 another commenter suggested that this                 § 113.37(g) to allow for the corporate
                                                does not need a principal’s consent to                  section should be revised to set forth the            surety powers of attorney to be scanned
                                                terminate the bond, so the principal                    specific types of property that can be                and submitted to CBP as an email
                                                should not be able to delay that decision               posted by individual sureties (e.g., such             attachment, or by fax or by mail.
                                                once the surety has given notice of                     assets should be liquid and be able to                   Comment:
                                                termination under § 113.27(b). Further,                 be readily valued).                                      One commenter recommended that a
                                                this language should apply only when                       CBP Response:                                      change is needed to the language set


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                                                                 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 219 / Friday, November 13, 2015 / Rules and Regulations                                       70161

                                                forth in proposed § 113.38, which                          Comment:                                           § 113.52, which requires that CBP report
                                                pertains to delinquent sureties, in order                  Several commenters noted that the                  a bonded debt to the Department of
                                                to harmonize the provision with the                     proposed changes to § 113.39 would                    Justice for prosecution if unpaid for 90
                                                goal of bond centralization. Specifically,              allow an ‘‘authorized CBP officer’’ to                days. The commenter notes that as a
                                                paragraph (c)(4) proposes to include a                  initiate a procedure to remove a surety               party has 180 days to submit a protest
                                                port director, along with the                           from Treasury Department Circular 570.                to CBP, the 90-day period should be
                                                Commissioner of CBP and the Director,                   The commenters note that this is an                   changed to 180 days to reflect that fact.
                                                Revenue Division, as a person with the                  extremely serious action as the Treasury                 CBP Response:
                                                authority to determine that CBP will no                 Department Circular 570 is the basis for                 CBP agrees. Section 2103 of the
                                                longer accept the bonds of a particular                 the surety to secure all types of federal             Miscellaneous Trade and Technical
                                                surety. The commenter notes that this is                government obligations, not merely                    Corrections Act of 2004 amended 19
                                                troubling because the opinion of an                     customs obligations. Accordingly, it is               U.S.C. 1514 by extending the time to file
                                                individual port director may set policy                 recommended that CBP delegate the                     and amend a protest from 90 days to 180
                                                based upon his or her criteria, instead                 authority to initiate this action to the              days after the date of liquidation or
                                                of upon criteria developed and                          Commissioner of CBP or the Director,                  reliquidation, or date of the decision,
                                                administered centrally. Further, such                   Revenue Division (the same individuals                order, or finding being protested for
                                                language is inconsistent with current                   authorized to refuse to accept bonds of               entries made on or after December 18,
                                                § 113.38(c)(1) and (2) which distinguish                significantly delinquent sureties).                   2004. This document makes a technical
                                                between decisions as to non-acceptance                     CBP Response:                                      correction to 19 CFR 113.52 to reflect
                                                of bonds by a port director and                            CBP shares the commenters’ concern,                the statutory amendment.
                                                decisions as to non-acceptance of bonds                 and this document does not adopt the                     Comment:
                                                by the Commissioner which are issued                    proposed amendments to 19 CFR 113.39                     One commenter requested that CBP
                                                to port directors. It is also inconsistent              which would have had the effect of                    clarify what is meant by the term ‘‘paper
                                                with proposed § 113.39(a) which states                  replacing the existing references to                  bond’’ as used in proposed §§ 113.11
                                                that the role of any authorized CBP                     ‘‘port director or Fines, Penalties, and              and 113.25(a). Until CBP adopts the
                                                officer in determinations relating to the               Forfeitures Officer’’ with a more                     paperless eBond concept, every bond is
                                                removal of a surety from Treasury                       generalized reference to ‘‘CBP.’’                     a paper bond and every bond
                                                Department Circular 570 status is that of               However, in order to reflect the                      application is a paper bond application.
                                                fact gathering and reporting, with the                  centralization of the continuous bond                 It appears the defining element as to
                                                ultimate determination as to whether to                 program at the Revenue Division, this                 which rules for signatures and
                                                refer a matter to Treasury to be made by                provision is amended to include                       certification apply is to be determined
                                                CBP Headquarters.                                       ‘‘authorized Revenue Division                         by the means of delivery to CBP, and
                                                   CBP Response:                                        personnel,’’ in addition to port directors            CBP should be more precise in its
                                                   We agree with the commenter. CBP                     and Fine, Penalties and Forfeitures                   language. CBP should define the term
                                                will revert back to the existing language               Officers, as among those who may                      ‘‘electronic bond’’ as that term is used
                                                in § 113.38(c)(4) which states that ‘‘an                recommend that a surety company be                    in § 113.25(b) to mean a paper bond that
                                                appropriate CBP officer’’ will make                     removed from Treasury Department                      is transmitted electronically.
                                                these decisions. This final rule also                   Circular 570.                                            CBP Response:
                                                amends § 113.38(c)(4) to no longer                         Comment:                                              As discussed above, CBP has further
                                                require that notice to the surety be                       Section 113.40 prescribes the terms by             clarified the text of §§ 113.11, and of
                                                provided in person or by certified mail.                which cash deposits or other types of                 other provisions within part 113 as
                                                   Comment:                                             U.S. obligations may be accepted by                   appropriate, to reflect that bonds and
                                                   One commenter requested that CBP                     CBP in lieu of sureties on bonds.                     related documents may be scanned and
                                                extend the effective date of the final rule             Paragraph (a) of this section requires                submitted to CBP as an email
                                                to 180 days from date of publication in                 that the party execute CBP Form 301                   attachment or by fax. Scanned or faxed
                                                the Federal Register.                                   with the appropriate activity designated.             documents will contain the requisite
                                                   CBP Response:                                        A commenter noted that, as CBP bonds                  signatures and certifications.
                                                   CBP does not view an extension                       exist in formats other than the CBP
                                                                                                                                                              Conclusion
                                                beyond the stated effective date to be                  Form 301, this paragraph should be
                                                necessary as the amendments to part                     amended to reflect that fact. A                         After review of the comments and
                                                113 promulgated in this document do                     commenter also inquired whether the                   further consideration, CBP has decided
                                                not require the trade to adopt different                proposed amendments to § 113.40                       to adopt as final, with the changes
                                                procedures.                                             authorize port directors to accept cash               discussed above in the preamble and
                                                   Comment:                                             deposits or other obligations to secure               with additional non-substantive
                                                   Several commenters noted that the                    single transactions.                                  editorial changes, the proposed rule
                                                substantive changes proposed in the                        CBP Response:                                      published in the Federal Register (75
                                                notice were never the subject of a pre-                    As a completed CBP Form 301 is not                 FR 266) on January 5, 2010.
                                                publication dialogue with the trade,                    required for every type of cash-in-lieu of
                                                                                                                                                              Executive Orders 13563 And 12866
                                                despite the fact that CBP meets regularly               surety bond, § 113.40 is amended
                                                with the trade.                                         accordingly. This document also reverts                  Executive Orders 13563 and 12866
                                                   CBP Response:                                        to the original procedure set forth in                direct agencies to assess the costs and
                                                   CBP engaged in pre-publication                       paragraph (a) which provides that a port              benefits of available regulatory
jstallworth on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with RULES




                                                dialogue of these issues with the trade                 director retains the authority to accept              alternatives and, if regulation is
                                                on numerous occasions during the                        cash deposits or obligations of the                   necessary, to select regulatory
                                                development of this rulemaking. CBP                     United States in lieu of sureties on                  approaches that maximize net benefits
                                                believes that the agency met its trade                  STBs.                                                 (including potential economic,
                                                outreach obligations regarding the                         Comment:                                           environmental, public health and safety
                                                content and development of these                           One commenter recommended that                     effects, distributive impacts, and
                                                regulations.                                            CBP make a technical change to current                equity). Executive Order 13563


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                                                70162            Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 219 / Friday, November 13, 2015 / Rules and Regulations

                                                emphasizes the importance of                            Division. Additionally, these changes to              ■  2. Section 101.1 is amended by adding
                                                quantifying both costs and benefits, of                 the regulations confer a benefit to the               definitions for ‘‘CBP,’’ ‘‘Commissioner
                                                reducing costs, of harmonizing rules,                   entities as a result of increased                     or Commissioner of Customs,’’
                                                and of promoting flexibility. This rule is              efficiencies and harmonized standards                 ‘‘Customs or U.S. Customs Service,’’ and
                                                not a ‘‘significant regulatory action,’’                in bond processing. The effects of these              ‘‘Customs regulations or CBP
                                                under section 3(f) of Executive Order                   amendments, however, do not rise to                   regulations’’ in alphabetical order to
                                                12866. Accordingly, OMB has not                         the level of being considered a                       read as follows:
                                                reviewed this regulation.                               ‘‘significant’’ economic impact.
                                                                                                                                                              § 101.1    Definitions.
                                                Regulatory Flexibility Act                                 In the proposed rulemaking, CBP
                                                                                                        solicited comments on this conclusion.                *     *     *      *    *
                                                   This section examines the impact on                  As we did not receive any comments                       CBP. The term ‘‘CBP’’ means U.S.
                                                small entities as required by the                                                                             Customs and Border Protection.
                                                                                                        contradicting our findings, CBP certifies
                                                Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601                                                                         Commissioner or Commissioner of
                                                                                                        that this final rule will not have a
                                                et. seq.), as amended by the Small                                                                            Customs. The terms ‘‘Commissioner’’ or
                                                                                                        significant economic impact on a                      ‘‘Commissioner of Customs’’ mean
                                                Business Regulatory Enforcement and                     substantial number of small entities.
                                                Fairness Act of 1996. A small entity may                                                                      Commissioner of U.S. Customs and
                                                be a small business (defined as any                     Paperwork Reduction Act                               Border Protection.
                                                independently owned and operated                                                                                 Customs or U.S. Customs Service. The
                                                                                                          The information collections contained               terms ‘‘Customs’’ or ‘‘U.S. Customs
                                                business not dominant in its field that                 in this rule have been previously
                                                qualifies as a small business per the                                                                         Service’’ mean U.S. Customs and Border
                                                                                                        submitted and approved by the Office of               Protection.
                                                Small Business Act); a small not-for-                   Management and Budget (OMB) and
                                                profit organization; or a small                                                                                  Customs regulations or CBP
                                                                                                        assigned OMB control numbers 1651–                    regulations. The terms ‘‘Customs
                                                governmental jurisdiction (locality with                0050 and 1515–0144. An agency may
                                                fewer than 50,000 people).                                                                                    regulations’’ or ‘‘CBP regulations’’ mean
                                                                                                        not conduct or sponsor, and a person is               Chapter 1 of title 19 of the Code of
                                                   The entities affected by this rule are
                                                                                                        not required to respond to, a collection              Federal Regulations (19 CFR Chapter 1).
                                                importers and various other parties who
                                                                                                        of information unless it displays a valid             *     *     *      *    *
                                                file bonds with CBP as required by the
                                                                                                        control number assigned by OMB.
                                                CBP regulations. ‘‘Importers’’ are not
                                                defined as a ‘‘major industry’’ by the                  Signing Authority                                     PART 113—CBP BONDS
                                                Small Business Administration (SBA)
                                                                                                          This document is being issued in                    ■ 3. The general authority citation for
                                                and do not have a unique North
                                                                                                        accordance with 19 CFR 0.1(a)(1).                     part 113 is revised to read as follows:
                                                American Industry Classification
                                                System (NAICS) code; rather, virtually                  List of Subjects                                        Authority: 6 U.S.C. 101, et. seq.; 19 U.S.C.
                                                all industries classified by SBA include                                                                      66, 1623, 1624.
                                                entities that import goods and services                 19 CFR Part 101                                       *     *     *     *    *
                                                into the United States. Thus, entities                    Administrative practice and                         ■ 4. The part 113 heading is revised to
                                                affected by this rule would likely                      procedure, Customs duties and                         read as set forth above.
                                                consist of a broad range of large,                      inspections, Organization and functions               § 113.0    [Amended]
                                                medium, and small businesses operating                  (Government agencies).
                                                under the customs laws and other laws                                                                         ■ 5. Section 113.0 is amended by
                                                that CBP administers and enforces.                      19 CFR Part 113                                       removing the word ‘‘Customs’’ and
                                                These entities include, but are not                       Bonds, Customs duties and                           adding in its place the term ‘‘CBP’’.
                                                limited to, importers, brokers, and                     inspection, Imports, Reporting and                    ■ 6. Section 113.1 is revised to read as
                                                freight forwarders, as well as other                    recordkeeping requirements, Surety                    follows:
                                                businesses that conduct various                         bonds.
                                                activities under continuous bonds.                                                                            § 113.1 Authority to require security or
                                                   The amendments set forth in this rule                19 CFR Part 133                                       execution of bond.
                                                align the CBP regulations with current                    Bonds, Copyrights, Counterfeit goods,                 Where a bond or other security is not
                                                common practice and improve                             Customs duties and inspection, Imports,               specifically required by law or
                                                efficiency by requiring importers to file               Reporting and recordkeeping                           regulation, the Commissioner of CBP
                                                continuous bonds at the Revenue                         requirements, Restricted merchandise,                 may by specific instruction require, or
                                                Division, requiring STBs to be filed at                 Seizures and forfeitures.                             authorize the Director, Revenue
                                                either the Revenue Division or with the                                                                       Division or the port director to require,
                                                port director, and permitting both                      Amendments to the CBP Regulations                     such bonds or other security considered
                                                continuous bonds and STBs to be                           For the reasons stated above, parts                 necessary for the protection of the
                                                scanned and submitted to CBP via email                  101, 113 and 133 of title 19 of the Code              revenue or to assure compliance with
                                                as an attachment or by fax.                             of Federal Regulations (19 CFR parts                  any pertinent law, regulation, or
                                                   Because these amendments affect                      101, 113 and 133) are amended as                      instruction.
                                                such a wide-ranging group of entities                   follows:
                                                involved in the importation of goods to                                                                       § 113.2    [Amended]
                                                the United States, the number of entities               PART 101—GENERAL PROVISIONS                           ■ 7. In § 113.2:
                                                subject to this rule is considered                                                                            ■ a. The heading is amended by
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                                                ‘‘substantial.’’ It is not anticipated that             ■ 1. The general authority citation for               removing the word ‘‘Customs’’ and
                                                there will be additional costs associated               part 101 is revised to read as follows:               adding in its place the term ‘‘CBP’’;
                                                with filing continuous or single                          Authority: 5 U.S.C. 301; 6 U.S.C. 101, et.          ■ b. The introductory text is amended
                                                transaction bonds with the Revenue                      seq.; 19 U.S.C. 2, 66, 1202 (General Note 3(i),       by removing the word ‘‘Customs’’ and
                                                Division instead of the local port, and                 Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United              adding in its place the term ‘‘CBP’’;
                                                many importers already file these types                 States), 1623, 1624, 1646a.                           ■ c. Paragraph (c) is amended by
                                                of bonds directly with the Revenue                      *      *      *      *       *                        removing the word ‘‘shall’’ and adding


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                                                                 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 219 / Friday, November 13, 2015 / Rules and Regulations                                         70163

                                                in its place the word ‘‘will’’, and by                     (ii) The total amount of ordinary                  ■ b. Paragraph (b) introductory text is
                                                adding the word ‘‘as’’ before the word                  customs duties (including any taxes                   amended by removing the words ‘‘the
                                                ‘‘he’’; and                                             required by law to be treated as duties),             port director or drawback office in the
                                                ■ d. In paragraph (d), the first sentence               plus the estimated amount of any other                case of a bond relating to repayment of
                                                is amended by removing the word                         tax or taxes on the merchandise to be                 erroneous drawback payment (see
                                                ‘‘entry’’ and adding in its place the word              collected by CBP, accruing on all                     § 113.11) should at least’’ and adding in
                                                ‘‘transaction’’, the second sentence is                 merchandise imported by the principal                 their place the words ‘‘CBP will’’;
                                                amended by removing the word ‘‘shall’’                  during the calendar year preceding the                ■ c. Paragraph (b)(2) is revised;
                                                and adding in its place the word ‘‘will’’,              date of the application. The total                    ■ d. Paragraph (b)(4) is amended by
                                                and the third sentence is amended by                    amount of duties and taxes will be that               removing the word ‘‘Customs’’ and
                                                removing the word ‘‘Customs’’ and                       which would have been required to be                  adding in its place the term ‘‘CBP’’;
                                                adding in its place the term ‘‘CBP’’.                   deposited had the merchandise been                    ■ e. Paragraph (c) is revised; and
                                                                                                        entered for consumption even though                   ■ f. Paragraph (d) is amended by
                                                ■  8. Section 113.4 is amended by                                                                             removing the words ‘‘a port director or
                                                revising paragraph (a) and amending                     some or all of the merchandise may
                                                                                                        have been entered under bond. If the                  drawback office’’ and adding in their
                                                paragraph (b) by removing the words                                                                           place the term ‘‘CBP’’; by removing the
                                                ‘‘Customs laws or regulations’’ and                     value or nature of the merchandise to be
                                                                                                        imported will change in any material                  word ‘‘Customs’’ and adding in its place
                                                adding in their place the words                                                                               the words ‘‘all applicable’’; and by
                                                ‘‘customs laws or CBP regulations’’.                    respect during the next year the change
                                                                                                        must be identified. If no imports were                removing the words ‘‘he shall’’ and
                                                   The revision reads as follows:                                                                             adding in their place the words ‘‘CBP
                                                                                                        made during the calendar year prior to
                                                § 113.4    Bonds and carnets.                           the application, a statement of the                   may immediately’’.
                                                                                                        duties and taxes it is estimated will                   The revisions read as follows:
                                                  (a) Bonds. All bonds required to be
                                                given under the customs laws or CBP                     accrue on all importations during the                 § 113.13   Amount of bond.
                                                regulations will be known as CBP                        current year shall be submitted.                      *      *    *     *     *
                                                bonds.                                                     (2) Application updates. If the                       (b) * * *
                                                                                                        Director, Revenue Division approves a                    (2) The prior record of the principal
                                                *     *    *     *      *
                                                                                                        bond based upon the application,                      in complying with CBP demands for
                                                ■ 9. Section 113.11 is revised to read as
                                                                                                        whenever there is a significant change                redelivery, the obligation to hold
                                                follows:
                                                                                                        in the information provided under this                unexamined merchandise intact, and
                                                § 113.11    Bond application.                           paragraph, the principal on the bond                  other requirements relating to
                                                   (a) Single transaction bond                          must submit a new application                         enforcement and administration of
                                                application. In order to insure that the                containing an update of the information               customs and other laws and CBP
                                                revenue is adequately protected, the                    required by paragraph (b)(1) of this                  regulations;
                                                port director may require a person who                  section. The new application must be
                                                                                                                                                              *      *    *     *     *
                                                will be engaged in a single customs                     filed no later than 30 days after the new                (c) Periodic review of bond
                                                transaction relating to the importation                 facts become known to the principal.                  sufficiency. CBP will periodically
                                                or entry of merchandise to file a bond                     (c) Certification. Any application
                                                                                                                                                              review each bond on file to determine
                                                application. The single transaction bond                submitted under this section must be
                                                                                                                                                              whether the bond is adequate to protect
                                                application may be in the form of a                     signed by the applicant and contain the
                                                                                                                                                              the revenue and ensure compliance
                                                letter filed with the Director, Revenue                 following certification:
                                                                                                                                                              with applicable law and regulations. If
                                                Division or the port director, or the                     I certify that the factual information              CBP determines that a bond is
                                                application may be scanned and                          contained in this application is true and             inadequate, the principal and surety
                                                submitted to CBP as an email                            accurate and any information provided                 will be promptly notified in writing.
                                                attachment or by fax. The application                   which is based upon estimates is based upon
                                                                                                        the best information available on the date of
                                                                                                                                                              The principal will have 15 days from
                                                must identify the value and nature of                   this application.                                     the date of notification to remedy the
                                                the merchandise involved in the                                                                               deficiency. Notwithstanding the
                                                transaction to be secured. When the                     ■ 10. Section 113.12 is revised to read               foregoing, where CBP determines that a
                                                proper bond in a sufficient amount is                   as follows:                                           bond is insufficient to adequately
                                                filed with the entry summary or with                                                                          protect the revenue and ensure
                                                                                                        § 113.12    Bond approval.
                                                the entry, or when the entry summary                                                                          compliance with applicable law and
                                                is filed at the time of entry, an                          (a) Single transaction bonds. Single
                                                                                                                                                              regulations, CBP may provide written
                                                application will not be required.                       transaction bonds will be approved by
                                                                                                                                                              notice to the principal and surety that,
                                                   (b) Continuous bond application. To                  the Revenue Division or the director of
                                                                                                                                                              upon receipt thereof, additional security
                                                secure multiple transactions relating to                the port where filed.
                                                                                                                                                              in the form of cash deposit or single
                                                the importation or entry of merchandise                    (b) Continuous bonds. Continuous
                                                                                                                                                              transaction bond may be required for
                                                or the operation of a bonded smelting or                bonds must be approved by the Revenue
                                                                                                                                                              any and all of the principal’s
                                                refining warehouse, a continuous bond                   Division. Only one continuous bond for
                                                                                                                                                              transactions until the deficiency is
                                                application must be submitted to the                    a particular activity will be authorized
                                                                                                                                                              remedied.
                                                Director, Revenue Division. The                         for each principal.
                                                                                                                                                              *      *    *     *     *
                                                continuous bond application may be in                   ■  11. In § 113.13:                                   ■ 12. Section 113.14 is revised to read
                                                the form of a letter or it may be scanned               ■  a. The first sentence in paragraph (a)             as follows:
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                                                and submitted to CBP as an email                        is amended by removing the words
                                                attachment or by facsimile (fax).                       ‘‘Customs bond shall’’ and adding in                  § 113.14 Approved form of bond
                                                   (1) Information required. The                        their place the words ‘‘CBP bond must’’,              inadequate.
                                                application must contain the following                  and the second and third sentences in                   If CBP determines that none of the
                                                information:                                            paragraph (a) are amended by removing                 conditions contained in subpart G of
                                                   (i) The general character of the                     the word ‘‘shall’’ each place that it                 this part is applicable to a transaction
                                                merchandise to be entered; and                          appears and adding the word ‘‘will’’;                 sought to be secured, the Director,


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                                                70164            Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 219 / Friday, November 13, 2015 / Rules and Regulations

                                                Revenue Division, or the port director,                 removing the word ‘‘shall’’ and adding                to the Revenue Division or, in the case
                                                as CBP deems appropriate, will draft                    in its place the word ‘‘will’’.                       of a bond relating to repayment of
                                                conditions that cover the transaction.                  ■ 17. In § 113.24:                                    erroneous drawback payment, to the
                                                Before execution of the bond, the                       ■ a. Paragraphs (a), (b) and (c) are                  drawback office where the bond was
                                                conditions must be submitted to                         revised; and                                          approved. The termination will take
                                                Headquarters, Attention: Executive                      ■ b. Paragraph (d) is amended by                      effect on the date requested if that date
                                                Director, Regulations and Rulings,                      removing the word ‘‘shall’’ each place                is at least 10 business days after the date
                                                Office of International Trade, for                      that it appears and adding in its place               CBP receives the request. If no
                                                approval.                                               the word ‘‘must’’, and by removing the                termination date is requested, the
                                                ■ 13. Section 113.15 is revised to read                 word ‘‘Customs’’ each place that it                   termination will take effect on the tenth
                                                as follows:                                             appears and adding in its place the term              business day following the date CBP
                                                                                                        ‘‘CBP’’.                                              receives the request.
                                                § 113.15   Retention of approved bonds.                                                                          (b) Termination by surety. A surety
                                                                                                           The revisions read as follows:
                                                  Except for bonds containing an                                                                              may not disavow already incurred
                                                agreement to pay court costs                            § 113.24    Riders.                                   obligations but may, with or without the
                                                (condemned goods) (see § 113.72), and                      (a) Types of riders. The Revenue                   consent of the principal, terminate its
                                                except as may otherwise be deemed                       Division will accept all types of                     agreement to accept future obligations
                                                appropriate by CBP, bonds that are                      authorized bond riders. For a                         on a bond. The surety must provide
                                                approved by the port director will be                   comprehensive listing, see the CBP Web                reasonable notice of termination, made
                                                retained at the port office and bonds                   site located at www.cbp.gov.                          pursuant to the methods set forth in
                                                that are approved by the Revenue                           (b) Location and method of filing. A               paragraph (a) of this section, to both the
                                                Division (including bonds relating to                   bond rider must be filed at the Revenue               Revenue Division or a drawback office,
                                                repayment of erroneous drawback                         Division, and may be submitted in                     as appropriate, and to the principal. The
                                                payments containing the conditions set                  paper or scanned and submitted to the                 notice must state the date on which the
                                                forth in § 113.65) will be retained at the              Revenue Division as an email                          termination will be effective. Thirty
                                                Revenue Division. The bond containing                   attachment or by facsimile (fax).                     days will constitute reasonable notice
                                                the agreement to pay court costs                           (c) Attachment of rider to paper bond.             unless the surety can show to the
                                                (condemned goods), will be transmitted                  A rider submitted to CBP in paper                     satisfaction of CBP that a shorter time
                                                to the United States attorney, as                       format must be securely attached to the               frame is reasonable under the facts and
                                                required by section 608, Tariff Act of                  related bond to prevent their loss or                 circumstances.
                                                1930, as amended (19 U.S.C. 1608).                      misplacement.                                            (c) Effect of termination. If a bond is
                                                                                                        *      *    *     *     *                             terminated, no new customs
                                                § 113.21   [Amended]
                                                                                                                                                              transactions may be charged against the
                                                ■  14. In § 113.21:                                     § 113.25    [Amended]                                 bond. A new bond in an appropriate
                                                ■  a. Paragraphs (a)(1), (b), (c), and (e) are          ■ 18. Section 113.25 is amended by                    amount on CBP Form 301, containing
                                                amended by removing the word ‘‘shall’’                  removing the word ‘‘shall’’ each place                the appropriate bond conditions set
                                                each place that it appears and adding in                that it appears and adding in its place               forth in subpart G of this part, must be
                                                its place the word ‘‘must’’; and                        the word ‘‘must’’.                                    filed before further customs activity may
                                                ■ b. Paragraph (d) is amended by                                                                              be transacted.
                                                                                                        ■ 19. In § 113.26:
                                                removing the word ‘‘shall’’ and adding
                                                                                                        ■ a. Paragraph (a) is revised;                        ■  21. In § 113.32:
                                                in its place the word ‘‘may’’.
                                                                                                        ■ b. Paragraph (b) is amended by
                                                                                                                                                              ■  a. Introductory text is added;
                                                § 113.22   [Amended]                                    removing the words ‘‘the Customs Bond,                ■  b. Paragraph (a) is removed;
                                                                                                        Customs’’ and adding in their place the               ■  c. Paragraph (b) is redesignated as
                                                ■ 15. Section 113.22 is amended in                      term ‘‘CBP’’; and
                                                paragraphs (a) and (b) by removing the                                                                        paragraph (a) and is amended by
                                                                                                        ■ c. Paragraph (c) is amended by
                                                word ‘‘shall’’ each place it appears and                                                                      removing the word ‘‘shall’’ and adding
                                                                                                        removing the words ‘‘the Customs Bond,                in its place the word ‘‘must’’; and
                                                adding in its place the word ‘‘must’’.                  Customs’’ and adding in their place the
                                                                                                                                                              ■ d. Paragraph (c) is redesignated as
                                                                                                        term ‘‘CBP’’.
                                                § 113.23   [Amended]                                                                                          paragraph (b) and is amended, in the
                                                                                                          The revision reads as follows:
                                                ■  16. In § 113.23:                                                                                           first sentence, by removing the word
                                                ■  a. Paragraph (b) is amended by                       § 113.26    Effective dates of bonds and              ‘‘shall’’ and adding in its place the word
                                                removing the word ‘‘shall’’ and adding                  riders.                                               ‘‘will’’, and by removing the second
                                                in its place the word ‘‘must’’;                           (a) General. A continuous bond, and                 sentence.
                                                ■ b. Paragraph (c) is amended, in the                   any associated application required by                   The addition reads as follows:
                                                first sentence, by removing the word                    § 113.11 or a rider, must be filed at least           § 113.32   Partnerships as principals.
                                                ‘‘Customs’’ and adding in its place the                 60 days prior to the effective date
                                                                                                        requested for the continuous bond or                    A partnership, including a limited
                                                term ‘‘CBP’’ and by removing the word
                                                                                                        rider.                                                partnership, means any business
                                                ‘‘shall’’ and adding in its place the word
                                                                                                                                                              association recognized as such under
                                                ‘‘must’’ and, in the second sentence, by                *      *    *    *     *                              the laws of the State where the
                                                removing the word ‘‘shall’’ and adding                  ■ 20. Section 113.27 is revised to read               association is organized.
                                                in its place the word ‘‘may’’; and                      as follows:
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                                                ■ c. Paragraph (d) is amended: by                                                                             *     *     *     *     *
                                                removing the word ‘‘Customs’’ each                      § 113.27    Effective dates of termination of         ■ 22. Section 113.33 is amended:
                                                place that it appears and adding in its                 bond.                                                 ■ a. In paragraph (a), by removing the
                                                place the term ‘‘CBP’’; by removing, in                   (a) Termination by principal/co-                    word ‘‘Customs’’ and adding in its place
                                                the first sentence, the word ‘‘shall’’ and              principal. A written request by a                     the term ‘‘CBP’’;
                                                adding in its place the word ‘‘may’’,                   principal or co-principal to terminate a              ■ b. In paragraph (b), be removing the
                                                and; in the second sentence, be                         bond must be mailed, faxed, or emailed                word ‘‘shall’’ each place that it appears


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                                                                 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 219 / Friday, November 13, 2015 / Rules and Regulations                                        70165

                                                and adding in its place the word                        be equal to or greater than the amount                ■  e. Paragraph (e) is amended by
                                                ‘‘must’’;                                               of the bond. If one individual surety is              removing the word ‘‘shall’’ each place
                                                ■ c. By revising paragraph (c);                         accepted, the individual surety must                  that it appears and adding in its place
                                                ■ d. In paragraph (d), by removing the                  have property the value of which, less                the word ‘‘must’’;
                                                words ‘‘port director’’ and adding in                   any encumbrance, is equal to or greater               ■ f. Paragraph (f) is amended by
                                                their place the words ‘‘Revenue                         than twice the amount of the bond.                    removing the words ‘‘Bureau of
                                                Division’’, and removing the word                          (c) Oath and evidence of solvency.                 Government Financial Operations’’ and
                                                ‘‘shall’’ each place that it appears and                Before being accepted as a surety, the                adding in their place the words,
                                                adding in its place the word ‘‘must’’;                  individual must:                                      ‘‘Bureau of the Fiscal Service’’;
                                                and                                                        (1) Take an oath on CBP Form 3579,                 removing the word ‘‘shall’’ and adding
                                                ■ e. In paragraph (e), removing the                     setting forth:                                        in its place the word ‘‘must’’; removing,
                                                words ‘‘shall be’’ and adding in their                     (i) The amount of assets over and                  in the last paragraph of the ‘‘Corporate
                                                place the word ‘‘are’’.                                 above all debts and liabilities and such              Sureties Agreement for Limitation of
                                                   The revision reads as follows:                       exemptions as may be allowed by law;                  Liability’’ set forth under paragraph (f),
                                                § 113.33 Corporations (including Limited
                                                                                                        and                                                   the number ‘‘19__’’ and adding in its
                                                Liability Corporations) as principals.                     (ii) The general description and                   place ‘‘20__’’; and removing in the
                                                                                                        location of one or more pieces of real                signature block the words ‘‘Port Director
                                                *     *     *     *     *                               estate owned within the customs
                                                  (c) Bond executed by an officer of                                                                          (Drawback Office)’’ and adding in their
                                                                                                        territory of the United States, and the               place the words ‘‘Authorized CBP
                                                corporation. When a bond is executed
                                                                                                        value thereof, less any encumbrance.                  officer’’;
                                                by an officer of a corporation, a power
                                                                                                           (2) Produce such evidence of solvency              ■ g. Paragraph (g)(1) introductory text
                                                of attorney will not be required if the
                                                                                                        and financial responsibility as CBP may               and (g)(1)(ii) are revised;
                                                person signing the bond on behalf of the
                                                                                                        require.
                                                corporation is known to the Revenue                        (d) Determination of financial                     ■ h. Paragraph (g)(2) is amended by
                                                Division, port director, or drawback                    responsibility. An individual will not be             removing the word ‘‘shall’’ each place
                                                office to be the president, vice                        accepted as surety on a bond until CBP                that it appears and adding in its place
                                                president, treasurer, or secretary of the               is satisfied as to the financial                      the word ‘‘must’’ and by removing the
                                                corporation. The officer’s signature is                 responsibility of the individual. CBP                 word ‘‘Customs’’ each place that it
                                                prima facie evidence of that officer’s                  may request Immigration and Customs                   appears and adding in its place the term
                                                authority to bind the corporation. When                 Enforcement (ICE) to conduct an                       ‘‘CBP’’;
                                                a power of attorney is required, it must                immediate investigation to verify a                   ■ i. Paragraph (g)(3) is amended by
                                                conform to the requirements of subpart                  surety’s financial responsibility.                    removing the word ‘‘Customs’’ each
                                                C, part 141, of this chapter.                              (e) Continuancy of financial                       place it appears and adding in its place
                                                *     *     *     *     *                               responsibility. In order to ascertain the             the term ‘‘CBP’’; in the first, second and
                                                                                                        continued solvency and financial                      third sentences by removing the word
                                                § 113.34   [Amended]                                                                                          ‘‘shall’’ each place that it appears and
                                                                                                        responsibility of individual sureties,
                                                ■ 23. Section 113.34 is amended by                      CBP will require a new oath and                       adding in its place the word ‘‘must’,
                                                removing the word ‘‘shall’’ in the                      determine the financial responsibility of             and; in the fourth sentence, by removing
                                                second sentence and adding in its place                 each individual surety as prescribed in               the word ‘‘shall’’ and adding in its place
                                                the word ‘‘may’’.                                       paragraphs (c) and (d) of this section at             the word ‘‘will’’;
                                                ■ 24. Section 113.35 is revised to read                 least once every six months, and more                 ■ j. Paragraph (g)(4) is amended by
                                                as follows:                                             often if deemed advisable.                            removing the word ‘‘shall’’ each place
                                                                                                                                                              that it appears and adding in its place
                                                § 113.35   Individual sureties.                                                                               the word ‘‘will’’ and by removing the
                                                                                                        § 113.36    [Amended]
                                                   (a) Number required. If individuals                                                                        word ‘‘Customs’’ and adding in its place
                                                sign as sureties, there must be two                     ■  25. Section 113.36 is amended by                   the term ‘‘CBP’’; and
                                                sureties on the bond unless CBP is                      removing the word ‘‘shall’’ and adding
                                                                                                                                                              ■ k. Paragraph (g)(5) is revised.
                                                satisfied that one surety is sufficient to              in its place the word ‘‘will’’.
                                                                                                                                                                 The revisions read as follows:
                                                protect the revenue and ensure                          ■ 26. In § 113.37:
                                                compliance with the law and                             ■ a. The second sentence in paragraph                 § 113.37   Corporate sureties.
                                                regulations.                                            (a) is amended by removing the word                   *      *    *     *     *
                                                   (b) Qualifications to act as surety—(1)              ‘‘Customs’’ and adding in its place the
                                                                                                                                                                 (d) Social security or other surety-
                                                Residency and citizenship. Each                         term ‘‘CBP’’; removing the word ‘‘shall’’
                                                                                                                                                              generated identification number of
                                                individual surety on a CBP bond must                    where it appears after the word
                                                                                                                                                              agent or attorney on the bond. In the
                                                be both a resident and citizen of the                   ‘‘corporation’’ and adding in its place
                                                                                                                                                              appropriate place on each bond
                                                United States.                                          the word ‘‘will’’; removing the words
                                                                                                                                                              executed by the agent or attorney acting
                                                   (2) Granting of power of attorney. Any               ‘‘shall be for a greater amount than’’ and
                                                                                                                                                              for a corporate surety, the agent or
                                                individual, unless prohibited by law,                   adding in their place the words ‘‘may
                                                                                                                                                              attorney must place his/her social
                                                may grant a power of attorney to sign as                exceed’’, and; removing the phrase
                                                                                                                                                              security number or other surety-
                                                surety on CBP bonds. Unless the power                   ‘‘Bureau of Government Financial
                                                                                                                                                              generated 9-digit alphanumeric
                                                is unlimited, all persons to whom the                   Operations’’ and adding in its place the
                                                                                                                                                              identification number, as it appears on
                                                power relates must be named.                            phrase, ‘‘Bureau of the Fiscal Service’’.
                                                                                                                                                              the corporate surety power of attorney.
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                                                   (3) Property requirements. For both                  ■ b. Paragraph (b) is amended by
                                                single transaction and continuous                       removing the word ‘‘Customs’’ and                     *      *    *     *     *
                                                bonds, each individual surety must have                 adding in its place the term ‘‘CBP’’;                    (g) * * *
                                                property available as security within the               ■ c. Paragraph (c) is amended by                         (1) Execution and contents. Corporate
                                                customs territory of the United States.                 removing the word ‘‘shall’’ and adding                surety powers of attorney may be
                                                The current market value of the                         in its place the word ‘‘must’’;                       submitted to CBP on the CBP Form 5297
                                                property, less any encumbrance, must                    ■ d. Paragraph (d) is revised;                        and may be scanned and submitted as


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                                                70166            Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 219 / Friday, November 13, 2015 / Rules and Regulations

                                                an email attachment, or submitted by                       (4) Review and final decision. After a             following evidence to CBP
                                                facsimile (fax) or mail.                                review of any submission made by a                    Headquarters, Attention: Executive
                                                *       *   *     *    *                                surety under paragraph (c)(3) of this                 Director, Regulations and Rulings,
                                                   (ii) Name and address of agent or                    section, if an appropriate CBP officer is             Office of International Trade:
                                                attorney, and social security number or                 still of the opinion that bonds secured               *     *     *     *     *
                                                other surety-generated 9-digit                          by the surety should not be accepted,                 ■ 29. In § 113.40:
                                                alphanumeric identification number for                  written notice of the decision will be                ■ a. Paragraph (a) is revised;
                                                the agent or attorney.                                  provided to the surety at least five days             ■ b. Paragraph (b) introductory text is
                                                *       *   *     *    *                                before the date that CBP will no longer               revised and the ‘‘Power of Attorney and
                                                   (5) Change on the power of attorney.                 accept the bonds of the surety. Copies                Agreement (For Corporation)’’ form is
                                                (i) No change may be made on the CBP                    of the notice will also be provided to the            amended by removing the designation
                                                Form 5297 after it has been approved by                 Executive Director, Regulations and                   ‘‘19__’’ each place that it appears and
                                                CBP except the following:                               Rulings, Office of International Trade                adding ‘‘20__’’ in its place; and
                                                   (A) Grantee name change;                             and, if the notice does not originate                 ■ c. Paragraph (c) is revised.
                                                   (B) Grantee address change; and                      from the Revenue Director, to the                        The revisions read as follows:
                                                   (C) The addition of port(s) to the                   Director, Revenue Director. Notice will
                                                                                                        be given to the public by publishing the              § 113.40 Acceptance of cash deposits or
                                                corporate surety power of attorney on                                                                         obligations of the United States in lieu of
                                                file.                                                   decision in the Customs Bulletin.                     sureties on bonds.
                                                   (ii) To make any other change to the                 *      *     *    *     *                                (a) General provisions. In lieu of
                                                power of attorney two separate CBP                      ■ 28. In § 113.39:                                    sureties on any bond required or
                                                Forms 5297 must be submitted, one                       ■ a. The introductory text is revised;                authorized by any law, regulation, or
                                                revoking the previous power of attorney,                ■ b. Paragraph (a) introductory text is
                                                                                                                                                              instruction which the Secretary of the
                                                and one containing a new grant of                       revised;                                              Treasury, the Secretary of Homeland
                                                authority.                                              ■ c. Paragraph (a)(5) is amended by
                                                                                                                                                              Security, or the Commissioner of CBP
                                                                                                        removing the words the ‘‘port director                are authorized to enforce, the Director,
                                                ■  27. In § 113.38:                                     or Fines, Penalties, and Forfeitures
                                                   a. The heading and text of paragraph                                                                       Revenue Division or, in the case of
                                                ■                                                       Officer’’ and adding in their place the               single transaction bonds, a port director,
                                                (a) are amended by removing the word                    words ‘‘port director, Fines, Penalties,              may accept United States money,
                                                ‘‘Customs’’ each place it appears and                   and Forfeitures Officer, or authorized                United States bonds (except for savings
                                                adding the term ‘‘CBP’’ in its place; and               Revenue Director personnel’’; and                     bonds), United States certificates of
                                                the text of paragraph (a) is further                    ■ d. Paragraph (b) is amended in the
                                                                                                                                                              indebtedness, Treasury notes, or
                                                amended by removing the word, ‘‘shall’’                 first sentence, by removing the words
                                                                                                                                                              Treasury bills in an amount equal to the
                                                and adding in its place the word, ‘‘will’’;             ‘‘The Director, Border Security and
                                                ■ b. The heading and text of paragraph
                                                                                                                                                              face amount of the bond that would be
                                                                                                        Trade Compliance Division, shall’’ and
                                                                                                                                                              required. The option to deposit cash or
                                                (b) are amended by removing the word                    adding in their place the words ‘‘CBP
                                                                                                                                                              U.S. obligations in lieu of sureties is at
                                                ‘‘Customs’’ each place it appears and                   Headquarters will’’; in the second
                                                                                                                                                              the option of the importer, and a CBP
                                                adding the term ‘‘CBP’’ in its place;                   sentence, by removing the words
                                                ■ c. Paragraph (c)(1) is amended in the
                                                                                                                                                              Form 301 or other CBP-approved bond
                                                                                                        ‘‘Bureau of Government Financial                      designating the appropriate activity for
                                                heading and first sentence by adding the                Operations’’ and adding in their place
                                                words ‘‘single transaction’’ before the                                                                       the cash deposits or U.S. obligations in
                                                                                                        the words, ‘‘Bureau of the Fiscal                     lieu of surety must be filed. When cash
                                                word ‘‘bond’’ each place that it appears                Service’’; and, in the last sentence, by
                                                and, in the second sentence, by                                                                               or obligations in lieu of surety are
                                                                                                        removing the words ‘‘port director and                accepted, it must be for a term of no
                                                removing the language, ‘‘Director,                      Fines, Penalties, and Forfeitures
                                                Border Security and Trade Compliance                                                                          more than one year. Additional cash
                                                                                                        Officer’’ and adding in their place the               deposits or obligations in lieu of surety
                                                Division’’ and adding in its place,                     words ‘‘port director, Fines, Penalties,
                                                ‘‘Executive Director, Regulations and                                                                         may be required.
                                                                                                        and Forfeitures Officer, and Director,                   (b) Authority to sell United States
                                                Rulings, Office of International Trade,’’;              Revenue Division’’.                                   obligations on default. At the time of
                                                ■ d. Paragraph (c)(2) is revised;                          The revisions read as follows:
                                                ■ e. Paragraph (c)(3) is amended by
                                                                                                                                                              deposit with the Director, Revenue
                                                removing the word ‘‘Customs’’ and                       § 113.39 Procedure to remove a surety                 Division, of any U.S. obligation (other
                                                adding in its place the term ‘‘CBP’’; and               from Treasury Department Circular 570.                than U.S. money), the obligor must
                                                ■ f. Paragraph (c)(4) is revised.                         If a port director, Fines, Penalties, and           deliver a duly executed power of
                                                   The revisions read as follows:                       Forfeitures Officer, or authorized                    attorney and agreement authorizing the
                                                                                                        Revenue Division officer is dissatisfied              Director, Revenue Division, in the case
                                                § 113.38   Delinquent sureties.                         with a surety company because the                     of any default in the performance of any
                                                *     *     *     *     *                               company has neglected or refused to                   of the conditions of the bond, to sell the
                                                  (c) * * *                                             pay a valid demand made on the surety                 obligation so deposited and to apply the
                                                  (2) Non-acceptance of bond upon                       company’s bond or otherwise has failed                proceeds of the sale, in whole or in part,
                                                instruction by Commissioner of CBP or                   to honor an obligation on that bond, the              to the satisfaction of any damages,
                                                Director, Revenue Division. The                         port director, Fines, Penalties, and                  demands, or deficiency arising by
                                                Commissioner of CBP, or the Director,                   Forfeitures Officer, or authorized                    reason of default. The format of the
                                                Revenue Division, may issue                             Revenue Division personnel may take                   power of attorney and agreement, when
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                                                instructions to CBP officers not to                     the following steps to recommend that                 the obligor is a corporation, is set forth
                                                accept a bond secured by an individual                  the surety company be removed from                    below and must be appropriately
                                                or corporate surety who, without just                   Treasury Department Circular 570.                     modified when the obligor is either an
                                                cause, is significantly delinquent with                   (a) Report to Headquarters. A port                  individual or a partnership:
                                                respect to either the number or dollar                  director, Fines, Penalties, and                       *      *    *     *      *
                                                amounts of outstanding bills.                           Forfeitures Officer, or authorized                       (c) Application of United States
                                                *     *     *     *     *                               Revenue Division officer will send the                money or obligations on default. If


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                                                                 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 219 / Friday, November 13, 2015 / Rules and Regulations                                          70167

                                                United States cash or obligations are                   § 113.51    [Amended]                                 § 113.61   [Amended]
                                                deposited in lieu of surety on any bond,                ■ 35. Section 113.51 is amended by                    ■  40. Section 113.61 is amended in the
                                                the appropriate CBP officer is                          removing the word ‘‘Customs’’ and                     first sentence by removing the word
                                                authorized to apply the cash or money                   adding in its place the term ‘‘CBP’’.                 ‘‘Customs’’ and adding in its place the
                                                received from the deposited obligation                                                                        word ‘‘customs’’ and in the second
                                                                                                        ■ 36. Section 113.52 is revised to read
                                                to satisfy any damages, demand, or                                                                            sentence by removing the word
                                                                                                        as follows:
                                                deficiency arising from a default under                                                                       ‘‘Customs’’ and adding in its place the
                                                the bond.                                               § 113.52    Failure to satisfy the bond.              term ‘‘CBP’’.
                                                                                                          If any CBP bond, except one given                   ■ 41. In § 113.62:
                                                § 113.41   [Amended]                                    only for the production of free-entry or              ■ a. The introductory text is amended
                                                ■ 30. Section 113.41 is amended by                      reduced-duty documents (see                           by removing the word ‘‘shall’’ and
                                                removing the word ‘‘shall’’ and adding                  § 113.43(c) of this chapter) has not been             adding in its place the word ‘‘must’’ and
                                                in its place the word ‘‘must’’, and                     satisfied upon the expiration of 180                  by removing the words ‘‘single entry’’
                                                removing the word ‘‘Customs’’ and                       days after liability has accrued under                and adding in their place the words
                                                adding in its place the term ‘‘CBP’’.                   the bond, the matter will be reported to              ‘‘single transaction’’;
                                                                                                        the Department of Justice for                         ■ b. Paragraphs (a)(1) introductory text,
                                                § 113.42   [Amended]                                    prosecution unless measures have been                 (a)(1)(ii), and (a)(2) introductory text are
                                                                                                        taken to file an application for relief or            amended by removing the word
                                                ■  31. Section 113.42 is amended by                                                                           ‘‘Customs’’ each place that it appears
                                                                                                        protest in accordance with the
                                                removing from the first sentence the                                                                          and adding in its place the term ‘‘CBP’’;
                                                                                                        provisions of this chapter or to
                                                word ‘‘shall’’ and adding in its place the                                                                    ■ c. Paragraph (a)(3) is amended by
                                                                                                        satisfactorily settle this matter.
                                                word ‘‘must’’; removing the word                                                                              removing the words ‘‘the port director’’
                                                ‘‘Customs’’ and adding in its place the                 § 113.53    [Amended]                                 and adding in their place the term
                                                term ‘‘CBP’’; and removing in the                                                                             ‘‘CBP’’;
                                                second sentence the word ‘‘shall’’ and                  ■  37. In § 113.53:
                                                                                                                                                              ■ d. Paragraph (b) introductory text and
                                                adding in its place the word ‘‘will’’.                  ■  a. The section heading is amended by
                                                                                                        removing the word ‘‘Customs’’ and                     paragraph (b)(1) are amended by
                                                ■ 32. In § 113.43:                                                                                            removing the word ‘‘Customs’’ each
                                                                                                        adding in its place the term ‘‘CBP’’;
                                                ■ a. Paragraph (a) is revised;                                                                                place that it appears and adding in its
                                                                                                        ■ b. Paragraph (a) introductory text is
                                                ■ b. Paragraph (b) is amended by                                                                              place the term ‘‘CBP’’;
                                                                                                        amended by removing in the paragraph
                                                removing the word ‘‘shall’’ each place                                                                        ■ e. Paragraph (c) is amended by
                                                                                                        heading the word ‘‘Customs’’ and
                                                that it appears and adding in its place                                                                       removing the word ‘‘Customs’’ and
                                                                                                        adding in its place the term ‘‘CBP’’ and
                                                the word ‘‘will’’ and removing the                                                                            adding in its place the term ‘‘CBP’’;
                                                                                                        removing the word ‘‘Customs’’ each                    ■ f. Paragraph (d) introductory text is
                                                words ‘‘2 months’’ each place that they
                                                                                                        place that it appears and adding in its               amended by removing the word
                                                appear and adding in their place the
                                                                                                        place the term ‘‘CBP’’;                               ‘‘Customs’’ wherever it appears and
                                                words ‘‘60 days’’; and
                                                                                                        ■ c. Paragraph (a)(3) is amended by
                                                ■ c. Paragraph (c) is amended by                                                                              adding in its place the term ‘‘CBP’’;
                                                                                                        adding after the word ‘‘Commissioner’’                ■ g. Paragraph (f) introductory text and
                                                removing the word ‘‘shall’’ each place
                                                                                                        the words ‘‘of CBP’’; and                             paragraph (f)(2) are amended by
                                                that it appears and adding in its place
                                                                                                        ■ d. Paragraph (b) is amended by adding
                                                the word ‘‘will’’.                                                                                            removing the word ‘‘Customs’’ wherever
                                                   The revision reads as follows:                       in the paragraph heading, after the word              it appears and adding in its place the
                                                                                                        ‘‘director’’, the words ‘‘or other                    term ‘‘CBP’’;
                                                § 113.43   Extension of time period.                    authorized CBP officer’’; removing, in                ■ h. Paragraph (f)(3) is revised;
                                                  (a) Application received within time                  the text, the word ‘‘Customs’’ and                    ■ i. Paragraph (g)(1) is amended by
                                                period. If a document referred to in                    adding in its place the term ‘‘CBP’’;                 removing the word ‘‘Customs’’ and
                                                § 113.42 is not produced within 120                     adding after the word ‘‘director’’ the                adding in its place the term ‘‘CBP’’;
                                                days from the date of the transaction in                words ‘‘or other authorized CBP                       ■ j. Paragraph (h)(2) is revised;
                                                connection with which the bond was                      officer’’; and removing the word ‘‘shall’’            ■ k. Paragraphs (h)(3) and (4) are
                                                given, the port director or an                          and adding in its place the word ‘‘will’’.            amended by removing the word
                                                appropriate CBP officer, in his or her                                                                        ‘‘Customs’’ each place that it appears
                                                                                                        § 113.55    [Amended]                                 and adding in its place the term ‘‘CBP’’;
                                                discretion, and upon written application
                                                of the importer, may extend the period                  ■  38. In § 113.55:                                   ■ l. The heading and text of paragraph
                                                for one further period not to exceed 60                 ■  a. Paragraph (c) introductory text is              (i) are amended by removing the words
                                                days.                                                   amended by removing the word ‘‘shall’’                ‘‘Customs Regulations’’ each place that
                                                *     *     *    *     *                                each place that it appears and adding in              they appear and adding in their place
                                                                                                        its place the word ‘‘must’’ and removing              the words ‘‘CBP regulations’’; and by
                                                § 113.44   [Amended]                                    the word ‘‘Customs’’ and adding in its                removing the words ‘‘Customs security’’
                                                ■ 33. In § 113.44, paragraph (b) is                     place the word ‘‘customs’’;                           each place that they appear and adding
                                                amended by removing the word ‘‘shall’’                  ■ b. Paragraph (c)(1) is amended by                   in their place the words ‘‘customs
                                                and adding in its place the word                        removing the word ‘‘shall’’ and adding                security’’;
                                                                                                        in its place the word ‘‘will’’;                       ■ m. Paragraph (j) is amended by
                                                ‘‘must’’.
                                                                                                        ■ c. Paragraph (c)(3) is amended by                   removing the words ‘‘Customs and
                                                                                                        removing the word ‘‘Customs’’ and                     Border Protection’’ and adding in their
jstallworth on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with RULES




                                                § 113.45   [Amended]
                                                                                                        adding in its place the term ‘‘CBP’’; and             place the term ‘‘CBP’’;
                                                ■ 34. Section 113.45 is amended by                      ■ d. Paragraph (d) is removed.                        ■ n. Paragraph (k)(2) is amended by
                                                removing the word ‘‘shall’’ and adding                                                                        removing the words ‘‘Customs and
                                                in its place the word ‘‘must’’ and                      Subpart G—CBP Bond Conditions                         Border Protection (CBP)’’ and adding in
                                                removing the word ‘‘entry’’ each place                                                                        their place the term ‘‘CBP’’; and
                                                that it appears and adding in its place                 ■ 39. The subpart G heading is revised                ■ o. Paragraphs (m)(2) and (4) are
                                                the word ‘‘transaction’’.                               to read as set forth above.                           amended by removing the word


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                                                70168            Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 219 / Friday, November 13, 2015 / Rules and Regulations

                                                ‘‘Customs’’ each place that it appears                  it appears and adding in their place the              and adding in their place the words
                                                and adding in its place the term ‘‘CBP’’                term ‘‘CBP’’;                                         ‘‘CBP regulations’’; and by removing the
                                                and removing the word ‘‘shall’’ each                    ■ k. Paragraph (e) is amended by                      words ‘‘Customs security’’ each place
                                                place that it appears and adding in its                 removing the words ‘‘Customs laws and                 that they appear and adding in their
                                                place the word ‘‘will’’.                                regulations’’ and adding in their place               place the words ‘‘customs security’’; and
                                                   The revisions to § 113.62 read as                    the words ‘‘customs laws and CBP                      ■ g. Newly redesignated paragraphs
                                                follows:                                                regulations’’;                                        (l)(1) and (2) are amended by removing
                                                                                                        ■ l. The heading and text of paragraph                the word ‘‘Customs’’ each place that it
                                                § 113.62 Basic importation and entry bond                                                                     appears and adding in its place the term
                                                conditions.
                                                                                                        (f) are amended by removing the words
                                                                                                        ‘‘Customs Regulations’’ each place that               ‘‘CBP’’.
                                                *     *      *     *    *                               they appear and adding in their place                    The addition reads as follows:
                                                  (f) * * *                                             the words ‘‘CBP regulations’’ and by
                                                  (3) Keep any customs seal or cording                                                                        § 113.64 International carrier bond
                                                                                                        removing the words ‘‘Customs security’’               conditions.
                                                on the merchandise intact until the
                                                                                                        each place that they appear and adding
                                                merchandise is examined by CBP.                                                                               *      *     *    *     *
                                                                                                        in their place the words ‘‘customs                       (b) Agreement to pay liquidated
                                                *     *      *     *    *                               security’’;
                                                  (h) * * *                                                                                                   damages—(1) Passenger processing fees:
                                                                                                        ■ m. Paragraph (g) is amended by
                                                  (2) If a fishing vessel, to present the                                                                     If the principal (carrier) fails to pay
                                                                                                        removing the words ‘‘Customs and                      passenger processing fees to CBP within
                                                original approved application to CBP                    Border Protection’’ and adding in their
                                                within 24 hours on each arrival of the                                                                        31 calendar days after the close of the
                                                                                                        place the term ‘‘CBP’’;                               calendar quarter in which they were
                                                vessel in the customs territory of the                  ■ n. Paragraph (h)(1) is amended by
                                                United States from a fishing voyage;                                                                          required to be collected pursuant to
                                                                                                        removing the word ‘‘Customs’’ and                     § 24.22(g) of this chapter, the obligors
                                                *     *      *     *    *                               adding in its place the term ‘‘CBP’’;                 (principal and surety, jointly and
                                                                                                        ■ o. Paragraph (h)(2) is amended by
                                                § 113.63   [Amended]                                                                                          severally) agree to pay liquidated
                                                                                                        removing the words ‘‘Customs                          damages equal to two times the
                                                ■  42. In § 113.63:                                     Regulations’’ and adding in their place
                                                ■  a. The introductory text is amended                                                                        passenger processing fees that were
                                                                                                        the words ‘‘CBP regulations’’;                        required to be collected but not timely
                                                by removing the word ‘‘shall’’ each                     ■ p. Paragraph (h)(5) is amended by
                                                place that it appears and adding in its                                                                       remitted to CBP, regardless of whether
                                                                                                        removing the word ‘‘Customs’’ and                     such fees were in fact collected from
                                                place the word ‘‘must’’;                                adding in its place the term ‘‘CBP’’;
                                                ■ b. Paragraph (a)(2) is amended by                                                                           passengers, as prescribed by regulation.
                                                                                                        ■ q. Paragraph (i)(2) is amended by                      (2) Railroad car processing fees: If the
                                                removing the words ‘‘Customs                            removing the word ‘‘shall’’ and adding
                                                Regulations’’ and adding in their place                                                                       principal (carrier) fails to pay railroad
                                                                                                        in its place the word ‘‘will’’ and by                 car processing fees to CBP within 60
                                                the words ‘‘CBP regulations’’;                          removing the word ‘‘Customs’’ and
                                                ■ c. Paragraph (a)(3) is amended by                                                                           calendar days after the close of the
                                                                                                        adding in its place the term ‘‘CBP’’; and             calendar month in which they were
                                                adding the term ‘‘CBP’’ before the word                 ■ r. Paragraph (i)(3) is amended by
                                                ‘‘regulations’’ and removing the word                                                                         collected pursuant to § 24.22(d) of this
                                                                                                        removing the word ‘‘Customs’’ and                     chapter, the obligors (principal and
                                                ‘‘Customs’’ and adding in its place the                 adding in its place the term ‘‘CBP’’.
                                                term ‘‘CBP’’;                                                                                                 surety, jointly and severally) agree to
                                                ■ d. Paragraph (a)(5) is amended by                     ■ 43. In § 113.64:                                    pay liquidated damages equal to two
                                                removing the word ‘‘Customs’’ each                      ■ a. The introductory text is amended                 times the railroad car processing fees
                                                place that it appears and adding in its                 by removing the word ‘‘shall’’ and                    which have not been timely paid to CBP
                                                place the term ‘‘CBP’’ and removing the                 adding in its place the word ‘‘must’’ and             as prescribed by regulation.
                                                word ‘‘Regulations’’ and adding in its                  by removing the word ‘‘entry’’ and                       (3) Reimbursement fees payable by
                                                place the word ‘‘regulations’’;                         adding in its place the word                          express consignment carrier and
                                                ■ e. Paragraph (b)(2) is amended by                     ‘‘transaction’’;                                      centralized hub facilities. If the
                                                removing the word ‘‘Customs’’ and                       ■ b. Paragraph (a) is amended by                      principal (carrier) fails to timely pay the
                                                adding in its place the term ‘‘CBP’’;                   removing the words ‘‘Customs and                      reimbursement fees payable to CBP by
                                                ■ f. Paragraph (b)(3) is amended by                     Border Protection (CBP)’’ and adding in               express consignment carrier facilities
                                                removing the words ‘‘Customs                            their place the term ‘‘CBP’’ and by                   and centralized carrier facilities
                                                Regulations’’ and adding in their place                 removing the second sentence;                         pursuant to the terms set forth in
                                                the words ‘‘CBP regulations’’;                          ■ c. Paragraphs (b) through (k) are                   § 24.23(b)(4) of this chapter, the obligors
                                                ■ g. Paragraphs (c)(1) and (2) are                      redesignated as paragraphs (c) through                (principal and surety, jointly and
                                                amended by removing the word                            (l);                                                  severally) agree to pay liquidated
                                                ‘‘Customs’’ each place that it appears                  ■ d. A new paragraph (b) is added;                    damages equal to two times the fees
                                                and adding in its place the term ‘‘CBP’’;               ■ e. Newly redesignated paragraph (c) is              which have not been timely paid to CBP
                                                ■ h. Paragraph (c)(3) is amended by                     amended by removing the word                          as prescribed by that section.
                                                removing the words ‘‘Customs                            ‘‘Customs’’ each place that it appears                *      *     *    *     *
                                                Regulations’’ and adding in its place the               and adding in its place the term ‘‘CBP’’;
                                                words ‘‘CBP regulations’’;                              by removing the word ‘‘Regulations’’                  § 113.65   [Amended]
                                                ■ i. Paragraph (c)(4) is amended by                     each place it appears and adding in its               ■  44. In § 113.65:
                                                removing the word ‘‘Customs’’ and                       place the word ‘‘regulations’’, and; in               ■  a. The introductory text is amended
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                                                adding in its place the term ‘‘CBP’’ and                the third sentence, by removing the                   by removing the word ‘‘shall’’ and
                                                removing the words ‘‘Customs                            word ‘‘shall’’ and adding in its place the            adding in its place the word ‘‘must’’ and
                                                Regulations’’ and adding in their place                 word ‘‘will’’;                                        by removing the word ‘‘entry’’ and
                                                the words ‘‘CBP regulations’’;                          ■ f. The heading and text of newly                    adding in its place the word
                                                ■ j. Paragraph (d) is amended by                        redesignated (j) are amended by                       ‘‘transaction’’; and
                                                removing in the paragraph heading and                   removing the words ‘‘Customs                          ■ b. Paragraphs (a)(3) and (4) are
                                                text the word ‘‘Customs’’ each place that               Regulations’’ each place they appear                  amended by removing the word


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                                                                 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 219 / Friday, November 13, 2015 / Rules and Regulations                                          70169

                                                ‘‘Customs’’ each place that it appears                  place it appears and adding in its place              ‘‘shall’’ each place that it appears and
                                                and adding in its place the term ‘‘CBP’’.               the term ‘‘CBP’’;                                     adding in its place the word ‘‘must’’ and
                                                ■ 45. In § 113.66:                                      ■ f. Paragraph (b) introductory text is               by removing the word ‘‘entry’’ and
                                                ■ a. The introductory text is amended                   amended by removing the word ‘‘shall’’                adding in its place the word
                                                by removing the word ‘‘shall’’ each                     each place it appears and adding in its               ‘‘transaction’’.
                                                place that it appears and adding in its                 place the word ‘‘must’’;
                                                place the word ‘‘must’’;                                ■ g. Paragraph (b)(1) introductory text is            § 113.72   [Amended]
                                                ■ b. Paragraph (a) introductory text and                amended by removing the word
                                                                                                        ‘‘Customs’’ and adding in its place the               ■  51. In § 113.72, the introductory text
                                                paragraph (a)(1) are revised;                                                                                 is amended by removing the word
                                                ■ c. Paragraph (b)(3) is amended by                     term ‘‘CBP’’;
                                                                                                        ■ h. Paragraph (b)(1)(i) is amended by                ‘‘shall’’ each place that it appears and
                                                removing the word ‘‘Customs’’ and                                                                             adding in its place the word ‘‘must’’ and
                                                adding in its place the term ‘‘CBP’’;                   removing the words ‘‘Customs
                                                                                                        Regulations’’ and adding in their place               by removing the word ‘‘entry’’ and
                                                ■ d. Paragraph (c)(2) is amended by
                                                                                                        the words ‘‘CBP regulations’’; and                    adding in its place the word
                                                removing the word ‘‘Customs’’ and                                                                             ‘‘transaction’’.
                                                                                                        ■ i. Paragraphs (b)(1)(iii) and (b)(2)(iii)
                                                adding in its place the term ‘‘CBP’’;
                                                ■ e. Paragraph (d)(2) is amended by                     are amended by removing the word
                                                                                                        ‘‘Customs’’ each place it appears and                 § 113.73   [Amended]
                                                removing the word ‘‘shall’’ and adding
                                                in its place the word ‘‘will’’ and by                   adding in its place the term ‘‘CBP’’.                 ■ 52. In § 113.73:
                                                removing the word ‘‘Customs’’ and                                                                             ■ a. The introductory text is amended
                                                                                                        § 113.68    [Amended]                                 by removing the word ‘‘shall’’ each
                                                adding in its place the term ‘‘CBP’’; and
                                                ■ f. Paragraph (d)(3) is amended by                     ■  47. In § 113.68:                                   place that it appears and adding in its
                                                removing the word ‘‘Customs’’ and                       ■  a. The introductory text is amended                place the word ‘‘must’’;
                                                adding in its place the term ‘‘CBP’’.                   by removing the word ‘‘shall’’ each                   ■ b. Paragraph (a)(1) is amended by
                                                   The revisions read as follows:                       place that it appears and adding in its               removing the words ‘‘Customs
                                                                                                        place the word ‘‘must’’; and by                       Regulations’’ and adding in their place
                                                § 113.66 Control of containers and                      removing the word ‘‘entry’’ and adding                the words ‘‘CBP regulations’’;
                                                instruments of international traffic bond               in its place the word ‘‘transaction’’;                ■ c. Paragraph (a)(2) is amended by
                                                conditions.                                             ■ b. Paragraph (a) is amended by                      removing the word ‘‘Customs’’ each
                                                  (a) Agreement to Enter Any Diverted                   removing the word ‘‘Customs’’ and                     place that it appears and adding in its
                                                Instrument of International Traffic. If a               adding in its place the term ‘‘CBP’’; and             place the term ‘‘CBP’’ by removing the
                                                principal brings in and takes out of the                ■ c. The second sentence of paragraph                 word ‘‘Regulations’’ and adding in its
                                                customs territory of the United States an               (b) is amended by removing the word                   place the word ‘‘regulations’’ and by
                                                instrument of international traffic                     ‘‘shall’’ and adding in its place the word            removing the word ‘‘shall’’ in the third
                                                without entry and without payment of                    ‘‘will’’; and by removing the word                    sentence and adding in its place the
                                                duty, as provided by the CBP                            ‘‘Customs’’ and adding in its place the               word ‘‘will’’;
                                                regulations and section 322(a), Tariff                  term ‘‘CBP’’.                                         ■ d. Paragraph (b) is amended by
                                                Act of 1930, as amended (19 U.S.C.                                                                            removing the word ‘‘shall’’ and adding
                                                1322(a)) the principal agrees to:                       § 113.69    [Amended]
                                                                                                                                                              in its place the word ‘‘will’’ and by
                                                  (1) Report promptly to CBP when the                   ■  48. In § 113.69:                                   removing the word ‘‘Customs’’ and
                                                instrument is diverted to point-to-point                ■  a. The introductory text is amended                adding in its place the term ‘‘CBP’’;
                                                local traffic in the customs territory of               by removing the word ‘‘shall’’ each                   ■ e. Paragraph (c) is amended by
                                                the United States or when the                           place it appears and adding in its place              removing the words ‘‘Customs and
                                                instrument is otherwise withdrawn in                    the word ‘‘must’’ and by removing the                 Border Protection (CBP)’’ and adding in
                                                the customs territory of the United                     word ‘‘entry’’ and adding in its place the            their place the term ‘‘CBP’’;
                                                States from its use as an instrument of                 word ‘‘transaction’’; and                             ■ f. Paragraph (d)(2) is amended by
                                                international traffic.                                  ■ b. The introductory text of the
                                                                                                                                                              removing the words ‘‘Customs officer’’
                                                *     *      *     *    *                               ‘‘Production of Bill of Lading Bond                   and adding in its place the words ‘‘CBP
                                                                                                        Conditions’’ is amended by removing                   Officer’’; and
                                                § 113.67   [Amended]                                    the word ‘‘Customs’’ and adding in its                ■ g. Paragraph (e) is amended by
                                                ■  46. In § 113.67:                                     place the term ‘‘CBP’’.                               removing the words ‘‘Customs
                                                ■  a. Paragraph (a) introductory text is                                                                      Regulations’’ and adding in their place
                                                                                                        § 113.70    [Amended]
                                                amended by removing the word ‘‘shall’’                                                                        the words ‘‘CBP regulations’’.
                                                each place that it appears and adding in                ■  49. In § 113.70:
                                                its place the word ‘‘must’’;                            ■  a. The introductory text is amended                § 113.74   [Amended]
                                                ■ b. Paragraph (a)(1) introductory text is              by removing the word ‘‘shall’’ each                   ■ 53. Section 113.74 is amended by
                                                amended by removing the word                            place it appears and adding in its place              removing the word ‘‘entry’’ and adding
                                                ‘‘Customs’’ and adding in its place the                 the word ‘‘must’’ and by removing the                 in its place the word ‘‘transaction’’.
                                                term ‘‘CBP’’;                                           word ‘‘entry’’ and adding in its place the
                                                                                                                                                              ■ 54. Appendix A to Part 113 is revised
                                                ■ c. Paragraph (a)(1)(i) is amended by                  word ‘‘transaction’’; and
                                                                                                        ■ b. The first sentence in the ‘‘Bond
                                                                                                                                                              to read as follows:
                                                removing the words ‘‘Customs
                                                Regulations’’ and adding in their place                 Condition to Indemnify United States                  Appendix A to Part 113—Airport
                                                the words ‘‘CBP regulations’’;                          for Detention of Copyrighted Material’’               Customs Security Area Bond
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                                                ■ d. Paragraph (a)(1)(iii) is amended by                is amended by removing the word
                                                                                                                                                              AIRPORT CUSTOMS SECURITY AREA
                                                removing the word ‘‘Customs’’ and                       ‘‘Customs’’ and adding in its place the                 BOND
                                                adding in its place the term ‘‘CBP’’;                   term ‘‘CBP’’.
                                                                                                                                                                lll(name of principal) of
                                                ■ e. Paragraph (a)(2)(iii) is amended by                                                                      lll(address) and lll(name of surety)
                                                removing the word ‘‘shall’’ and adding                  § 113.71    [Amended]
                                                                                                                                                              of lll(address) are held and firmly bound
                                                in its place the word ‘‘will’’; and by                  ■  50. In § 113.71, the introductory text             unto the United States of America in the sum
                                                removing the word ‘‘Customs’’ each                      is amended by removing the word                       of lldollars ($ll), for the payment of



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                                                70170            Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 219 / Friday, November 13, 2015 / Rules and Regulations

                                                which we bind ourselves, our heirs,                       Authority: 15 U.S.C. 1124, 1125, 1127; 17           PENSION BENEFIT GUARANTY
                                                executors, administrators, successors, and              U.S.C. 101, 601, 602, 603; 19 U.S.C. 66, 1202,        CORPORATION
                                                assigns, jointly and severally, by these                1499, 1526, 1624; 31 U.S.C. 9701;
                                                conditions.                                                                                                   29 CFR Part 4022
                                                   WITNESS our hands and seals this __day               *      *      *      *       *
                                                of ll, 20__. WHEREAS, the principal                       Sections 133.21 through 133.25 also issued
                                                                                                        under 18 U.S.C. 1905; Sec. 818(g), Pub. L.
                                                                                                                                                              Benefits Payable in Terminated Single-
                                                (including the principal’s employees, agents,
                                                and contractors) desires access to airport              112–81.                                               Employer Plans; Interest Assumptions
                                                customs security areas;                                                                                       for Paying Benefits
                                                                                                        *      *      *      *       *
                                                   Now, Therefore, the Condition of this
                                                Obligation is Such That—                                ■ 58. In § 133.25, paragraph (c) is                   AGENCY: Pension Benefit Guaranty
                                                   The principal agrees to comply with the              revised to read as follows:                           Corporation.
                                                CBP regulations applicable to customs
                                                                                                                                                              ACTION:   Final rule.
                                                security areas at airports. If the principal            § 133.25 Procedure on detention of articles
                                                defaults on the condition of this obligation,           subject to restriction.
                                                the principal and surety, jointly and                                                                         SUMMARY:   This final rule amends the
                                                severally, agree to pay liquidated damages of           *      *     *    *     *                             Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation’s
                                                $1,000 for each default; or such other amount              (c) Disclosure to the trademark or                 regulation on Benefits Payable in
                                                as may be authorized by law or regulation.              trade name owner. At any time                         Terminated Single-Employer Plans to
                                                This bond is effective ___, 20ll, and                   following presentation of the                         prescribe interest assumptions under
                                                remains in force for one year beginning with                                                                  the regulation for valuation dates in
                                                the effective date and for each succeeding              merchandise for CBP’s examination, but
                                                                                                        prior to seizure, CBP may release a                   December 2015. The interest
                                                annual period, or until terminated. This bond
                                                                                                        sample of the suspect merchandise to                  assumptions are used for paying
                                                constitutes a separate bond for each annual
                                                period in the amount listed above for                   the owner of the trademark or trade                   benefits under terminating single-
                                                liabilities that accrue in each annual period.          name for examination or testing to assist             employer plans covered by the pension
                                                   Signed, Sealed, and Delivered in the                                                                       insurance system administered by
                                                                                                        in determining whether the article
                                                Presence of —                                                                                                 PBGC.
                                                                                                        imported bears an infringing trademark
                                                                                                        or trade name. To obtain a sample under               DATES:   Effective December 1, 2015.
                                                Name                                                    this paragraph, the owner of the mark
                                                                                                                                                              FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
                                                Address                                                 must furnish to CBP a bond in the form
                                                                                                                                                              Catherine B. Klion (Klion.Catherine@
                                                                                                        and amount specified by CBP,                          pbgc.gov), Assistant General Counsel for
                                                                                                        conditioned to indemnify the importer                 Regulatory Affairs, Pension Benefit
                                                Name                                                    or owner of the imported article against              Guaranty Corporation, 1200 K Street
                                                Address                                                 any loss or damage resulting from the                 NW., Washington, DC 20005, 202–326–
                                                Principal (SEAL)                                        furnishing of the sample by CBP to the                4024. (TTY/TDD users may call the
                                                                                                        owner of the mark. CBP may demand                     Federal relay service toll-free at 1–800–
                                                                                                        the return of the sample at any time.                 877–8339 and ask to be connected to
                                                Name
                                                Address                                                 The owner must return the sample to                   202–326–4024.)
                                                                                                        CBP upon demand or at the conclusion
                                                                                                                                                              SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:     PBGC’s
                                                                                                        of the examination or testing, whichever
                                                                                                                                                              regulation on Benefits Payable in
                                                Name                                                    occurs sooner. In the event that the
                                                                                                                                                              Terminated Single-Employer Plans (29
                                                Address                                                 sample is damaged, destroyed, or lost                 CFR part 4022) prescribes actuarial
                                                                                                        while in the possession of the trademark              assumptions—including interest
                                                                                                        or trade name owner, the owner must,                  assumptions—for paying plan benefits
                                                Name                                                    in lieu of returning the sample, certify
                                                Address
                                                                                                                                                              under terminating single-employer
                                                                                                        to CBP that: ‘‘The sample described as                plans covered by title IV of the
                                                Surety (SEAL)
                                                                                                        [insert description] and provided                     Employee Retirement Income Security
                                                                                                        pursuant to 19 CFR 133.25(c) was                      Act of 1974. The interest assumptions in
                                                Name                                                    (damaged/destroyed/lost) during                       the regulation are also published on
                                                Address                                                 examination or testing for trademark                  PBGC’s Web site (http://www.pbgc.gov).
                                                                                                        infringement.’’                                          PBGC uses the interest assumptions in
                                                Appendix B to Part 113 [Amended]
                                                                                                        *      *     *    *     *                             Appendix B to Part 4022 to determine
                                                ■  55. Appendix B to Part 113 is                                                                              whether a benefit is payable as a lump
                                                amended by removing the word                            R. Gil Kerlikowske,
                                                                                                                                                              sum and to determine the amount to
                                                ‘‘Customs’’ each place that it appears                  Commissioner.                                         pay. Appendix C to Part 4022 contains
                                                and adding in its place the term ‘‘CBP’’.                 Approved: November 4, 2015.                         interest assumptions for private-sector
                                                Appendix C to Part 113 [Amended]                        Timothy E. Skud,                                      pension practitioners to refer to if they
                                                                                                        Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Treasury.           wish to use lump-sum interest rates
                                                ■  56. Appendix C to Part 113 is                                                                              determined using PBGC’s historical
                                                                                                        [FR Doc. 2015–28503 Filed 11–12–15; 8:45 am]
                                                amended by removing the word                                                                                  methodology. Currently, the rates in
                                                                                                        BILLING CODE 9111–14–P
                                                ‘‘Customs’’ each place that it appears                                                                        Appendices B and C of the benefit
                                                and adding in its place the term ‘‘CBP’’.                                                                     payment regulation are the same.
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                                                                                                                                                                 The interest assumptions are intended
                                                PART 133—TRADEMARKS, TRADE
                                                                                                                                                              to reflect current conditions in the
                                                NAMES, AND COPYRIGHTS
                                                                                                                                                              financial and annuity markets.
                                                ■ 57. The general and specific authority                                                                      Assumptions under the benefit
                                                citations for part 133 continue to read as                                                                    payments regulation are updated
                                                follows:                                                                                                      monthly. This final rule updates the


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Document Created: 2018-03-01 11:23:26
Document Modified: 2018-03-01 11:23:26
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.
DatesEffective December 14, 2015.
ContactKara Welty, Chief, Debt Management Branch, Revenue Division, Office of Administration, Tel. (317) 614- 4614.
FR Citation80 FR 70154 
RIN Number1515-AD56 and 1505-AB54
CFR Citation19 CFR 101
19 CFR 113
19 CFR 133
CFR AssociatedAdministrative Practice and Procedure; Customs Duties and Inspections; Organization and Functions (government Agencies); Bonds; Customs Duties and Inspection; Imports; Reporting and Recordkeeping Requirements; Surety Bonds; Copyrights; Counterfeit Goods; Restricted Merchandise and Seizures and Forfeitures

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