80 FR 73715 - Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Foreign-Trade Zone Applications

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
International Trade Administration

Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 227 (November 25, 2015)

The Department of Commerce, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on continuing information collections, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.

[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 227 (Wednesday, November 25, 2015)]
[Notices]
[Pages 73715-73716]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2015-29915]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

International Trade Administration


Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Foreign-Trade 
Zone Applications

AGENCY: International Trade Administration, Department of Commerce.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: The Department of Commerce, as part of its continuing effort 
to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, invites the general public 
and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on 
continuing information collections, as required by the Paperwork 
Reduction Act of 1995.

DATES: Written comments must be submitted on or before January 25, 
2016.

ADDRESSES: Direct all written comments to Jennifer Jessup, Departmental 
Paperwork Clearance Officer, Department of Commerce, Room 6616, 14th 
and Constitution Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20230 (or via the Internet 
at [email protected]).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information or 
copies of the information collection instrument and instructions should 
be directed to Christopher J. Kemp, Department of Commerce, Office of 
Foreign-Trade Zones, 14th and Constitution Avenue NW., Washington, DC 
20230, (202) 482-0862, or [email protected]

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

I. Abstract

    The Foreign-Trade Zone Application is the vehicle by which 
individual firms or organizations apply for foreign-trade zone (FTZ) 
status, for subzone status, production authority, modifications of 
existing zones, or for waivers. The FTZ Act and Regulations (19 U.S.C. 
81b and 81f; 15 CFR 400.21-25, 43(f)) set forth the requirements for 
applications and other requests to the FTZ Board. The Act and 
Regulations require that applications for new or modified zones contain 
information on facilities, financing, operational plans, proposed 
production operations, need for FTZ authority, and economic impact, 
where applicable. Any request involving production authority requires 
specific information on the foreign status components and finished 
products involved. Applications for production activity can involve 
issues related to domestic industry and trade policy impact. Such 
applications must include specific information on the customs-tariff 
related savings that result from zone procedures and the economic 
consequences of permitting such savings. The FTZ Board needs complete 
and accurate information on the proposed operation and its economic 
effects because the Act and Regulations authorize the Board to restrict 
or prohibit operations that are detrimental to the public interest. The 
Regulations (15 CFR 400.43(f)) also require specific information for 
applications requesting waivers by parties impacted by 400.43(d). This 
information is necessary to assess the likelihood of the proposed 
activity resulting in a violation of the the uniform treatment 
provisions of the FTZ Act and Regulations.

II. Method of Collection

    U.S. firms or organizations submit applications in paper format 
along with an electronic copy to the Office of Foreign-Trade Zones.

III. Data

    OMB Control Number: 0625-0139.
    Form Number: N/A.
    Type of Review: Regular submission.
    Affected Public: State, local, or tribal governments or not-for-
profit institutions applying for foreign-trade zone status, for subzone 
status, modification of existing zones, production authority or for 
waivers.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 248.
    Estimated Time Per Response: 9 to 131 hours (depending on type of 
application).

[[Page 73716]]

    Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 3,128.
    Estimated Total Annual Cost to Public: $141,388.

IV. Request for Comments

    Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the proposed collection of 
information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of 
the agency, including whether the information shall have practical 
utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden 
(including hours and cost) of the proposed collection of information; 
(c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the 
information to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the 
collection of information on respondents, including through the use of 
automated collection techniques or other forms of information 
technology.
    Comments submitted in response to this notice will be summarized 
and/or included in the request for OMB approval of this information 
collection; they also will become a matter of public record.

    Dated: November 19, 2015.
Glenna Mickelson,
Management Analyst, Office of the Chief Information Officer.
[FR Doc. 2015-29915 Filed 11-24-15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-DS-P