81 FR 31290 - Updated List of Goods and Services Produced by Independent Cuban Entrepreneurs Authorized for Importation
DEPARTMENT OF STATE Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 96 (May 18, 2016)
Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 96 (May 18, 2016)
| Page Range | 31290-31292 | |
| FR Document | 2016-11730 |
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 96 (Wednesday, May 18, 2016)] [Notices] [Pages 31290-31292] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2016-11730] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF STATE [Public Notice: 9568] Updated List of Goods and Services Produced by Independent Cuban Entrepreneurs Authorized for Importation AGENCY: Department of State. Subagency: Bureau of Economic and Business Affairs. ACTION: Notice, publication of updated list of goods and services produced by independent Cuban entrepreneurs authorized for importation into the United States. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- [[Page 31291]] SUMMARY: On April 22, 2016, the Department of State published on its Web site an updated list of goods and services produced by independent Cuban entrepreneurs whose importation into the United States is authorized by the Department of the Treasury's Cuban Assets Control Regulations (``CACR''). This list updates the version of the list published on February 13, 2015. These changes allow for more engagement with Cuba's private sector through new business opportunities. DATES: April 22, 2016. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Office of Economic Sanctions Policy and Implementation, tel.: 202-647-7489; Office of the Coordinator for Cuban Affairs, tel.: 202-647-9273, Department of State, Washington, DC 20520 (not toll-free numbers). SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Electronic Availability This document and additional information concerning the List are available from the Department of State's Web site (http://www.state.gov/e/eb/tfs/spi/cuba/515582/237471.htm). Additional information about the President's new course on Cuba is also on the Web site (www.state.gov/p/wha/ci/cu/cuba/). Background On January 16, 2015, the Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) published a final rule in the Federal Register (80 FR 2291, Jan. 16, 2015) amending the Cuban Assets Control Regulations (CACR), 31 CFR part 515, to implement the President's December 17, 2014, policy announcement on Cuba. Section 515.582 of the CACR was added to authorize persons subject to U.S. jurisdiction to engage in all transactions, including payments, necessary to import certain goods and services produced by independent Cuban entrepreneurs as determined by the State Department as set forth on the State Department's Section 515.582 List. Empowering the Cuban people and Cuban civil society is central to the Administration's approach to Cuba, which seeks to create new opportunities for Cuba's nascent private sector. The State Department's Section 515.582 List was first published February 13, 2015 on its Web site and went into effect immediately upon publication. On April 22, 2016, the State Department updated the Section 515.582 List, authorizing persons subject to U.S. jurisdiction to import coffee and additional textiles and textile articles produced by independent Cuban entrepreneurs, in addition to the items previously authorized. The updated List also removes the requirement that imports of authorized goods need to be made directly from Cuba. These changes allow for more engagement with Cuba's private sector through new business opportunities. The List published on the State Department's Web site on April 22, 2016, replaces in full the version of the List published on February 13, 2015. The List is as follows, and may be updated by the State Department periodically. U.S. Department of State Section 515.582 List Goods and Services Eligible for Importation In accordance with the policy changes announced by the President on December 17, 2014, to further engage and empower the Cuban people, Section 515.582 of the Cuban Assets Control Regulations (31 CFR part 515--the CACR) authorizes the importation into the United States of certain goods and services produced by independent Cuban entrepreneurs as determined by the State Department as set forth on the Section 515.582 List, below. Goods The goods whose import is authorized by Section 515.582 are goods produced by independent Cuban entrepreneurs, as demonstrated by documentary evidence, that are imported into the United States, except for goods specified in the following sections/chapters of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS):Section I: Live Animals; Animal Products [cir] All chapters Section II: Vegetable Products [cir] All chapters, except Chapter 9 heading 0901 (coffee) **Please note that exporters will be required to prove that they have met all sanitary and phytosanitary standards, including food safety. Section III: Animal or Vegetable Fats and Oils and their Cleavage Products; Prepared Edible Fats; Animal or Vegetable Waxes [cir] All chapters Section IV: Prepared Foodstuffs; Beverages, Spirits, and Vinegar; Tobacco and Manufactured Tobacco Substitutes [cir] All chapters Section V: Mineral Products [cir] All chapters Section VI: Products of the Chemical or Allied Industries [cir] Chapters 28-32; 35-36, 38 Section XV: Base Metals and Articles of Base Metal [cir] Chapters 72-81 Section XVI: Machinery and Mechanical Appliances; Electrical Equipment; Parts Thereof; Sound Recorders and Reproducers, Television Image and Sound Recorders and Reproducers, and Parts and Accessories of Such Articles [cir] All chapters Section XVII: Vehicles, Aircraft, Vessels, and Associated Transportation Equipment [cir] All chapters Section XIX: Arms and Ammunition; Parts and Accessories Thereof [cir] All chapters This list does not supersede or excuse compliance with any additional requirements in U.S. law or regulation, including the relevant duties as set forth on the HTS. For travelers importing authorized goods into the United States pursuant to Sec. 515.582 as accompanied baggage, the $400 monetary limit set forth in Sec. 515.560(c)(3) does not apply to such goods, but goods may be subject to applicable duties, fees, and taxes. Services The authorized services pursuant to 31 CFR 515.582 are services supplied by an independent Cuban entrepreneur in Cuba, as demonstrated by documentary evidence. Persons subject to U.S. jurisdiction engaging in import transactions involving services supplied by an independent Cuban entrepreneur pursuant to Sec. 515.582 are required to obtain documentary evidence that demonstrates the entrepreneur's independent status, such as a copy of a license to be self-employed issued by the Cuban government or, in the case of an entity, evidence that demonstrates that the entrepreneur is a private entity that is not owned or controlled by the Cuban government. Supply of services must comply with other applicable state and federal laws. Note 1: All payments in settlement of transactions authorized by Sec. 515.582 should reference this section in order to avoid having them rejected. Note 2: The authorization in Sec. 515.582 of the CACR does not supersede or excuse compliance with U.S. laws or regulations or any other additional requirements. Note 3: The Department of State, in consultation with other federal agencies, reserves the right to update this document periodically. Any subsequent updates will take effect when published on the Web page of the Bureau of Economic and Business [[Page 31292]] Affairs' Office of Sanctions Policy and Implementation (http://www.state.gov/e/eb/tfs/spi). Updates will also be published in the Federal Register. For further information, please contact the State Department at 202-647-7489. Note 4: For provisions relating to recordkeeping and reports, see 31 CFR 501.601 and 501.602 and 19 CFR part 163. With this notice, the Department of State is publishing its April 22, 2016, Section 515.582 List. Charles H. Rivkin, Assistant Secretary, Economic and Business Affairs. [FR Doc. 2016-11730 Filed 5-17-16; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4710-AE-P
![31290 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 96 / Wednesday, May 18, 2016 / Notices
and the OMB control number in any States to: (i) Carry on substantial trade, security process, and to request
correspondence. including trade in services or reasonable accommodation, those who
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
technology, principally between the plan to attend should contact the
Direct requests for additional United States and the treaty country; or meeting coordinator, Ms. Bronwyn
information regarding the collection (ii) develop and direct the operations of Douglass, by email at
listed in this notice, including requests an enterprise in which the national has Bronwyn.douglass@uscg.mil, by phone
for copies of the proposed collection invested, or is actively in the process of at (202) 372–3793, or in writing at 2703
instrument and supporting documents, investing. Form DS–156E is completed Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. SE., Stop
to Taylor Mauck, who may be reached by foreign nationals seeking 7213, Washington DC 20593–7509 not
at 202–485–7635 or at PRA_ nonimmigrant treaty trader/investor later than May 27, 2016. Requests made
BurdenComments@state.gov. visas to the United States. The after May 27, 2016 might not be able to
Department will use the DS–156E to be accommodated, and same day
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
elicit information necessary to requests will not be accommodated due
• Title of Information Collection:
determine a foreign national’s visa to the building’s security process. Please
Nonimmigrant Treaty Trader/Investor
eligibility. note that due to security considerations,
Application.
two valid, government issued photo
• OMB Control Number: 1405–0101. Methodology
identifications must be presented to
• Type of Request: Extension of a After completing Form DS–160, gain entrance to Coast Guard
Currently Approved Collection. Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Headquarters. It is recommended that
• Originating Office: CA/VO/L/R. applicants will fill out the DS–156E attendees arrive to the Headquarters
• Form Number: DS–156E. online, print the form, and submit it in
• Respondents: Non-Immigrant Visa building no later than 30 minutes ahead
person or via mail. of the scheduled meeting for the
Applicants.
• Estimated Number of Respondents: Dated: April 29, 2016. security screening process. The
48,600. Ed Ramotowski, Headquarters building is accessible by
• Estimated Number of Responses: Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of taxi and public transportation. Parking
48,600. Consular Affairs, Department of State. in the vicinity of the building is
• Average Time per Response: 4 [FR Doc. 2016–11728 Filed 5–17–16; 8:45 am]
extremely limited and not guaranteed.
Hours. BILLING CODE 4710–06–P
In the case of inclement weather
• Total Estimated Burden Time: where the Federal Government is closed
194,400 hours. or delayed, a public meeting may be
• Frequency: On Occasion. DEPARTMENT OF STATE conducted virtually by calling (202)
• Obligation to Respond: Required to 475–4000 or 1–855–475–2447,
[Public Notice: 9566] Participant code: 887 809 72. The
Obtain or Retain a Benefit.
We are soliciting public comments to meeting coordinator will confirm
Notice of Public Meeting
permit the Department to: whether the virtual public meeting will
• Evaluate whether the proposed ACTION: The Department of State will be utilized. Members of the public can
information collection is necessary for conduct an open meeting at 10:00 a.m. find out whether the Federal
the proper functions of the Department. on Wednesday, June 1st, 2016, in Room Government is delayed or closed by
• Evaluate the accuracy of our 2N23–02, United States Coast Guard visiting www.opm.gov/status/.
estimate of the time and cost burden for Headquarters, 2703 Martin Luther King, Additional information regarding this
this proposed collection, including the Jr. Ave. SE., Washington, DC 20593– and other IMO public meetings may be
validity of the methodology and 7213. The primary purpose of the found at: www.uscg.mil/imo.
assumptions used. meeting is to prepare for the 103rd Dated: May 10, 2016.
• Enhance the quality, utility, and Session of the International Maritime Jonathan W. Burby,
clarity of the information to be Organization’s (IMO) Legal Committee Coast Guard Liaison Officer, Office of Ocean
collected. to be held at the IMO Headquarters, and Polar Affairs, Department of State.
• Minimize the reporting burden on United Kingdom, June 8–10, 2016. [FR Doc. 2016–11727 Filed 5–17–16; 8:45 am]
those who are to respond, including the BILLING CODE 4710–09–P
use of automated collection techniques The agenda items to be considered
or other forms of information include:
technology. —HNS Protocol, 2010 DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Please note that comments submitted —Fair treatment of seafarers in the event
in response to this Notice are public of a maritime accident
[Public Notice: 9568]
record. Before including any detailed —Provision of financial security in case
personal information, you should be of abandoned seafarers Updated List of Goods and Services
aware that your comments as submitted, —Technical cooperation activities Produced by Independent Cuban
including your personal information, related to maritime legislation Entrepreneurs Authorized for
will be available for public review. —Review of the status of conventions
Importation
and other treaty instruments
Abstract of Proposed Collection emanating from the Legal Committee AGENCY: Department of State.
Section 101(a)(15)(E) of the —Any other business, which may
sradovich on DSK3TPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
Subagency: Bureau of Economic and
Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), include liability and compensation for Business Affairs.
8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(15)(E), includes transboundary oil pollution arising
from offshore exploration and ACTION: Notice, publication of updated
provisions for the nonimmigrant
exploitation. list of goods and services produced by
classification of a national of a country
independent Cuban entrepreneurs
with which the United States maintains Members of the public may attend
authorized for importation into the
an appropriate treaty of commerce and this meeting up to the seating capacity
United States.
navigation who is coming to the United of the room. To facilitate the building
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![31292 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 96 / Wednesday, May 18, 2016 / Notices
Affairs’ Office of Sanctions Policy and becoming a Class II or Class I rail By the Board, Rachel D. Campbell,
Implementation (http://www.state.gov/e/eb/ carrier, but that its projected annual Director, Office of Proceedings.
tfs/spi). Updates will also be published in the revenues will exceed $5 million. Tammy Lowery,
Federal Register. For further information, Clearance Clerk.
please contact the State Department at 202– Accordingly, Palmetto is required, at
647–7489. least 60 days before this exemption is to [FR Doc. 2016–11721 Filed 5–17–16; 8:45 am]
become effective, to send notice of the BILLING CODE 4915–01–P
Note 4: For provisions relating to transaction to the national offices of the
recordkeeping and reports, see 31 CFR labor unions with employees on the
501.601 and 501.602 and 19 CFR part 163. OFFICE OF THE UNITED STATES
affected line, post a copy of the notice
With this notice, the Department of at the workplace of the employees on TRADE REPRESENTATIVE
State is publishing its April 22, 2016, the affected line, and certify to the
Section 515.582 List. Board that it has done so. 49 CFR Determination Regarding Waiver of
1150.42(e). Palmetto’s verified notice, Discriminatory Purchasing
Charles H. Rivkin, Requirements With Respect to Goods
Assistant Secretary, Economic and Business however, includes a request to waive
and Services of Ukraine
Affairs. that requirement. Palmetto states that
[FR Doc. 2016–11730 Filed 5–17–16; 8:45 am] H&B has not conducted any rail AGENCY: Office of the United States
BILLING CODE 4710–AE–P
operations in more than three years and Trade Representative.
does not have any employees, other ACTION: Determination regarding waiver
than its president. Palmetto asserts that of discriminatory purchasing
SURFACE TRANSPORTATION BOARD providing the 60-day notice would serve requirements under the Trade
no useful purpose because it is merely Agreements Act of 1979.
[Docket No. FD 35995] acquiring the Line to prevent
abandonment. Palmetto’s waiver request DATES: Effective May 18, 2016.
South Carolina Division of Public
will be addressed in a separate decision. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Railways d/b/a Palmetto Railways—
Acquisition Exemption—Hampton & Palmetto states that it expects to Scott Pietan, Director of International
Branchville Railroad Company consummate the transaction on or after Procurement Policy, Office of the
August 5, 2016.2 The Board will United States Trade Representative,
South Carolina Division of Public establish in the decision on the waiver (202) 395–9646.
Railways d/b/a Palmetto Railways request the earliest date this transaction SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On
(Palmetto), a Class III rail carrier, has may be consummated. November 11, 2015, the WTO
filed a verified notice of exemption Committee on Government Procurement
under 49 CFR 1150.41 to acquire three If the verified notice contains false or approved the accession of Ukraine to
connecting line segments that constitute misleading information, the exemption the World Trade Organization (‘‘WTO’’)
the entire rail line of Hampton & is void ab initio. Petitions to revoke the Agreement on Government Procurement
Branchville Railroad Company (H&B), a exemption under 49 U.S.C. 10502(d) (‘‘GPA’’). Ukraine submitted its
total distance of approximately 45.77 may be filed at any time. The filing of instrument of accession to the Secretary-
miles in Colleton and Hampton a petition to revoke will not General of the WTO on April 18, 2016.
Counties, S.C. (H&B Line): (1) From a automatically stay the effectiveness of The GPA will enter into force for
connection with CSX Transportation, the exemption. Petitions to stay must be Ukraine on May 18, 2016. The United
Inc., at milepost 0.0 in Hampton to filed no later than May 25, 2016. States, which is also a party to the GPA,
milepost 16.8 at H&B Junction, a An original and 10 copies of all has agreed to waive discriminatory
distance of 16.8 miles; (2) from the end pleadings, referring to Docket No. FD purchasing requirements for eligible
of track at milepost 462.37 in Lodge 35995, must be filed with the Surface products and suppliers of Ukraine
through H&B Junction and Stokes to the beginning on May 18, 2016. Section 1–
Transportation Board, 395 E Street SW.,
end of track at milepost 443.18 in 201 of Executive Order 12260 of
Washington, DC 20423–0001. In
Walterboro, a distance of 19.19 miles; December 31, 1980 delegated the
and (3) from approximately milepost addition, a copy of each pleading must
be served on Thomas J. Litwiler, functions of the President under
447 at Stokes to the end of track at sections 301 and 302 of the Trade
milepost 456.78 in Canadys, a distance Fletcher & Sippel LLC, 29 North Wacker
Agreements Act of 1979 (‘‘the Trade
of 9.78 miles.1 Drive, Suite 920, Chicago, IL 60606.
Agreements Act’’) (19 U.S.C. 2511,
Palmetto has certified that the Board decisions and notices are 2512) to the United States Trade
transaction does not involve any available on our Web site at Representative.
provision or agreement that would limit ‘‘WWW.STB.DOT.GOV’’. Determination: In conformity with
future interchange with a third-party sections 301 and 302 of the Trade
Decided: May 13, 2016.
connecting carrier. Agreements Act, and in order to carry
Palmetto states that its projected 2 Palmetto states that H&B and Palmetto have
out U.S. obligations under the GPA, I
annual revenues as a result of this hereby determine that:
agreed upon the terms of an Asset Purchase and
transaction will not result in Palmetto’s Sale Agreement providing for Palmetto’s acquisition 1. Ukraine has become a party to the
of all of H&B’s right, title, and interest in the H&B GPA and will provide appropriate
1 Palmetto states that no rail service has been
Line. According to Palmetto, the Agreement will be reciprocal competitive government
sradovich on DSK3TPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
provided on the H&B Line since H&B’s final fully executed after Palmetto receives the necessary
customer ceased rail shipments in December 2012.
procurement opportunities to United
state agency approvals. Palmetto states that it will States products and services and
Palmetto also states that the stub track between
concurrently execute a Loan and Security
H&B Junction and Lodge has not been in service suppliers of such products and services.
since 1986, and the stub track between Stokes and Agreement with Colleton County Intermodal
Corporation (CCIC) and Colleton County providing
In accordance with section 301(b)(1) of
Walterboro has not been in service since 1989.
According to Palmetto, certain trackage on both for CCIC’s financing of the acquisition transaction the Trade Agreements Act, Ukraine is so
stubs has been removed, but neither segment has through the issuance of economic development designated for purposes of section
been abandoned. revenue bonds. 301(a) of the Trade Agreements Act.
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Document Created: 2016-05-18 00:05:53
Document Modified: 2016-05-18 00:05:53
| Category | Regulatory Information | |
| Collection | Federal Register | |
| sudoc Class | AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106: | |
| Publisher | Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration | |
| Section | Notices | |
| Action | Notice, publication of updated list of goods and services produced by independent Cuban entrepreneurs authorized for importation into the United States. | |
| Dates | April 22, 2016. | |
| Contact | Office of Economic Sanctions Policy and Implementation, tel.: 202-647-7489; Office of the Coordinator for Cuban Affairs, tel.: 202-647-9273, Department of State, Washington, DC 20520 (not toll-free numbers). | |
| FR Citation | 81 FR 31290 |
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