81_FR_95228 81 FR 94980 - Toxic Substance Control Act Chemical Substance Import Certification Process Revisions

81 FR 94980 - Toxic Substance Control Act Chemical Substance Import Certification Process Revisions

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

Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 248 (December 27, 2016)

Page Range94980-94986
FR Document2016-31055

This document amends the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regulations regarding the requirement to file a Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) certification when importing into the customs territory of the United States chemicals in bulk form or as part of mixtures and articles containing a chemical or mixture. This document amends the regulations to establish an electronic option for importers to file the required U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) TSCA certifications, consistent with the Security and Accountability for Every Port Act of 2006. This document further amends the regulations to clarify and add certain definitions, and to eliminate the paper-based blanket certification process. The document was prepared in consultation with EPA, the agency with primary responsibility for implementing TSCA.

Federal Register, Volume 81 Issue 248 (Tuesday, December 27, 2016)
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 248 (Tuesday, December 27, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 94980-94986]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2016-31055]



[[Page 94980]]

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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

U.S. Customs and Border Protection

DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY

19 CFR Parts 12 and 127

[USCBP-2016-0056;CBP Dec. No. 16-28]
RIN 1515-AE13


Toxic Substance Control Act Chemical Substance Import 
Certification Process Revisions

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 amends the U.S. Customs and Border Protection 
(CBP) regulations regarding the requirement to file a Toxic Substances 
Control Act (TSCA) certification when importing into the customs 
territory of the United States chemicals in bulk form or as part of 
mixtures and articles containing a chemical or mixture. This document 
amends the regulations to establish an electronic option for importers 
to file the required U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) TSCA 
certifications, consistent with the Security and Accountability for 
Every Port Act of 2006. This document further amends the regulations to 
clarify and add certain definitions, and to eliminate the paper-based 
blanket certification process.
    The document was prepared in consultation with EPA, the agency with 
primary responsibility for implementing TSCA.

DATES: Effective January 26, 2017.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For questions related to the filing of 
EPA forms with CBP, contact William Scopa, Partner Government Agencies 
Interagency Collaboration Division, Office of Trade, Customs and Border 
Protection, at [email protected]. For EPA policy questions, 
contact Harlan Weir, at [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

A. Background

    Section 13 of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) (15 U.S.C. 
2612) governs the entry of those chemical substances and mixtures, and 
articles containing such chemical substances or mixtures into the 
customs territory of the United States and authorizes the Secretary of 
the Treasury, authority subsequently delegated to the U.S. Customs and 
Border Protection (CBP), to refuse entry of any chemical substance, 
mixture, or article that: (1) fails to comply with any rule in effect 
under TSCA; or (2) is offered for entry in violation of TSCA section 5 
or 6 (15 U.S.C. 2604 or 2605) or Subchapter IV (15 U.S.C. 2681 et 
seq.), or in violation of a rule or order under those provisions or in 
violation of an order issued in a civil action brought under TSCA 
section 5 or 7 (15 U.S.C. 2604 or 2606) or Subchapter IV (15 U.S.C. 
2681 et seq.). Section 13 also sets forth procedural requirements in 
connection with an entry refusal and authorizes CBP, after consultation 
with EPA, to issue rules for the administration of section 13.
    Section 13 of TSCA is implemented in the CBP regulations at 
Sec. Sec.  12.118-12.127 and 127.28 of title 19 of the Code of Federal 
Regulations (19 CFR 12.118-12.127, and 127.28). On August 29, 2016, 
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) published a Notice of Proposed 
Rulemaking (NPRM) in the Federal Register (81 FR 59157) proposing to 
amend the CBP regulations regarding the requirement to file a Toxic 
Substances Control Act (TSCA) certification when importing into the 
customs territory of the United States chemicals in bulk form or as 
part of mixtures and articles containing a chemical or mixture.

B. Proposed Amendments

    The proposed amendments were intended to clarify the description, 
scope, and definitions of the requirements for the importation of 
chemical substances, mixtures and articles containing a chemical 
substance or mixture, as well as the requirements associated with TSCA-
excluded chemicals.
    This document revises the proposed change in Sec.  12.119 regarding 
the scope of the regulation. To clarify the regulation based on the 
public comments, the term ``Chemicals not subject to TSCA'' in proposed 
Sec.  12.119(b) is changed in the final rule to ``TSCA-excluded 
chemicals''. In addition, because the proposed revision of the scope in 
Sec.  12.119(c) was confusing with respect to the application of the 
regulations to articles in Sec. Sec.  12.120 through 12.127, we are 
adding the phrase, ``if so required by the Administrator by specific 
rule under TSCA'' to Sec.  12.119(c), which mirrors the current 
language of the regulation prior to the proposed amendment.
    The final rule replaces the existing definition of the term 
``chemical substance in bulk form'' in Sec.  12.120(b) with a 
definition of ``TSCA chemical substance in bulk form'', and adds new 
definitions for the terms ``TSCA chemical substance as part of a 
mixture'' in Sec.  12.120(c) and ``TSCA-excluded chemicals'' in Sec.  
12.120(d). These definitions are revised and added to clarify that the 
certification obligations apply to both chemical substances and 
mixtures that are subject to TSCA, which require a positive 
certification, as well as those chemicals and mixtures that are not 
subject to TSCA, which require a negative certification (unless clearly 
identified as a TSCA-excluded chemical), and to ensure that terms used 
in the regulatory text are defined when necessary. ``Mixture'' is a 
statutory term in TSCA that does not apply to TSCA-excluded chemicals. 
TSCA-excluded chemicals require a negative certification whether 
imported as a single TSCA-excluded chemical mixed with other TSCA-
excluded chemicals. This document also adds a definition of the term 
``Administrator'' to mean the Administrator of the EPA, and ``covered 
commodity'' to include any merchandise that is an article, a TSCA 
chemical substance in bulk form, TSCA-excluded chemicals (as those 
terms are defined in Sec.  12.120(a), (b), or (d)), or that is a 
mixture as defined in TSCA and describe a commodity that is subject to 
actions under Sec.  12.122, et seq. and Sec.  127.28.
    In addition, in Sec. Sec.  12.122(a) and (b), 12.123(b), 12.124(a), 
12.125(b), and 127.28, this document revises references to ``chemical 
substances, mixtures, or articles'' to clarify that these regulations 
apply to TSCA chemical substances, mixtures, or articles as well as 
TSCA-excluded chemicals. In Sec.  12.124, this final rule changes the 
name of the agency from ``Customs Service'' to ``CBP''.

B. Certifications

    The final rule provides an electronic option for filing TSCA 
certifications, consistent with Executive Order (EO) 13659, 
Streamlining the Export/Import Process for America's Businesses, which 
seeks to reduce unnecessary procedural requirements relating to, among 
other things, importing into the United States, while continuing to 
protect our national security, public health and safety, the 
environment, and natural resources. See 79 FR 10657 (February 25, 
2014). The final rule is consistent with the Security and 
Accountability for Every Port Act of 2006 (``SAFE Port Act,'' 19 U.S.C. 
1411(d)) which mandates that all federal agencies that require 
documentation for clearing or licensing the importation of cargo 
participate in the International Trade Data System (ITDS) by using a 
CBP-authorized Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) system as a single 
portal for the collection and distribution

[[Page 94981]]

of standard electronic import and export data.
    In order to submit an electronic TSCA certification, importers or 
their agents are required by the final rule to submit their entry 
filings to ACE or any other CBP electronic data interchange (EDI) 
system authorized to accept entries. This document also requires in 
Sec.  12.121(a)(3) the submission of additional information relating to 
the certifying individual, including name, phone number, and email 
address for TSCA certifications submitted either in writing or 
electronically. The collection of contact information for the 
certifying individual will facilitate the resolution of issues related 
to particular shipments. This document also changes the reference to 
paragraph (a)(1) found in Sec.  12.121(c) to be a reference to 
paragraph (a).
    The final rule eliminates the blanket certification process. The 
discontinued paper-based blanket certification process had limited 
utility because each blanket certification was only valid at one port 
of entry for one year. In addition, the previous blanket certification 
process was more burdensome than the entry-specific certification 
process because it required filers to include a statement referring to 
the blanket certification and incorporate it by reference for each 
entry, as well as four data elements on the blanket certification 
itself, including product name, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the 
United States (HTSUS) subheading number, and the name and address of 
the foreign supplier. Because the electronic TSCA certification process 
requires only a certification code, along with the name and contact 
information of the TSCA certifier, and because the paper-based blanket 
certification had limited application, we believe the elimination of 
the blanket certification process reduces the reporting burden for 
importers.

C. Notice of Exportation and Abandonment

    In addition, the final rule amends Sec. Sec.  12.125 and 12.126 to 
allow importers to provide electronic notice of exportation and 
abandonment as an alternative to the paper-based written notice process 
allowed under the existing regulations.
    The automation of these processes modernizes the way that CBP and 
EPA interact with importers of chemicals, and ensures effective 
application of regulatory controls. CBP estimates approximately 2.5 
million TSCA positive certifications and 230,000 TSCA negative 
certifications are received annually. The electronic collection of TSCA 
certifications for processing in ACE improves information access, data 
integration with CBP entry information, and the data quality of TSCA 
certifications. As a result, CBP expects improved communication among 
EPA, CBP, and importers.

D. Plain Language Revisions

    The final rule makes minor changes to Sec. Sec.  12.118-12.127 by 
removing the word ``shall'' and revising the sentence grammar to 
simplify the language. The use of ``shall'' is imprecise and outdated. 
Plain language guidance recommends replacing ``shall'' with the word 
``must,'' ``will,'' or another word that more appropriately conveys the 
intended meaning. This is part of the U.S. Government efforts to update 
regulatory text per plain language guidance.

E. Conclusion of Test to Allow Import Certification

    On February 10, 2016, CBP published a notice in the Federal 
Register (81 FR 7133) announcing that CBP was modifying the National 
Customs Automation Program (NCAP) test concerning electronic filings of 
data to ACE, known as the Partner Government Agency (PGA) Message Set 
test, to allow for the transmission of TSCA certification data. As of 
November 16, 2016, CBP has received 150,661 electronic TSCA 
certifications through ACE pursuant to the PGA Message Set Test. This 
volume of electronic submissions indicates that the PGA Message Set 
Test has been successful and reliable with regard to the electronic 
submission of TSCA certifications to ACE. Consequently, this document 
announces the conclusion of the PGA Message Set Test with regard to the 
submission of the TSCA certification. All other aspects of the PGA 
Message Set Test remain on-going until ended by announcement in a 
subsequent Federal Register notice.

Discussion of Comments

    Fourteen commenters responded to the solicitation of comments to 
the proposed rule. A description of the comments received, together 
with CBP's analysis, is set forth below.
    Comment: The trade generally argued against negative certification 
as applied to chemicals clearly labelled or identified as products that 
are excluded from TSCA regulation. The list of excluded products 
includes pesticides, food, food additives, drugs, cosmetics or devices, 
nuclear material, tobacco products, firearms and ammunition
    Multiple commenters argued that the scope of the negative 
certification in the proposed rule is too broad. One commenter noted 
that the EPA's own regulations on TSCA, found at 40 CFR 
707.20(b)(2)(ii), only require the submission of a negative 
certification where the imported chemical products are not otherwise 
clearly identified as a product not subject to TSCA. A different 
commenter stated that CBP should not require certification regarding 
chemicals that are excluded by the text of TSCA unless there was 
evidence of problems regarding the labels or other methods of 
regulating the TSCA-excluded chemicals.
    Commenters further indicated that because the proposed rule would 
affect products already regulated by other agencies, it would create 
duplicative processes and be incompatible with Executive Order (E.O.) 
13659, Streamlining the Export/Import Process for America's Businesses. 
Commenters requested that CBP work to harmonize the proposed rule with 
current and future EPA regulations, to include an exemption from the 
negative certification requirement where the imported products are 
already clearly labelled as a product that is expressly excluded by 
TSCA.
    CBP Response: CBP and EPA agree that the negative certification 
requirement need not be applied to those chemicals that are otherwise 
clearly identified as a product excluded from TSCA, which are regulated 
by other agencies or statutes, including pesticides, food, food 
additives, drugs, cosmetics, devices, tobacco, tobacco product, nuclear 
material, firearms and ammunition, as described by Sec.  3(2)(B) (ii)-
(vi) of TSCA. The requirement to file a negative certification in Sec.  
12.121(a)(2) excludes TSCA-excluded chemicals that are clearly 
identified as such. This position is consistent with EPA's TSCA section 
13 Import Policy, which addresses aspects of the CBP regulation 
implementing TSCA section 13. See 40 CFR 707.20(b)(2)(ii); 45 FR 82850 
(December 16, 1980).
    Comment: The proposed rule did not include a ``blanket 
certification'' that allowed an importer to qualify for TSCA compliance 
on reoccurring shipments of the same chemicals to the same port, with a 
one year duration. Commenters from multiple industries noted that the 
blanket certification process is useful for companies that import the 
same product to the same port repeatedly throughout a one-year period. 
Commenters requested CBP to clarify its rationale for proposing to 
discontinue the blanket certification, and further argued that a 
blanket certification process, in some

[[Page 94982]]

form, would not only benefit the trade, but would be aligned with the 
goals of E.O. 13659, i.e., by reducing costs and promoting flexibility. 
One commenter argued that the ACE system cannot be deemed to be more 
efficient without some form of blanket certification. Commenters urged 
CBP either to maintain the existing paper-based blanket certification 
process, or to develop an electronic equivalent.
    CBP Response: The reason for removing the blanket permit system is 
the difficulty of integrating that paper-based certification process, 
which required CBP to maintain files and track yearly renewals for 
verification and compliance, with an otherwise fully automated system. 
In addition, with the new requirement to submit information on the 
certifier, renewals would need to be made more frequently in order to 
keep certifier information updated. Electronic submission of TSCA 
certifications through ACE, allows for electronic releases without CBP 
manual processing or reviews.
    CBP is aware that the transition from the paper-based system with 
blanket certifications to an electronic system without blanket 
certifications may present short-term challenges for filers and 
importers. However, efforts to preserve the blanket certification 
process in combination with electronic filing though ACE would actually 
restrict the system as a whole from achieving maximum efficiency as it 
would require all filers to undergo extra steps in the PGA message set 
to input information regarding whether the importer had a blanket 
certification on file, and for which ports.
    Comment: The trade commented that the term ``non-TSCA chemical'' in 
the proposed regulation is confusing and should be replaced with the 
trade term ``chemical substances excluded from TSCA,'' because all 
chemicals are subject to TSCA unless excluded and the term ``non-TSCA'' 
is used by the trade to refer to chemicals that are subject to TSCA but 
not yet on the TSCA inventory.
    The trade also commented that the phrase ``articles containing a 
chemical substance'' is ambiguous, because it can be interpreted to 
mean an object or vessel that is used to hold a chemical substance as 
well as an object that is made up of a chemical substance. Finally, the 
trade commented that a typo appears in the definition of a ``covered 
commodity'' at Sec.  12.120(e) of the proposed rule because it claims 
``the definitions specified in paragraphs (a), (b), and (d). . .'' 
should instead be ``(a), (b), and (c). . .''
    CBP Response: To address industry's concerns about the use of the 
proposed term ``non-TSCA chemical,'' this term is being changed to 
``TSCA-excluded chemicals.'' The definition of the term ``TSCA-excluded 
chemicals'' will remain as it was under ``non-TSCA chemical,'' which is 
consistent with the appropriate provisions under TSCA.
    The phrase ``articles containing a chemical substance'' is 
consistent with the scope as provided under section 13 of TSCA. The 
term ``article'' is defined in EPA regulations, as well as in this 
rule, and has been applied in a variety of TSCA programs and activities 
for many years. The phrase ``chemical substances or mixtures as parts 
of articles'' is used in the appropriate provisions of the Sec.  12.121 
reporting requirements of this rule, and this phrase has been used in a 
variety of TSCA programs and activities, including the TSCA section 13 
import program. See, 42 FR 64572 (December 23, 1977) (noting that a 
chemical substance is considered to be imported `as part of an article' 
if the substance is not intended to be removed from that article and 
has no end use or commercial purpose separate from the article of which 
it is a part.). See also, Introduction to the Chemical Import 
Requirements of the Toxic Substances Control Act, USEPA (1999) (stating 
that chemical substances and mixtures are considered to be imported as 
part of an article only if the substances or mixtures are not intended 
to be removed/released from the article and they have no end use or 
commercial purpose separate from the article of which they are a part) 
and TSCA Chemical Data Reporting Fact Sheet: Imported Articles, USEPA 
(January 2016).
    Section 12.120(e) of the proposed rule does not contain a 
typographical error. Paragraph (c) is not needed, because a ``covered 
commodity'' includes ``mixtures,'' including a chemical substance that 
is part of the mixture. The term ``covered commodity'' is used to cover 
all things covered by the rule, including chemicals not subject to 
TSCA, which would require either a negative certification or proper 
identification. It is important that the term ``covered commodity'' 
cover things not subject to TSCA, given that, for example, CBP can 
detain shipments that do not have a required negative certification. 
See 19 CFR 12.122(b)(3).
    Comment: The proposed rule required an importer to indicate, for 
each entry subject to either a positive or negative certification 
requirement, the name, phone number and email address of the person who 
provided the certification, in writing or electronically through the 
ACE system.
    Multiple commenters indicated that if such a requirement becomes 
part of the final rule, it should only be required at the header level 
rather than at each line entry. Commenters argued that this would be 
important for two reasons: to avoid imposing a repetitive manual task 
of re-inputting the same information for hundreds of lines; and to help 
importers meet their requirements to keep submissions under the 8 MB 
file size limitation.
    One commenter stated that the provision of contact information for 
the certifier should be optional, expressing doubt as to the usefulness 
of such requirement given that the customs broker has historically 
served as the point of contact for any CBP or PGA inquiry. A separate 
commenter questioned the underlying intent for this requirement, 
requesting clarification as to whether it was intended to provide 
contact information in the event of a spill or emergency (in which case 
the commenter argued that the Material Safety Data Sheet already 
provides this information), or whether there would be legal 
ramifications imposed on the person providing the certification.
    CBP Response: CBP and EPA need the identifying information so that 
they can contact the certifying individual when there is a question 
about the imported article, and for enforcement purposes. The 
certifying individual contact information is required to know who is 
certifying and whom to contact if needed. CBP and EPA acknowledge that 
this requirement may create additional clerical work for filers. 
However, ACE will allow the requested information to be entered once at 
the header level using the PG00 record within the PGA Message Set, and 
then populated under each entry line where specified. In addition, the 
new process will result in faster cargo clearance. CBP and EPA 
encourage filers who have importers with routine imports with the same 
certifying individual information to explore options with third-party 
software vendors to take advantage of existing technology.
    Comment: Commenters requested information regarding how CBP and EPA 
will treat confidential business information (CBI) collected under the 
process outlined in the proposed rule, including: where the data will 
be stored, how the data will be protected, how long the data will be 
retained, and who will have access to the data.
    CBP Response: Access to nonpublic data contained in the ACE system 
will be limited to CBP officers and relevant personnel at CBP 
headquarters, as well

[[Page 94983]]

as limited personnel at partner government agencies. In addition, 
access to ACE data including Confidential Business Information (CBI) is 
limited to personnel with the appropriate roles and permissions and is 
managed by various audit controls on a continual basis.
    Comment: Commenters expressed concern regarding what was alleged to 
be broadening of the scope of EPA authority under 19 CFR 12.120 to 
12.127, by amending Sec.  12.119 to cover ``articles containing a 
chemical substance or mixture.'' In contrast, the language of Sec.  
12.119 prior to amendment limits the scope of application to ``articles 
containing a chemical substance or mixture if so required by the 
Administrator by specific rule under TSCA.'' Commenters asked CBP to 
clarify what would be required under the revised rule, including the 
types of articles that would be subject to the different requirements.
    CBP Response: Given the concerns expressed by the commenters, and 
CBP's desire to provide unambiguous authority to submit TSCA 
certification elements for imports electronically through the ITDS 
system, CBP is revising the language proposed for Sec.  12.119 in order 
to maintain the scope provided for in the existing Sec.  12.119, as 
applied to articles. CBP will, however, make stylistic changes to 19 
CFR 12.119 in order to provide clarity as to which chemicals the 
certification requirement will not apply (i.e., TSCA-excluded 
chemicals). The final rule continues to provide that the regulation 
applies to ``articles containing a chemical substance or mixture if so 
required by the Administrator by specific rule under TSCA.'' CBP will 
continue to consider whether other changes to the scope of the rule are 
needed, and may revisit the issue in a future rulemaking.
    Comment: One commenter argued that the final regulation 
implementing the Formaldehyde Emission Standards for Composite Wood 
Products Act of 2010, which lifts the article exemption for regulated 
composite wood products, would be impacted by the proposed rule by 
creating an identification burden on CBP and a compliance burden on the 
trade for determining regulated items and requirements. The trade 
stated that clear guidance and training should be available in order to 
avoid confusion.
    CBP Response: Under the final rule, there should be no impact on 
the EPA's efforts to implement regulations under the Formaldehyde 
Emission Standards for Composite Wood Products Act of 2010. In order to 
ensure that the trade has time to adjust and understand the 
requirements, the prepublication version of the Formaldehyde Emission 
Standards for Composite Wood Products final rule provides that the 
compliance date regarding the import certification requirements of that 
rule will be delayed two years from publication of that rule. During 
this period, the EPA may conduct outreach with regulated parties and 
industry associations in order to familiarize the supply chain with the 
importer provisions. However, it is the importer's responsibility to 
determine whether the shipment is in compliance with a particular 
regulation is properly identified accordingly.
    Comment: One commenter commented in reference to various policy 
issues regarding how the current Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) system of 
filing and reporting will be adapted to the proposed rule. In short, 
the commenter does not think that TSCA certification requirements 
should be applied at the time of admission into the FTZ, but rather 
when the goods leave the FTZ and enter the stream of commerce. The 
commenter also noted that a ``Dual Option'' model whereby importers 
could file PGA data in weekly entry summaries for all FTZ related 
imports, but would provide PGA data on non-FTZ imports at the time of 
cargo release. In addition, the commenter seeks confirmation that the 
current manual Notice of Arrival mechanism will be preserved in ACE.
    CBP Response: CBP notes that the importer is only required to make 
a good faith estimate when making entry of the merchandise, including 
the TSCA certifications thereof, when it files the weekly FTZ entry 
estimate pursuant to Sec.  146.63(c)(1). CBP is aware that under this 
process, there may be occasions where a TSCA negative certification is 
issued by the importer in the weekly estimate, and yet the weekly 
summary reflects that TSCA chemical substances were in fact imported. 
CBP and EPA will address importers that demonstrate systematic or 
egregious discrepancies between weekly estimates and weekly summaries 
on a case-by-case basis and through available enforcement and 
compliance practices.
    Current regulations provide for filing of the Notice of Arrival 
(NOA) with entry documentation. The proposed electronic implementation 
maintains that possibility. CBP is working to build functionality for 
the submission of PGA message set elements as merchandise is admitted 
to the FTZ through the e-214 process. At that time, there may be a 
consideration of whether the NOA is more appropriately filed at time of 
admission into a Foreign Trade Zone.
    Comment: Commenters noted that the proposed rule fails to identify 
the certification requirements and other compliance measures required 
for imports that enter through either the informal entry process, or 
Section 321. Commenters indicated that given the increased value 
threshold to $800, there will likely be an increase in the number of 
imports that attempt to enter under Section 321, and thus, CBP needs to 
provide guidance to the trade as to how it will address TSCA 
certification, either positive or negative, for imports that enter 
under Section 321. Commenters argued that both the statutory language 
and the regulations implementing the TSCA clearly indicate that the law 
applies to all chemical products entering the United States, not just 
those in excess of $800 in value.
    CBP Response: The recent amendments to Section 321 did not change 
the PGA data requirements, only the value of the shipments that qualify 
for entry free of duty and taxes. Thus, if TSCA import certification 
compliance was previously required for imports valued $200 or less, it 
will also be required when imports are valued $800 or less under the 
amended Section 321. CBP is considering options to address the broader 
question of how importers can best provide the appropriate PGA data, 
including TSCA certification, for imports that qualify under Section 
321.

Conclusion

    Accordingly, after review of the comments and further 
consideration, CBP has decided to adopt as final the proposed rule 
published in the Federal Register (81 FR 59157) on August 29, 2016, 
with the changes described above.

III. Estimated Costs and Benefits of This Rule

A. Costs

    The costs for the regulated community to implement TSCA 
certification via this final rule would be minimal. CBP and EPA 
estimate that providing the name, phone number, and email address of 
the import certifier would result in a net increase in information 
collection burden of three minutes for each of the estimated 2.5 
million TSCA positive certifications and 230,000 TSCA negative 
certifications (at a cost of about $3 per certification and assuming no 
filer takes advantage of the possibility of filing this address 
information at the header level, as noted above), yielding an annual 
maximum increased cost to filers of $8.41 million.

[[Page 94984]]

B. Executive Orders 12866 and 13563

    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 emphasizes the importance of quantifying both costs and 
benefits, of reducing costs, of harmonizing rules, and of promoting 
flexibility. This final rule is not a ``significant regulatory 
action,'' under section 3(f) of Executive Order 12866. Accordingly, OMB 
has not reviewed this regulation. An Economic Analysis for this action, 
which is contained in a document entitled ``Economic Analysis for 
Custom and Border Protection (CBP) Final Rule on TSCA Import 
Certifications in ACE/ITDS,'' is available in the docket for this 
rulemaking and is summarized in the previous section of this document.

C. Regulatory Flexibility Act

    The Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) of 1980 (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.) 
requires federal agencies to assess the effects of regulations on small 
entities, including businesses, nonprofit organizations, and 
governments, and--in some instances--to examine alternatives to the 
regulations that may reduce adverse economic effects on significantly 
impacted small entities. Section 604 of the RFA, as amended by the 
Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act (SBREFA) of 1996, 
requires an agency to perform a regulatory flexibility analysis for a 
rule unless the agency certifies under section 605(b) that the 
regulatory action would not have a significant (economic) impact on a 
substantial number of small entities. The RFA does not specifically 
define ``a significant economic impact on a substantial number'' of 
small entities.
    A small entity analysis (SEA) was conducted and summarized herein. 
The SEA consists of: two quantitative analyses of impacts of the final 
rule on small entities for TSCA positive certifications, a qualitative 
discussion of impacts for TSCA negative certifications, and an 
integrative analysis of the combined universe of TSCA positive and TSCA 
negative certifications (all entities affected by the rule). These 
analyses provide information on the magnitude and extent of cost 
impacts for the purpose of supporting a CBP certification that the 
final rule would not result in significant (economic) impact on a 
substantial number of small entities. For additional details, see the 
Economic Analysis for this action, which is contained in a document 
entitled ``Economic Analysis for Customs and Border Protection (CBP) 
Final Rule on TSCA Import Certifications in ACE/ITDS,'' and is 
available in the docket for this rulemaking.
    For TSCA positive certifications, the first quantitative analysis 
is a screening analysis of cost impacts to the smallest entities 
associated with TSCA positive certifications; and the second, a more 
detailed distributional analysis of impacts associated with TSCA 
positive certifications. These analyses use cost impact percentages to 
measure potential impacts on small parent entities affected by the 
final rule. The cost impact percentage is defined as annualized 
compliance costs resulting from the TSCA positive certification portion 
of the final rule as a percentage of annual revenues or sales, a 
commonly available and objective measure of a company's business 
volume. As is the expected case for this rule, when increases in 
regulatory costs are minimal, they represent a small fraction of a 
typical entity's revenue, and therefore the impacts of the regulation 
are minimal.
    The first quantitative analysis for TSCA positive certifications is 
a screening analysis that provides a concise estimate of small entity 
impacts under the final rule by examining whether an ``average small 
parent entity'' incurs significant economic impact. The results of this 
analysis are presented in Table 1. The second quantitative analysis is 
a detailed distributional analysis that provides an estimate of small 
entity impacts under the assumption that affected entities have the 
same size characteristics as the overall industry sector. The results 
of this analysis are presented in Table 2.

                                       Table 1--TSCA Positive Certification Summary of Screening Analysis Results
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                  Parent entities with 0 to 4 employees                          All small parent entities
                        NAICS Code      ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      NAICS            description           Average                                                  Average
                                             revenue          1% Impact            3% Impact          revenue          1% Impact           3% Impact
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
325 \a\.........  Chemical                   $1,457,186  No.................  No................     $80,841,890  No................  No.
                   Manufacturing.
324 \b\.........  Petroleum and Coal         $2,120,398  No.................  No................    $556,652,918  No................  No.
                   Products
                   Manufacturing.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\a\ For NAICS 325, the analysis of parent entities with 0 to 4 employees include 3,261 businesses while the analysis of all parent entities includes
  9,772 businesses.
\b\ For NAICS 324, the analysis of parent entities with 0 to 4 employees include 391 businesses while the analysis of all parent entities includes 1,189
  businesses.


                                    Table 2--TSCA Positive Certification Summary of Detailed Distributional Analysis
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                    Number and percent of small parent
                                                               Parent     Small        entities incurring impact of       Minimum      Mean     Maximum
           NAICS                NAICS Code  description       entities    parent  --------------------------------------   impact     impact     impact
                                                                         entities        <1%          1-3%       >3%      \a\ (%)    \b\ (%)    \c\ (%)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
325.......................  Chemical Manufacturing.........     11,175     11,175   11,175 (100%)     0 (0%)     0 (0%)     <0.001      0.015      0.032
324.......................  Petroleum and Coal Products          3,657      3,657    3,657 (100%)     0 (0%)     0 (0%)     <0.001      0.009      0.022
                             Manufacturing.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\a\ Of the 11,175 small entities in NAICS 325, the minimum impact experienced by any entity was <0.001%. Of the 3.657 small entities in NAICS 324, the
  minimum impact experienced by any entity was <0.001%.
\b\ Of the 11,175 small entities in NAICS 325, the mean impact experienced by any entity was 0.015%. Of the 3.657 small entities in NAICS 324, the mean
  impact experienced by any entity was 0.009%.
\c\ Of the 11,175 small entities in NAICS 325, the maximum impact experienced by any entity was 0.032%. Of the 3.657 small entities in NAICS 324, the
  maximum impact experienced by any entity was 0.022%.


[[Page 94985]]

    The small entity screening analysis for TSCA positive 
certifications demonstrates that no small entities are expected to 
incur impacts of one percent or greater. The detailed distributional 
analysis for TSCA positive certifications shows that while a large 
number of small entities in certain sectors may be affected by the 
final rule, all of these small entities are expected to incur impacts 
of considerably less than one percent.
    For TSCA negative certifications, because the unit incremental 
steady state burden associated with positive and negative certification 
are virtually the same (2.93 versus 2.98 minutes, respectively), the 
small entity impacts associated with negative certifications are 
similar to the small entity impacts associated with positive 
certifications, and are considerably less than one percent.
    Integrating the above information for all firms submitting TSCA 
positive certifications and/or TSCA negative certifications requires 
consideration of the degree to which the firms submitting each type of 
certification overlap. Since this detailed information is not readily 
available, an assessment is made via review of lower-bound and upper-
bound impact scenarios. At the lower bound with an assumption of no 
overlap, firms submitting TSCA positive and TSCA negative 
certifications are completely isolated and separate. Each firm incurs 
about three minutes additional burden per certification with associated 
impacts of less than one percent, yielding overall impacts of less than 
one percent for all firms. In the upper-bound scenario, with an 
assumption that all firms overlap, firms submit both TSCA positive and 
negative certifications at the same transaction rates per firm for each 
type of certification. All firms incur twice the burden due to managing 
twice as many certifications (i.e., in comparison to three minutes per 
certification, the ``double duty'' requires six minutes for one 
positive certification plus one negative certification). Nonetheless, 
the associated overall impacts are still less than one percent for all 
firms.
    Per conventional practices including EPA guidance, even if a 
substantial number of entities are affected by a final rule, as long as 
the impact to these entities is very low, the rule can be determined to 
not result in a significant impact on a substantial number of small 
entities. Based on the evidence of the analyses summarized above, CBP 
certifies that this final rule will not have a significant economic 
impact on a substantial number of small entities.

D. Paperwork Reduction Act

    As this rule does not establish a new collection of information, as 
defined in the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3507), the 
provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act are inapplicable.

E. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (UMRA)

    This rule will not result in the expenditure by State, local, and 
tribal governments, in the aggregate, or by the private sector, of $100 
million or more in any one year, and it will not significantly or 
uniquely affect small governments. Therefore, no actions are necessary 
under the provisions of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995.

F. Signing Authority

    This proposed regulation is being issued in accordance with 19 CFR 
0.1(a)(1) pertaining to the authority of the Secretary of the Treasury 
(or that of his or her delegate) to approve regulations pertaining to 
certain customs revenue functions.

List of Subjects

19 CFR Part 12

    Customs duties and inspection, Entry of merchandise, Imports, 
Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.

19 CFR Part 127

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

Amendments to the CBP Regulations

    For the reasons set forth above, parts 12 and 127 of the Code of 
Federal Regulations (19 CFR parts 12 and 127) are amended as follows:

PART 12--SPECIAL CLASSES OF MERCHANDISE

0
1. The general and specific authority citations for part 12 continue to 
read as follows:

    Authority:  5 U.S.C. 301; 19 U.S.C. 66, 1202 (General Note 3(i), 
Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS)), 1624.
* * * * *
    Sections 12.118 through 12.127 also issued under 15 U.S.C. 2601 
et seq.
* * * * *

0
2. Revise Sec.  12.118 to read as follows:


Sec.  12.118   Toxic Substances Control Act.

    The Toxic Substances Control Act (``TSCA'') (15 U.S.C. 2601 et 
seq.) governs the importation into the customs territory of the United 
States of a chemical substance in bulk form or as part of a mixture, 
and articles containing a chemical substance or mixture. Such 
importations are also governed by these regulations which are issued 
under the authority of section 13(b) of TSCA (15 U.S.C. 2612(b)).

0
3. Revise Sec.  12.119 to read as follows:


Sec.  12.119   Scope.

    Sections 12.120 through 12.127 apply to the importation into the 
customs territory of the United States of:
    (a) Chemical substances in bulk form and as part of a mixture under 
TSCA;
    (b) TSCA-excluded chemicals; and
    (c) Articles containing a chemical substance or mixture if so 
required by the Administrator by specific rule under TSCA.

0
4. In Sec.  12.120, revise paragraph (b) and add paragraphs (c) through 
(f) to read as follows:


Sec.  12.120   Definitions.

* * * * *
    (b) TSCA chemical substance in bulk form. ``TSCA chemical substance 
in bulk form'' means a chemical substance as set forth in section 3(2) 
of TSCA, (15 U.S.C. 2602(2)) (other than as part of an article) in 
containers used for purposes of transportation or containment, provided 
that the chemical substance is intended to be removed from the 
container and has an end use or commercial purpose separate from the 
container.
    (c) TSCA chemical substance as part of a mixture. ``TSCA chemical 
substance as part of a mixture'' means a chemical substance as set 
forth in section 3(2) of TSCA, (15 U.S.C. 2602(2)) that is part of a 
combination of two or more chemical substances as set forth in section 
3(10) of TSCA.
    (d) TSCA-excluded chemicals. ``TSCA-excluded chemicals'' means any 
chemicals that are excluded from the definition of TSCA chemical 
substance by section 3(2)(B) (ii)-(vi) of TSCA, (15 U.S.C. 2602(2) (B) 
(ii)-(vi)) (other than as part of a mixture), regardless of form.
    (e) Covered commodity. ``Covered commodity'' means merchandise that 
meets the terms of one of the definitions specified in paragraph (a), 
(b), or (d) of this section or that is a mixture as defined in TSCA.
    (f) Administrator. ``Administrator'' means the Administrator of the 
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

0
5. Revise Sec.  12.121 to read as follows:


Sec.  12.121   Reporting requirements.

    (a) Certification required. (1) The importer or the authorized 
agent of such an importer of a TSCA chemical

[[Page 94986]]

substance in bulk form or as part of a mixture, must certify in writing 
or electronically that the chemical shipment complies with all 
applicable rules and orders under TSCA by filing with CBP the following 
statement:

    I certify that all chemical substances in this shipment comply 
with all applicable rules or orders under TSCA and that I am not 
offering a chemical substance for entry in violation of TSCA or any 
applicable rule or order thereunder.

    (2) The importer or the authorized agent of such an importer of any 
TSCA-excluded chemical not clearly identified as such must certify in 
writing or electronically that the chemical shipment is not subject to 
TSCA by filing with CBP the following statement:

    I certify that all chemicals in this shipment are not subject to 
TSCA.
    (3) Filing of certification. (i) The appropriate certification 
required under paragraph (a) of this section must be filed with the 
director of the port of entry in writing or electronically to the 
Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) system or any other CBP-
authorized EDI system prior to release of the shipment. For each entry 
subject to certification under paragraph (a), the name, phone number, 
and email address of the certifier (the importer or the importer's 
authorized agent) shall be included.
    (ii) Written certifications must appear as a typed or stamped 
statement:
    (A) On an appropriate entry document or commercial invoice or on an 
attachment to that entry document or invoice; or
    (B) In the event of release under a special permit for an immediate 
delivery as provided for in Sec.  142.21 of this chapter or in the case 
of an entry as provided for in Sec.  142.3 of this chapter, on the 
commercial invoice or on an attachment to that invoice.
    (b) TSCA chemical substances or mixtures as parts of articles. An 
importer of a TSCA chemical substance or mixture as part of an article 
must comply with the certification requirements set forth in paragraph 
(a) of this section only if required to do so by a rule or order issued 
under TSCA.
    (c) Facsimile signatures. The certification statements required 
under paragraph (a) of this section may be signed by means of an 
authorized facsimile signature.


Sec.  12.122   [Amended]

0
6. Amend Sec.  12.122 by removing the word ``shall'' each place it 
appears and adding in its place the word ``will'' and in paragraphs (a) 
introductory text and (b) introductory text by removing the words 
``chemical substances, mixtures, or articles'' and adding in their 
place the words ``covered commodity''.


Sec.  12.123   [Amended]

0
7. Amend Sec.  12.123 by removing the word ``shall'' each place it 
appears and adding in its place the word ``will'' and in paragraph (b), 
third sentence, by removing the words ``chemical substance, mixture, or 
article'' and adding in their place the words ``a covered commodity''.


Sec.  12.124   [Amended]

0
8. Amend Sec.  12.124 as follows:
0
a. In paragraph (a) by removing the words ``chemical substances, 
mixtures, or articles'' and adding in their place the words ``a covered 
commodity''.
0
b. In paragraph (a) by removing the word ``shall'' and adding in its 
place the word ``must''.
0
c. In paragraph (b) introductory text by removing the words ``Customs 
Service'' and adding in its place the word ``CBP''.

0
9. The introductory text of Sec.  12.125 is revised and in paragraph 
(b) the words ``chemical substances, mixtures, or articles'' are 
removed and the words ``covered commodity'' are added in their place.
    The revision reads as follows:


Sec.  12.125   Notice of exportation.

    Whenever the Administrator directs the port director to refuse 
entry under Sec.  12.123 and the importer exports the non-complying 
shipment within the 30 day period of notice of refusal of entry or 
within 90 days of demand for redelivery, the importer must submit 
notice of the exportation either in writing to the port director or 
electronically to ACE or any other CBP-authorized EDI system. The 
importer must include the following information in the notice of 
exportation:
* * * * *

0
10. Revise Sec.  12.126 to read as follows:


Sec.  12.126   Notice of abandonment.

    If the importer intends to abandon the shipment after receiving 
notice of refusal of entry, the importer must present a notice of 
intent to abandon in writing to the port director or electronically to 
ACE or any other CBP-authorized EDI system. Notification under this 
section is a waiver of any right to export the merchandise. The 
importer will remain liable for any expense incurred in the storage 
and/or disposal of abandoned merchandise.

0
11. Revise Sec.  12.127 to read as follows:


Sec.  12.127   Decision to store or dispose.

    A shipment detained under Sec.  12.122 will be considered to be 
unclaimed or abandoned and will be turned over to the Administrator for 
storage or disposition as provided for in Sec.  127.28(i) of this 
chapter if the importer has not brought the shipment into compliance 
with TSCA and has not exported the shipment within the time limitations 
or extensions specified according to Sec.  12.124. The importer will 
remain liable for any expense in the storage and/or disposal of 
abandoned merchandise.

PART 127--GENERAL ORDER, UNCLAIMED, AND ABANDONED MERCHANDISE

0
12. The general and specific authority citations for part 127 continue 
to read as follows:

    Authority:  19 U.S.C. 66, 1311, 1312, 1484, 1485, 1490, 1491, 
1492, 1493, 1506, 1559, 1563, 1623, 1624, 1646a; 26 U.S.C. 5753.
* * * * *
    Section 127.28 also issued under 15 U.S.C. 2612, 26 U.S.C. 5688;
* * * * *

0
13. Amend Sec.  127.28 by revising paragraph (i) to read as follows:


Sec.  127.28   Special merchandise.

* * * * *
    (i) Good subject to TSCA Requirements. A good subject to TSCA 
requirements, i.e., a covered commodity as defined in section 12.120 of 
this chapter, will be inspected by a representative of the 
Environmental Protection Agency to ascertain whether it complies with 
the Toxic Substances Control Act and the regulations and orders issued 
thereunder. If found not to comply with these requirements that good 
must be exported or otherwise disposed of immediately in accordance 
with the provisions of Sec. Sec.  12.125 through 12.127 of this 
chapter.

R. Gil Kerlikowske,
Commissioner, U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
    Approved: December 20, 2016.
Timothy E. Skud,
Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Treasury.
[FR Doc. 2016-31055 Filed 12-23-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 9111-14-P



                                                  94980            Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 248 / Tuesday, December 27, 2016 / Rules and Regulations

                                                  DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND                                  refuse entry of any chemical substance,               chemical substance as part of a mixture’’
                                                  SECURITY                                                mixture, or article that: (1) fails to                in § 12.120(c) and ‘‘TSCA-excluded
                                                                                                          comply with any rule in effect under                  chemicals’’ in § 12.120(d). These
                                                  U.S. Customs and Border Protection                      TSCA; or (2) is offered for entry in                  definitions are revised and added to
                                                                                                          violation of TSCA section 5 or 6 (15                  clarify that the certification obligations
                                                  DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY                              U.S.C. 2604 or 2605) or Subchapter IV                 apply to both chemical substances and
                                                                                                          (15 U.S.C. 2681 et seq.), or in violation             mixtures that are subject to TSCA,
                                                  19 CFR Parts 12 and 127                                 of a rule or order under those provisions             which require a positive certification, as
                                                  [USCBP–2016–0056;CBP Dec. No. 16–28]
                                                                                                          or in violation of an order issued in a               well as those chemicals and mixtures
                                                                                                          civil action brought under TSCA section               that are not subject to TSCA, which
                                                  RIN 1515–AE13                                           5 or 7 (15 U.S.C. 2604 or 2606) or                    require a negative certification (unless
                                                                                                          Subchapter IV (15 U.S.C. 2681 et seq.).               clearly identified as a TSCA-excluded
                                                  Toxic Substance Control Act Chemical                    Section 13 also sets forth procedural                 chemical), and to ensure that terms used
                                                  Substance Import Certification                          requirements in connection with an                    in the regulatory text are defined when
                                                  Process Revisions                                       entry refusal and authorizes CBP, after               necessary. ‘‘Mixture’’ is a statutory term
                                                  AGENCY:  U.S. Customs and Border                        consultation with EPA, to issue rules for             in TSCA that does not apply to TSCA-
                                                  Protection, Department of Homeland                      the administration of section 13.                     excluded chemicals. TSCA-excluded
                                                  Security; Department of the Treasury.                     Section 13 of TSCA is implemented in                chemicals require a negative
                                                                                                          the CBP regulations at §§ 12.118–12.127               certification whether imported as a
                                                  ACTION: Final rule.
                                                                                                          and 127.28 of title 19 of the Code of                 single TSCA-excluded chemical mixed
                                                  SUMMARY:   This document amends the                     Federal Regulations (19 CFR 12.118–                   with other TSCA-excluded chemicals.
                                                  U.S. Customs and Border Protection                      12.127, and 127.28). On August 29,                    This document also adds a definition of
                                                  (CBP) regulations regarding the                         2016, U.S. Customs and Border                         the term ‘‘Administrator’’ to mean the
                                                  requirement to file a Toxic Substances                  Protection (CBP) published a Notice of                Administrator of the EPA, and ‘‘covered
                                                  Control Act (TSCA) certification when                   Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) in the                     commodity’’ to include any
                                                  importing into the customs territory of                 Federal Register (81 FR 59157)                        merchandise that is an article, a TSCA
                                                  the United States chemicals in bulk                     proposing to amend the CBP regulations                chemical substance in bulk form, TSCA-
                                                  form or as part of mixtures and articles                regarding the requirement to file a Toxic             excluded chemicals (as those terms are
                                                  containing a chemical or mixture. This                  Substances Control Act (TSCA)                         defined in § 12.120(a), (b), or (d)), or that
                                                  document amends the regulations to                      certification when importing into the                 is a mixture as defined in TSCA and
                                                  establish an electronic option for                      customs territory of the United States                describe a commodity that is subject to
                                                  importers to file the required U.S.                     chemicals in bulk form or as part of                  actions under § 12.122, et seq. and
                                                  Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)                   mixtures and articles containing a                    § 127.28.
                                                  TSCA certifications, consistent with the                chemical or mixture.                                     In addition, in §§ 12.122(a) and (b),
                                                  Security and Accountability for Every                                                                         12.123(b), 12.124(a), 12.125(b), and
                                                                                                          B. Proposed Amendments
                                                  Port Act of 2006. This document further                                                                       127.28, this document revises references
                                                                                                            The proposed amendments were                        to ‘‘chemical substances, mixtures, or
                                                  amends the regulations to clarify and
                                                                                                          intended to clarify the description,                  articles’’ to clarify that these regulations
                                                  add certain definitions, and to eliminate
                                                                                                          scope, and definitions of the                         apply to TSCA chemical substances,
                                                  the paper-based blanket certification
                                                                                                          requirements for the importation of                   mixtures, or articles as well as TSCA-
                                                  process.
                                                    The document was prepared in                          chemical substances, mixtures and                     excluded chemicals. In § 12.124, this
                                                  consultation with EPA, the agency with                  articles containing a chemical substance              final rule changes the name of the
                                                  primary responsibility for implementing                 or mixture, as well as the requirements               agency from ‘‘Customs Service’’ to
                                                  TSCA.                                                   associated with TSCA-excluded                         ‘‘CBP’’.
                                                                                                          chemicals.
                                                  DATES: Effective January 26, 2017.                        This document revises the proposed                  B. Certifications
                                                  FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For                    change in § 12.119 regarding the scope                   The final rule provides an electronic
                                                  questions related to the filing of EPA                  of the regulation. To clarify the                     option for filing TSCA certifications,
                                                  forms with CBP, contact William Scopa,                  regulation based on the public                        consistent with Executive Order (EO)
                                                  Partner Government Agencies                             comments, the term ‘‘Chemicals not                    13659, Streamlining the Export/Import
                                                  Interagency Collaboration Division,                     subject to TSCA’’ in proposed                         Process for America’s Businesses, which
                                                  Office of Trade, Customs and Border                     § 12.119(b) is changed in the final rule              seeks to reduce unnecessary procedural
                                                  Protection, at William.R.Scopa@                         to ‘‘TSCA-excluded chemicals’’. In                    requirements relating to, among other
                                                  cbp.dhs.gov. For EPA policy questions,                  addition, because the proposed revision               things, importing into the United States,
                                                  contact Harlan Weir, at Weir.Harlan@                    of the scope in § 12.119(c) was                       while continuing to protect our national
                                                  epa.gov.                                                confusing with respect to the                         security, public health and safety, the
                                                  SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:                              application of the regulations to articles            environment, and natural resources. See
                                                                                                          in §§ 12.120 through 12.127, we are                   79 FR 10657 (February 25, 2014). The
                                                  A. Background                                           adding the phrase, ‘‘if so required by the            final rule is consistent with the Security
                                                    Section 13 of the Toxic Substances                    Administrator by specific rule under                  and Accountability for Every Port Act of
                                                  Control Act (TSCA) (15 U.S.C. 2612)                     TSCA’’ to § 12.119(c), which mirrors the              2006 (‘‘SAFE Port Act,’’ 19 U.S.C.
asabaliauskas on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES




                                                  governs the entry of those chemical                     current language of the regulation prior              1411(d)) which mandates that all federal
                                                  substances and mixtures, and articles                   to the proposed amendment.                            agencies that require documentation for
                                                  containing such chemical substances or                    The final rule replaces the existing                clearing or licensing the importation of
                                                  mixtures into the customs territory of                  definition of the term ‘‘chemical                     cargo participate in the International
                                                  the United States and authorizes the                    substance in bulk form’’ in § 12.120(b)               Trade Data System (ITDS) by using a
                                                  Secretary of the Treasury, authority                    with a definition of ‘‘TSCA chemical                  CBP-authorized Electronic Data
                                                  subsequently delegated to the U.S.                      substance in bulk form’’, and adds new                Interchange (EDI) system as a single
                                                  Customs and Border Protection (CBP), to                 definitions for the terms ‘‘TSCA                      portal for the collection and distribution


                                             VerDate Sep<11>2014   19:06 Dec 23, 2016   Jkt 241001   PO 00000   Frm 00072   Fmt 4700   Sfmt 4700   E:\FR\FM\27DER1.SGM   27DER1


                                                                   Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 248 / Tuesday, December 27, 2016 / Rules and Regulations                                        94981

                                                  of standard electronic import and export                collection of TSCA certifications for                    Multiple commenters argued that the
                                                  data.                                                   processing in ACE improves                            scope of the negative certification in the
                                                     In order to submit an electronic TSCA                information access, data integration                  proposed rule is too broad. One
                                                  certification, importers or their agents                with CBP entry information, and the                   commenter noted that the EPA’s own
                                                  are required by the final rule to submit                data quality of TSCA certifications. As               regulations on TSCA, found at 40 CFR
                                                  their entry filings to ACE or any other                 a result, CBP expects improved                        707.20(b)(2)(ii), only require the
                                                  CBP electronic data interchange (EDI)                   communication among EPA, CBP, and                     submission of a negative certification
                                                  system authorized to accept entries.                    importers.                                            where the imported chemical products
                                                  This document also requires in                                                                                are not otherwise clearly identified as a
                                                  § 12.121(a)(3) the submission of                        D. Plain Language Revisions                           product not subject to TSCA. A different
                                                  additional information relating to the                     The final rule makes minor changes to              commenter stated that CBP should not
                                                  certifying individual, including name,                  §§ 12.118–12.127 by removing the word                 require certification regarding chemicals
                                                  phone number, and email address for                     ‘‘shall’’ and revising the sentence                   that are excluded by the text of TSCA
                                                  TSCA certifications submitted either in                 grammar to simplify the language. The                 unless there was evidence of problems
                                                  writing or electronically. The collection               use of ‘‘shall’’ is imprecise and                     regarding the labels or other methods of
                                                  of contact information for the certifying               outdated. Plain language guidance                     regulating the TSCA-excluded
                                                  individual will facilitate the resolution               recommends replacing ‘‘shall’’ with the               chemicals.
                                                  of issues related to particular shipments.              word ‘‘must,’’ ‘‘will,’’ or another word                 Commenters further indicated that
                                                  This document also changes the                          that more appropriately conveys the                   because the proposed rule would affect
                                                  reference to paragraph (a)(1) found in                  intended meaning. This is part of the                 products already regulated by other
                                                  § 12.121(c) to be a reference to                        U.S. Government efforts to update                     agencies, it would create duplicative
                                                  paragraph (a).                                          regulatory text per plain language                    processes and be incompatible with
                                                     The final rule eliminates the blanket                guidance.                                             Executive Order (E.O.) 13659,
                                                  certification process. The discontinued                                                                       Streamlining the Export/Import Process
                                                  paper-based blanket certification                       E. Conclusion of Test to Allow Import                 for America’s Businesses. Commenters
                                                  process had limited utility because each                Certification                                         requested that CBP work to harmonize
                                                  blanket certification was only valid at                                                                       the proposed rule with current and
                                                                                                            On February 10, 2016, CBP published
                                                  one port of entry for one year. In                                                                            future EPA regulations, to include an
                                                                                                          a notice in the Federal Register (81 FR
                                                  addition, the previous blanket                                                                                exemption from the negative
                                                                                                          7133) announcing that CBP was
                                                  certification process was more                                                                                certification requirement where the
                                                                                                          modifying the National Customs
                                                  burdensome than the entry-specific                                                                            imported products are already clearly
                                                                                                          Automation Program (NCAP) test
                                                  certification process because it required                                                                     labelled as a product that is expressly
                                                                                                          concerning electronic filings of data to
                                                  filers to include a statement referring to                                                                    excluded by TSCA.
                                                                                                          ACE, known as the Partner Government
                                                  the blanket certification and incorporate                                                                        CBP Response: CBP and EPA agree
                                                                                                          Agency (PGA) Message Set test, to allow
                                                  it by reference for each entry, as well as                                                                    that the negative certification
                                                                                                          for the transmission of TSCA                          requirement need not be applied to
                                                  four data elements on the blanket
                                                  certification itself, including product                 certification data. As of November 16,                those chemicals that are otherwise
                                                  name, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of                     2016, CBP has received 150,661                        clearly identified as a product excluded
                                                  the United States (HTSUS) subheading                    electronic TSCA certifications through                from TSCA, which are regulated by
                                                  number, and the name and address of                     ACE pursuant to the PGA Message Set                   other agencies or statutes, including
                                                  the foreign supplier. Because the                       Test. This volume of electronic                       pesticides, food, food additives, drugs,
                                                  electronic TSCA certification process                   submissions indicates that the PGA                    cosmetics, devices, tobacco, tobacco
                                                  requires only a certification code, along               Message Set Test has been successful                  product, nuclear material, firearms and
                                                  with the name and contact information                   and reliable with regard to the                       ammunition, as described by § 3(2)(B)
                                                  of the TSCA certifier, and because the                  electronic submission of TSCA                         (ii)–(vi) of TSCA. The requirement to
                                                  paper-based blanket certification had                   certifications to ACE. Consequently, this             file a negative certification in
                                                  limited application, we believe the                     document announces the conclusion of                  § 12.121(a)(2) excludes TSCA-excluded
                                                  elimination of the blanket certification                the PGA Message Set Test with regard                  chemicals that are clearly identified as
                                                  process reduces the reporting burden for                to the submission of the TSCA                         such. This position is consistent with
                                                  importers.                                              certification. All other aspects of the               EPA’s TSCA section 13 Import Policy,
                                                                                                          PGA Message Set Test remain on-going                  which addresses aspects of the CBP
                                                  C. Notice of Exportation and                            until ended by announcement in a                      regulation implementing TSCA section
                                                  Abandonment                                             subsequent Federal Register notice.                   13. See 40 CFR 707.20(b)(2)(ii); 45 FR
                                                     In addition, the final rule amends                   Discussion of Comments                                82850 (December 16, 1980).
                                                  §§ 12.125 and 12.126 to allow importers                                                                          Comment: The proposed rule did not
                                                  to provide electronic notice of                           Fourteen commenters responded to                    include a ‘‘blanket certification’’ that
                                                  exportation and abandonment as an                       the solicitation of comments to the                   allowed an importer to qualify for TSCA
                                                  alternative to the paper-based written                  proposed rule. A description of the                   compliance on reoccurring shipments of
                                                  notice process allowed under the                        comments received, together with CBP’s                the same chemicals to the same port,
                                                  existing regulations.                                   analysis, is set forth below.                         with a one year duration. Commenters
                                                     The automation of these processes                      Comment: The trade generally argued                 from multiple industries noted that the
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                                                  modernizes the way that CBP and EPA                     against negative certification as applied             blanket certification process is useful for
                                                  interact with importers of chemicals,                   to chemicals clearly labelled or                      companies that import the same product
                                                  and ensures effective application of                    identified as products that are excluded              to the same port repeatedly throughout
                                                  regulatory controls. CBP estimates                      from TSCA regulation. The list of                     a one-year period. Commenters
                                                  approximately 2.5 million TSCA                          excluded products includes pesticides,                requested CBP to clarify its rationale for
                                                  positive certifications and 230,000                     food, food additives, drugs, cosmetics or             proposing to discontinue the blanket
                                                  TSCA negative certifications are                        devices, nuclear material, tobacco                    certification, and further argued that a
                                                  received annually. The electronic                       products, firearms and ammunition                     blanket certification process, in some


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                                                  94982            Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 248 / Tuesday, December 27, 2016 / Rules and Regulations

                                                  form, would not only benefit the trade,                    CBP Response: To address industry’s                in writing or electronically through the
                                                  but would be aligned with the goals of                  concerns about the use of the proposed                ACE system.
                                                  E.O. 13659, i.e., by reducing costs and                 term ‘‘non-TSCA chemical,’’ this term is                 Multiple commenters indicated that if
                                                  promoting flexibility. One commenter                    being changed to ‘‘TSCA-excluded                      such a requirement becomes part of the
                                                  argued that the ACE system cannot be                    chemicals.’’ The definition of the term               final rule, it should only be required at
                                                  deemed to be more efficient without                     ‘‘TSCA-excluded chemicals’’ will                      the header level rather than at each line
                                                  some form of blanket certification.                     remain as it was under ‘‘non-TSCA                     entry. Commenters argued that this
                                                  Commenters urged CBP either to                          chemical,’’ which is consistent with the              would be important for two reasons: to
                                                  maintain the existing paper-based                       appropriate provisions under TSCA.                    avoid imposing a repetitive manual task
                                                  blanket certification process, or to                       The phrase ‘‘articles containing a                 of re-inputting the same information for
                                                  develop an electronic equivalent.                       chemical substance’’ is consistent with               hundreds of lines; and to help importers
                                                     CBP Response: The reason for                         the scope as provided under section 13                meet their requirements to keep
                                                  removing the blanket permit system is                   of TSCA. The term ‘‘article’’ is defined              submissions under the 8 MB file size
                                                  the difficulty of integrating that paper-               in EPA regulations, as well as in this                limitation.
                                                  based certification process, which                      rule, and has been applied in a variety                  One commenter stated that the
                                                  required CBP to maintain files and track                of TSCA programs and activities for                   provision of contact information for the
                                                  yearly renewals for verification and                    many years. The phrase ‘‘chemical                     certifier should be optional, expressing
                                                  compliance, with an otherwise fully                     substances or mixtures as parts of                    doubt as to the usefulness of such
                                                  automated system. In addition, with the                 articles’’ is used in the appropriate                 requirement given that the customs
                                                  new requirement to submit information                   provisions of the § 12.121 reporting                  broker has historically served as the
                                                  on the certifier, renewals would need to                requirements of this rule, and this                   point of contact for any CBP or PGA
                                                  be made more frequently in order to                     phrase has been used in a variety of                  inquiry. A separate commenter
                                                  keep certifier information updated.                     TSCA programs and activities,                         questioned the underlying intent for this
                                                  Electronic submission of TSCA                           including the TSCA section 13 import                  requirement, requesting clarification as
                                                  certifications through ACE, allows for                                                                        to whether it was intended to provide
                                                                                                          program. See, 42 FR 64572 (December
                                                                                                                                                                contact information in the event of a
                                                  electronic releases without CBP manual                  23, 1977) (noting that a chemical
                                                                                                                                                                spill or emergency (in which case the
                                                  processing or reviews.                                  substance is considered to be imported
                                                                                                                                                                commenter argued that the Material
                                                     CBP is aware that the transition from                ‘as part of an article’ if the substance is
                                                                                                                                                                Safety Data Sheet already provides this
                                                  the paper-based system with blanket                     not intended to be removed from that
                                                                                                                                                                information), or whether there would be
                                                  certifications to an electronic system                  article and has no end use or
                                                                                                                                                                legal ramifications imposed on the
                                                  without blanket certifications may                      commercial purpose separate from the
                                                                                                                                                                person providing the certification.
                                                  present short-term challenges for filers                article of which it is a part.). See also,               CBP Response: CBP and EPA need the
                                                  and importers. However, efforts to                      Introduction to the Chemical Import                   identifying information so that they can
                                                  preserve the blanket certification                      Requirements of the Toxic Substances                  contact the certifying individual when
                                                  process in combination with electronic                  Control Act, USEPA (1999) (stating that               there is a question about the imported
                                                  filing though ACE would actually                        chemical substances and mixtures are                  article, and for enforcement purposes.
                                                  restrict the system as a whole from                     considered to be imported as part of an               The certifying individual contact
                                                  achieving maximum efficiency as it                      article only if the substances or mixtures            information is required to know who is
                                                  would require all filers to undergo extra               are not intended to be removed/released               certifying and whom to contact if
                                                  steps in the PGA message set to input                   from the article and they have no end                 needed. CBP and EPA acknowledge that
                                                  information regarding whether the                       use or commercial purpose separate                    this requirement may create additional
                                                  importer had a blanket certification on                 from the article of which they are a part)            clerical work for filers. However, ACE
                                                  file, and for which ports.                              and TSCA Chemical Data Reporting Fact                 will allow the requested information to
                                                     Comment: The trade commented that                    Sheet: Imported Articles, USEPA                       be entered once at the header level
                                                  the term ‘‘non-TSCA chemical’’ in the                   (January 2016).                                       using the PG00 record within the PGA
                                                  proposed regulation is confusing and                       Section 12.120(e) of the proposed rule             Message Set, and then populated under
                                                  should be replaced with the trade term                  does not contain a typographical error.               each entry line where specified. In
                                                  ‘‘chemical substances excluded from                     Paragraph (c) is not needed, because a                addition, the new process will result in
                                                  TSCA,’’ because all chemicals are                       ‘‘covered commodity’’ includes                        faster cargo clearance. CBP and EPA
                                                  subject to TSCA unless excluded and                     ‘‘mixtures,’’ including a chemical                    encourage filers who have importers
                                                  the term ‘‘non-TSCA’’ is used by the                    substance that is part of the mixture.                with routine imports with the same
                                                  trade to refer to chemicals that are                    The term ‘‘covered commodity’’ is used                certifying individual information to
                                                  subject to TSCA but not yet on the                      to cover all things covered by the rule,              explore options with third-party
                                                  TSCA inventory.                                         including chemicals not subject to                    software vendors to take advantage of
                                                     The trade also commented that the                    TSCA, which would require either a                    existing technology.
                                                  phrase ‘‘articles containing a chemical                 negative certification or proper                         Comment: Commenters requested
                                                  substance’’ is ambiguous, because it can                identification. It is important that the              information regarding how CBP and
                                                  be interpreted to mean an object or                     term ‘‘covered commodity’’ cover things               EPA will treat confidential business
                                                  vessel that is used to hold a chemical                  not subject to TSCA, given that, for                  information (CBI) collected under the
                                                  substance as well as an object that is                  example, CBP can detain shipments that                process outlined in the proposed rule,
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                                                  made up of a chemical substance.                        do not have a required negative                       including: where the data will be stored,
                                                  Finally, the trade commented that a                     certification. See 19 CFR 12.122(b)(3).               how the data will be protected, how
                                                  typo appears in the definition of a                        Comment: The proposed rule required                long the data will be retained, and who
                                                  ‘‘covered commodity’’ at § 12.120(e) of                 an importer to indicate, for each entry               will have access to the data.
                                                  the proposed rule because it claims ‘‘the               subject to either a positive or negative                 CBP Response: Access to nonpublic
                                                  definitions specified in paragraphs (a),                certification requirement, the name,                  data contained in the ACE system will
                                                  (b), and (d). . .’’ should instead be ‘‘(a),            phone number and email address of the                 be limited to CBP officers and relevant
                                                  (b), and (c). . .’’                                     person who provided the certification,                personnel at CBP headquarters, as well


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                                                                   Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 248 / Tuesday, December 27, 2016 / Rules and Regulations                                       94983

                                                  as limited personnel at partner                         requirements, the prepublication                         Comment: Commenters noted that the
                                                  government agencies. In addition,                       version of the Formaldehyde Emission                  proposed rule fails to identify the
                                                  access to ACE data including                            Standards for Composite Wood Products                 certification requirements and other
                                                  Confidential Business Information (CBI)                 final rule provides that the compliance               compliance measures required for
                                                  is limited to personnel with the                        date regarding the import certification               imports that enter through either the
                                                  appropriate roles and permissions and                   requirements of that rule will be                     informal entry process, or Section 321.
                                                  is managed by various audit controls on                 delayed two years from publication of                 Commenters indicated that given the
                                                  a continual basis.                                      that rule. During this period, the EPA                increased value threshold to $800, there
                                                     Comment: Commenters expressed                        may conduct outreach with regulated                   will likely be an increase in the number
                                                  concern regarding what was alleged to                   parties and industry associations in                  of imports that attempt to enter under
                                                  be broadening of the scope of EPA                       order to familiarize the supply chain                 Section 321, and thus, CBP needs to
                                                  authority under 19 CFR 12.120 to                        with the importer provisions. However,                provide guidance to the trade as to how
                                                  12.127, by amending § 12.119 to cover                   it is the importer’s responsibility to
                                                  ‘‘articles containing a chemical                                                                              it will address TSCA certification, either
                                                                                                          determine whether the shipment is in                  positive or negative, for imports that
                                                  substance or mixture.’’ In contrast, the                compliance with a particular regulation
                                                  language of § 12.119 prior to                                                                                 enter under Section 321. Commenters
                                                                                                          is properly identified accordingly.
                                                  amendment limits the scope of                                                                                 argued that both the statutory language
                                                                                                             Comment: One commenter                             and the regulations implementing the
                                                  application to ‘‘articles containing a                  commented in reference to various
                                                  chemical substance or mixture if so                                                                           TSCA clearly indicate that the law
                                                                                                          policy issues regarding how the current
                                                  required by the Administrator by                                                                              applies to all chemical products
                                                                                                          Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) system of
                                                  specific rule under TSCA.’’ Commenters                                                                        entering the United States, not just those
                                                                                                          filing and reporting will be adapted to
                                                  asked CBP to clarify what would be                                                                            in excess of $800 in value.
                                                                                                          the proposed rule. In short, the
                                                  required under the revised rule,                        commenter does not think that TSCA                       CBP Response: The recent
                                                  including the types of articles that                    certification requirements should be                  amendments to Section 321 did not
                                                  would be subject to the different                       applied at the time of admission into the             change the PGA data requirements, only
                                                  requirements.                                           FTZ, but rather when the goods leave                  the value of the shipments that qualify
                                                     CBP Response: Given the concerns                                                                           for entry free of duty and taxes. Thus,
                                                                                                          the FTZ and enter the stream of
                                                  expressed by the commenters, and
                                                                                                          commerce. The commenter also noted                    if TSCA import certification compliance
                                                  CBP’s desire to provide unambiguous
                                                                                                          that a ‘‘Dual Option’’ model whereby                  was previously required for imports
                                                  authority to submit TSCA certification
                                                                                                          importers could file PGA data in weekly               valued $200 or less, it will also be
                                                  elements for imports electronically
                                                                                                          entry summaries for all FTZ related                   required when imports are valued $800
                                                  through the ITDS system, CBP is
                                                                                                          imports, but would provide PGA data                   or less under the amended Section 321.
                                                  revising the language proposed for
                                                                                                          on non-FTZ imports at the time of cargo               CBP is considering options to address
                                                  § 12.119 in order to maintain the scope
                                                                                                          release. In addition, the commenter                   the broader question of how importers
                                                  provided for in the existing § 12.119, as
                                                  applied to articles. CBP will, however,                 seeks confirmation that the current                   can best provide the appropriate PGA
                                                  make stylistic changes to 19 CFR 12.119                 manual Notice of Arrival mechanism                    data, including TSCA certification, for
                                                  in order to provide clarity as to which                 will be preserved in ACE.                             imports that qualify under Section 321.
                                                  chemicals the certification requirement                    CBP Response: CBP notes that the
                                                                                                          importer is only required to make a                   Conclusion
                                                  will not apply (i.e., TSCA-excluded
                                                  chemicals). The final rule continues to                 good faith estimate when making entry
                                                                                                                                                                  Accordingly, after review of the
                                                  provide that the regulation applies to                  of the merchandise, including the TSCA
                                                                                                                                                                comments and further consideration,
                                                  ‘‘articles containing a chemical                        certifications thereof, when it files the
                                                                                                          weekly FTZ entry estimate pursuant to                 CBP has decided to adopt as final the
                                                  substance or mixture if so required by                                                                        proposed rule published in the Federal
                                                  the Administrator by specific rule under                § 146.63(c)(1). CBP is aware that under
                                                                                                          this process, there may be occasions                  Register (81 FR 59157) on August 29,
                                                  TSCA.’’ CBP will continue to consider                                                                         2016, with the changes described above.
                                                  whether other changes to the scope of                   where a TSCA negative certification is
                                                  the rule are needed, and may revisit the                issued by the importer in the weekly                  III. Estimated Costs and Benefits of This
                                                  issue in a future rulemaking.                           estimate, and yet the weekly summary                  Rule
                                                     Comment: One commenter argued                        reflects that TSCA chemical substances
                                                  that the final regulation implementing                  were in fact imported. CBP and EPA                    A. Costs
                                                  the Formaldehyde Emission Standards                     will address importers that demonstrate
                                                                                                          systematic or egregious discrepancies                   The costs for the regulated
                                                  for Composite Wood Products Act of                                                                            community to implement TSCA
                                                  2010, which lifts the article exemption                 between weekly estimates and weekly
                                                                                                          summaries on a case-by-case basis and                 certification via this final rule would be
                                                  for regulated composite wood products,
                                                                                                          through available enforcement and                     minimal. CBP and EPA estimate that
                                                  would be impacted by the proposed rule
                                                                                                          compliance practices.                                 providing the name, phone number, and
                                                  by creating an identification burden on
                                                  CBP and a compliance burden on the                         Current regulations provide for filing             email address of the import certifier
                                                  trade for determining regulated items                   of the Notice of Arrival (NOA) with                   would result in a net increase in
                                                  and requirements. The trade stated that                 entry documentation. The proposed                     information collection burden of three
                                                  clear guidance and training should be                   electronic implementation maintains                   minutes for each of the estimated 2.5
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                                                  available in order to avoid confusion.                  that possibility. CBP is working to build             million TSCA positive certifications and
                                                     CBP Response: Under the final rule,                  functionality for the submission of PGA               230,000 TSCA negative certifications (at
                                                  there should be no impact on the EPA’s                  message set elements as merchandise is                a cost of about $3 per certification and
                                                  efforts to implement regulations under                  admitted to the FTZ through the e–214                 assuming no filer takes advantage of the
                                                  the Formaldehyde Emission Standards                     process. At that time, there may be a                 possibility of filing this address
                                                  for Composite Wood Products Act of                      consideration of whether the NOA is                   information at the header level, as noted
                                                  2010. In order to ensure that the trade                 more appropriately filed at time of                   above), yielding an annual maximum
                                                  has time to adjust and understand the                   admission into a Foreign Trade Zone.                  increased cost to filers of $8.41 million.


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                                                  94984            Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 248 / Tuesday, December 27, 2016 / Rules and Regulations

                                                  B. Executive Orders 12866 and 13563                        the RFA, as amended by the Small                                For TSCA positive certifications, the
                                                     Executive Orders 13563 and 12866                        Business Regulatory Enforcement                              first quantitative analysis is a screening
                                                  direct agencies to assess the costs and                    Fairness Act (SBREFA) of 1996, requires                      analysis of cost impacts to the smallest
                                                  benefits of available regulatory                           an agency to perform a regulatory                            entities associated with TSCA positive
                                                  alternatives and, if regulation is                         flexibility analysis for a rule unless the                   certifications; and the second, a more
                                                  necessary, to select regulatory                            agency certifies under section 605(b)                        detailed distributional analysis of
                                                  approaches that maximize net benefits                      that the regulatory action would not                         impacts associated with TSCA positive
                                                  (including potential economic,                             have a significant (economic) impact on                      certifications. These analyses use cost
                                                  environmental, public health and safety                    a substantial number of small entities.                      impact percentages to measure potential
                                                  effects, distributive impacts, and                         The RFA does not specifically define ‘‘a                     impacts on small parent entities affected
                                                  equity). Executive Order 13563                             significant economic impact on a                             by the final rule. The cost impact
                                                  emphasizes the importance of                               substantial number’’ of small entities.                      percentage is defined as annualized
                                                  quantifying both costs and benefits, of                                                                                 compliance costs resulting from the
                                                                                                                A small entity analysis (SEA) was                         TSCA positive certification portion of
                                                  reducing costs, of harmonizing rules,                      conducted and summarized herein. The
                                                  and of promoting flexibility. This final                                                                                the final rule as a percentage of annual
                                                                                                             SEA consists of: two quantitative                            revenues or sales, a commonly available
                                                  rule is not a ‘‘significant regulatory                     analyses of impacts of the final rule on
                                                  action,’’ under section 3(f) of Executive                                                                               and objective measure of a company’s
                                                                                                             small entities for TSCA positive                             business volume. As is the expected
                                                  Order 12866. Accordingly, OMB has not                      certifications, a qualitative discussion of
                                                  reviewed this regulation. An Economic                                                                                   case for this rule, when increases in
                                                                                                             impacts for TSCA negative                                    regulatory costs are minimal, they
                                                  Analysis for this action, which is                         certifications, and an integrative
                                                  contained in a document entitled                                                                                        represent a small fraction of a typical
                                                                                                             analysis of the combined universe of                         entity’s revenue, and therefore the
                                                  ‘‘Economic Analysis for Custom and
                                                                                                             TSCA positive and TSCA negative                              impacts of the regulation are minimal.
                                                  Border Protection (CBP) Final Rule on
                                                                                                             certifications (all entities affected by the                    The first quantitative analysis for
                                                  TSCA Import Certifications in ACE/
                                                                                                             rule). These analyses provide                                TSCA positive certifications is a
                                                  ITDS,’’ is available in the docket for this
                                                                                                             information on the magnitude and                             screening analysis that provides a
                                                  rulemaking and is summarized in the
                                                  previous section of this document.                         extent of cost impacts for the purpose of                    concise estimate of small entity impacts
                                                                                                             supporting a CBP certification that the                      under the final rule by examining
                                                  C. Regulatory Flexibility Act                              final rule would not result in significant                   whether an ‘‘average small parent
                                                    The Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA)                     (economic) impact on a substantial                           entity’’ incurs significant economic
                                                  of 1980 (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.) requires                    number of small entities. For additional                     impact. The results of this analysis are
                                                  federal agencies to assess the effects of                  details, see the Economic Analysis for                       presented in Table 1. The second
                                                  regulations on small entities, including                   this action, which is contained in a                         quantitative analysis is a detailed
                                                  businesses, nonprofit organizations, and                   document entitled ‘‘Economic Analysis                        distributional analysis that provides an
                                                  governments, and—in some instances—                        for Customs and Border Protection                            estimate of small entity impacts under
                                                  to examine alternatives to the                             (CBP) Final Rule on TSCA Import                              the assumption that affected entities
                                                  regulations that may reduce adverse                        Certifications in ACE/ITDS,’’ and is                         have the same size characteristics as the
                                                  economic effects on significantly                          available in the docket for this                             overall industry sector. The results of
                                                  impacted small entities. Section 604 of                    rulemaking.                                                  this analysis are presented in Table 2.

                                                                         TABLE 1—TSCA POSITIVE CERTIFICATION SUMMARY OF SCREENING ANALYSIS RESULTS
                                                                                                                            Parent entities with 0 to 4 employees                           All small parent entities
                                                   NAICS                   NAICS Code description                            Average                                                   Average
                                                                                                                                             1% Impact         3% Impact                                 1% Impact      3% Impact
                                                                                                                             revenue                                                   revenue

                                                  325 a ....   Chemical Manufacturing ................................        $1,457,186    No ............    No ............      $80,841,890       No ............   No.
                                                  324 b ....   Petroleum and Coal Products Manufacturing                      $2,120,398    No ............    No ............     $556,652,918       No ............   No.
                                                    a For NAICS 325, the analysis of parent entities with 0 to 4 employees include 3,261 businesses while the analysis of all parent entities in-
                                                  cludes 9,772 businesses.
                                                    b For NAICS 324, the analysis of parent entities with 0 to 4 employees include 391 businesses while the analysis of all parent entities includes
                                                  1,189 businesses.

                                                                      TABLE 2—TSCA POSITIVE CERTIFICATION SUMMARY OF DETAILED DISTRIBUTIONAL ANALYSIS
                                                                                                                                       Number and percent of small parent
                                                                                                                          Small                                                            Minimum          Mean         Maximum
                                                                         NAICS Code                     Parent                            entities incurring impact of
                                                   NAICS                                                                 parent                                                            impact a        impact b       impact c
                                                                          description                   entities         entities                                                            (%)             (%)            (%)
                                                                                                                                           <1%                1–3%               >3%

                                                  325 ......   Chemical Manufacturing .........           11,175          11,175    11,175 (100%)             0 (0%)             0 (0%)         <0.001         0.015          0.032
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                                                  324 ......   Petroleum and Coal Products                 3,657           3,657     3,657 (100%)             0 (0%)             0 (0%)         <0.001         0.009          0.022
                                                                 Manufacturing.
                                                    a Of the 11,175 small entities in NAICS 325, the minimum impact experienced by any entity was <0.001%. Of the 3.657 small entities in NAICS
                                                  324, the minimum impact experienced by any entity was <0.001%.
                                                    b Of the 11,175 small entities in NAICS 325, the mean impact experienced by any entity was 0.015%. Of the 3.657 small entities in NAICS
                                                  324, the mean impact experienced by any entity was 0.009%.
                                                    c Of the 11,175 small entities in NAICS 325, the maximum impact experienced by any entity was 0.032%. Of the 3.657 small entities in NAICS
                                                  324, the maximum impact experienced by any entity was 0.022%.



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                                                                   Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 248 / Tuesday, December 27, 2016 / Rules and Regulations                                          94985

                                                     The small entity screening analysis                  D. Paperwork Reduction Act                            a chemical substance in bulk form or as
                                                  for TSCA positive certifications                          As this rule does not establish a new               part of a mixture, and articles
                                                  demonstrates that no small entities are                 collection of information, as defined in              containing a chemical substance or
                                                  expected to incur impacts of one                        the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995                   mixture. Such importations are also
                                                  percent or greater. The detailed                        (44 U.S.C. 3507), the provisions of the               governed by these regulations which are
                                                  distributional analysis for TSCA                        Paperwork Reduction Act are                           issued under the authority of section
                                                  positive certifications shows that while                inapplicable.                                         13(b) of TSCA (15 U.S.C. 2612(b)).
                                                  a large number of small entities in                                                                           ■ 3. Revise § 12.119 to read as follows:
                                                  certain sectors may be affected by the                  E. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act
                                                  final rule, all of these small entities are             (UMRA)                                                § 12.119   Scope.
                                                  expected to incur impacts of                              This rule will not result in the                      Sections 12.120 through 12.127 apply
                                                  considerably less than one percent.                     expenditure by State, local, and tribal               to the importation into the customs
                                                     For TSCA negative certifications,                    governments, in the aggregate, or by the              territory of the United States of:
                                                  because the unit incremental steady                                                                             (a) Chemical substances in bulk form
                                                                                                          private sector, of $100 million or more
                                                  state burden associated with positive                                                                         and as part of a mixture under TSCA;
                                                                                                          in any one year, and it will not                        (b) TSCA-excluded chemicals; and
                                                  and negative certification are virtually                significantly or uniquely affect small
                                                  the same (2.93 versus 2.98 minutes,                                                                             (c) Articles containing a chemical
                                                                                                          governments. Therefore, no actions are                substance or mixture if so required by
                                                  respectively), the small entity impacts                 necessary under the provisions of the
                                                  associated with negative certifications                                                                       the Administrator by specific rule under
                                                                                                          Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of                       TSCA.
                                                  are similar to the small entity impacts                 1995.
                                                  associated with positive certifications,                                                                      ■ 4. In § 12.120, revise paragraph (b)
                                                  and are considerably less than one                      F. Signing Authority                                  and add paragraphs (c) through (f) to
                                                  percent.                                                   This proposed regulation is being                  read as follows:
                                                     Integrating the above information for                issued in accordance with 19 CFR                      § 12.120   Definitions.
                                                  all firms submitting TSCA positive                      0.1(a)(1) pertaining to the authority of              *      *     *    *      *
                                                  certifications and/or TSCA negative                     the Secretary of the Treasury (or that of                (b) TSCA chemical substance in bulk
                                                  certifications requires consideration of                his or her delegate) to approve                       form. ‘‘TSCA chemical substance in
                                                  the degree to which the firms submitting                regulations pertaining to certain                     bulk form’’ means a chemical substance
                                                  each type of certification overlap. Since               customs revenue functions.                            as set forth in section 3(2) of TSCA, (15
                                                  this detailed information is not readily                                                                      U.S.C. 2602(2)) (other than as part of an
                                                  available, an assessment is made via                    List of Subjects
                                                                                                                                                                article) in containers used for purposes
                                                  review of lower-bound and upper-                        19 CFR Part 12                                        of transportation or containment,
                                                  bound impact scenarios. At the lower                                                                          provided that the chemical substance is
                                                                                                            Customs duties and inspection, Entry
                                                  bound with an assumption of no                                                                                intended to be removed from the
                                                                                                          of merchandise, Imports, Reporting and
                                                  overlap, firms submitting TSCA positive                                                                       container and has an end use or
                                                                                                          recordkeeping requirements.
                                                  and TSCA negative certifications are                                                                          commercial purpose separate from the
                                                  completely isolated and separate. Each                  19 CFR Part 127
                                                                                                                                                                container.
                                                  firm incurs about three minutes                           Customs duties and inspection,                         (c) TSCA chemical substance as part
                                                  additional burden per certification with                Exports, Freight, Reporting and                       of a mixture. ‘‘TSCA chemical substance
                                                  associated impacts of less than one                     recordkeeping requirements.                           as part of a mixture’’ means a chemical
                                                  percent, yielding overall impacts of less                                                                     substance as set forth in section 3(2) of
                                                  than one percent for all firms. In the                  Amendments to the CBP Regulations
                                                                                                                                                                TSCA, (15 U.S.C. 2602(2)) that is part of
                                                  upper-bound scenario, with an                             For the reasons set forth above, parts              a combination of two or more chemical
                                                  assumption that all firms overlap, firms                12 and 127 of the Code of Federal                     substances as set forth in section 3(10)
                                                  submit both TSCA positive and negative                  Regulations (19 CFR parts 12 and 127)                 of TSCA.
                                                  certifications at the same transaction                  are amended as follows:                                  (d) TSCA-excluded chemicals.
                                                  rates per firm for each type of                                                                               ‘‘TSCA-excluded chemicals’’ means any
                                                  certification. All firms incur twice the                PART 12—SPECIAL CLASSES OF                            chemicals that are excluded from the
                                                  burden due to managing twice as many                    MERCHANDISE                                           definition of TSCA chemical substance
                                                  certifications (i.e., in comparison to                                                                        by section 3(2)(B) (ii)–(vi) of TSCA, (15
                                                  three minutes per certification, the                    ■ 1. The general and specific authority               U.S.C. 2602(2) (B) (ii)–(vi)) (other than
                                                  ‘‘double duty’’ requires six minutes for                citations for part 12 continue to read as             as part of a mixture), regardless of form.
                                                  one positive certification plus one                     follows:                                                 (e) Covered commodity. ‘‘Covered
                                                  negative certification). Nonetheless, the                 Authority: 5 U.S.C. 301; 19 U.S.C. 66,              commodity’’ means merchandise that
                                                  associated overall impacts are still less               1202 (General Note 3(i), Harmonized Tariff            meets the terms of one of the definitions
                                                  than one percent for all firms.                         Schedule of the United States (HTSUS)),               specified in paragraph (a), (b), or (d) of
                                                     Per conventional practices including                 1624.                                                 this section or that is a mixture as
                                                  EPA guidance, even if a substantial                     *      *      *      *       *                        defined in TSCA.
                                                  number of entities are affected by a final                Sections 12.118 through 12.127 also issued             (f) Administrator. ‘‘Administrator’’
                                                  rule, as long as the impact to these                    under 15 U.S.C. 2601 et seq.                          means the Administrator of the
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                                                  entities is very low, the rule can be                   *       *    *      *    *                            Environmental Protection Agency
                                                  determined to not result in a significant               ■   2. Revise § 12.118 to read as follows:            (EPA).
                                                  impact on a substantial number of small                                                                       ■ 5. Revise § 12.121 to read as follows:
                                                  entities. Based on the evidence of the                  § 12.118    Toxic Substances Control Act.
                                                  analyses summarized above, CBP                             The Toxic Substances Control Act                   § 12.121   Reporting requirements.
                                                  certifies that this final rule will not have            (‘‘TSCA’’) (15 U.S.C. 2601 et seq.)                     (a) Certification required. (1) The
                                                  a significant economic impact on a                      governs the importation into the                      importer or the authorized agent of such
                                                  substantial number of small entities.                   customs territory of the United States of             an importer of a TSCA chemical


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                                                  94986            Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 248 / Tuesday, December 27, 2016 / Rules and Regulations

                                                  substance in bulk form or as part of a                  words ‘‘chemical substances, mixtures,                § 12.127     Decision to store or dispose.
                                                  mixture, must certify in writing or                     or articles’’ and adding in their place the              A shipment detained under § 12.122
                                                  electronically that the chemical                        words ‘‘covered commodity’’.
                                                                                                                                                                will be considered to be unclaimed or
                                                  shipment complies with all applicable
                                                                                                          § 12.123    [Amended]                                 abandoned and will be turned over to
                                                  rules and orders under TSCA by filing
                                                                                                                                                                the Administrator for storage or
                                                  with CBP the following statement:                       ■ 7. Amend § 12.123 by removing the                   disposition as provided for in § 127.28(i)
                                                    I certify that all chemical substances in this        word ‘‘shall’’ each place it appears and
                                                                                                                                                                of this chapter if the importer has not
                                                  shipment comply with all applicable rules or            adding in its place the word ‘‘will’’ and
                                                                                                                                                                brought the shipment into compliance
                                                  orders under TSCA and that I am not offering            in paragraph (b), third sentence, by
                                                  a chemical substance for entry in violation of                                                                with TSCA and has not exported the
                                                                                                          removing the words ‘‘chemical
                                                  TSCA or any applicable rule or order                    substance, mixture, or article’’ and                  shipment within the time limitations or
                                                  thereunder.                                             adding in their place the words ‘‘a                   extensions specified according to
                                                     (2) The importer or the authorized                   covered commodity’’.                                  § 12.124. The importer will remain
                                                  agent of such an importer of any TSCA-                                                                        liable for any expense in the storage
                                                  excluded chemical not clearly identified                § 12.124    [Amended]                                 and/or disposal of abandoned
                                                  as such must certify in writing or                      ■ 8. Amend § 12.124 as follows:                       merchandise.
                                                  electronically that the chemical                        ■ a. In paragraph (a) by removing the
                                                  shipment is not subject to TSCA by                                                                            PART 127—GENERAL ORDER,
                                                                                                          words ‘‘chemical substances, mixtures,                UNCLAIMED, AND ABANDONED
                                                  filing with CBP the following statement:                or articles’’ and adding in their place the           MERCHANDISE
                                                     I certify that all chemicals in this                 words ‘‘a covered commodity’’.
                                                  shipment are not subject to TSCA.                       ■ b. In paragraph (a) by removing the
                                                     (3) Filing of certification. (i) The                                                                       ■ 12. The general and specific authority
                                                                                                          word ‘‘shall’’ and adding in its place the            citations for part 127 continue to read as
                                                  appropriate certification required under                word ‘‘must’’.
                                                  paragraph (a) of this section must be                                                                         follows:
                                                                                                          ■ c. In paragraph (b) introductory text
                                                  filed with the director of the port of                  by removing the words ‘‘Customs                         Authority: 19 U.S.C. 66, 1311, 1312, 1484,
                                                  entry in writing or electronically to the               Service’’ and adding in its place the                 1485, 1490, 1491, 1492, 1493, 1506, 1559,
                                                  Automated Commercial Environment                        word ‘‘CBP’’.                                         1563, 1623, 1624, 1646a; 26 U.S.C. 5753.
                                                  (ACE) system or any other CBP-                                                                                *        *    *     *      *
                                                  authorized EDI system prior to release of               ■  9. The introductory text of § 12.125 is
                                                                                                                                                                  Section 127.28 also issued under 15 U.S.C.
                                                  the shipment. For each entry subject to                 revised and in paragraph (b) the words
                                                                                                                                                                2612, 26 U.S.C. 5688;
                                                  certification under paragraph (a), the                  ‘‘chemical substances, mixtures, or
                                                                                                          articles’’ are removed and the words                  *        *    *     *      *
                                                  name, phone number, and email address
                                                  of the certifier (the importer or the                   ‘‘covered commodity’’ are added in their              ■ 13. Amend § 127.28 by revising
                                                  importer’s authorized agent) shall be                   place.                                                paragraph (i) to read as follows:
                                                  included.                                                  The revision reads as follows:
                                                     (ii) Written certifications must appear                                                                    § 127.28     Special merchandise.
                                                                                                          § 12.125    Notice of exportation.
                                                  as a typed or stamped statement:                                                                              *      *    *     *     *
                                                     (A) On an appropriate entry document                   Whenever the Administrator directs
                                                                                                                                                                   (i) Good subject to TSCA
                                                  or commercial invoice or on an                          the port director to refuse entry under
                                                                                                                                                                Requirements. A good subject to TSCA
                                                  attachment to that entry document or                    § 12.123 and the importer exports the
                                                                                                          non-complying shipment within the 30                  requirements, i.e., a covered commodity
                                                  invoice; or
                                                     (B) In the event of release under a                  day period of notice of refusal of entry              as defined in section 12.120 of this
                                                  special permit for an immediate                         or within 90 days of demand for                       chapter, will be inspected by a
                                                  delivery as provided for in § 142.21 of                 redelivery, the importer must submit                  representative of the Environmental
                                                  this chapter or in the case of an entry                 notice of the exportation either in                   Protection Agency to ascertain whether
                                                  as provided for in § 142.3 of this                      writing to the port director or                       it complies with the Toxic Substances
                                                  chapter, on the commercial invoice or                   electronically to ACE or any other CBP-               Control Act and the regulations and
                                                  on an attachment to that invoice.                       authorized EDI system. The importer                   orders issued thereunder. If found not to
                                                     (b) TSCA chemical substances or                      must include the following information                comply with these requirements that
                                                  mixtures as parts of articles. An                       in the notice of exportation:                         good must be exported or otherwise
                                                  importer of a TSCA chemical substance                   *     *     *     *     *                             disposed of immediately in accordance
                                                  or mixture as part of an article must                                                                         with the provisions of §§ 12.125 through
                                                  comply with the certification                           ■   10. Revise § 12.126 to read as follows:
                                                                                                                                                                12.127 of this chapter.
                                                  requirements set forth in paragraph (a)                 § 12.126    Notice of abandonment.
                                                  of this section only if required to do so                                                                     R. Gil Kerlikowske,
                                                  by a rule or order issued under TSCA.                      If the importer intends to abandon the             Commissioner, U.S. Customs and Border
                                                     (c) Facsimile signatures. The                        shipment after receiving notice of                    Protection.
                                                  certification statements required under                 refusal of entry, the importer must                     Approved: December 20, 2016.
                                                  paragraph (a) of this section may be                    present a notice of intent to abandon in
                                                                                                                                                                Timothy E. Skud,
                                                  signed by means of an authorized                        writing to the port director or
                                                                                                                                                                Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Treasury.
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                                                  facsimile signature.                                    electronically to ACE or any other CBP-
                                                                                                          authorized EDI system. Notification                   [FR Doc. 2016–31055 Filed 12–23–16; 8:45 am]
                                                  § 12.122   [Amended]                                    under this section is a waiver of any                 BILLING CODE 9111–14–P

                                                  ■ 6. Amend § 12.122 by removing the                     right to export the merchandise. The
                                                  word ‘‘shall’’ each place it appears and                importer will remain liable for any
                                                  adding in its place the word ‘‘will’’ and               expense incurred in the storage and/or
                                                  in paragraphs (a) introductory text and                 disposal of abandoned merchandise.
                                                  (b) introductory text by removing the                   ■   11. Revise § 12.127 to read as follows:


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Document Created: 2018-02-14 09:13:47
Document Modified: 2018-02-14 09:13:47
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 January 26, 2017.
ContactFor questions related to the filing of EPA forms with CBP, contact William Scopa, Partner Government Agencies Interagency Collaboration Division, Office of Trade, Customs and Border Protection, at [email protected] For EPA policy questions, contact Harlan Weir, at [email protected]
FR Citation81 FR 94980 
RIN Number1515-AE13
CFR Citation19 CFR 127
19 CFR 12
CFR AssociatedCustoms Duties and Inspection; Entry of Merchandise; Imports; Reporting and Recordkeeping Requirements; Exports and Freight

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