83 FR 47931 - Discontinuation of Customs Broker Importer Self-Assessment Pre-Certification Test
DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
U.S. Customs and Border Protection Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 184 (September 21, 2018)
U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 184 (September 21, 2018)
| Page Range | 47931-47932 | |
| FR Document | 2018-20581 |
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 184 (Friday, September 21, 2018)] [Notices] [Pages 47931-47932] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2018-20581] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY U.S. Customs and Border Protection Discontinuation of Customs Broker Importer Self-Assessment Pre- Certification Test AGENCY: U.S. Customs and Border Protection; Department of Homeland Security. ACTION: General notice. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: On April 17, 2013, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced a test allowing customs brokers to pre-certify importers for participation in the Importer Self-Assessment (ISA) program. The Customs Broker Importer Self-Assessment Pre-Certification (Broker ISA PC) test was intended to leverage customs brokers' relationships with importers to facilitate and promote importer participation in the ISA program. Unfortunately, there was minimal importer participation in the test; thus, CBP has determined that it is not effective to continue with the Broker ISA PC test. This notice announces CBP's intention to discontinue the test and not to move forward with a permanent Broker ISA PC program. DATES: As of September 21, 2018, the test is discontinued. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Lori Mennitt, Acting Chief, Trade Compliance Branch, Cargo & Conveyance Security, Office of Field Operations, 202-344-3285, lori.mennitt@cbp.dhs.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background The Broker ISA PC Test On April 17, 2013, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced a test in the Federal Register (78 FR 22895) allowing customs brokers to pre-certify importers for participation in the Importer Self-Assessment program. The primary goal of the test, known as the Customs Broker Importer Self-Assessment (ISA) Pre-Certification (Broker ISA PC) test, was to leverage customs brokers' relationships to facilitate and promote importer participation in the ISA program, especially for small and medium enterprises. The Broker ISA PC test allowed selected brokers, referred to as ISA pre-certifiers, to pre- certify importers for the ISA program. The ISA program was established in 2002 to enable interested importers to voluntarily participate in a program that allows them to self-assess their own compliance with customs laws and regulations on a continuing basis. See 67 FR 41298 (June 17, 2002). The ISA program is a joint government-business trade facilitation partnership program that recruits trade compliant companies to build cooperative relationships that strengthen trade compliance. It is based on the premise that importers with strong internal controls are more likely to achieve a high level of compliance with customs laws and regulations; thus the program enables CBP to recognize and support importers who have implemented such programs. Importers wishing to participate in the ISA [[Page 47932]] program submit a complete application package to CBP. CBP then reviews the application and begins the vetting process including a risk assessment and a determination of the applicant's readiness to assume the responsibilities of ISA. When the Broker ISA PC test was in operation, importers interested in applying to participate in the ISA program had the option of using either the Broker ISA PC services (most likely for a fee) of an ISA pre-certifier to facilitate participation in the ISA program or the importers could continue to apply for participation in the ISA program without the services of a pre-certifier. Under the Broker ISA PC test, an interested importer who wished to use the services of a pre- certifier submitted a complete ISA application package to both CBP and the ISA pre-certifier whom they selected. If an importer used the services of an ISA pre-certifier, the importer noted this at the time it submitted its ISA application. The key benefit of using the services of an ISA pre-certifier was the facilitation of the ISA application process. In the April 17, 2013 Federal Register notice, CBP anticipated that the use of an ISA pre-certifier would reduce the time period from application to presentation to the ISA Review Board from the average processing time for CBP which is between 9 and 12 months to between 90 and 120 days. Discontinuation of the Broker ISA PC Test CBP announced in the April 17, 2013 Federal Register notice that it would review the effectiveness and feasibility of the Broker ISA PC test one (1) year after the date of the ISA Pre-Certifiers Orientation and that based on the results and lessons learned from the test, CBP would determine if the Broker ISA PC would be fully implemented as a permanent program. While a total of 23 brokers volunteered to participate in the test and 9 brokers were selected to participate in the test per the guidelines of the notice, the test proved unsuccessful as there was little participation from importers. Several importers expressed reservations about securing the services of a broker to conduct the ISA evaluations and indicated that the broker fees were cost prohibitive. Only three (3) importers signed up to be reviewed by the brokers. Because of the low participation rate, CBP has determined that the test and test program are not effective and has decided to terminate the test. As a result, the Broker ISA PC test is discontinued effective immediately and the test program will not be implemented as a permanent program. The discontinuation of the test and the publication of this notice will have no effect on the ISA program. Dated: September 18, 2018. Todd C. Owen, Executive Assistant Commissioner, Office of Field Operations. [FR Doc. 2018-20581 Filed 9-20-18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 9111-14-P
![Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 184 / Friday, September 21, 2018 / Notices 47931
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND confidential trade secrets or commercial announced a test allowing customs
HUMAN SERVICES property such as patentable material, brokers to pre-certify importers for
and personal information concerning participation in the Importer Self-
National Institutes of Health individuals associated with the grant Assessment (ISA) program. The
applications, the disclosure of which Customs Broker Importer Self-
National Eye Institute; Notice of Closed would constitute a clearly unwarranted Assessment Pre-Certification (Broker
Meeting invasion of personal privacy. ISA PC) test was intended to leverage
Pursuant to section 10(d) of the Name of Committee: National Institute of customs brokers’ relationships with
Federal Advisory Committee Act, as Mental Health Special Emphasis Panel; importers to facilitate and promote
amended, notice is hereby given of the Development and Exploration of importer participation in the ISA
following meeting. Psychosocial Interventions for Mental Health program. Unfortunately, there was
The meeting will be closed to the Disorders. minimal importer participation in the
Date: October 12, 2018. test; thus, CBP has determined that it is
public in accordance with the Time: 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
provisions set forth in sections not effective to continue with the Broker
Agenda: To review and evaluate grant
552b(c)(4) and 552b(c)(6), Title 5 U.S.C., ISA PC test. This notice announces
applications.
as amended. The grant applications and Place: Hyatt Regency Bethesda, One CBP’s intention to discontinue the test
the discussions could disclose Bethesda Metro Center, 7400 Wisconsin and not to move forward with a
confidential trade secrets or commercial Avenue, Bethesda, MD 20814. permanent Broker ISA PC program.
property such as patentable material, Contact Person: David I. Sommers, Ph.D., DATES: As of September 21, 2018, the
Scientific Review Officer Division of test is discontinued.
and personal information concerning
Extramural Activities, National Institute of
individuals associated with the grant FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Lori
Mental Health National Institutes of Health,
applications, the disclosure of which 6001 Executive Blvd., Room 6154, MSC 9606, Mennitt, Acting Chief, Trade
would constitute a clearly unwarranted Bethesda, MD 20892, 301–443–7861, Compliance Branch, Cargo &
invasion of personal privacy. dsommers@mail.nih.gov. Conveyance Security, Office of Field
Name of Committee: National Eye Institute Name of Committee: National Institute of Operations, 202–344–3285,
Special Emphasis Panel; NEI Retina Mental Health Special Emphasis Panel; lori.mennitt@cbp.dhs.gov.
Applications. NIMH Pilot Effectiveness Trials for SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Date: October 15, 2018. Treatment, Preventive, and Services
Time: 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Interventions (R34). Background
Agenda: To review and evaluate Date: October 24, 2018.
Time: 11:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The Broker ISA PC Test
cooperative agreement applications.
Place: National Institutes of Health, 6700B Agenda: To review and evaluate grant On April 17, 2013, U.S. Customs and
Rockledge Drive, Bethesda, MD 20817 applications. Border Protection (CBP) announced a
Place: National Institutes of Health test in the Federal Register (78 FR
(Telephone Conference Call).
Neuroscience Center, 6001 Executive 22895) allowing customs brokers to pre-
Contact Person: Brian Hoshaw, Ph.D.,
Boulevard, Rockville, MD 20852 (Virtual
Scientific Review Officer, National Eye
Meeting). certify importers for participation in the
Institute, National Institutes of Health, Importer Self-Assessment program. The
Contact Person: Marcy Ellen Burstein,
Division of Extramural Research, 5635 Ph.D., Scientific Review Officer Division of primary goal of the test, known as the
Fishers Lane, Suite 1300, Rockville, MD Extramural Activities, National Institute of Customs Broker Importer Self-
20892, 301–451–2020, hoshawb@ Mental Health, NIH Neuroscience Center, Assessment (ISA) Pre-Certification
mail.nih.gov. 6001 Executive Blvd., Room 6143, MSC 9606, (Broker ISA PC) test, was to leverage
(Catalogue of Federal Domestic Assistance Bethesda, MD 20892–9606, 301–443–9699, customs brokers’ relationships to
Program Nos. 93.867, Vision Research, bursteinme@mail.nih.gov.
National Institutes of Health, HHS)
facilitate and promote importer
(Catalogue of Federal Domestic Assistance participation in the ISA program,
Dated: September 17, 2018. Program No. 93.242, Mental Health Research especially for small and medium
Natasha M. Copeland, Grants, National Institutes of Health, HHS)
enterprises. The Broker ISA PC test
Program Analyst, Office of Federal Advisory Dated: September 17, 2018. allowed selected brokers, referred to as
Committee Policy. Melanie J. Pantoja, ISA pre-certifiers, to pre-certify
[FR Doc. 2018–20525 Filed 9–20–18; 8:45 am] Program Analyst, Office of Federal Advisory importers for the ISA program.
BILLING CODE 4140–01–P Committee Policy. The ISA program was established in
[FR Doc. 2018–20524 Filed 9–20–18; 8:45 am] 2002 to enable interested importers to
BILLING CODE 4140–01–P voluntarily participate in a program that
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND allows them to self-assess their own
HUMAN SERVICES compliance with customs laws and
DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND regulations on a continuing basis. See
National Institutes of Health SECURITY 67 FR 41298 (June 17, 2002). The ISA
program is a joint government-business
National Institute of Mental Health; U.S. Customs and Border Protection trade facilitation partnership program
Notice of Closed Meetings that recruits trade compliant companies
Pursuant to section 10(d) of the Discontinuation of Customs Broker to build cooperative relationships that
Federal Advisory Committee Act, as Importer Self-Assessment Pre- strengthen trade compliance. It is based
amended, notice is hereby given of the Certification Test on the premise that importers with
daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with NOTICES
following meetings. AGENCY: U.S. Customs and Border strong internal controls are more likely
The meetings will be closed to the Protection; Department of Homeland to achieve a high level of compliance
public in accordance with the Security. with customs laws and regulations; thus
provisions set forth in sections ACTION: General notice. the program enables CBP to recognize
552b(c)(4) and 552b(c)(6), Title 5 U.S.C., and support importers who have
as amended. The grant applications and SUMMARY: On April 17, 2013, U.S. implemented such programs. Importers
the discussions could disclose Customs and Border Protection (CBP) wishing to participate in the ISA
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![47932 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 184 / Friday, September 21, 2018 / Notices
program submit a complete application the test program will not be Samantha Deshommes, Chief, 20
package to CBP. CBP then reviews the implemented as a permanent program. Massachusetts Avenue NW,
application and begins the vetting The discontinuation of the test and Washington, DC 20529–2140,
process including a risk assessment and the publication of this notice will have Telephone number (202) 272–8377
a determination of the applicant’s no effect on the ISA program. (This is not a toll-free number;
readiness to assume the responsibilities Dated: September 18, 2018. comments are not accepted via
of ISA. Todd C. Owen, telephone message.). Please note contact
When the Broker ISA PC test was in information provided here is solely for
operation, importers interested in Executive Assistant Commissioner, Office of
Field Operations. questions regarding this notice. It is not
applying to participate in the ISA for individual case status inquiries.
[FR Doc. 2018–20581 Filed 9–20–18; 8:45 am]
program had the option of using either Applicants seeking information about
the Broker ISA PC services (most likely BILLING CODE 9111–14–P
the status of their individual cases can
for a fee) of an ISA pre-certifier to check Case Status Online, available at
facilitate participation in the ISA the USCIS website at http://
program or the importers could DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND
SECURITY www.uscis.gov, or call the USCIS
continue to apply for participation in National Customer Service Center at
the ISA program without the services of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration (800) 375–5283; TTY (800) 767–1833.
a pre-certifier. Under the Broker ISA PC Services SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
test, an interested importer who wished
to use the services of a pre-certifier [OMB Control Number 1615–0069] Comments
submitted a complete ISA application The information collection notice was
package to both CBP and the ISA pre- Agency Information Collection
previously published in the Federal
certifier whom they selected. If an Activities; Revision of a Currently
Register on May 31, 2018, at 83 FR
importer used the services of an ISA Approved Collection: Application by
25026, allowing for a 60-day public
pre-certifier, the importer noted this at Refugee for Waiver of Inadmissibility
comment period. USCIS did receive two
the time it submitted its ISA Grounds
comments in connection with the 60-
application. The key benefit of using the AGENCY: U.S. Citizenship and day notice.
services of an ISA pre-certifier was the Immigration Services, Department of You may access the information
facilitation of the ISA application Homeland Security. collection instrument with instructions,
process. In the April 17, 2013 Federal or additional information by visiting the
ACTION: 30-Day notice.
Register notice, CBP anticipated that the Federal eRulemaking Portal site at:
use of an ISA pre-certifier would reduce SUMMARY: The Department of Homeland http://www.regulations.gov and enter
the time period from application to Security (DHS), U.S. Citizenship and USCIS–2006–0042 in the search box.
presentation to the ISA Review Board Immigration Services (USCIS) will be Written comments and suggestions from
from the average processing time for submitting the following information the public and affected agencies should
CBP which is between 9 and 12 months collection request to the Office of address one or more of the following
to between 90 and 120 days. Management and Budget (OMB) for four points:
Discontinuation of the Broker ISA PC review and clearance in accordance (1) Evaluate whether the proposed
Test with the Paperwork Reduction Act of collection of information is necessary
1995. The purpose of this notice is to for the proper performance of the
CBP announced in the April 17, 2013 allow an additional 30 days for public functions of the agency, including
Federal Register notice that it would comments. whether the information will have
review the effectiveness and feasibility practical utility;
DATES: The purpose of this notice is to
of the Broker ISA PC test one (1) year (2) Evaluate the accuracy of the
after the date of the ISA Pre-Certifiers allow an additional 30 days for public
comments. Comments are encouraged agency’s estimate of the burden of the
Orientation and that based on the proposed collection of information,
results and lessons learned from the and will be accepted until October 22,
2018. including the validity of the
test, CBP would determine if the Broker methodology and assumptions used;
ISA PC would be fully implemented as ADDRESSES: Written comments and/or
(3) Enhance the quality, utility, and
a permanent program. suggestions regarding the item(s)
clarity of the information to be
While a total of 23 brokers contained in this notice, especially
collected; and
volunteered to participate in the test regarding the estimated public burden (4) Minimize the burden of the
and 9 brokers were selected to and associated response time, must be collection of information on those who
participate in the test per the guidelines directed to the OMB USCIS Desk Officer are to respond, including through the
of the notice, the test proved via email at dhsdeskofficer@ use of appropriate automated,
unsuccessful as there was little omb.eop.gov. All submissions received electronic, mechanical, or other
participation from importers. Several must include the agency name and the technological collection techniques or
importers expressed reservations about OMB Control Number 1615–0069 in the other forms of information technology,
securing the services of a broker to subject line. e.g., permitting electronic submission of
conduct the ISA evaluations and You may wish to consider limiting the responses.
indicated that the broker fees were cost amount of personal information that you
prohibitive. Only three (3) importers provide in any voluntary submission Overview of This Information
daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with NOTICES
signed up to be reviewed by the brokers. you make. For additional information Collection
Because of the low participation rate, please read the Privacy Act notice that (1) Type of Information Collection
CBP has determined that the test and is available via the link in the footer of Request: Revision of a Currently
test program are not effective and has http://www.regulations.gov. Approved Collection.
decided to terminate the test. As a FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: (2) Title of the Form/Collection:
result, the Broker ISA PC test is USCIS, Office of Policy and Strategy, Application by Refugee for Waiver of
discontinued effective immediately and Regulatory Coordination Division, Inadmissibility Grounds.
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Document Created: 2018-09-21 00:24:30
Document Modified: 2018-09-21 00:24:30
| Category | Regulatory Information | |
| Collection | Federal Register | |
| sudoc Class | AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106: | |
| Publisher | Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration | |
| Section | Notices | |
| Action | General notice. | |
| Dates | As of September 21, 2018, the test is discontinued. | |
| Contact | Lori Mennitt, Acting Chief, Trade Compliance Branch, Cargo & Conveyance Security, Office of Field Operations, 202-344-3285, [email protected] | |
| FR Citation | 83 FR 47931 |
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