CBP Seeks Comments on DR-CAFTA Import/Export Info Collection
U.S. Customs and Border Protection is requesting comments by February 3, 2012 on an existing information collection on the Dominican Republic-Central America-U.S. Free Trade Agreement (DR-CAFTA) import, export, and post-import requirements. CBP is proposing to extend the expiration date of this information collection with no change to the burden hours or to the information collected.
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CBP Uses Info to Substantiate Claims for DR-CAFTA Preferential Treatment
On August 5, 2004, the U.S. entered into the DR-CAFTA with Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. The agreement was approved by Congress in section 101(a) of the DR-CAFTA Implementation Act and provides for preferential tariff treatment of certain goods originating in one or more of the DR-CAFTA countries. It was signed into law on August 2, 2005.
In order to ascertain if imported goods are eligible for preferential tariff treatment or duty refunds under DR-CAFTA, CBP collects information such as name and contact information for importer and exporter; information about the producer of the good; a description of the good; the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) tariff classification; and the applicable rule of origin. In addition, a certification and supporting documents may be requested by CBP in order to substantiate the claim for preferential tariff treatment.
CBP states this information collection is provided for by 19 CFR 10.583 through 19 CFR 10.592, and covers the DR-CAFTA import requirements, export requirements and post-importation duty refund claims. (available here).
CBP Estimates 2,500 Respondents Will File 4 Responses Each Annually
CBP estimates there will be 2,500 respondents who will each file four responses annually. CBP estimates the time per response to be 24 minutes, or 1.6 hours annually. CBP estimates the total annual burden hours will be 4,000.
Comments Requested on Ways to Minimize Burden, Etc.
CBP is asking for comments from the general public and other Federal agencies on (a) whether the collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information shall have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency’s estimates of the burden of the collection of information; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; (d) ways to minimize the burden including the use of automated collection techniques or the use of other forms of information technology; and (e) the annual costs burden to respondents or record keepers from the collection of information (a total capital/startup costs and operations and maintenance costs).
CBP Contact -- Tracey Denning (202) 325-0265