CBP Requests Comments on Simplified Entry Info Collection
U.S. Customs and Border Protection is requesting comments by January 30, 2012 on its Simplified Entry information collection (which is part of its information collection request for CBP Forms 3461 and 3461 ALT). CBP is proposing to extend the expiration date of this information collection with a change to the burden hours as a result of the proposed addition of the Simplified Entry Program.
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(CBP’s original request for comments on the CBP Form 3461 and 3461 ALT information collection did not reflect CBP’s Simplified Entry Test. CBP has recently chosen nine brokers to participate in a Simplified Entry test, along with their importers who have volunteered to have their entries filed in the test.)
Filers Will be Able to File Simplified Entry Data in Lieu of CBP Form 3461
CBP states that it is proposing to establish a new program for ACE entry summary filers called “Simplified Entry” in which importers or brokers may file Simplified Entry data in lieu of filing CBP Form 3461. This data includes 12 required elements: importer of record; buyer name and address; buyer employer identification number (consignee number); seller name and address; manufacturer/supplier name and address; Harmonized Tariff Schedule 10-digit number; country of origin; bill of lading; house air waybill number; bill of lading issuer code; entry number; entry type; and estimated shipment value. There will also be three optional data elements including: container stuffing location; consolidator name and address; and ship to party name and address. The data collected under the proposed Simplified Entry program is intended to expedite the entry process.
CBP Estimates 500 Respondents for Simplified Entry
CBP adds new burden hour information for Simplified Entry and revises its previously published information for the CBP Form 3461.
CBP estimates the number of respondents for Simplified Entry will be 500 with 1,411 responses per respondent. CBP estimates the time per response to be 10 minutes (as compared to an estimated 15 minutes for the CBP Form 3461).
(CBP has revised the information for the CBP Form 3461 to reflect Simplified Entry. As revised, CBP estimates the number of respondents to be 6,029 (from 6,529). The burden information for the CBP Form 3461 ALT remains unchanged.)
CBP Uses Forms 3461 & 3461 ALT to Verify Consignee, Shipment, Bond, Etc.
CBP states that all items imported into the U.S. are subject to examination before entering commerce. There are two procedures available to effect the release of imported merchandise, including "entry" pursuant to 19 USC 1484 (available here), and "immediate delivery" pursuant to 19 USC 1448(b) (available here). Under both procedures, CBP Forms 3461 and 3461 ALT are the source documents in the packages presented to CBP.
The information collected on CBP Forms 3461 and 3461 ALT allows CBP officers to verify that the information regarding the consignee and shipment is correct and that a bond is on file with CBP. CBP also uses these forms to close out the manifest and to establish the obligation to pay estimated duties in the time period prescribed by law or regulation. CBP Form 3461 is also a delivery authorization document and is given to the importing carrier to authorize the release of the merchandise.
CBP Forms 3461 and 3461 ALT (available here) are provided for by 19 CFR 141 and 142.
Comments Requested on Ways to Minimize Burden, Etc.
CBP is asking for comments from the general public and other Federal agencies on (a) whether this collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency/component, including whether the information will have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the agencies/components estimates of the burden of this collection of information; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collections of information on those who are to respond, including the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological techniques or other forms of information.
(See ITT's Online Archives 11120503 for summary on CBP’s plans for a Simplified test expected to begin January 2012.
See ITT’s Online Archives 11122009 for summary on CBP’s presentation on the Simplified Entry process, etc.
See ITT’s Online Archives 11121201 for summary on CBP’s press release announcing 9 CHBs selected for Simplified Entry Test, etc.)
CBP Contact -- Tracey Denning (202) 325-0265