[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 50 (Tuesday, March 15, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page 0]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-5820]


[[Page Unknown]]

[Federal Register: March 15, 1994]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY

Customs Service

19 CFR Part 4

[T.D. 94-20]

 

Addition of Tuvalu to the List of Nations Entitled to Special 
Tonnage Tax Exemption

AGENCY: United States Customs Service, Department of the Treasury.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: Pursuant to information provided by the Department of State, 
the Customs Service has found that Tuvalu does not impose 
discriminating duties of tonnage or imposts upon vessels belonging to 
citizens of the United States, or upon the produce, manufactures, or 
merchandise imported in the same from the United States or from any 
foreign country. Accordingly, vessels of Tuvalu are exempt from special 
tonnage taxes and light money in ports of the United States. This 
document amends the Customs Regulations by adding Tuvalu to the list of 
nations whose vessels are exempt from the payment of any higher tonnage 
duties than are applicable to vessels of the United States and from the 
payment of light money.

DATES: Effective Date: This amendment to the Custom Regulations is 
effective March 15, 1994.

Applicability date: The reciprocal privileges for vessels registered in 
Tuvalu were applicable as of January 1, 1993.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Barbara Whiting, Carriers Rulings 
Branch, 202-482-6940.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    Generally, the United States imposes regular and special tonnage 
taxes, and a duty of a specified amount per ton, called ``light 
money,'' on all foreign vessels which enter United States ports (46 
U.S.C. app. 121, 128). However, vessels of a foreign nation may be 
exempted from the payment of special tonnage taxes and light money upon 
presentation of satisfactory proof that no discriminatory duties of 
tonnage or impost are imposed by that foreign nation on U.S. vessels or 
their cargoes (46 U.S.C. app. 141).
    Section 4.22, Customs Regulations (19 CFR 4.22), lists those 
nations whose vessels have been found to be exempt from the payment of 
any higher tonnage duties than are applicable to vessels of the United 
States and from the payment of light money. The authority to amend this 
section of the Customs Regulations has been delegated to the Chief, 
Regulations Branch.

Finding

    On the basis of information received from the Department of State 
regarding the absence of discriminatory duties of tonnage or impost 
imposed on U.S. vessels in the ports of Tuvalu, the Customs Service has 
determined that the vessels of Tuvalu are exempt from the payment of 
the special tonnage tax and light money, effective January 1, 1993, and 
that the Customs Regulations should be amended accordingly.

Regulatory Flexibility Act and Executive Order 12866

    Because this amendment merely implements a statutory requirement 
and confers a benefit upon the public, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(B), 
notice and public procedure requirements thereof are unnecessary; 
further, for the same reasons, good cause exists for dispensing with a 
delayed effective date under 5 U.S.C. 553(d) (1) and (3). Since this 
document is not subject to the notice and public procedure requirements 
of 5 U.S.C. 553, it is not subject to the provisions of the Regulatory 
Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.). This amendment does not meet 
the criteria for a significant regulatory action under Executive Order 
(E.O.) 12866.

Drafting Information

    The principal author of this document was Janet Johnson, 
Regulations Branch, Office of Regulations and Rulings, U.S. Customs 
Service. However, personnel from other offices participated in its 
development.

List of Subjects in 19 CFR Part 4

    Customs duties and inspections, Cargo vessels, Maritime carriers, 
Vessels.

Amendment to the Regulations

    Accordingly, part 4, Customs Regulations (19 CFR part 4), is 
amended as set forth below:

PART 4--VESSELS IN FOREIGN AND DOMESTIC TRADES

    1. The authority for part 4 continues to read, in part, as follows:

    Authority: 5 U.S.C. 301, 19 U.S.C. 66, 1431, 1433, 1434, 1624; 
46 U.S.C. App. 3, 91;
* * * * *
    Section 4.22 also issued under 46 U.S.C. app. 121, 128, 141.
* * * * *


Sec. 4.22  [Amended]

    2. Section 4.22 is amended by inserting ``Tuvalu'' in appropriate 
alphabetical order.

    Dated: March 7, 1994.
Harold M. Singer,
Chief, Regulations Branch.
[FR Doc. 94-5820 Filed 3-14-94; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4820-02-P