[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 180 (Monday, September 18, 1995)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 48027-48028]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 95-22977]



=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY

Customs Service

19 CFR Part 4

[T.D. 95-76]
RIN 1515-AB81


Removal of Cambodia and Vietnam From List of ``Non-Entrant'' 
Countries

AGENCY: U. S. Customs Service, Department of the Treasury.

ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: On January 3, 1992, the United States lifted the trade embargo 
against Cambodia, normalizing economic relations between the United 
States and Cambodia. On February 3, 1994, President Clinton lifted the 
trade embargo against Vietnam. Effective April 27, 1995, the National 
Security Council amended its policy toward Cambodia and Vietnam by 
removing them from the ``non-entrant'' ``Category II'' status and 
placing them in the ``Category I'' status of vessels that may enter U. 
S. ports subject to certain limitations.
    This document amends footnote 3a of section 4.20 of the Customs 
Regulations to remove Cambodia and Vietnam from the list of ``non-
entrant'' countries so that foreign vessels entering the United States 
from these countries are now subject to a lesser special tonnage tax 
assessment.


DATES: This amendment is effective September 18, 1995. Reduced special 
tonnage tax assessments for foreign vessels entering the United States 
from Cambodia and Vietnam applied commencing on April 27, 1995.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Barbara E. Whiting, Carrier Rulings 
Branch, (202) 482-6940.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    Pursuant to information provided by the Departments of State and 
Transportation, Customs has found that on January 3, 1992, the United 
States lifted the trade embargo against Cambodia, normalizing economic 
relations. On February 3, 1994, President Clinton lifted the trade 
embargo against Vietnam. Effective April 27, 1995, the National 
Security Council amended its policy toward Cambodia and Vietnam by 
removing them from the ``non-entrant'' ``Category II'' status and 
placing them in the ``Category I'' status of vessels that may enter U. 
S. ports subject to certain limitations.
    Accordingly, Customs has determined that vessels which trade in or 
enter the United States from Democratic Kampuchea (Cambodia) and the 
Socialist Republic of Vietnam are no longer subject to the payment of 
special tonnage tax in the amount of $2.00 as provided in 46 U.S.C. 
App. 121 and 141 and section 4.20 of the Customs 

[[Page 48028]]
Regulations (19 CFR 4.20), but they will be subject to the $0.50 
special tonnage tax and $0.50 light money rates provided therein.
    This document amends footnote 3a of section 4.20 of the Customs 
Regulations (19 CFR 4.20, footnote 3a) to remove Cambodia and Vietnam 
from the list of ``non-entrant'' countries, reflecting the lesser 
special tonnage tax assessments for foreign vessels entering the United 
States from these countries.

Regulatory Flexibility Act and Executive Order 12866

    Pursuant to the provisions of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 
U.S.C. 601 et seq.) and based upon the information set forth above, it 
is certified that the regulation will not have a significant economic 
impact on a substantial number of small entities. Accordingly, the 
regulation is not subject to the regulatory analysis or other 
requirements of 5 U.S.C. 603 and 604.
    This document does not meet the criteria for a ``significant 
regulatory action'' as specified in Executive Order 12866.

Inapplicability of Public Notice and Comment Requirements and Delayed 
Effective Date Requirements

    Because the subject matter of this document does not constitute a 
departure from established policy or procedures, but merely announces a 
benefit for the public, it has been determined, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 
553(b)(B), that the notice and public comment procedures thereon are 
unnecessary. For the same reasons, it has also been determined, 
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(1) and (3), that good cause exists for not 
requiring a delayed effective date.
Drafting Information

    The principal author of this document was Janet L. Johnson, 
Regulations Branch. However, personnel from other offices participated 
in its development.

List of Subjects in 19 CFR Part 4

    Customs duties and inspection, Exports, Freight, Harbors, Maritime 
carriers, Oil pollution, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.

Amendment to the Regulations

    For the reasons set forth in the preamble, part 4 of the Customs 
Regulations (19 CFR part 4) is amended as set forth below.

PART 4--VESSELS IN FOREIGN AND DOMESTIC TRADES

    1. The general authority citation for part 4 and the specific 
authority for Sec. 4.20 continue to read 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 4.20 also issued under 46 U.S.C. 2107(b), 8103, 14306, 
14502, 14511, 14512, 14513, 14701, 14702, 46 U.S.C. App. 121, 128;
* * * * *


Sec. 4.20  [Amended]

    2. In Sec. 4.20(c), footnote 3a to the table is amended by removing 
the words ``Democratic Kampuchea (Cambodia);'' and ``; and, the 
Socialist Republic of Vietnam''.

    Approved: August 23, 1995.
William F. Riley,
Acting Commissioner of Customs.

Dennis M. O'Connell,
Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Treasury.
[FR Doc. 95-22977 Filed 9-15-95; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4820-02-P