[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 208 (Friday, October 27, 1995)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 54939]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 95-26717]



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DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY

Customs Service

19 CFR Part 4

[T.D. 95-88]


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

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

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: Pursuant to information provided by the Department of State, 
the United States Customs Service has found that no discriminating 
duties of tonnage or imposts are imposed or levied in the ports of 
Belize upon vessels wholly 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 Belize are exempt from special tonnage taxes and light money 
in ports of the United States. This document amends the Customs 
Regulations by adding Belize to the list of nations whose vessels are 
exempt from payment of any higher tonnage duties than are applicable to 
vessels of the United States and from the payment of light money.

EFFECTIVE DATE: The exemption from special tonnage taxes and light 
money for vessels registered in Belize became effective on March 7, 
1995. This amendment is effective October 27, 1995.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Barbara E. Whiting, Entry and Carrier 
Rulings Branch, (202) 482-7040.

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 discriminating duties of tonnage or impost 
imposed on U.S. vessels in the ports of Belize, the Customs Service has 
determined that vessels of Belize are exempt from the payment of the 
special tonnage tax and light money, effective March 7, 1995. The 
Customs Regulations are amended accordingly.

Inapplicability of Public Notice and Delayed Effective Date 
Requirements, the 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 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'' as specified in Executive Order 
12866.

Drafting Information

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

List of Subjects in 19 CFR Part 4

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

Amendment to the Regulations

    Part 4, Customs Regulations (19 CFR part 4), is amended as set 
forth below.

PART 4--VESSELS IN FOREIGN AND DOMESTIC TRADES

    1. The general authority for Part 4 and relevant specific authority 
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.
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    Section 4.22 also issued under 46 U.S.C. App. 121, 128, 141;
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Sec. 4.22  [Amended]

    2. Section 4.22 is amended by adding ``Belize'' in appropriate 
alphabetical order.

    Dated: October 23, 1995.
 Harold M. Singer,
Chief, Regulations Branch.
[FR Doc. 95-26717 Filed 10-26-95; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4820-02-P