[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 228 (Monday, November 25, 1996)]
[Notices]
[Pages 59922-59923]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-30014]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY


International Trade Data System Project Office; Proposed 
Collection; Comment Request

ACTION: Notice and request for comments.

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SUMMARY: The Department of the Treasury, as part of its continuing 
effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, invites the general 
public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment 
on proposed and/or continuing information collections, as required by 
the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13 (44 U.S.C. 
3505(c)(2)(A)). Currently, the International Trade Data System Project 
Office within the Department of the Treasury is soliciting comments 
concerning the North American Trade Automation Prototype (NATAP).

DATES: Written comments should be received on or before January 31, 
1997, to be assured of consideration.

ADDRESSES: Direct all written comments to The Department of the 
Treasury, International Trade Data Systems Project Office, Attn.: 
William Nolle, 1301 Constitution Ave., NW, ICC-3130, Washington, DC 
20229, Telephone (202) 927-1826.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information or 
copies of the instructions should be directed to The Department of the 
Treasury, International Trade Data Systems Project Office, Attn.: 
William Nolle, 1301 Constitution Ave., NW, ICC-3130, Washington, DC 
20229, Telephone (202) 927-1826. Information concerning NATAP can also 
be obtained at the following Web Site: www.itds.treas.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
    Title: North American Trade Automation Prototype (NATAP)
    OMB Number: 1501-0162
    Abstract: After extensive consultation with the trade community in 
the three countries, the NAFTA Information Exchange and Automation 
Working Group developed the North American Trade Automation Prototype 
(NATAP). NATAP is a prototype developed by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico 
to experiment with standardized data, advanced automation, 
technologies, communications, and encryption designed to reduce costs 
and improve trade among the three NAFTA countries. This is mandated by 
Article 512 of the NAFTA. NATAP has been endorsed by the three 
governments and their trade communities as a limited six month test to 
be conducted at two US/Canada and four US/Mexico border locations. 
After the six month prototype, NATAP will stop; the governments and 
trade community will conduct joint and individual evaluations of the 
concepts experienced in NATAP and will determine the next steps in the 
development of improved North American trade processes.
    In addition to the international aspects of North American trade, 
the intent of the U.S. Treasury, International Trade Data System 
Project Office is to demonstrate the integration of individual U.S. 
federal agency trade procedures into a comprehensive international 
trade process that includes the clearance and admissibility of goods, 
drivers/crew, and conveyances for purposes of enforcement, revenue, 
health and safety, etc.
    Current Actions: The three governments have agreed to a six month 
test for NATAP. However, given the nature of NATAP and the extensive 
coordination of activities among the participating federal trade 
agencies in three separate countries and the installation of technology 
at all locations, involving federal, state/provincial, local, and 
private interests the Working Group and the trade community have agreed 
that the six month prototype period will begin for all six locations 
after NATAP becomes operational at the last location. While NATAP may 
be operational at the first location on November 1, 1996, the last 
location may not be operational until March 1, 1997. Accordingly, the 
official prototype period would not begin until March 1, 1997. Due to 
these unforseen and unpredictable delays, the Department of Treasury is 
requesting that this clearance be effective until December 21, 1997.
    Volunteers have agreed to participate in NATAP in order to provide 
traders with the opportunity to experiment with these advanced 
technologies and procedures with minimal expense. Through their 
evaluation of NATAP, they will have input into future trade processes 
and requirements.
    Type of Review: Extension.
    Affected Public: Importers, exporters, customs house brokers, 
carriers (truck and rail) who have volunteered to participate in NATAP.

[[Page 59923]]

    Estimated Number of Respondents: There are approximately 120 U.S. 
participants. Estimated number of respondents is 120.
    Estimated Time per Respondents: Each response will not exceed 7 
minutes.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 6,300 hours.
    Request for Comments: Comments submitted in response to this notice 
will be summarized and/or include in the request for OMB approval. All 
comments will become a matter of public record.
    Comments are invited on: (a) evaluate whether the proposed 
collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of 
the function of the agency, including whether the information and the 
prototype will have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency's 
estimate of the burden of the collection of information; (c) ways to 
enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of this information to be 
collected; (d) ways to minimize the burden of information on 
respondents, including the use of automated collection techniques or 
other forms of information technology; (e) estimates of capital start-
up costs and costs of operation, maintenance, and purchase of services 
to provide information.

    Dated: November 19, 1996.
William L. Nolle,
International Trade Analyst.
[FR Doc. 96-30014 Filed 11-22-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4810-25-M