[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 33 (Thursday, February 19, 1998)]
[Notices]
[Page 8433]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-4100]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

International Trade Administration


Foreign Trade Zone Application

AGENCY: International Trade Administration, Import Administration, 
Commerce.

ACTION: Proposed collection; comment request.

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SUMMARY: The Department of Commerce, as part of its continuing effort 
to reduce paperwork and respondent burdens, invites the general public 
and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on the 
continuing information collections, as required by the Paperwork 
Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13 (44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2) (A)).

DATES: Written comments must be submitted on or before April 20, 1998.

ADDRESSES: Direct all written comments to Linda Engelmeier, 
Departmental Forms Clearance Officer, Department of Commerce, Room 
5327, 14th & Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20230. Phone 
number: (202) 482-3272.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Request for additional information or 
copies of the information collection instructions should be directed 
to: Kathleen A. Boyce, Foreign Trade Zones Staff, Room 3716, 14th & 
Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20230; Phone number: (202) 482-
2862, and fax number: (202) 482-0002. The FTZ Application Guidelines, 
as well as the Regulations, are available on-line at http://
www.ita.doc.gov/import__admin/records/ftzpage/ftzhome.htm.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Abstract

    The Foreign Trade Zones Application is the vehicle by which 
individual firms or organizations apply for foreign-trade zone (FTZ) 
status, for subzone status, or for expansion of an existing zone. The 
FTZ Act and Regulations require that an application with a description 
of the proposed project be made to the FTZ Board (19 U.S.C. 81b and 
81f; 15 CFR 400.24-26) before a license can be issued or a zone can be 
expanded. The Act and Regulations require that applications contain 
detailed information on facilities, financing, operational plans, 
proposed manufacturing operations, need, and economic impact. 
Manufacturing activity in zones, which is primarily conducted in 
subzones can involve issues related to domestic industry and trade 
policy impact. Such applications must include specific information on 
the Customs-tariff related savings that result from zone procedures and 
the economic consequences of permitting such savings. The FTZ Board 
needs complete and accurate information on the proposed operation and 
its economic effects because the Act and Regulations authorize the 
Board to restrict or prohibit operations that are detrimental to the 
public interest.

II. Method of Collection

    U.S. firms or organizations submit applications to the Foreign-
Trade Zones Board.

III. Data

    OMB Number: 0625-0139.
    Form Number: N/A.
    Type of Review: Regular Submission.
    Affected Public: State, local, or tribal governments or not-for-
profit institutions applying for foreign trade zone status, for subzone 
status, or for modification of existing status.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 100.
    Estimated Time Per Response: 20 to 120 hours (depending on type of 
application).
    Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 9,314 hours.
    Estimated Total Annual Costs: The estimated annual cost for this 
collection is $864,442.00 ($249,402.00 for applicants and $615,040.00 
for federal government).

IV. Request for Comments

    Comments are invited on (a) whether the proposed collection of 
information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of 
the agency, including whether the information shall have practical 
utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden 
(including hours and costs) of the proposed 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 collection 
of information on respondents, including through the use of automated 
collection techniques or forms of information technology.
    Comments submitted in response to this notice will be summarized 
and/or included in the request for OMB approval of this information 
collection; they also will become a matter of public record.

    Dated: February 11, 1998.
Linda Engelmeier,
Departmental Forms Clearance Officer, Office of Management and 
Organization
[FR Doc. 98-4100 Filed 2-18-98; 8:45 a.m]
BILLING CODE: 3510-DS-P