[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 167 (Tuesday, August 28, 2001)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 45235-45236]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-21659]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY

United States Customs Service

19 CFR PART 177

RIN 1515-AC56


Administrative Rulings

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

ACTION: Proposed rule; extension of comment period.

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SUMMARY: On July 17, 2001, Customs published in the Federal Register a 
notice of proposed rulemaking that set forth proposed amendments to 
those provisions of the Customs Regulations that concern the issuance 
of administrative rulings and related written determinations and 
decisions on prospective and current transactions arising under the 
Customs and related laws. This document extends for an additional 30 
days the period of time within which interested members of the public 
may submit comments on the proposed amendments.

DATES: Comments on the proposed amendments must be received on or 
before October 17, 2001.

ADDRESSES: Written comments (preferably in triplicate) may be addressed 
to the Regulations Branch, Office of Regulations and Rulings, U.S. 
Customs Service, 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20229. 
Comments submitted may be inspected at the Regulations Branch, Office 
of Regulations and Rulings, U.S. Customs Service 1300 Pennsylvania 
Avenue, NW., 3rd Floor, Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: John Elkins, Textiles Branch, Office 
of Regulations and Rulings (202-927-2380).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    On July 17, 2001, Customs published in the Federal Register (66 FR 
37370) a notice of proposed rulemaking that set forth proposed 
amendments to Part 177 of the Customs Regulations (19 CFR Part 177). 
Part 177 contains, among other things, general provisions regarding the 
issuance of binding administrative rulings and related written 
determinations and decisions on

[[Page 45236]]

prospective and current transactions arising under the Customs and 
related laws. The document solicited public comments on the proposed 
amendments and specified September 17, 2001, as the closing date for 
the submission of comments. On July 30, 2001, Customs published in the 
Federal Register (66 FR 39293) a correction document regarding the 
proposal.
    Customs has received a letter from an international trade 
association requesting a 60-day extension of the public comment period. 
The letter explained that an extension was necessary because of the 
difficulty in collecting the views of the association's extensive 
membership during the summer vacation season regarding a matter that is 
of critical importance for the international trade community.
    Customs believes that the request for a 60-day extension of the 
comment period must be balanced against the need to move forward with 
this important regulatory project. Accordingly, while Customs is 
sympathetic with the arguments made in support of an extension of the 
comment period, Customs believes that a 30-day extension would be more 
appropriate and would still afford sufficient additional time for the 
submission of comments by all interested parties. After the close of 
the extended comment period, Customs will review the comments submitted 
and will determine whether those comments raise issues that are of 
sufficient magnitude as to warrant reopening the comment period, 
publishing revised proposed amendments and/or instituting another 
appropriate public procedure prior to taking final action on this 
matter.
    Accordingly, the public comment period is extended 30 days, to 
October 17, 2001.

    Dated: August 22, 2001.
Douglas M. Browning,
Acting Assistant Commissioner, Office of Regulations and Rulings.
[FR Doc. 01-21659 Filed 8-27-01; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4820-02-P