[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 190 (Tuesday, October 1, 2002)]
[Notices]
[Page 61576]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-24861]


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

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

Bureau of the Census

[Docket Number 020920219-2219-01]


Annual Trade Survey

AGENCY: Bureau of the Census, Commerce.

ACTION: Notice of determination.

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

SUMMARY: The Bureau of the Census (Census Bureau) is conducting the 
Annual Trade Survey. The Census Bureau has determined that it needs to 
collect data covering annual sales, e-commerce sales, year-end 
inventories, and purchases.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: John Trimble, Service Sector 
Statistics Division, on (301) 763-7223.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Annual Trade Survey is a continuation of 
similar wholesale trade surveys conducted each year since 1978. It 
provides, on a comparable classification basis, annual sales, e-
commerce sales (including Electronic Data Interchange or EDI), and 
purchases for 2002 and year-end inventories for 2001 and 2002. These 
data are not available publicly on a timely basis from nongovernmental 
or other governmental sources.
    The Census Bureau will require a selected sample of firms operating 
merchant wholesale establishments in the United States (with sales size 
determining the probability of selection) to report in the 2002 Annual 
Trade Survey. We will furnish report forms to the firms covered by this 
survey and will require their submissions within thirty days after 
receipt. The sample will provide, with measurable reliability, 
statistics on the subject specified above.
    The Census Bureau is authorized to take surveys necessary to 
furnish current data on the subjects covered by the major censuses 
authorized by Title 13, United States Code, Sections 182, 224 and 225. 
This survey provides continuing and timely national statistical data on 
wholesale trade for the period between the economic census. For 2002, 
the economic census year, the survey will, as it has in the past, 
operate as a separate sample of wholesale companies. The data collected 
in this survey will be similar to that collected in the past and within 
the general scope and nature of those inquiries covered in the economic 
census. These data will provide a sound statistical basis for the 
formation of policy by various government agencies. These data also 
apply to a variety of public and business needs.
    Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no person is required 
to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to a penalty for failure 
to comply with, a collection of information subject to the requirements 
of the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) unless that collection of 
information displays a current valid Office of Management and Budget 
(OMB) control number. In accordance with the PRA, 44 United States 
Code, Chapter 35, the OMB approved the Annual Trade Survey under OMB 
Control Number 0607-0195. We will furnish report forms to organizations 
included in the survey. Additional copies are available on written 
request to the Director, U.S. Census Bureau, Washington, DC 20233-0101.
    Based upon the foregoing, I have directed that an annual survey be 
conducted for the purpose of collecting these data.

    Dated: September 26, 2002.
Charles Louis Kincannon,
Director, Bureau of the Census.
[FR Doc. 02-24861 Filed 9-30-02; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-07-P