[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 221 (Monday, November 17, 2003)]
[Notices]
[Page 64853]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-28671]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

Foreign-Trade Zones Board

[Docket 58-2003]


Foreign-Trade Zone 134--Chattanooga, TN, Request for 
Manufacturing Authority; Sofix Corporation (Black Colorformer 
Chemicals)

    An application has been submitted to the Foreign-Trade Zones Board 
(the Board) by the Chattanooga Chamber Foundation, grantee of FTZ 134, 
on behalf of Sofix Corporation (Sofix), requesting authority to 
manufacture black colorformer chemicals under FTZ procedures within FTZ 
134--Site 2. The application was formally filed on November 4, 2003.
    The Sofix facility (42,000 sq. ft. of production area and 17,500 
sq. ft. of warehouse space) is located at 2800 Riverport Road, 
Chatanooga, Tennessee, within Site 2 of FTZ 134. The plant (32 
employees) produces black colorformer chemicals, known generically as 
Spiro Phathalide Xanthene (HTSUS 2932.29.30, 7.2%). Foreign-sourced 
materials include ACME (HTSUS 2922.29.60, 7.2%) and benzoic acid (HTSUS 
2922.50.35, 7.2%) and will account for some 50-60 percent of finished 
product value.
    Zone procedures would exempt Sofix from Customs duty payments on 
foreign materials used in production for export. Some 60 percent of the 
plant's shipments are currently exported. On domestic shipments, the 
company would be able to defer duty on foreign-sourced inputs until 
formal Customs entry is made. Zone procedures would also exempt Sofix 
from Customs duty payments on foreign materials used in certain 
production resulting in scrap or waste (some 5 percent by weight). The 
application also indicates that Sofix may realize logistical/procedural 
benefits from subzone status. The application indicates that the 
savings from zone procedures will help improve the plant's 
international competitiveness.
    In accordance with the Board's regulations, a member of the FTZ 
Staff has been designated examiner to investigate the application and 
report to the Board.
    Public comment is invited from interested parties. Submissions 
(original and 3 copies) shall be addressed to the Board's Executive 
Secretary at one of the following addresses:
    1. Submissions Via Express/Package Delivery Services: Foreign-
Trade-Zones Board, U.S. Department of Commerce, Franklin Court 
Building--Suite 4100W, 1099 14th St. NW., Washington, DC 20005; or
    2. Submissions Via the U.S. Postal Service: Foreign-Trade-Zones 
Board, U.S. Department of Commerce, FCB--Suite 4100W, 1401 Constitution 
Ave. NW., Washington, DC 20230.
    The closing period for their receipt is January 16, 2004. Rebuttal 
comments in response to material submitted during the foregoing period 
may be submitted during the subsequent 15-day period (to February 2, 
2004).
    A copy of the application and accompanying exhibits will be 
available for public inspection at the Office of the Foreign-Trade 
Zones Board's Executive Secretary at address Number 1 listed above, and 
at the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Office, Port of Chattanooga, 
5959 Shallowford Road, Suite 429-0, Chattanooga, TN 37421.

    Dated: November 4, 2003.
Dennis Puccinelli,
Executive Secretary.
[FR Doc. 03-28671 Filed 11-14-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-DS-P