[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 198 (Thursday, October 14, 2004)]
[Notices]
[Page 60979]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-23008]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE


International Trade Administration; Foreign Trade Zone 
Application

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 December 13, 
2004.

ADDRESSES: Direct all written comments to Diana Hynek, Departmental 
Paperwork, Clearance Officer, Department of Commerce, Room 6625, 14th & 
Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20230 (or via the Internet at 
[email protected]).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Request for additional information or 
copies of the information collection instrument and instructions should 
be directed to: Foreign-Trade Zones Staff, FCB--Suite 4100W, 1401 
Constitution Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20230; Phone Number: (202) 482-
2862, and fax number (202) 482-0002.

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, for manufacturing authority (including 
temporary/interim authority), 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: Business or other for-profit.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 145.
    Estimated Time Per Response: 20 to 120 hours (depending on type of 
application).
    Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 9,180.
    Estimated Total Annual Costs: The estimated annual cost for this 
collection is $1,335,765.00 ($371,970.00 for applicants and $963,975.00 
for the 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 information; (c) 
ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to 
be collected; (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: October 7, 2004.
Madeleine Clayton,
Management Analyst, Office of the Chief Information Officer.
[FR Doc. 04-23008 Filed 10-13-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-DS-P