[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 111 (Monday, June 11, 2007)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 31990-32004]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-11078]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

U.S. Customs and Border Protection

DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY

19 CFR Parts 10, 24, 162, 163, and 178

[USCBP-2007-0057; CBP Dec. 07-28]
RIN 1505-AB48


United States-Singapore Free Trade Agreement

AGENCIES: U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Department of Homeland 
Security; Department of the Treasury.

ACTION: Interim rule; solicitation of comments.

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SUMMARY: This rule amends title 19 of the Code of Federal Regulations 
(``CFR'') on an interim basis to implement the preferential tariff 
treatment and other customs-related provisions of the U.S.-Singapore 
Free Trade Agreement entered into by the United States and the Republic 
of Singapore.

DATES: Interim rule effective June 11, 2007; comments must be received 
by August 10, 2007.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments, identified by docket number, by one 
of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. 
Follow the instructions for submitting comments via docket number 
USCBP-2007-0057.
     Mail: Trade and Commercial Regulations Branch, Regulations 
and Rulings, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, 1300 Pennsylvania 
Avenue,

[[Page 31991]]

NW. (Mint Annex), Washington, DC 20229.
    Instructions: All submissions received must include the agency name 
and docket number for this rulemaking. All comments received will be 
posted without change to http://www.regulations.gov, including any 
personal information provided. For detailed instructions on submitting 
comments and additional information on the rulemaking process, see the 
``Public Participation'' heading of the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION 
section of this document.
    Docket: For access to the docket to read background documents or 
comments received, go to http://www.regulations.gov. Submitted comments 
may also be inspected during regular business days between the hours of 
9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. at the Trade and Commercial Regulations Branch, 
Regulations and Rulings, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, 799 9th 
Street, NW., 5th Floor, Washington, DC. Arrangements to inspect 
submitted comments should be made in advance by calling Mr. Joseph 
Clark at (202) 572-8768.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: 
Textile Operational Aspects: Robert Abels, Office of Field Operations, 
(202) 344-1959.
Other Operational Aspects: Lori Whitehurst, Office of Field Operations, 
(202) 344-2722.
Audit Aspects: Mark Hanson, Office of Regulatory Audit, (202) 344-2877.
Legal Aspects: Edward Leigh, Office of International Trade, (202) 572-
8810.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Public Participation

    Interested persons are invited to participate in this rulemaking by 
submitting written data, views, or arguments on all aspects of the 
interim rule. CBP also invites comments that relate to the economic, 
environmental, or federalism effects that might result from this 
interim rule. Comments that will provide the most assistance to CBP in 
developing these procedures will reference a specific portion of the 
interim rule, explain the reason for any recommended change, and 
include data, information, or authority that support such recommended 
change. See ADDRESSES above for information on how to submit comments.

II. Background

    On May 6, 2003, the United States and the Republic of Singapore 
(the ``Parties'') signed the U.S.-Singapore Free Trade Agreement 
(``SFTA''). The stated objectives of the SFTA include promoting open 
and competitive markets in trade between the Parties; promoting 
transparency and eliminating bribery and corruption in business 
transactions within the territories of the Parties; expanding trade in 
services between the Parties on a mutually advantageous basis; and, 
recognizing that liberalized trade in goods and services will assist 
the expansion of trade and investment flows, raise the standard of 
living and create new employment opportunities within the territories 
of the Parties.
    The provisions of the SFTA were adopted by the United States with 
the enactment of the United States-Singapore Free Trade Agreement 
Implementation Act (the ``Act''), Pub. L. 108-78, 117 Stat. 948 (19 
U.S.C. 3805 note) (2003). Section 206 of the Act requires that 
regulations be prescribed as necessary.
    U.S. Customs and Border Protection (``CBP'') is responsible for 
administering the provisions of the SFTA and the Act that relate to the 
importation of goods into the United States from Singapore. Those 
customs-related SFTA provisions which require implementation through 
regulation include certain tariff and non-tariff provisions within 
Chapter One (Establishment of a Free Trade Area and Definitions), 
Chapter Two (National Treatment and Market Access for Goods), Chapter 
Three (Rules of Origin), Chapter Four (Customs Administration), and 
Chapter Five (Textiles and Apparel).
    In Chapter One of the SFTA, certain general definitions in Article 
1.2 have been incorporated in the SFTA implementing regulations. The 
tariff-related provisions within SFTA Chapter Two that require 
regulatory action by CBP are Article 2.6 (Goods re-entered after Repair 
or Alteration), Article 2.8 (Merchandise Processing Fee), and Article 
2.12 (Tariff Preference Levels).
    Chapter Three of the SFTA sets forth the rules for determining 
whether an imported good qualifies as an originating good of the United 
States or Singapore (``SFTA country'') and, as such, is therefore 
eligible for preferential tariff (duty-free or reduced duty) treatment 
under the SFTA as provided for in the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the 
United States (``HTSUS''). Under Article 3.1 of Chapter Three, 
originating goods may be grouped in three broad categories: (1) Goods 
that are wholly obtained or produced entirely in one or both of the 
Parties; (2) goods that are listed in Annex 3B (Integrated Sourcing 
Initiative) of the SFTA and are imported from the territory of 
Singapore; and (3) goods that have been produced in one or both of the 
Parties so that each non-originating material satisfies the specific 
requirements in SFTA Annex 3A (change in tariff classification 
requirement and/or regional value content requirement). Article 3.2 
provides originating status for goods covered by the Agreement's 
Integrated Sourcing Initiative. Article 3.3 provides a de minimis 
criterion. Article 3.4 allows production that takes place in the 
territory of both Parties to be accumulated such that, provided other 
requirements are met, the resulting good is considered originating. 
Article 3.5 sets forth the methods for calculating the regional value 
content of a good. Article 3.6 sets forth the rules for determining the 
value of materials for purposes of calculating the regional value 
content of a good and applying the de minimis rule. The remaining 
Articles within Section A of Chapter Three consist of additional sub-
rules, applicable to the originating good concept, involving 
accessories, spare parts and tools, fungible materials, packaging 
materials, packing materials, indirect materials, and third country 
transportation. The basic rules of origin in Chapter Three of the SFTA 
are set forth in General Note 25, HTSUS.
    Section B of Chapter Three sets forth the procedural and 
recordkeeping requirements that apply under the SFTA, in particular 
with regard to claims for preferential tariff treatment; Section C sets 
forth consultation mechanisms among the parties; and Section D lists 
the definitions to be used within the context of the rules of origin in 
the Chapter.
    Chapter Four sets forth the customs operational provisions related 
to the implementation and continued administration of the SFTA.
    Chapter Five sets forth the measures relating to trade in textile 
and apparel goods between Singapore and the United States under the 
SFTA.
    In order to provide transparency and facilitate their use, the 
majority of the SFTA implementing regulations set forth in this 
document have been included within new Subpart I in Part 10 of the CBP 
regulations (19 CFR Part 10). However, in those cases in which SFTA 
implementation is more appropriate in the context of an existing 
regulatory provision, the SFTA regulatory text has been incorporated in 
an existing Part within the CBP regulations. In addition, this document 
sets forth a number of cross-references and other consequential changes 
to existing regulatory provisions to clarify the relationship between 
those existing provisions and the new SFTA implementing regulations. 
The

[[Page 31992]]

regulatory changes are discussed below in the order in which they 
appear in this document.

III. Discussion of Amendments

Part 10

    Section 10.31(f) concerns temporary importations under bond. It is 
amended by adding references to certain goods originating in Singapore 
for which, like goods originating in Canada, Mexico and Chile, no bond 
or other security will be required when imported temporarily for 
prescribed uses. The provisions of SFTA Article 2.5 (temporary 
admission of goods) are already reflected in existing temporary 
importation bond or other provisions contained in Part 10 of the CBP 
regulations and in Chapter 98 of the HTSUS.

Part 10, Subpart I

General Provisions
    Section 10.501 outlines the scope of new Subpart I, Part 10 of the 
CBP regulations. This section also clarifies that, except where the 
context otherwise requires, the requirements contained in Subpart I, 
Part 10 are in addition to general administrative and enforcement 
provisions set forth elsewhere in the CBP regulations. Thus, for 
example, the specific merchandise entry requirements contained in 
Subpart I, Part 10 are in addition to the basic entry requirements 
contained in Parts 141-143 of the CBP regulations.
    Section 10.502 sets forth definitions of common terms used in 
multiple contexts or places within Subpart I, Part 10. Although the 
majority of the definitions in this section are based on definitions 
contained in Articles 1.2, 3.19, and 5.11 and Annex 1A of the SFTA, and 
Sec.  3 of the Act, other definitions have also been included to 
clarify the application of the regulatory texts. Additional definitions 
which apply in a more limited Subpart I, Part 10 context are set forth 
elsewhere with the substantive provisions to which they relate.
Import Requirements
    Section 10.510 sets forth the procedure for claiming SFTA 
preferential treatment at the time of entry and, as provided in SFTA 
Article 3.13, states that an importer may make a claim for SFTA 
preferential treatment based on the importer's knowledge or information 
in the importer's possession that the good qualifies as an originating 
good. Section 10.510 also reflects that portion of SFTA Article 3.14 
which requires an importer to promptly correct an invalid claim for 
preferential treatment in order to avoid being subject to penalties.
    Unlike certain other free trade agreements to which the United 
States is a Party, such as the North American Free Trade Agreement 
(NAFTA) and the United States-Chile Free Trade Agreement (US-CFTA), the 
SFTA does not specify a procedure for making a post-importation claim. 
However, nothing in the SFTA or the Act bars an adjustment prior to 
liquidation to recognize a claim for SFTA benefits. Therefore, Subpart 
I, Part 10 contains no regulatory provisions governing such claims. 
However, a protest against an alleged error in the liquidation of an 
entry may be brought under the normal procedures to contest a denial of 
SFTA benefits (see Part 174, CBP regulations (19 CFR Part 174)).
    Section 10.511, as provided in SFTA Article 3.13, requires a U.S. 
importer, upon request, to submit a supporting statement setting forth 
the reasons that the good qualifies as an SFTA originating good, in 
connection with the claim. Section 10.512 sets forth certain importer 
obligations regarding the truthfulness of information and documents 
submitted in support of a claim for preferential treatment.
    Section 10.513 provides that the importer's supporting statement is 
not required for certain non-commercial or low-value importations.
    Section 10.514 implements SFTA Article 3.15 concerning the 
maintenance of relevant records regarding the imported good.
    Section 10.515, which is based on SFTA Article 3.14, authorizes the 
denial of SFTA tariff benefits if the importer fails to comply with any 
of the requirements under Subpart I, Part 10, CBP regulations.
Tariff Preference Level
    Sections 10.520 and 10.521, which are based on SFTA Article 2.12, 
specify the cotton and man-made fiber apparel goods for which an 
importer may claim preferential tariff treatment under a tariff 
preference level (TPL), and explain the procedure for making such 
claims. Section 10.522 provides that a TPL claim must be accompanied by 
a certificate of eligibility issued by the Government of Singapore.
Rules of Origin
    Sections 10.530 through 10.543 provide the implementing regulations 
regarding the rules of origin provisions of HTSUS General Note 25, SFTA 
Chapter Three, and section 202 of the Act.
Definitions
    Section 10.530 sets forth terms that are defined for purposes of 
the rules of origin.
General Rules of Origin
    Section 10.531 sets forth the basic rules of origin established in 
Chapter Three of the SFTA, section 202(a) of the Act, and General Note 
25(b), HTSUS. The provisions of Sec.  10.531 apply both to the 
determination of the status of an imported good as an originating good 
for purposes of preferential tariff treatment and to the determination 
of the status of a material as an originating material used in a good 
which is subject to a determination under General Note 25, HTSUS. 
Section 10.531(a) specifies those goods that are originating goods 
because they are wholly obtained or produced entirely in the territory 
of one or both of the Parties.
    Section 10.531(b) provides that goods that have been produced in 
the territory of one or both of the Parties so that each non-
originating material undergoes an applicable change in tariff 
classification and satisfies any applicable regional value content or 
other requirement set forth in General Note 25(o), are originating 
goods. Essential to the rules in Sec.  10.531(b) are the specific rules 
of General Note 25(o), HTSUS, which are incorporated by reference.
    Section 10.531(c) provides originating status for goods of the SFTA 
Integrated Sourcing Initiative (``ISI''). Goods eligible for 
originating status under the ISI are information technology goods 
listed in Annex 3B of the Agreement and General Note 25(m), HTSUS. 
These are goods for which the current U.S. Normal Trade Relations 
(Most-Favored Nation) duty rate is zero. The SFTA ISI arrangement 
provides not only the zero rate of duty for these goods, but also 
exempts them, regardless of their origin under any other rule, from the 
Merchandise Processing Fee. This treatment is afforded to goods that, 
in their condition as imported into the United States, are enumerated 
in General Note 25(m), HTSUS, and are imported from the territory of 
Singapore. However, ISI goods may not be counted as originating 
materials when used to produce other goods in Singapore unless either 
another rule of origin is satisfied or the ISI goods are imported into 
Singapore from the United States prior to being used in the production 
of other goods in Singapore.
    Section 10.532 specifies the requirements for a good to be treated 
as an originating good under the ISI and the limitations on the 
treatment of an ISI good as an originating material when

[[Page 31993]]

used in the production of another good in Singapore.
De Minimis
    Section 10.533 sets forth de minimis rules for goods that may be 
considered to qualify as originating goods even though they fail to 
qualify as originating goods under the rules in Sec.  10.531.
Accumulation
    Section 10.534 sets forth the rule by which originating materials 
from the territory of Singapore or the United States that are used in 
the production of a good in the territory of the other country will be 
considered to originate in the territory of such other country. In 
addition, this section also establishes that a good that is produced by 
one or more producers in the territory of Singapore or the United 
States, or both, is an originating good if the good satisfies all of 
the applicable requirements of the rules of origin of the SFTA.
Value Content
    Section 10.535 sets forth the basic rules which apply for purposes 
of determining whether an imported good satisfies a minimum regional 
value content (``RVC'') requirement. Section 10.536 sets forth the 
rules for determining the value of a material for purposes of 
calculating the regional value content of a good as well as for 
purposes of applying the de minimis rules.
Accessories, Spare Parts, or Tools
    Section 10.537 specifies the conditions under which a good's 
standard accessories, spare parts, or tools are (1) treated as 
originating goods and (2) disregarded in determining whether all non-
originating materials undergo an applicable change in tariff 
classification under General Note 25(o), HTSUS.
Fungible Goods and Materials
    Section 10.538 sets forth the rules by which ``fungible'' goods or 
materials may be claimed as originating.
Packaging Materials and Packing Materials
    Sections 10.539 and 10.540 provide that retail packaging materials 
and packing materials for shipment are to be disregarded with respect 
to their actual origin in determining whether non-originating materials 
undergo an applicable change in tariff classification under General 
Note 25(o), HTSUS. These sections also set forth the treatment of 
packaging and packing materials for purposes of the regional value 
content requirement of the note.
Indirect Materials
    Section 10.541 provides that indirect materials, as defined in 
Sec.  10.502(j), are considered to be originating materials without 
regard to where they are produced.
Third Country Transportation
    Section 10.542 sets forth the rule that an originating good loses 
its originating status and is treated as a non-originating good if, 
subsequent to the production in a SFTA country that qualifies the good 
as originating, the good undergoes production in a territory outside 
that of a SFTA country.
Certain Apparel Goods Made from Fabric or Yarn in Short Supply
    Section 10.543 provides for an exception to the basic rules of 
origin set forth in Sec.  10.531 in the case of certain apparel goods 
made from fabric or yarn that is not available in commercial 
quantities. This section states that an apparel article classified in 
Chapter 61 or 62 of the HTSUS is considered originating if cut (or knit 
to shape) and assembled in one or both of the Parties from fabric or 
yarn, regardless of origin, that has been designated by the Committee 
for the Implementation of Textile Agreements (``CITA'') as not 
available in commercial quantities in a timely manner in the United 
States. The designations by CITA must have been made by notices 
published in the Federal Register no later than November 15, 2002.
Origin Verifications and Determinations
    Sections 10.550 and 10.551 implement the provisions of SFTA 
Articles 3.14 and 3.16 which concern the conduct of verifications to 
determine whether imported goods are originating goods entitled to SFTA 
preferential duty treatment and the issuance and application of origin 
determinations resulting from such verifications. These sections also 
govern the conduct of verifications directed to producers of materials 
that are used in the production of a good for which SFTA preferential 
duty treatment is claimed.
    Section 10.551 provides the procedures that apply when preferential 
tariff treatment is denied on the basis of an origin verification 
conducted under this subpart.
    Sections 10.552 through 10.554, which are based on Articles 5.4 and 
5.5 of the SFTA, set forth provisions relating to information sharing 
by CBP, site visits, and enforcement in regard to trade in textile and 
apparel goods.
Penalties
    Section 10.560 concerns the general application of penalties to 
SFTA transactions and is based on SFTA Article 4.7.
    Section 10.561 reflects SFTA Article 3.14 with regard to exceptions 
to the application of penalties in the case of an importer who promptly 
and voluntarily makes a corrected claim and pays any duties owing. The 
SFTA's exception to the application of penalties is contingent upon the 
importer correcting the claim and paying any duties owing within a 
period, determined by each importing Party, that may not be less than 
one year from submission of the invalid claim. Section 10.562 sets a 
period within which a corrected claim enjoys the exception from 
penalties in Sec.  10.561 at one year, and also extends Sec.  10.561 to 
any corrected claim made after the one-year period, if made (1) before 
the commencement of a formal investigation, or (2) before any of the 
events specified in Sec.  162.74(i) of this chapter has occurred, or 
(3) within 30 days after the importer becomes aware that the claim is 
not valid. Corrected claims that fail to meet these requirements are 
not excepted from penalties, although the importer making the corrected 
claim may, depending on the circumstances, qualify for a reduced 
penalty as a prior disclosure under 19 U.S.C. 1592(c)(4).
Goods Returned After Repair or Alteration
    Section 10.570 implements SFTA Article 2.6 regarding duty-free 
treatment for goods re-entered after repair or alteration in Singapore.
Part 24
    An amendment is made to Sec.  24.23(c), which concerns the 
merchandise processing fee, to implement Article 2.8 of the SFTA and 
Sec.  203 of the Act, to provide that the merchandise processing fee is 
not applicable to goods that qualify as originating goods under the 
SFTA.
Part 162
    Part 162 contains regulations regarding the inspection and 
examination of, among other things, imported merchandise. A cross-
reference is added to Sec.  162.0, which is the scope section of the 
part, to refer readers to the additional SFTA records maintenance and 
examination provisions contained in new Subpart I, Part 10, HTSUS.

[[Page 31994]]

Part 163
    A conforming amendment is made to Sec.  163.1 to include the 
completion of the SFTA importer's supporting statement and any other 
supporting documentation pursuant to the SFTA as activities for which 
records must be maintained. Also, the list appearing in the Appendix to 
Part 163 (commonly known as the (a)(1)(A) list) is amended to add: (1) 
The SFTA importer's supporting statement and any other supporting 
documentation; and (2) the SFTA TPL Certificate of Eligibility.
Part 178
    Part 178 sets forth the control numbers assigned to information 
collections of CBP by the Office of Management and Budget, pursuant to 
the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Pub. L. 104-13. The list contained 
in Sec.  178.2 is amended to add the information collections used by 
CBP to determine eligibility for a tariff preference or other rights or 
benefits under the SFTA and the Act.

IV. Inapplicability of Notice and Delayed Effective Date Requirements

    Under the Administrative Procedure Act (``APA'') (5 U.S.C. 553), 
agencies generally are required to publish a notice of proposed 
rulemaking in the Federal Register that solicits public comment on the 
proposed regulatory amendments, consider public comments in deciding on 
the content of the final amendments, and publish the final amendments 
at least 30 days prior to their effective date. However, section 
553(a)(1) of the APA provides that the standard prior notice and 
comment procedures and delayed effective date provisions of 5 U.S.C. 
553(d) do not apply to an agency rulemaking to the extent that it 
involves a foreign affairs function of the United States. CBP has 
determined that these interim regulations involve a foreign affairs 
function of the United States because they implement preferential 
tariff treatment and related provisions of the SFTA. Therefore, the 
rulemaking requirements under the APA do not apply and this interim 
rule will be effective upon publication.

V. Executive Order 12866 and Regulatory Flexibility Act

    CBP has determined that this document is not a regulation or rule 
subject to the provisions of Executive Order 12866 of September 30, 
1993 (58 FR 51735, October 1993), because it pertains to a foreign 
affairs function of the United States and implements an international 
agreement, as described above, and therefore is specifically exempted 
by section 3(d)(2) of Executive Order 12866. Because a notice of 
proposed rulemaking is not required under section 553(b) of the APA for 
the reasons described above, CBP notes that the provisions of the 
Regulatory Flexibility Act, as amended (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.), do not 
apply to this rulemaking. Accordingly, CBP also notes that this interim 
rule is not subject to the regulatory analysis requirements or other 
requirements of 5 U.S.C. 603 and 604.

VI. Paperwork Reduction Act

    These regulations are being issued without prior notice and public 
procedure pursuant to the APA, as described above. For this reason, the 
collections of information contained in these regulations have been 
reviewed and, pending receipt and evaluation of public comments, 
approved by the Office of Management and Budget in accordance with the 
requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3507) under 
control number 1651-0117.
    The collections of information in these regulations are in 
Sec. Sec.  10.510 and 10.511. This information is required in 
connection with claims for preferential tariff treatment and for the 
purpose of the exercise of other rights under the SFTA and the Act and 
will be used by CBP to determine eligibility for a tariff preference or 
other rights or benefits under the SFTA and the Act. The likely 
respondents are business organizations including importers, exporters 
and manufacturers.
    Estimated total annual reporting burden: 9,000 hours.
    Estimated average annual burden per respondent: 0.2 hours.
    Estimated number of respondents: 45,000.
    Estimated annual frequency of responses: 1.
    Comments concerning the collections of information and the accuracy 
of the estimated annual burden, and suggestions for reducing that 
burden, should be directed to the Office of Management and Budget, 
Attention: Desk Officer for the Department of the Treasury, Office of 
Information and Regulatory Affairs, Washington, DC 20503. A copy should 
also be sent to the Trade and Commercial Regulations Branch, 
Regulations and Rulings, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, 1300 
Pennsylvania Avenue, NW. (Mint Annex), Washington, DC 20229.

VII. Signing Authority

    This document is being issued in accordance with Sec.  0.1(a)(1) of 
the CBP regulations (19 CFR 0.1(a)(1)) pertaining to the authority of 
the Secretary of the Treasury (or his/her delegate) to approve 
regulations related to certain CBP revenue functions.

List of Subjects

19 CFR Part 10

    Alterations, Bonds, Customs duties and inspection, Exports, 
Imports, Preference programs, Repairs, Reporting and recordkeeping 
requirements, Trade agreements (United States-Singapore Free Trade 
Agreement).

19 CFR Part 24

    Accounting, Customs duties and inspection, Financial and accounting 
procedures, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Trade agreements, 
User fees.

19 CFR Part 162

    Administrative practice and procedure, Customs duties and 
inspection, Penalties, Trade agreements.

19 CFR Part 163

    Administrative practice and procedure, Customs duties and 
inspection, Exports, Imports, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, 
Trade agreements.

19 CFR Part 178

    Administrative practice and procedure, Exports, Imports, Reporting 
and recordkeeping requirements.

Amendments to the Regulations

0
Accordingly, chapter I of title 19, Code of Federal Regulations (19 CFR 
chapter I), is amended as set forth below.

PART 10--ARTICLES CONDITIONALLY FREE, SUBJECT TO A REDUCED RATE, 
ETC.

0
1. The general authority citation for part 10 continues to read and the 
specific authority for new Subpart I is added to read as follows:

    Authority: 19 U.S.C. 66, 1202 (General Note 3(i), Harmonized 
Tariff Schedule of the United States), 1321, 1481, 1484, 1498, 1508, 
1623, 1624, 3314;
* * * * *
    Sections 10.501 through 10.570 also issued under 19 U.S.C. 1202 
(General Note 25, HTSUS) and Pub. L. 108-78, 117 Stat. 948 (19 
U.S.C. 3805 note).


0
2. In Sec.  10.31, paragraph (f), the last sentence is revised to read 
as follows:


Sec.  10.31  Entry; bond.

* * * * *
    (f) * * * In addition, notwithstanding any other provision of this 
paragraph, in the case of professional equipment necessary for carrying 
out the business

[[Page 31995]]

activity, trade or profession of a business person, equipment for the 
press or for sound or television broadcasting, cinematographic 
equipment, articles imported for sports purposes and articles intended 
for display or demonstration, if brought into the United States by a 
resident of Canada, Mexico, Chile, or Singapore and entered under 
Chapter 98, Subchapter XIII, HTSUS, no bond or other security will be 
required if the entered article is a good originating in Canada, 
Mexico, Chile, or Singapore within the meaning of General Notes 12, 25, 
and 26, HTSUS.
* * * * *


Sec.  10.36a  [Amended]

0
3. In Sec.  10.36a, the first sentence of paragraph (a) is amended by 
removing the words ``(as defined in Sec. Sec.  10.8, 10.490 and 181.64 
of this chapter)'' and adding, in their place, the words ``(as defined 
in Sec. Sec.  10.8, 10.490, 10.570, and 181.64 of this chapter)''.

0
4. Part 10, CBP regulations, is amended by adding a new Subpart I to 
read as follows:
Subpart I--United States-Singapore Free Trade Agreement

General Provisions

Sec.
10.501 Scope.
10.502 General definitions.

Import Requirements

10.510 Filing of claim for preferential tariff treatment upon 
importation.
10.511 Supporting statement.
10.512 Importer obligations.
10.513 Supporting statement not required.
10.514 Maintenance of records.
10.515 Effect of noncompliance; failure to provide documentation 
regarding third country transportation.

Tariff Preference Level

10.520 Filing of claim for tariff preference level.
10.521 Goods eligible for tariff preference level claims.
10.522 Submission of certificate of eligibility.

Rules of Origin

10.530 Definitions.
10.531 Originating goods.
10.532 Integrated Sourcing Initiative.
10.533 De minimis.
10.534 Accumulation.
10.535 Regional value content.
10.536 Value of materials.
10.537 Accessories, spare parts, or tools.
10.538 Fungible goods and materials.
10.539 Retail packaging materials and containers.
10.540 Packing materials and containers for shipment.
10.541 Indirect materials.
10.542 Third country transportation.
10.543 Certain apparel goods made from fabric or yarn not available 
in commercial quantities.

Origin Verifications and Determinations

10.550 Verification and justification of claim for preferential 
treatment.
10.551 Issuance of negative origin determinations.
10.552 Information sharing by CBP regarding textile and apparel 
goods produced in the United States.
10.553 Textile and apparel site visits.
10.554 Exclusion of textile or apparel goods for intentional 
circumvention.

Penalties

10.560 General.
10.561 Corrected claim or supporting statement.
10.562 Framework for correcting claims or supporting statements.

Goods Returned After Repair or Alteration

10.570 Goods re-entered after repair or alteration in Singapore.

Subpart I--United States-Singapore Free Trade Agreement

General Provisions


Sec.  10.501  Scope.

    This subpart implements the duty preference and related customs 
provisions applicable to imported goods under the United States-
Singapore Free Trade Agreement (the SFTA) signed on May 6, 2003, and 
under the United States-Singapore Free Trade Agreement Implementation 
Act (the Act; 117 Stat. 948). Except as otherwise specified in this 
subpart, the procedures and other requirements set forth in this 
subpart are in addition to the customs procedures and requirements of 
general application contained elsewhere in this chapter. Additional 
provisions implementing certain aspects of the SFTA and the Act are 
contained in Parts 24, 162, and 163 of this chapter.


Sec.  10.502  General definitions.

    As used in this subpart, the following terms will have the meanings 
indicated unless either the context in which they are used requires a 
different meaning or a different definition is prescribed for a 
particular section of this subpart:
    (a) Claim for preferential tariff treatment. ``Claim for 
preferential tariff treatment'' means a claim that a good is entitled 
to the duty rate applicable under the SFTA to an originating good or 
other good specified in the SFTA, and to an exemption from the 
merchandise processing fee;
    (b) Customs duty. ``Customs duty'' includes any customs or import 
duty and a charge of any kind imposed in connection with the 
importation of a good, including any form of surtax or surcharge in 
connection with such importation, but, for purposes of implementing the 
SFTA, does not include any:
    (1) Charge equivalent to an internal tax imposed consistently with 
Article III:2 of GATT 1994 in respect of the like domestic good or in 
respect of goods from which the imported good has been manufactured or 
produced in whole or in part;
    (2) Antidumping or countervailing duty that is applied pursuant to 
a Party's domestic law;
    (3) Fee or other charge in connection with importation commensurate 
with the cost of services rendered; or
    (4) Duty imposed pursuant to Article 5 of the WTO Agreement on 
Agriculture.
    (c) Customs Valuation Agreement. ``Customs Valuation Agreement'' 
means the Agreement on Implementation of Article VII of the General 
Agreement on Tariffs and Trade 1994, which is part of the WTO 
Agreement;
    (d) Days. ``Days'' means calendar days;
    (e) Enterprise. ``Enterprise'' means an entity constituted or 
organized under applicable law, whether or not for profit, and whether 
privately-owned or governmentally-owned, including any corporation, 
trust, partnership, sole proprietorship, joint venture, or other 
association;
    (f) GATT 1994. ``GATT 1994'' means the General Agreement on Tariffs 
and Trade 1994, which is part of the WTO Agreement;
    (g) Harmonized System. ``Harmonized System (HS)'' means the 
Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System, including its 
General Rules of Interpretation, Section Notes, and Chapter Notes, as 
adopted and implemented by the Parties in their respective tariff laws;
    (h) Heading. ``Heading'' means the first four digits in the tariff 
classification number under the Harmonized System;
    (i) HTSUS. ``HTSUS'' means the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the 
United States as promulgated by the U.S. International Trade 
Commission;
    (j) Indirect material. ``Indirect material'' means a good used in 
the production, testing, or inspection of a good in the territory of 
the United States or Singapore but not physically incorporated into the 
good, or a good used in the maintenance of buildings or the operation 
of equipment associated with the production of a good in the territory 
of the United States or Singapore, including:
    (1) Fuel and energy;
    (2) Tools, dies, and molds;

[[Page 31996]]

    (3) Spare parts and materials used in the maintenance of equipment 
and buildings;
    (4) Lubricants, greases, compounding materials, and other materials 
used in production or used to operate equipment and buildings;
    (5) Gloves, glasses, footwear, clothing, safety equipment, and 
supplies;
    (6) Equipment, devices, and supplies used for testing or inspecting 
the good;
    (7) Catalysts and solvents; and
    (8) Any other goods that are not incorporated into the good but 
whose use in the production of the good can reasonably be demonstrated 
to be a part of that production;
    (k) Originating. ``Originating'' means qualifying for preferential 
tariff treatment under the rules of origin set out in SFTA Chapter 
Three (Rules of Origin) and General Note 25, HTSUS;
    (l) Party. ``Party'' means the United States or the Republic of 
Singapore;
    (m) Person. ``Person'' means a natural person or an enterprise;
    (n) Preferential tariff treatment. ``Preferential tariff 
treatment'' means the duty rate applicable under the SFTA to an 
originating good, and an exemption from the merchandise processing fee;
    (o) Subheading. ``Subheading'' means the first six digits in the 
tariff classification number under the Harmonized System;
    (p) Tariff preference level. ``Tariff preference level'' means a 
quantitative limit for certain non-originating textiles and textile 
apparel goods that may be entitled to preferential tariff treatment 
based on the goods meeting the production requirements set forth in 
Sec.  10.521 of this subpart;
    (q) Textile or apparel good. ``Textile or apparel good'' means a 
good listed in the Annex to the Agreement on Textiles and Clothing 
(commonly referred to as ``the ATC''), which is part of the WTO 
Agreement;
    (r) Territory. ``Territory'' means:
    (1) With respect to Singapore, its land territory, internal waters 
and territorial sea as well as the maritime zones beyond the 
territorial sea, including the seabed and subsoil over which the 
Republic of Singapore exercises sovereign rights or jurisdiction under 
its national laws and international law for the purpose of exploration 
and exploitation of the natural resources of such areas; and
    (2) With respect to the United States;
    (i) The customs territory of the United States, which includes the 
50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico;
    (ii) The foreign trade zones located in the United States and 
Puerto Rico; and
    (iii) Any areas beyond the territorial seas of the United States 
within which, in accordance with international law and its domestic 
law, the United States may exercise rights with respect to the seabed 
and subsoil and their natural resources; and
    (s) WTO Agreement. ``WTO Agreement'' means the Marrakesh Agreement 
Establishing the World Trade Organization of April 15, 1994.

Import Requirements


Sec.  10.510  Filing of claim for preferential tariff treatment upon 
importation.

    (a) Claim. An importer may make a claim for SFTA preferential 
tariff treatment, including an exemption from the merchandise 
processing fee, based on the importer's knowledge or information in the 
importer's possession that the good qualifies as an originating good. 
For goods that qualify as originating goods under the Integrated 
Sourcing Initiative (see subdivisions (b)(ii) and (m) of General Note 
25, HTSUS, and Sec.  10.532 of this subpart), the claim is made by 
including on the entry summary, or equivalent documentation, the tariff 
item 9999.00.84, HTSUS, or by the method specified for equivalent 
reporting via an authorized electronic data interchange system. For all 
other qualifying goods, the claim is made by including on the entry 
summary, or equivalent documentation, the letters ``SG'' as a prefix to 
the subheading of the HTSUS under which each qualifying good is 
classified, or by the method specified for equivalent reporting via an 
authorized electronic data interchange system.
    (b) Corrected claim. If, after making the claim required under 
paragraph (a) of this section, the importer becomes aware that the 
claim is invalid, the importer must promptly correct the claim and pay 
any duties that may be due. The importer must submit a statement either 
in writing or via an authorized electronic data interchange system to 
the CBP office where the original claim was filed specifying the 
correction (see Sec. Sec.  10.561 and 10.562 of this subpart).


Sec.  10.511  Supporting statement.

    (a) Contents. An importer who makes a claim under Sec.  10.510(a) 
of this subpart must submit, at the request of the port director, a 
statement setting forth the reasons that the good qualifies as an 
originating good, including pertinent cost and manufacturing data. A 
statement submitted to CBP under this paragraph:
    (1) Need not be in a prescribed format but must be in writing or 
must be transmitted electronically pursuant to any electronic means 
authorized by CBP for that purpose;
    (2) Must include the following information:
    (i) The legal name, address, telephone, and e-mail address (if any) 
of the importer of record of the good;
    (ii) The legal name, address, telephone, and e-mail address (if 
any) of the responsible official or authorized agent of the importer 
signing the supporting statement (if different from the information 
required by paragraph (a)(2)(i) of this section);
    (iii) The legal name, address, telephone, and e-mail address (if 
any) of the exporter of the good (if different from the producer);
    (iv) The legal name, address, telephone, and e-mail address (if 
any) of the producer of the good (if known);
    (v) A description of the good for which preferential tariff 
treatment is claimed, which must be sufficiently detailed to relate it 
to the invoice and the HS nomenclature;
    (vi) The HTSUS tariff classification, to six or more digits, as 
necessary for the specific change in tariff classification rule for the 
good set forth in General Note 25(o), HTSUS;
    (vii) The applicable rule of origin set forth in General Note 25, 
HTSUS, under which the good qualifies as an originating good; and
    (3) Must include a statement, in substantially the following form:

    I certify that:
    The information on this document is true and accurate and I 
assume the responsibility for proving such representations. I 
understand that I am liable for any false statements or material 
omissions made on or in connection with this document;
    I agree to maintain and present upon request, documentation 
necessary to support these representations;
     The goods originated or are considered to have originated in 
the territory of one or more of the Parties, and comply with the 
origin requirements specified for those goods in the United States-
Singapore Free Trade Agreement; there has been no further production 
or any other operation outside the territories of the parties, other 
than unloading, reloading, or any other operation necessary to 
preserve the goods in good condition or to transport the goods to 
the United States; and
    This document consists of ------ pages, including all 
attachments.''

    (b) Responsible official or agent. The supporting statement 
required to be submitted under paragraph (a) of this section must be 
signed and dated by a responsible official of the importer or by the 
importer's authorized agent having knowledge of the relevant facts.
    (c) Language. The supporting statement required to be submitted

[[Page 31997]]

under paragraph (a) of this section must be completed in the English 
language.
    (d) Applicability of supporting statement. The supporting statement 
required to be submitted under paragraph (a) of this section may be 
applicable to:
    (1) A single importation of a good into the United States, 
including a single shipment that results in the filing of one or more 
entries and a series of shipments that results in the filing of one 
entry; or
    (2) Multiple importations of identical goods into the United States 
that occur within a specified blanket period, not exceeding 12 months, 
set out in the statement. For purposes of this paragraph, ``identical 
goods'' means goods that are the same in all respects relevant to the 
particular rule of origin that qualifies the goods as originating.


Sec.  10.512  Importer obligations.

    (a) General. An importer who makes a claim under Sec.  10.510(a) of 
this subpart is responsible for the truthfulness of the claim and of 
all the information and data contained in the supporting statement 
provided for in Sec.  10.511 of this subpart, for submitting any 
supporting documents requested by CBP, and for the truthfulness of the 
information contained in those documents. However, an importer will not 
be subject to civil or administrative penalties under 19 U.S.C. 1592 
for making an invalid claim for preferential tariff treatment or 
submitting an incorrect supporting statement, provided that the 
importer promptly and voluntarily corrects the claim or supporting 
statement and pays any duty owing (see Sec. Sec.  10.561 and 10.562 of 
this subpart). In instances in which CBP requests the submission of 
supporting documents, CBP will allow for the direct submission by the 
exporter or producer of business confidential or other sensitive 
information, including cost and sourcing information.
    (b) Compliance. In order to make a claim for preferential tariff 
treatment under Sec.  10.510(a) of this subpart, the importer:
    (1) Must have records that explain how the importer came to the 
conclusion that the good qualifies for preferential tariff treatment. 
Those records must include documents that support a claim that the 
article in question qualifies for preferential tariff treatment because 
it meets the applicable rules of origin set forth in General Note 25, 
HTSUS, and in this subpart. Those records may include a properly 
completed importer's supporting statement as set forth in Sec.  10.511 
of this subpart; and
    (2) May be required to present evidence that the conditions set 
forth in Sec.  10.542 of this subpart were met if the imported article 
was shipped through an intermediate country.
    (c) Information provided by exporter or producer. The fact that the 
importer has made a claim or supporting statement based on information 
provided by an exporter or producer will not relieve the importer of 
the responsibility referred to in the first sentence of paragraph (a) 
of this section.


Sec.  10.513  Supporting statement not required.

    (a) General. Except as otherwise provided in paragraph (b) of this 
section, an importer will not be required to submit a supporting 
statement under Sec.  10.511 of this subpart for:
    (1) A non-commercial importation of a good; or
    (2) A commercial importation for which the value of the goods does 
not exceed U.S. $2,500.
    (b) Exception. If the port director determines that an importation 
described in paragraph (a) of this section may reasonably be considered 
to have been carried out or planned for the purpose of evading 
compliance with the rules and procedures governing claims for 
preference under the SFTA, the port director will notify the importer 
that for that importation the importer must submit to CBP a supporting 
statement. The importer must submit such a statement within 30 days 
from the date of the notice. Failure to timely submit the supporting 
statement will result in denial of the claim for preferential 
treatment.


Sec.  10.514  Maintenance of records.

    (a) General. An importer claiming preferential tariff treatment for 
a good imported into the United States under Sec.  10.510(a) of this 
subpart must maintain, for five years after the date of importation of 
the good, any records and documents that the importer has relating to 
the origin of the good, including records and documents associated 
with:
    (1) The purchase of, cost of, value of, and payment for, the good;
    (2) Where appropriate, the purchase of, cost of, value of, and 
payment for, all materials, including recovered goods and indirect 
materials, used in the production of the good; and
    (3) Where appropriate, the production of the good in the form in 
which the good was exported.
    (b) Applicability of other recordkeeping requirements. The records 
and documents referred to in paragraph (a) of this section are in 
addition to any other records that the importer is required to prepare, 
maintain, or make available to CBP under Part 163 of this chapter.
    (c) Method of maintenance. The records and documents referred to in 
paragraph (a) of this section must be maintained by importers as 
provided in Sec.  163.5 of this chapter.


Sec.  10.515  Effect of noncompliance; failure to provide documentation 
regarding third country transportation.

    (a) Effect of noncompliance. If the importer fails to comply with 
any requirement under this subpart, including submission of a complete 
supporting statement under Sec.  10.511 of this subpart, when 
requested, the port director may deny preferential treatment to the 
imported good.
    (b) Failure to provide documentation regarding third country 
transportation. Where the requirements for preferential treatment set 
forth elsewhere in this subpart are met, the port director nevertheless 
may deny preferential treatment to an originating good if the good is 
shipped through or transshipped in a country other than Singapore or 
the United States, and the importer of the good does not provide, at 
the request of the port director, evidence demonstrating to the 
satisfaction of the port director that the conditions set forth in 
Sec.  10.542 of this subpart were met.

Tariff Preference Level


Sec.  10.520  Filing of claim for tariff preference level.

    A cotton or man-made fiber apparel good described in Sec.  10.521 
of this subpart that does not qualify as an originating good under 
Sec.  10.531 of this subpart may nevertheless be entitled to 
preferential tariff treatment under the SFTA under an applicable tariff 
preference level (TPL). To make a TPL claim, the importer must include 
on the entry summary, or equivalent documentation, the applicable 
tariff item in Chapter 99 of the HTSUS (9910.61.01 through 9910.61.89) 
and the applicable subheading in Chapter 61 or 62 of the HTSUS under 
which each non-originating cotton or man-made fiber apparel good is 
classified. For TPL goods, the letters ``SG'' must be inserted as a 
prefix to the applicable HTSUS 9910 tariff item when the entry is 
filed. The importer must also submit a certificate of eligibility as 
set forth in Sec.  10.522 of this subpart.


Sec.  10.521  Goods eligible for tariff preference level claims.

    Goods eligible for a TPL claim consist of cotton or man-made fiber 
apparel

[[Page 31998]]

goods provided for in Chapters 61 and 62 of the HTSUS that are both cut 
(or knit-to-shape) and sewn or otherwise assembled in Singapore from 
fabric or yarn produced or obtained outside the territory of Singapore 
or the United States, and that meet the applicable conditions for 
preferential tariff treatment under the SFTA, other than the condition 
that they are originating goods. The preferential tariff treatment is 
limited to the quantities specified in U.S. Note 13, Subchapter X, 
Chapter 99, HTSUS.


Sec.  10.522  Submission of certificate of eligibility.

    An importer who claims preferential tariff treatment on a non-
originating cotton or man-made fiber apparel good must submit a 
certificate of eligibility issued by the Government of Singapore, 
demonstrating that the good is eligible for entry under the applicable 
TPL, as set forth in Sec.  10.521 of this subpart.

Rules of Origin


Sec.  10.530  Definitions.

    For purposes of Sec. Sec.  10.530 through 10.542:
    (a) Adjusted value. ``Adjusted value'' means the value determined 
in accordance with Articles 1 through 8, Article 15, and the 
corresponding interpretative notes of the Customs Valuation Agreement, 
adjusted, if necessary, to exclude:
    (1) Any costs, charges, or expenses incurred for transportation, 
insurance and related services incident to the international shipment 
of the merchandise from the country of exportation to the place of 
importation; and
    (2) The value of packing materials and containers for shipment as 
defined in paragraph (j) of this section;
    (b) Exporter. ``Exporter'' means a person who exports goods from 
the territory of a Party;
    (c) Fungible goods or materials. ``Fungible goods or materials'' 
means goods or materials, as the case may be, that are interchangeable 
for commercial purposes and the properties of which are essentially 
identical;
    (d) Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. ``Generally Accepted 
Accounting principles'' means the recognized consensus or substantial 
authoritative support in the territory of a Party, with respect to the 
recording of revenues, expenses, costs, assets, and liabilities, the 
disclosure of information, and the preparation of financial statements. 
These standards may encompass broad guidelines of general application 
as well as detailed standards, practices, and procedures;
    (e) Good. ``Good'' means any merchandise, product, article, or 
material;
    (f) Goods wholly obtained or produced entirely in the territory of 
one or both of the Parties. ``Goods wholly obtained or produced 
entirely in the territory of one or both of the Parties'' means:
    (1) Mineral goods extracted in the territory of one or both of the 
Parties;
    (2) Vegetable goods, as such goods are defined in the Harmonized 
System, harvested in the territory of one or both of the Parties;
    (3) Live animals born and raised in the territory of one or both of 
the Parties;
    (4) Goods obtained from hunting, trapping, fishing, or aquaculture 
conducted in the territory of one or both of the Parties;
    (5) Goods (fish, shellfish and other marine life) taken from the 
sea by vessels registered or recorded with a Party and flying its flag;
    (6) Goods produced exclusively from products referred to in 
subparagraph (f)(5) of this section on board factory ships registered 
or recorded with a Party and flying its flag;
    (7) Goods taken by a Party or a person of a Party from the seabed 
or beneath the seabed outside territorial waters, provided that a Party 
has rights to exploit such seabed;
    (8) Goods taken from outer space, provided they are obtained by a 
Party or a person of a Party and not processed in the territory of a 
non-Party;
    (9) Waste and scrap derived from:
    (i) Production in the territory of one or both of the Parties; or
    (ii) Used goods collected in the territory of one or both of the 
Parties, provided such goods are fit only for the recovery of raw 
materials;
    (10) Recovered goods derived in the territory of one or both of the 
Parties from used goods; or
    (11) Goods produced in one or both of the Parties exclusively from 
goods referred to in paragraphs (f)(1) through (f)(9) of this section 
or from the derivatives of such goods;
    (g) Material. ``Material'' means a good that is used in the 
production of another good;
    (h) Non-originating good. ``Non-originating good'' means a good 
that does not qualify as originating under General Note 25, HTSUS;
    (i) Non-originating material. ``Non-originating material'' means a 
material that does not qualify as originating under General Note 25, 
HTSUS;
    (j) Packing materials and containers for shipment. ``Packing 
materials and containers for shipment'' means the goods used to protect 
a good during its transportation to the United States, and does not 
include the packaging materials and containers in which a good is 
packaged for retail sale;
    (k) Producer. ``Producer'' means a person who grows, raises, mines, 
harvests, fishes, traps, hunts, manufactures, processes, assembles or 
disassembles a good;
    (l) Production. ``Production'' means growing, mining, harvesting, 
fishing, raising, trapping, hunting, manufacturing, processing, 
assembling, or disassembling a good;
    (m) Recovered goods. ``Recovered goods'' means materials in the 
form of individual parts that are the result of:
    (1) The complete disassembly of used goods into individual parts; 
and
    (2) The cleaning, inspecting, testing, or other processing of those 
parts as necessary for improvement to sound working condition by one or 
more of the following processes: Welding, flame spraying, surface 
machining, knurling, plating, sleeving, and rewinding, in order for 
such parts to be assembled with other parts, including other recovered 
parts, in the production of a remanufactured good as defined in 
paragraph (o) of this section;
    (n) Relationship. ``Relationship'' means whether the buyer and 
seller are related parties in accordance with Article 15.4 of the 
Customs Valuation Agreement;
    (o) Remanufactured good. ``Remanufactured good'' means an 
industrial good assembled in the territory of Singapore or the United 
States that is enumerated in Annex 3C, SFTA, and:
    (1) Is entirely or partially comprised of recovered goods;
    (2) Has the same life expectancy and meets the same performance 
standards as a new good; and
    (3) Enjoys the same factory warranty as such a new good;
    (p) Self-produced material. ``Self-produced material'' means a 
good, such as a part or ingredient, produced by the producer and used 
by the producer in the production of another good; and
    (q) Value. ``Value'' means the value of a good or material for 
purposes of calculating customs duties or for purposes of applying this 
subpart.


Sec.  10.531  Originating goods.

    Except as provided in Sec.  10.543 of this subpart, a good imported 
into the customs territory of the United States will be considered an 
originating good under the SFTA only if:
    (a) The good is wholly obtained or produced entirely in the 
territory of one or both of the Parties;

[[Page 31999]]

    (b) The good is transformed in one or both of the Parties so that:
    (1) Each non-originating material undergoes an applicable change in 
tariff classification specified in General Note 25(o), HTSUS, as a 
result of production occurring entirely in the territory of one or both 
of the Parties; and
    (2) The good otherwise satisfies any applicable regional value 
content or other requirements specified in General Note 25(o), HTSUS; 
or
    (c) The good, in its condition as imported into the United States, 
is enumerated as an Integrated Sourcing Initiative good in General Note 
25(m), HTSUS, and is imported from the territory of Singapore.


Sec.  10.532  Integrated Sourcing Initiative.

    (a) For purposes of General Note 25(b)(ii), HTSUS, a good is 
eligible for treatment as an originating good under the Integrated 
Sourcing Initiative if:
    (1) The good, in its condition as imported, is both classified in a 
tariff provision enumerated in the first column of General Note 25(m), 
HTSUS, and described opposite that tariff provision in the list of 
information technology articles set forth in the second column of 
General Note 25(m), HTSUS;
    (2) The good, regardless of its origin, is imported into the 
territory of the United States from the territory of Singapore. If a 
product of a non-Party, the good must have been imported into Singapore 
prior to its importation into the territory of the United States; and
    (3) The good satisfies the conditions and requirements of Sec.  
10.542 relating to third country transportation.
    (b) A good enumerated in General Note 25(m), HTSUS, that is used in 
the production of another good in Singapore will not be considered an 
originating material for purposes of determining the eligibility for 
preferential tariff treatment of such other good unless:
    (1) The good enumerated in General Note 25(m), HTSUS, satisfies an 
applicable rule of origin set out in General Note 25(o), HTSUS; or
    (2) The good enumerated in General Note 25(m), HTSUS, is imported 
into the territory of Singapore from the territory of the United States 
prior to being used in the production of a good in Singapore.


Sec.  10.533  De minimis.

    (a) Except as provided in paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section, a 
good that does not undergo a change in tariff classification pursuant 
to General Note 25(o), HTSUS, will nonetheless be considered to be an 
originating good if:
    (1) The value of all non-originating materials used in the 
production of the good that do not undergo the applicable change in 
tariff classification does not exceed 10 percent of the adjusted value 
of the good;
    (2) The value of the non-originating materials described in 
paragraph (a)(1) of this section is included in calculating the value 
of non-originating materials for any applicable regional value content 
requirement for the good under General Note 25(o), HTSUS; and
    (3) The good meets all other applicable requirements of General 
Note 25, HTSUS.
    (b) Paragraph (a) does not apply to:
    (1) A non-originating material provided for in Chapter 4, HTSUS, or 
in subheading 1901.90, HTSUS, that is used in the production of a good 
provided for in Chapter 4, HTSUS;
    (2) A non-originating material provided for in Chapter 4, HTSUS, or 
in subheading 1901.90, HTSUS, that is used in the production of a good 
provided for in one of the following HTSUS provisions: Subheading 
1901.10, 1901.20 or 1901.90; heading 2105; or subheading 2106.90, 
2202.90 or 2309.90;
    (3) A non-originating material provided for in heading 0805, HTSUS, 
or subheadings 2009.11 through 2009.39, HTSUS, that is used in the 
production of a good provided for in subheadings 2009.11 through 
2009.39, HTSUS, or in subheading 2106.90 or 2202.90, HTSUS;
    (4) A non-originating material provided for in Chapter 15, HTSUS, 
that is used in the production of a good provided for in headings 1501 
through 1508, 1512, 1514 or 1515, HTSUS;
    (5) A non-originating material provided for in heading 1701, HTSUS, 
that is used in the production of a good provided for in headings 1701 
through 1703, HTSUS;
    (6) A non-originating material provided for in Chapter 17, HTSUS, 
or heading 1805, HTSUS, that is used in the production of a good 
provided for in subheading 1806.10, HTSUS;
    (7) A non-originating material provided for in headings 2203 
through 2208, HTSUS, that is used in the production of a good provided 
for in heading 2207 or 2208, HTSUS; and
    (8) A non-originating material used in the production of a good 
provided for in Chapters 1 through 21, HTSUS, unless the non-
originating material is provided for in a different subheading than the 
good for which origin is being determined.
    (c) A textile or apparel good provided for in Chapters 50 through 
63, HTSUS, that is not an originating good because certain fibers or 
yarns used in the production of the component of the good that 
determines the tariff classification of the good do not undergo an 
applicable change in tariff classification set out in General Note 
25(o), HTSUS, will nevertheless be considered to be an originating good 
if the total weight of all such fibers or yarns in that component is 
not more than 7 percent of the total weight of that component. 
Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, a textile or apparel good 
containing elastomeric yarns in the component of the good that 
determines the tariff classification of the good will be considered an 
originating good only if such yarns are wholly formed in the territory 
of a Party.


Sec.  10.534  Accumulation.

    (a) Originating materials of Singapore or the United States that 
are used in the production of a good in the territory of the other 
party will be considered to originate in the territory of the other 
party.
    (b) A good that is produced in the territory of one or both of the 
Parties by one or more producers, will be considered an originating 
good if the good satisfies:
    (1) The applicable requirements of Sec.  10.531 of this subpart and 
General Note 25, HTSUS; or
    (2) The provisions of Sec.  10.532 of this subpart.


Sec.  10.535  Regional value content.

    (a) General. Where General Note 25(o), HTSUS, sets forth a rule 
that specifies a regional value content test for a good, the regional 
value content of such good must be calculated, at the choice of the 
person claiming the preferential tariff treatment for such good, on the 
basis of the build-down method or the build-up method described in 
paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section, unless otherwise specified in 
General Note 25(o), HTSUS.
    (b) Build-down method. Under the build-down method, the regional 
value content must be calculated on the basis of the formula RVC = ((AV 
-VNM)/AV) x 100, where RVC is the regional value content, expressed as 
a percentage; AV is the adjusted value; and VNM is the value of non-
originating materials that are acquired and used by the producer in the 
production of the good.
    (c) Build-up method. Under the build-up method, the regional value 
content must be calculated on the basis of the formula RVC = (VOM /AV) 
x 100, where RVC is the regional value content, expressed as a 
percentage; AV is the adjusted value; and VOM is the value of 
originating materials that are acquired or self-produced and used by 
the producer in the production of the good.

[[Page 32000]]

Sec.  10.536  Value of materials.

    (a) Calculating the value of materials. Except as provided in Sec.  
10.541, for purposes of calculating the regional value content of a 
good under General Note 25(o), HTSUS, and for purposes of applying the 
de minimis (see Sec.  10.533 of this subpart) provisions of General 
Note 25(o), HTSUS, the value of a material is:
    (1) In the case of a material imported by the producer of the good, 
the adjusted value of the material;
    (2) In the case of a material acquired by the producer in the 
territory where the good is produced, except for a material to which 
paragraph (a)(3) of this section applies, the adjusted value of the 
material with reasonable modifications to the provisions of the Customs 
Valuation Agreement so as to permit their application to the domestic 
acquisition by the producer. Such reasonable modifications include, but 
are not limited to, treating a domestic purchase by the producer as if 
it were a sale for export to the country of importation; or

    Example 1. The producer in Singapore purchases material x from 
an unrelated seller in Singapore for $100. Under the provisions of 
Article 1 of the Customs Valuation Agreement, transaction value is 
the price actually paid or payable for the goods when sold for 
export to the country of importation adjusted in accordance with the 
provisions of Article 8. In order to apply Article 1 to this 
domestic purchase by the producer, such purchase is treated as if it 
were a sale for export to the country of importation. Therefore, for 
purposes of determining the adjusted value of material x, Article 1 
transaction value is the price actually paid or payable for the 
goods when sold to the producer in Singapore ($100), adjusted in 
accordance with the provisions of Article 8. In this example, it is 
irrelevant whether material x was initially imported into Singapore 
by the seller (or by anyone else). So long as the producer acquired 
material x in Singapore, it is intended that the value of material x 
will be determined on the basis of the price actually paid or 
payable by the producer adjusted in accordance with the provisions 
of Article 8.
    Example 2. Same facts as in Example 1, except the sale between 
the seller and the producer is subject to certain restrictions that 
preclude the application of Article 1. Under Article 2 of the 
Customs Valuation Agreement, the value is the transaction value of 
identical goods sold for export to the same country of importation 
and exported at or about the same time as the goods being valued. In 
order to permit the application of Article 2 to the domestic 
acquisition by the producer, it should be modified so that the value 
is the transaction value of identical goods sold within Singapore at 
or about the same time the goods were sold to the producer in 
Singapore. Thus, if the seller of material x also sold an identical 
material to another buyer in Singapore without restrictions, that 
other sale would be used to determine the adjusted value of material 
x.

    (3) In the case of a self-produced material, or in a case in which 
the relationship between the producer of the good and the seller of the 
material influenced the price actually paid or payable for the 
material, including a material obtained without charge, the sum of:
    (i) All expenses incurred in the production of the material, 
including general expenses; and
    (ii) A reasonable amount for profit.
    (b) Permissible additions to, and deductions from, the value of 
materials. (1) Additions to originating materials. For originating 
materials, the following expenses, if not included under paragraph (a) 
of this section, may be added to the value of the originating material:
    (i) The costs of freight, insurance, packing, and all other costs 
incurred in transporting the material to the location of the producer;
    (ii) Duties, taxes, and customs brokerage fees on the material paid 
in the territory of one or both of the Parties, other than duties and 
taxes that are waived, refunded, refundable or otherwise recoverable, 
including credit against duty or tax paid or payable; and
    (iii) The cost of waste and spoilage resulting from the use of the 
material in the production of the good, less the value of renewable 
scrap or by-product; and
    (2) Deductions from non-originating materials. For non-originating 
materials, if included under paragraph (a) of this section, the 
following expenses may be deducted from the value of the non-
originating material:
    (i) The costs of freight, insurance, packing, and all other costs 
incurred in transporting the material to the location of the producer;
    (ii) Duties, taxes, and customs brokerage fees on the material paid 
in one or both of the Parties, other than duties and taxes that are 
waived, refunded, refundable or otherwise recoverable, including credit 
against duty or tax paid or payable;
    (iii) The cost of waste and spoilage resulting from the use of the 
material in the production of the good, less the value of renewable 
scrap or by-products;
    (iv) The cost of processing incurred in the territory of Singapore 
or the United States in the production of the non-originating material; 
and
    (v) The cost of originating materials used in the production of the 
non-originating material in the territory of Singapore or the United 
States.
    (c) Accounting method. Any cost or value referenced in General Note 
25, HTSUS and this subpart, must be recorded and maintained in 
accordance with the Generally Accepted Accounting Principles applicable 
in the territory of the country in which the good is produced (whether 
Singapore or the United States).


Sec.  10.537  Accessories, spare parts, or tools.

    Accessories, spare parts, or tools that are delivered with a good 
and that form part of the good's standard accessories, spare parts, or 
tools will be treated as originating goods if the good is an 
originating good, and will be disregarded in determining whether all 
the non-originating materials used in the production of the good 
undergo an applicable change in tariff classification specified in 
General Note 25(o), HTSUS, provided that:
    (a) The accessories, spare parts, or tools are not invoiced 
separately from the good;
    (b) The quantities and value of the accessories, spare parts, or 
tools are customary for the good; and
    (c) If the good is subject to a regional value content requirement, 
the value of the accessories, spare parts, or tools will be taken into 
account as originating or non-originating materials, as the case may 
be, in calculating the regional value content of the good under Sec.  
10.535 of this subpart.


Sec.  10.538  Fungible goods and materials.

    (a) A person claiming preferential treatment under the SFTA for a 
good may claim that a fungible good or material is originating either 
based on the physical segregation of each fungible good or material or 
by using an inventory management method. For purposes of this subpart, 
the term ``inventory management method'' means:
    (1) Averaging;
    (2) ``Last-in, first-out;''
    (3) ``First-in, first-out;'' or
    (4) Any other method that is recognized in the Generally Accepted 
Accounting Principles of the Party in which the production is performed 
or otherwise accepted by that country.
    (b) A person selecting an inventory management method under 
paragraph (a) of this section for particular fungible goods or 
materials must continue to use that method for those fungible goods or 
materials throughout the fiscal year of that person.


Sec.  10.539  Retail packaging materials and containers.

    Packaging materials and containers in which a good is packaged for 
retail sale, if classified with the good for which

[[Page 32001]]

preferential treatment under the SFTA is claimed, will be disregarded 
in determining whether all non-originating materials used in the 
production of the good undergo the applicable change in tariff 
classification set out in General Note 25(o), HTSUS. If the good is 
subject to a regional value content requirement, the value of such 
packaging materials and containers will be taken into account as 
originating or non-originating materials, as the case may be, in 
calculating the regional value content of the good.

    Example 1. Singaporean Producer A of good C imports 100 non-
originating blister packages to be used as retail packaging for good 
C. As provided in Sec.  10.536(a)(1) of this subpart, the value of 
the blister packages is their adjusted value, which in this case is 
$10. Good C has a regional value content requirement. The United 
States importer of good C decides to use the build-down method, 
RVC=((AV-VNM)/AV) x 100 (see Sec.  10.535(b) of this subpart), in 
determining whether good C satisfies the regional value content 
requirement. In applying this method, the non-originating blister 
packages are taken into account as non-originating. As such, their 
$10 adjusted value is included in the VNM, value of non-originating 
materials, of good C.
    Example 2. Same facts as in Example 1, but the blister packages 
are originating. In this case, the adjusted value of the originating 
blister packages would not be included as part of the VNM of good C 
under the build-down method. However, if the U.S. importer had used 
the build-up method, RVC=(VOM/AV) x 100 (see Sec.  10.535(c) of this 
subpart), the adjusted value of the blister packaging would be 
included as part of the VOM, value of originating material.


Sec.  10.540  Packing materials and containers for shipment.

    (a) Packing materials and containers for shipment, as defined in 
Sec.  10.530(j) of this subpart, are to be disregarded in determining 
whether the non-originating materials used in the production of the 
good undergo an applicable change in tariff classification set out in 
General Note 25(o), HTSUS. Accordingly, such materials and containers 
are not required to undergo the applicable change in tariff 
classification even if they are non-originating.
    (b) Packing materials and containers for shipment, as defined in 
Sec.  10.530(j) of this subpart, are to be disregarded in determining 
the regional value content of a good imported into the United States. 
Accordingly, in applying either the build-down or build-up method for 
determining the regional value content of the good imported into the 
United States, the value of such packing materials and containers for 
shipment (whether originating or non-originating) is disregarded and 
not included in AV, adjusted value, VNM, value of non-originating 
materials, or VOM, value of originating materials.

    Example. Singaporean Producer A produces good C. Producer A 
ships good C to the U.S. in a shipping container which it purchased 
from Company B in Singapore. The shipping container is originating. 
The value of the shipping container determined under section Sec.  
10.536(a)(2) of this subpart is $3. Good C is subject to a regional 
value content requirement. The transaction value of good C is $100, 
which includes the $3 shipping container. The United States importer 
decides to use the build-up method, RVC=(VOM/AV) x 100 (see Sec.  
10.535(c) of this subpart), in determining whether good C satisfies 
the regional value content requirement. In determining the AV, 
adjusted value, of good C imported into the U.S., paragraph (b) of 
this section requires a $3 deduction for the value of the shipping 
container. Therefore, the AV is $97 ($100-$3). In addition, the 
value of the shipping container is disregarded and not included in 
the VOM, value of originating materials.


Sec.  10.541  Indirect materials.

    An indirect material, as defined in Sec.  10.502(j) of this 
subpart, will be considered to be an originating material without 
regard to where it is produced, and its value will be the cost 
registered in the accounting records of the producer of the good.

    Example. Singaporean Producer C produces good C using non-
originating material A. Producer C imports non-originating rubber 
gloves for use by workers in the production of good C. Good C is 
subject to a tariff shift requirement. As provided in Sec.  
10.531(b)(1) of this subpart and General Note 25(o), each of the 
non-originating materials in good C must undergo the specified 
change in tariff classification in order for good C to be considered 
originating. Although non-originating material A must undergo the 
applicable tariff shift in order for good C to be considered 
originating, the rubber gloves do not because they are indirect 
materials and are considered originating without regard to where 
they are produced.


Sec.  10.542  Third country transportation.

    (a) General. A good will not be considered an originating good by 
reason of having undergone production that would enable the good to 
qualify as an originating good if subsequent to that production the 
good undergoes further production or any other operation outside the 
territories of the Parties, other than unloading, reloading, or any 
other process necessary to preserve the good in good condition or to 
transport the good to the territory of a Party.
    (b) Documentary evidence. An importer making a claim that a good is 
originating may be required to demonstrate, to CBP's satisfaction, that 
no further production or subsequent operation, other than permitted 
under paragraph (a) of this section, occurred outside the territories 
of the Parties. An importer may demonstrate compliance with this 
section by submitting documentary evidence. Such evidence may include, 
but is not limited to, bills of lading, airway bills, packing lists, 
commercial invoices, receiving and inventory records, and customs entry 
and exit documents.


Sec.  10.543  Certain apparel goods made from fabric or yarn not 
available in commercial quantities.

    Notwithstanding the provisions of Sec.  10.531 of this subpart, a 
textile apparel article of Chapter 61 or 62, HTSUS, will be considered 
an originating good under the SFTA if it is both cut (or knit to shape) 
and sewn or otherwise assembled in one or both of the Parties from 
fabric or yarn, regardless of origin, designated by the Committee for 
the Implementation of Textile Agreements (``CITA'') as not available in 
commercial quantities in a timely manner in the United States. Such 
designations by CITA, identifying apparel goods made from such fabric 
or yarn as eligible for entry under subheading 9819.11.24 or 
9820.11.27, HTSUS, must have been made by notices published in the 
Federal Register no later than November 15, 2002.\1\ For purposes of 
this section, any reference in these notices to fabric or yarn formed 
in the United States will be interpreted as also including fabric or 
yarn formed in Singapore.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ These designations are set forth in notices published in the 
Federal Register on September 25, 2001 (66 FR 49005), November 19, 
2001 (66 FR 57942), April 10, 2002 (67 FR 17412), May 28, 2002 (67 
FR 36858), and September 5, 2002 (67 FR 56806).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Origin Verifications and Determinations


Sec.  10.550  Verification and justification of claim for preferential 
treatment.

    (a) Verification. A claim for preferential treatment made under 
Sec.  10.510(a) of this subpart, including any statements or other 
information submitted to CBP in support of the claim, will be subject 
to such verification as the port director deems necessary. In the event 
that the port director is provided with insufficient information to 
verify or substantiate the claim, the port director may deny the claim 
for preferential treatment. A verification of a claim for preferential 
tariff treatment may be conducted by means of one or more of the 
following:

[[Page 32002]]

    (1) Requests for information from the importer;
    (2) Written requests for information to the exporter or producer;
    (3) Requests for the importer to arrange for the exporter or 
producer to provide information directly to CBP;
    (4) Visits to the premises of the exporter or producer in 
Singapore, in accordance with procedures that the Parties adopt 
pertaining to verification; and
    (5) Such other procedures as the Parties may agree.
    (b) Applicable accounting principles. When conducting a 
verification of origin to which Generally Accepted Accounting 
Principles may be relevant, CBP will apply and accept the Generally 
Accepted Accounting Principles applicable in the country of production.


Sec.  10.551  Issuance of negative origin determinations.

    If, as a result of an origin verification initiated under Sec.  
10.550 of this subpart, CBP denies a claim for preferential treatment 
made under Sec.  10.510(a) of this subpart, it will issue a 
determination in writing or via an authorized electronic data 
interchange system to the importer that sets forth the following:
    (a) A description of the good that was the subject of the 
verification together with the identifying numbers and dates of the 
import documents pertaining to the good;
    (b) A statement setting forth the findings of fact made in 
connection with the verification and upon which the determination is 
based; and
    (c) With specific reference to the rules applicable to originating 
goods as set forth in General Note 25, HTSUS, and in Sec. Sec.  10.530 
through 10.543 of this subpart, the legal basis for the determination.


Sec.  10.552  Information sharing by CBP regarding textile and apparel 
goods produced in the United States.

    (a) Documents or information in the possession of U.S. enterprises. 
Upon written request from the Government of Singapore containing a 
brief statement of the matter at issue and the cooperation requested, 
CBP will promptly request from a U.S. enterprise and provide to the 
Government of Singapore, to the extent available, all correspondence, 
reports, bills of lading, invoices, order confirmations, and other 
documents or information relevant to circumvention that the Government 
of Singapore considers may have taken place.
    (b) Circumvention defined. For purposes of this section and Sec.  
10.554 of this subpart, ``circumvention'' means providing a false claim 
or false information for the purpose of, or with the effect of, 
violating or evading existing customs, country of origin labeling, or 
trade laws of the Party into which the textile or apparel goods are 
imported, if such action results in the avoidance of tariffs, quotas, 
embargoes, prohibitions, restrictions, trade remedies, including 
antidumping or countervailing duties, or safeguard measures, or in 
obtaining preferential tariff treatment. Examples of circumvention 
include: Illegal transshipment; rerouting; fraud; false claims 
concerning country of origin, fiber content, quantities, description, 
or classification; falsification of documents; and smuggling.


Sec.  10.553  Textile and apparel site visits.

    (a) Visits to enterprises of Singapore. U.S. officials may 
undertake to conduct site visits to enterprises in the territory of 
Singapore. U.S. officials will conduct such visits together with 
responsible officials of the Government of Singapore and in accordance 
with the laws of Singapore.
    (b) Denial of permission to visit. If the responsible officials of 
an enterprise of Singapore that is proposed to be visited do not 
consent to the site visit, CBP will, if directed by The Committee for 
the Implementation of Textile Agreements (CITA), exclude from the 
territory of the United States textile or apparel goods produced or 
exported by the enterprise until CITA determines that the enterprise's 
production of, and capability to produce, such goods is consistent with 
statements by the enterprise that textile or apparel goods it produces 
or has produced are originating goods or products of Singapore.


Sec.  10.554  Exclusion of textile or apparel goods for intentional 
circumvention.

    (a) General. If CITA finds that an enterprise of Singapore has 
knowingly or willfully engaged in circumvention, CBP will, if directed 
by CITA, exclude from the customs territory of the United States 
textile or apparel goods produced or exported by that enterprise for a 
period no longer than the applicable period described in paragraph (b) 
of this section.
    (b) Time periods. An exclusion from entry imposed under paragraph 
(a) of this section will begin on the date a finding of knowing or 
willful circumvention is made by CITA and will remain in effect for the 
following applicable time period:
    (1) With respect to a first finding, the applicable period is six 
months;
    (2) With respect to a second finding, the applicable period is two 
years; or
    (3) With respect to a third or subsequent finding, the applicable 
period is two years. If, at the time of a third or subsequent finding, 
an exclusion of goods with respect to an enterprise is in effect as a 
result of a previous finding, the two-year period applicable to the 
third or subsequent finding will begin on the day after the day on 
which the previous exclusion period terminates.

Penalties


Sec.  10.560  General.

    Except as otherwise provided in this subpart, all criminal, civil 
or administrative penalties which may be imposed on U.S. importers for 
violations of the customs and related laws and regulations will also 
apply to U.S. importers for violations of the laws and regulations 
relating to the SFTA.


Sec.  10.561  Corrected claim or supporting statement.

    An importer who makes a corrected claim under Sec.  10.510(b) will 
not be subject to civil or administrative penalties under 19 U.S.C. 
1592 for having made an incorrect claim or supporting statement, 
provided that the corrected claim is promptly and voluntarily made.


Sec.  10.562  Framework for correcting claims or supporting statements.

    (a) ``Promptly and voluntarily'' defined. Except as provided for in 
paragraph (b) of this section, for purposes of this subpart, the making 
of a corrected claim or supporting statement will be deemed to have 
been done promptly and voluntarily if:
    (1) (i) Done within one year following the date on which the 
importer made the incorrect claim; or
    (ii) Done later than one year following the date on which the 
importer made the incorrect claim, provided that the corrected claim is 
made:
    (A) Before the commencement of a formal investigation, within the 
meaning of Sec.  162.74(g) of this chapter; or
    (B) Before any of the events specified in Sec.  162.74(i) of this 
chapter has occurred; or
    (C) Within 30 days after the importer initially becomes aware that 
the incorrect claim is not valid; and
    (2) Accompanied by a statement setting forth the information 
specified in paragraph (c) of this section; and
    (3) Accompanied or followed by a tender of any actual loss of 
duties and merchandise processing fees, if

[[Page 32003]]

applicable, in accordance with paragraph (e) of this section.
    (b) Exception in cases involving fraud or subsequent incorrect 
claims.
    (1) Fraud. An importer who acted fraudulently in making an 
incorrect claim may not make a voluntary correction of that claim. For 
purposes of this paragraph, the term ``fraud'' will have the meaning 
set forth in paragraph (C)(3) of appendix B to Part 171 of this 
chapter.
    (2) Subsequent incorrect claims. An importer who makes one or more 
incorrect claims after becoming aware that a claim involving the same 
merchandise and circumstances is invalid may not make a voluntary 
correction of the subsequent claims pursuant to paragraph (a)(1)(ii)(C) 
of this section.
    (c) Statement. For purposes of this subpart, each corrected claim 
must be accompanied by a statement, submitted in writing or via an 
authorized electronic data interchange system, which:
    (1) Identifies the class or kind of good to which the incorrect 
claim relates;
    (2) Identifies each affected import transaction, including each 
port of importation and the approximate date of each importation.
    (3) Specifies the nature of the incorrect statements or omissions 
regarding the claim; and
    (4) Sets forth, to the best of the person's knowledge, the true and 
accurate information or data which should have been covered by or 
provided in the claim, and states that the person will provide any 
additional information or data which is unknown at the time of making 
the corrected claim within 30 days or within any extension of that 30-
day period as CBP may permit in order for the person to obtain the 
information or data.
    (d) Substantial compliance. For purposes of this section, a person 
will be deemed to have submitted the statement described in paragraph 
(c) of this section even though that person provided corrected 
information in a manner which does not conform to the requirements of 
the statement specified in paragraph (c) of this section, provided that 
the information submitted includes, orally or otherwise, substantially 
the same information as that specified in paragraph (c) of this 
section.
    (e) Tender of actual loss of duties. A U.S. importer who makes a 
corrected claim must tender any actual loss of duties at the time of 
making the corrected claim, or within 30 days thereafter, or within any 
extension of that 30-day period as CBP may allow in order for the 
importer to obtain the information or data necessary to calculate the 
duties owed.
    (f) Applicability of prior disclosure provisions. Where a person 
fails to meet the requirements of this section, that person may 
nevertheless qualify for prior disclosure treatment under 19 U.S.C. 
1592(c)(4) and 162.74 of this chapter.

Goods Returned After Repair or Alteration


Sec.  10.570  Goods re-entered after repair or alteration in Singapore.

    (a) General. This section sets forth the rules which apply for 
purposes of obtaining duty-free treatment on goods returned after 
repair or alteration in Singapore as provided for in subheadings 
9802.00.40 and 9802.00.50, HTSUS. Goods returned after having been 
repaired or altered in Singapore, whether or not pursuant to a 
warranty, are eligible for duty-free treatment, provided that the 
requirements of this section are met. For purposes of this section, 
``repairs or alterations'' means restoration, addition, renovation, re-
dyeing, cleaning, re-sterilizing, or other treatment which does not 
destroy the essential characteristics of, or create a new or 
commercially different good from, the good exported from the United 
States.
    (b) Goods not eligible for duty-free treatment after repair or 
alteration. The duty-free treatment referred to in paragraph (a) of 
this section will not apply to goods which, in their condition as 
exported from the United States to Singapore, are incomplete for their 
intended use and for which the processing operation performed in 
Singapore constitutes an operation that is performed as a matter of 
course in the preparation or manufacture of finished goods.
    (c) Documentation. The provisions of paragraphs (a), (b), and (c) 
of Sec.  10.8 of this part, relating to the documentary requirements 
for goods entered under subheading 9802.00.40 or 9802.00.50, HTSUS, 
will apply in connection with the entry of goods which are returned 
from Singapore after having been exported for repairs or alterations 
and which are claimed to be duty free.

PART 24--CUSTOMS FINANCIAL AND ACCOUNTING PROCEDURE

0
5. The general authority citation for Part 24 and specific authority 
for Sec.  24.23 continue to read as follows:

    Authority: 5 U.S.C. 301; 19 U.S.C. 58a-58c, 66, 1202 (General 
Note 3(i), Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States), 1505, 
1520, 1624; 26 U.S.C. 4461, 4462; 31 U.S.C. 9701; Public Law 107-
296, 116 Stat. 2135 (6 U.S.C. 1 et seq.).
* * * * *
    Section 24.23 also issued under 19 U.S.C. 3332.
* * * * *

0
6. Section 24.23 is amended by adding paragraph (c)(6) to read as 
follows:


Sec.  24.23  Fees for processing merchandise.

* * * * *
    (c) * * *
    (6) The ad valorem fee, surcharge, and specific fees provided under 
paragraphs (b)(1) and (b)(2)(i) of this section will not apply to goods 
that qualify as originating goods under Sec.  202 of the United States-
Singapore Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act (see also General 
Note 25, HTSUS) that are entered, or withdrawn from warehouse for 
consumption, on or after January 1, 2004.
* * * * *

PART 162--INSPECTION, SEARCH, AND SEIZURE

0
7. The authority citation for part 162 continues to read in part as 
follows:

    Authority: 5 U.S.C. 301; 19 U.S.C. 66, 1592, 1593a, 1624.
* * * * *

0
8. Section 162.0 is amended by revising the last sentence to read as 
follows:


Sec.  162.0  Scope.

    * * * Additional provisions concerning records maintenance and 
examination applicable to U.S. importers, exporters and producers under 
the U.S.-Chile Free Trade Agreement and the U.S.-Singapore Free Trade 
Agreement are contained in Part 10, Subparts H and I of this chapter, 
respectively.

PART 163--RECORDKEEPING

0
9. The authority citation for part 163 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 5 U.S.C. 301; 19 U.S.C. 66, 1484, 1508, 1509, 1510, 
1624.
* * * * *

0
10. Section 163.1(a)(2) is amended by redesignating paragraph 
(a)(2)(vii) as (a)(2)(viii) and adding a new paragraph (vii) to read as 
follows:


Sec.  163.1  Definitions.

* * * * *
    (a) * * *
    (2) * * *
    (vii) The maintenance of any documentation that the importer may 
have in support of a claim for preferential tariff treatment under the

[[Page 32004]]

United States-Singapore Free Trade Agreement (SFTA), including a SFTA 
importer's supporting statement if previously required by the port 
director.
* * * * *

0
11. The Appendix to Part 163 is amended by adding two new listings 
under section IV in numerical order to read as follows:

Appendix to Part 163--Interim (a)(1)(A) List.

* * * * *
    IV. * * *
    Sec.  10.512 SFTA records that the importer may have in support 
of a SFTA claim for preferential tariff treatment, including an 
importer's supporting statement if previously required by the port 
director.
    10.522 SFTA TPL Certificate of eligibility.
* * * * *

PART 178--APPROVAL OF INFORMATION COLLECTION REQUIREMENTS

0
12. The authority citation for part 178 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 5 U.S.C. 301; 19 U.S.C. 1624; 44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.


0
13. Section 178.2 is amended by adding new listings for Sec. Sec.  
10.510 and 10.511 to the table in numerical order to read as follows:


Sec.  178.2  Listing of OMB control numbers.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                            OMB control
         19 CFR section                Description              No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                              * * * * * * *
Sec.  Sec.   10.510 and 10.511.  Claim for preferential        1651-0117
                                  tariff treatment under
                                  the US-Singapore Free
                                  Trade Agreement.
 
                              * * * * * * *
------------------------------------------------------------------------

* * * * *

Deborah J. Spero,
Acting Commissioner, U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
    Approved: June 1, 2007.
Timothy E. Skud,
Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Treasury.
[FR Doc. E7-11078 Filed 6-8-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 9111-14-P