[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 193 (Friday, October 4, 2019)]
[Notices]
[Pages 53103-53104]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-21671]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

Foreign-Trade Zones Board

[B-60-2019]


Foreign-Trade Zone (FTZ) 23--Buffalo, New York; Notification of 
Proposed Production Activity; Panasonic Solar North America 
(Crystalline Silicon Photovoltaic Solar Panels/Modules and Cells); 
Buffalo, New York

    Panasonic Solar North America (PSNA, formerly Panasonic Eco 
Solutions Solar New York America) submitted a notification of proposed 
production activity to the FTZ Board for its facility in Buffalo, New 
York. The notification conforming to the requirements of the 
regulations of the FTZ Board (15 CFR 400.22) was received on September 
26, 2019.
    PSNA already has authority to produce crystalline silicon 
photovoltaic (CSPV) cells and solar panels/modules within Subzone 23E. 
The current request would add a foreign-status material/component to 
the scope of authority. Pursuant to 15 CFR 400.14(b), additional FTZ 
authority would be limited to the specific foreign-status component 
described in the submitted notification (as described below) and 
subsequently authorized by the FTZ Board.
    Production under FTZ procedures could exempt PSNA from customs duty 
payments on the foreign-status material/component used in export 
production. On its domestic sales, for the foreign-status organic 
surface-active agents (texture additives) (duty rate, 3.7%), PSNA would 
be able to choose the duty rate during customs entry procedures that 
applies to CSPV cells and solar

[[Page 53104]]

panels/modules (duty free). PSNA would be able to avoid duty on the 
foreign-status material/component which becomes scrap/waste. Customs 
duties also could possibly be deferred or reduced on foreign-status 
production equipment.
    The request indicates that the foreign-status component/material is 
subject to special duties under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 
(Section 301), depending on the country of origin. The applicable 
Section 301 decisions require subject merchandise to be admitted to 
FTZs in privileged foreign status (19 CFR 146.41).
    Public comment is invited from interested parties. Submissions 
shall be addressed to the Board's Executive Secretary and sent to: 
[email protected]. The closing period for their receipt is November 13, 
2019.
    A copy of the notification will be available for public inspection 
in the ``Reading Room'' section of the Board's website, which is 
accessible via www.trade.gov/ftz.
    For further information, contact Diane Finver at 
[email protected] or (202) 482-1367.

    Dated: October 1, 2019.
Andrew McGilvray,
Executive Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2019-21671 Filed 10-3-19; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 3510-DS-P