Proposed Collection; Comment Request; North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) Regulations and Certificate of Origin

AGENCY:

Customs, Department of the Treasury.

ACTION:

Notice and request for comments.

SUMMARY:

As part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, Customs invites the general public and other Federal agencies to comment on an information collection requirement concerning the NAFTA Regulations and Certificate of Origin. This request for comment is being made pursuant to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13; 44 U.S.C. 3505(c)(2)).

DATES:

Written comments should be received on or before February 3, 2003, to be assured of consideration.

ADDRESSES:

Direct all written comments to U.S. Customs Service, Tracey Denning, Information Services Group, Room 3.2.C, 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20229.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Requests for additional information should be directed to U.S. Customs Service, Attn.: Tracey Denning, Room 3.2.C, 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20229, Tel. (202) 927-1429.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Customs invites the general public and other Federal agencies to comment on proposed and/or continuing information collections pursuant to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13; 44 U.S.C. 3505(c)(2)). The comments should address: (a) Whether the collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information shall have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency's estimates of the burden of the collection of information; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; (d) ways to minimize the burden including the use of automated collection techniques or the use of other forms of information technology; and (e) the annual costs burden to respondents or record keepers from the collection of information (a total capital/startup costs and operations and maintenance costs). The comments that are submitted will be summarized and included in the Customs request for Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval. All comments will become a matter of public record. In this document Customs is soliciting comments concerning the following information collection:

Title: NAFTA Regulations and Certificate of Origin.

OMB Number: 1515-0204.

Form Number: Customs Form 434 and 446.

Abstract: The objectives of NAFTA are to eliminate barriers to trade in goods and services between the United States, Mexico, and Canada; facilitate conditions of fair competition within the free trade area; liberalize significantly conditions for investments within the free trade area; establish effective procedures for the joint administration of the NAFTA ; and the resolution of disputes.

Current Actions: There are no changes to the information collection. This submission is being submitted to extend the expiration date.

Type of Review: Extension.

Affected Public: Business or other for-profit institutions.

Estimated Number of Respondents: 5000.

Estimated Time Per Respondent: 20 minutes.

Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 25,760.

Estimated Total Annualized Cost on the Public: $600,000.00.