Uniform Rules of Origin for Imported Merchandise, 51962-51963 [E8-20662]

Download as PDF 51962 Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 174 / Monday, September 8, 2008 / Proposed Rules material. Accordingly, the Commission frequently is unable to act on requests for confidential treatment of information it believes should be made publicly available. The proposed amendments are intended to permit staff to promptly resolve confidentiality issues in connection with material submitted pursuant to parts 40 and 41 by creating, as permitted by part 145, a separate procedure from that specified in regulation 145.9. The proposed procedure would not be triggered by a FOIA request but instead would require that registered entities desiring confidential treatment for information submitted under parts 40 and 41 simultaneously file a detailed written justification in support of such a request. Commission staff would make an initial determination to grant or deny confidential treatment. The proposed amendments to part 40 provide a process under which a registered entity may appeal the staff’s decision and further provide that in the event of a subsequent FOIA request, both the requester and the submitter would have the appeal rights specified in Commission regulation 145.9. The comment period closes on September 2, 2008. By letter dated August 29, 2008, The Chicago Mercantile Exchange requested additional time to address the issues raised in the proposed rulemaking. In order to encourage the submission of meaningful comments and to assure that all views are considered in its final determination, the Commission has determined to grant the request and to give full consideration to any comment received during the extension period. Accordingly, the comment period for the Commission’s proposed amendments to parts 40, 41 and 145 is hereby extended to September 17, 2008. Issued in Washington, DC on September 2, 2008, by the Commission. Sauntia S. Warfield, Staff Assistant. [FR Doc. E8–20684 Filed 9–5–08; 8:45 am] sroberts on PROD1PC70 with PROPOSALS BILLING CODE 6351–01–P VerDate Aug<31>2005 17:57 Sep 05, 2008 Jkt 214001 DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY Bureau of Customs and Border Protection DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY 19 CFR Parts 4, 7, 10, 102, 134, and 177 [USCBP–2007–0100] RIN 1505–AB49 Uniform Rules of Origin for Imported Merchandise AGENCIES: Customs and Border Protection, Department of Homeland Security; Department of the Treasury. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking; extension of comment period. SUMMARY: This document provides an additional 30 days for interested parties to submit comments on the proposed rule to amend the Customs and Border Protection (‘‘CBP’’) regulations to establish uniform rules governing CBP determinations of the country of origin of imported merchandise. The proposed rule was published in the Federal Register on July 25, 2008 (73 FR 43385), and the comment period was scheduled to expire on September 23, 2008. DATES: Comments on the proposed rule must be received on or before October 23, 2008. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments, identified by docket number, by one of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: https:// www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments via docket number USCBP–2007–0100. • Mail: Trade and Commercial Regulations Branch, Regulations and Rulings, Office of International Trade, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, 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 https:// 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 https:// www.regulations.gov. Submitted comments may be inspected during regular business days between the hours PO 00000 Frm 00019 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 of 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. at the Trade and Commercial Regulations Branch, Regulations and Rulings, Office of International Trade, 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: Monika Brenner, Valuation and Special Programs, Office of International Trade, 202–572–8835; Heather K. Pinnock, Tariff Classification and Marking, Office of International Trade, 202–572–8828. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Public Participation Interested persons are invited to participate in this rulemaking by submitting written data, views, or arguments on all aspects of the proposed rule. CBP also invites comments that relate to the economic, environmental, or federalism effects that might result from this proposed rule. Comments that will provide the most assistance to CBP will reference a specific portion of the proposed 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. Background CBP published a notice of proposed rulemaking in the Federal Register (73 FR 43385) on July 25, 2008, proposing to amend the CBP regulations to establish uniform rules of origin for imported merchandise. The proposed rule would extend application of the country of origin rules codified in 19 CFR part 102. Those rules have proven to be more objective and transparent and provide greater predictability in determining the country of origin of imported merchandise than the system of case-by-case adjudication they would replace. The proposed change also will aid an importer’s exercise of reasonable care. In addition, the document proposes to amend the country of origin rules applicable to pipe fitting and flanges, printed greeting cards, glass optical fiber, and rice preparations. Finally, the proposed rule would amend the textile regulations set forth in § 102.21 to make corrections so that the regulations reflect the language of section 334(b)(5) of the Uruguay Round Agreements Act. The notice of proposed rulemaking invited the public to comment on the proposal. Comments on the proposed E:\FR\FM\08SEP1.SGM 08SEP1 Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 174 / Monday, September 8, 2008 / Proposed Rules rule were requested on or before September 23, 2008. Extension of Comment Period In response to the proposed rule published in the Federal Register, CBP has received correspondence from several parties requesting an extension of the comment period. A decision has been made to grant an extension of 30 days. Comments are now due on or before October 23, 2008. Dated: September 2, 2008. Harold M. Singer, Director, Regulations and Disclosure Law Division, Regulations and Rulings, Office of International Trade. Timothy E. Skud, Deputy Assistant Secretary (Tax, Trade and Tariff Policy), Office of Tax Policy, United States Treasury Department. [FR Doc. E8–20662 Filed 9–5–08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 9111–14–P SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION 20 CFR Parts 404, 408, 416, and 422 [Docket No. SSA–2007–0068] RIN 0960–AG56 Revisions to Rules on Representation of Parties Social Security Administration. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking. sroberts on PROD1PC70 with PROPOSALS AGENCY: SUMMARY: We are proposing several revisions to our rules on representation of parties. These proposed rules would recognize entities as representatives, define the concept of a principal representative, and authorize principal representatives to sign and file a claim for benefits on behalf of a claimant. These proposed rules would also mandate the use of Form SSA–1696 to appoint, revoke, or withdraw an appointment of a representative, and to waive a fee or direct payment of the fee. We propose to define the concept of a professional representative and require professional representatives to use our electronic services as they become available, including requiring professional representatives to submit certain requests for reconsideration or a hearing before an administrative law judge (ALJ) electronically. Finally, we propose to require representatives to keep paper copies of certain documents that we may require. We are proposing these revisions to reflect changes in representatives’ business practices and to improve our efficiency by enhancing use of the Internet. DATES: To make sure that your comments are considered, we must VerDate Aug<31>2005 17:57 Sep 05, 2008 Jkt 214001 receive them no later than November 7, 2008. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments by any one of four methods—Internet, facsimile, regular mail, or handdelivery. Commenters should not submit the same comments multiple times or by more than one method. Regardless of which of the following methods you choose, please state that your comments refer to Docket No. SSA–2007–0068 to ensure that we can associate your comments with the correct regulation: 1. Federal eRulemaking portal at https://www.regulations.gov. (This is the most expedient method for submitting your comments, and we strongly urge you to use it.) In the Search Documents section of the Web page, type ‘‘SSA– 2007–0068’’, select ‘‘Go’’, and then click ‘‘Send a Comment or Submission.’’ The Federal eRulemaking portal issues you a tracking number when you submit a comment. 2. Telefax to (410) 966–2830. 3. Letter to the Commissioner of Social Security, P.O. Box 17703, Baltimore, MD 21235–7703. 4. Deliver your comments to the Office of Regulations, Social Security Administration, 922 Altmeyer Building, 6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, Maryland 21235–6401, between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. on regular business days. All comments are posted on the Federal eRulemaking portal, although they may not appear for several days after receipt of the comment. You may also inspect the comments on regular business days by making arrangements with the contact person shown in this preamble. Caution: All comments we receive from members of the public are available for public viewing on the Federal eRulemaking portal at https:// www.regulations.gov. Therefore, you should be careful to include in your comments only information that you wish to make publicly available on the Internet. We strongly urge you not to include any personal information, such as your Social Security number or medical information, in your comments. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Marg Handel, Supervisory Social Insurance Specialist, Office of Income Security Programs, Social Security Administration, 6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235–6401, (410) 965–4639. For information on eligibility or filing for benefits, call our national toll-free number, 1–800–772– 1213 or TTY 1–800–325–0778, or visit our Internet site, Social Security Online, at https://www.socialsecurity.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: PO 00000 Frm 00020 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 51963 Electronic Version The electronic file of this document is available on the date of publication in the Federal Register at https:// www.gpoaccess.gov/fr/. Explanation of Changes Background We may issue rules and regulations to administer the provisions of the Act. 42 U.S.C. 405(a), 902(a)(5), 810(a), and 1383(d)(1). Specifically, we may issue regulations to recognize agents or other persons, other than attorneys, as representatives of individuals claiming benefits under the programs we administer. 42 U.S.C. 406(a)(1) and 1383(d)(2). We may also issue regulations to administer the Special Benefits for Certain World War II Veterans program, 42 U.S.C. 1010, and we have extended the rules by which we appoint and discipline representatives for claims under that program except where to do so would be impractical or contrary to the Act. 20 CFR 408.1101. Pursuant to the cited authority, we propose to revise our current regulations on Representation of Parties found in part 404 subparts G, J, and R, part 408 subpart K, part 416 subparts C, N, and O, and part 422 subparts C and F. Recognizing Entities as Representatives Individuals who want to obtain benefits from us may want someone to help them through the application process. Frequently, such claimants formally appoint a representative to act on their behalf and help guide their claim. A representative may, on behalf of a claimant, obtain and submit information and evidence about the claim, make statements about facts and law, and make requests or give notices about the claim to us. In return, the representative may receive a fee for their services from a portion of the claimant’s past-due benefits. Currently, we recognize attorneys or other ‘‘persons’’ as representatives of individuals who claim benefits under title II or title XVI of the Act. 42 U.S.C. 406(a)(1) and 1383(d)(1). Although the term ‘‘person’’ is defined broadly in the Act to include partnerships, corporations, and associations, we have previously chosen to recognize only individuals as representatives of claimants. In the decades since we adopted that policy, the business practices of those who represent claimants have changed significantly. Many representatives now practice in group settings and provide their services collectively to claimants. In addition, many claimants may prefer to hire a E:\FR\FM\08SEP1.SGM 08SEP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 174 (Monday, September 8, 2008)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 51962-51963]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-20662]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Bureau of Customs and Border Protection

DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY

19 CFR Parts 4, 7, 10, 102, 134, and 177

[USCBP-2007-0100]
RIN 1505-AB49


Uniform Rules of Origin for Imported Merchandise

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

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking; extension of comment period.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: This document provides an additional 30 days for interested 
parties to submit comments on the proposed rule to amend the Customs 
and Border Protection (``CBP'') regulations to establish uniform rules 
governing CBP determinations of the country of origin of imported 
merchandise. The proposed rule was published in the Federal Register on 
July 25, 2008 (73 FR 43385), and the comment period was scheduled to 
expire on September 23, 2008.

DATES: Comments on the proposed rule must be received on or before 
October 23, 2008.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments, identified by docket number, by one 
of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov. 
Follow the instructions for submitting comments via docket number 
USCBP-2007-0100.
     Mail: Trade and Commercial Regulations Branch, Regulations 
and Rulings, Office of International Trade, U.S. Customs and Border 
Protection, 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, 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 https://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 https://www.regulations.gov. Submitted comments 
may 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, Office of International Trade, 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: Monika Brenner, Valuation and Special 
Programs, Office of International Trade, 202-572-8835; Heather K. 
Pinnock, Tariff Classification and Marking, Office of International 
Trade, 202-572-8828.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Public Participation

    Interested persons are invited to participate in this rulemaking by 
submitting written data, views, or arguments on all aspects of the 
proposed rule. CBP also invites comments that relate to the economic, 
environmental, or federalism effects that might result from this 
proposed rule. Comments that will provide the most assistance to CBP 
will reference a specific portion of the proposed 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.

Background

    CBP published a notice of proposed rulemaking in the Federal 
Register (73 FR 43385) on July 25, 2008, proposing to amend the CBP 
regulations to establish uniform rules of origin for imported 
merchandise. The proposed rule would extend application of the country 
of origin rules codified in 19 CFR part 102. Those rules have proven to 
be more objective and transparent and provide greater predictability in 
determining the country of origin of imported merchandise than the 
system of case-by-case adjudication they would replace. The proposed 
change also will aid an importer's exercise of reasonable care. In 
addition, the document proposes to amend the country of origin rules 
applicable to pipe fitting and flanges, printed greeting cards, glass 
optical fiber, and rice preparations. Finally, the proposed rule would 
amend the textile regulations set forth in Sec.  102.21 to make 
corrections so that the regulations reflect the language of section 
334(b)(5) of the Uruguay Round Agreements Act.
    The notice of proposed rulemaking invited the public to comment on 
the proposal. Comments on the proposed

[[Page 51963]]

rule were requested on or before September 23, 2008.

Extension of Comment Period

    In response to the proposed rule published in the Federal Register, 
CBP has received correspondence from several parties requesting an 
extension of the comment period. A decision has been made to grant an 
extension of 30 days. Comments are now due on or before October 23, 
2008.

    Dated: September 2, 2008.
Harold M. Singer,
Director, Regulations and Disclosure Law Division, Regulations and 
Rulings, Office of International Trade.
Timothy E. Skud,
Deputy Assistant Secretary (Tax, Trade and Tariff Policy), Office of 
Tax Policy, United States Treasury Department.
 [FR Doc. E8-20662 Filed 9-5-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 9111-14-P

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