Customs and Border Protection's Bond Program, 70154-70170 [2015-28503]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
• U.S. Customs and Border Protection
• DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY

[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 219 (Friday, November 13, 2015)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 70154-70170]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-28503]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

U.S. Customs and Border Protection

DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY

19 CFR Parts 101, 113, and 133

[CBP Dec. 15-15, USCBP-2006-0013]
RIN 1515-AD56 [formerly 1505-AB54]


Customs and Border Protection's Bond Program

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

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This document adopts as a final rule, with changes, proposed 
amendments to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regulations 
that serve to centralize the processing of continuous bonds at CBP's 
Revenue Division within the Office of Administration. Upon 
consideration of comments received from the public in response to the 
proposed rulemaking, and in light of CBP's ongoing efforts concerning 
the development of electronic bonds, CBP has determined not to proceed 
at this time with certain proposed regulatory changes relating to the 
application, approval, and execution of bonds. CBP has also determined 
not to proceed with proposals relating to provisions that are the 
subject of other rulemakings currently under inter-departmental review. 
In the notice of proposed rulemaking, CBP used the terms ``CBP-approved 
electronic data interchange system'' and ``electronic filing'' to 
describe the manner by which continuous bonds may be submitted to CBP. 
In this final rule, these terms are clarified to reflect that 
continuous bonds may be scanned and submitted to CBP as an email 
attachment, or by facsimile. This document also amends the CBP 
regulations to allow for the filing of single transaction bonds 
pursuant to these methods. In this rulemaking, CBP also clarifies the 
CBP regulations to reflect that intellectual property rights sample 
bonds are posted to protect the importer or owner of the sample, and 
changes provisions of the international carrier bond regarding the 
payment of fees. Lastly, this final rule adopts non-substantive 
amendments to the regulations regarding nomenclature and organizational 
changes, including editorial changes to enhance general readability, 
and makes technical corrections to reflect statutory amendments.

DATES: Effective December 14, 2015.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kara Welty, Chief, Debt Management 
Branch, Revenue Division, Office of Administration, Tel. (317) 614-
4614.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Background

Proposed Rule

    On January 5, 2010, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) 
published in the Federal Register (75 FR 266) a proposal to amend title 
19 of the Code of Federal Regulations (19 CFR) regarding CBP's bond 
program. The proposed amendments to CBP's bond regulations were 
intended to update and modernize CBP's bond program and centralize the 
filing, review and approval of continuous bonds at CBP's Revenue 
Division, Office of Administration, in Indianapolis, Indiana, which 
assumes the bond functions previously performed at the port level. In 
that document, CBP also proposed to amend Sec.  113.64, which 
prescribes international carrier bond conditions, to state that an 
obligor must pay liquidated damages for failure to timely submit to CBP 
passenger processing fees that were required to be collected. In 
addition, CBP proposed to amend the regulations in part 133 to reflect 
that bonds relating to allegations of counterfeit trademarks are 
permitted to be continuous bonds.

Bond Final Rule Separate and Distinct From eBond Test

    Title VI of the North American Free Trade Agreement Implementation 
Act, Public Law 103-182, 107 Stat. 2057 (Dec. 8, 1993), establishes the 
National Customs Automation Program (NCAP), an automated and electronic 
system for the processing of commercial importations. CBP is currently 
conducting a voluntary NCAP eBond test. In a general notice published 
in the Federal Register (79 FR 70881) on November 28, 2014, CBP 
described the terms and conditions of the eBond test which provides for 
the transmission to the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) of 
electronic bond contracts (eBonds) between principals and sureties, 
with CBP as the third-party beneficiary, for the purpose of linking 
those eBonds to the transactions they are intended to secure (eBond 
system). The test deployed on January 3, 2015, and a modification to 
the test was published in the Federal Register (80 FR 899) and went 
into effect on January 7, 2015.
    The eBond test is separate and distinct from this bond final rule. 
In this regard, it is noted that the eBond test pertains to electronic 
bonds that are not submitted on the CBP Form 301 and that are 
transmitted through an electronic data interchange to ACE to secure a 
limited subset of ACE entry types. The bond regulations contained in 
this final rule, however, pertain to all entry types and provide for 
the filing of both continuous bonds and single transaction bonds 
primarily on the CBP Form 301. As a result of this rule, CBP Form 301 
bonds may be scanned and emailed to CBP as a computer file attachment 
(i.e., in a .pdf or a .tif format), or submitted by facsimile (fax) or 
mail. Bonds emailed or faxed to CBP on the CBP Form 301 are not 
submitted via a ``CBP-approved electronic data interchange system'' in 
that they do not constitute a computer-to-computer interchange of 
strictly formatted messages. To clarify this fact, this final rule no 
longer refers to CBP Form 301 bonds, or the submission of bonds outside 
of the eBond test, as ``electronic'' or submitted or filed

[[Page 70155]]

``electronically'' or via a ``CBP-authorized electronic data 
interchange system.'' Moreover, as bonds may still be submitted to CBP 
outside of the eBond test, it is important to note the following:
     Non-eBond test participants must adhere to the regulatory 
provisions set forth in Chapter 1 of title 19 of the Code of Federal 
Regulations.
     For eBond test participants, the regulatory provisions set 
forth in Chapter 1 of title 19 of the CFR are suspended to the extent 
that they conflict with the terms of the eBond test.

Amendments Suggested by Commenters

    This final rule adopts changes suggested by commenters in response 
to the proposed rulemaking that are a natural outgrowth of that 
document. Specifically, the changes:
     Permit both single transaction bonds (STBs) and continuous 
bonds to be scanned and submitted to CBP as an email attachment or by 
fax.
     Liberalize the existing procedure, set forth in Sec.  
113.37(d), by which agents or attorneys acting for a corporate surety 
may identify themselves to CBP by permitting the submission of a 
surety-generated 9-digit alphanumeric identification number as a 
substitute for submission of a social security number.
     Remove the reference, in Sec.  113.38(c)(4), to ``port 
director'' as among the CBP personnel authorized to determine whether 
CBP will accept the bonds of a particular surety.
     Effect a technical correction to Sec.  113.52, which 
currently requires that CBP report a bonded debt to the Department of 
Justice for prosecution if unpaid for 90 days. As section 2103 of the 
Miscellaneous Trade and Technical Corrections Act of 2004 amended 19 
U.S.C. 1514 by extending the time to file and amend a protest from 90 
days to 180 days after the date of liquidation or reliquidation, or 
date of the decision, order, or finding being protested for entries 
made on or after December 18, 2004, the 90-day period should be changed 
to 180 days to reflect that fact.

Clarifying and Conforming Amendments

    This document also amends the regulations to effect clarifications 
that better explain the bond process and conform the regulations to 
reflect amendments to title 19 of the CFR that went into effect after 
publication of the proposed rule. Specifically, these changes:
     Clarify in Sec.  113.14, which pertains to situations 
where the approved form of a bond is inadequate, that in situations 
where CBP determines that none of the conditions contained in Subpart 
G, CBP Bond Conditions, of part 113 are applicable to a transaction 
sought to be secured, either the Director, Revenue Division, or the 
port director, may draft conditions that cover the transaction as CBP 
deems appropriate and the port director is not limited to drafting 
conditions only for single transaction bonds (STBs) in these instances. 
This change is necessary to reflect the fact that there are certain 
continuous bonds for which the port director, and not the Revenue 
Division, will draft bond conditions that are specific to the issues 
and the geography of the port involved.
     Clarify in Sec.  113.15, which prescribes the retention of 
approved bonds, that except for bonds containing the agreement to pay 
court costs (condemned goods) (see Sec.  113.72), and as may otherwise 
be deemed appropriate by CBP, bonds that are approved by the port 
director will be retained at the port office and bonds that are 
approved at the Revenue Division (including bonds relating to repayment 
of erroneous drawback payments containing the conditions set forth in 
Sec.  113.65) will be retained at the Revenue Division.
     Clarify the introductory language in Sec.  113.39(a) to 
state that reports to CBP Headquarters are to be sent to the attention 
of the Executive Director, Regulations and Rulings, Office of 
International Trade.
     Clarify Sec.  113.64(b)(1) and (2) to state, in positive 
terms, that the principal (carrier) must pay processing fees to CBP 
``within'' the prescribed number of ``calendar'' days after the close 
of the calendar quarter in which they were due.
     Clarify Sec.  133.25(c), relating to the terms of the IPR 
sample bond, by adding in the second sentence the phrase ``. . ., 
conditioned to indemnify the importer or owner of the imported article 
against any loss or damage resulting from the furnishing of the sample 
by CBP to the owner of the mark.'' This language is added to eliminate 
confusion and make clear that the IPR sample bond is posted to protect 
the importer or owner of the sample.

Proposals Not Adopted

    As noted above, this final rule adopts changes suggested by 
commenters in response to the proposed rulemaking, including 
recommendations to not proceed with certain proposed amendments. In 
this document, CBP has also determined not to adopt as final certain 
regulatory proposals that are the subject of other CBP rulemakings that 
are currently in formal inter-departmental review. In addition, CBP is 
not finalizing certain proposals in light of ongoing efforts concerning 
the development and deployment of eBonds in the ACE environment. In 
this regard, it is noted that CBP has announced a deployment schedule 
that will include electronic filing of STBs. This schedule is available 
for viewing at: https://www.cbp.gov/sites/default/files/documents/Product%20Backlog%20as%20of%2003-31-14.pdf. As many of the regulatory 
changes offered in the proposed rule may not be consistent with the 
deployment of eBonds in the ACE, or have otherwise been overtaken by 
events, the following proposed changes are not being adopted as final, 
in whole or in part (notwithstanding non-substantive editorial changes 
that are retained in this document), as described below:
     Proposed changes to 19 CFR 113.11 relating to bond 
applications, with the exception that this section is amended to 
specify that both STBs and continuous bonds may be scanned and 
submitted to CBP as an email attachment or by fax, paper STBs may be 
filed at the Revenue Division or with the port director, and continuous 
bonds must be filed with the Director, Revenue Division.
     Proposed changes to 19 CFR 113.12 regarding bond approval, 
with the exception that paragraphs (a) and (b) are respectively amended 
to state that STBs may be approved by either the Revenue Division or by 
the director of the port where filed, and continuous bonds will be 
approved by the Director, Revenue Division.
     Proposed changes to 19 CFR 113.13(c) which would remove 
the 30-day time period from date of notification within which a 
principal must remedy a bond deficiency. Upon further review, and in 
response to commenters' suggestions, CBP has decided to reinstate a 
prescribed time period within which a principal must remedy the bond 
insufficiency. CBP views a 30-day response period as too lengthy to 
adequately protect the revenue and ensure compliance with applicable 
law and regulations, and therefore this provision is amended to 
prescribe a 15-day period.
     Proposed changes to 19 CFR 113.21 relating to information 
required on the bond.
     Proposed changes to 19 CFR 113.22 relating to witnesses 
required on the bond.
     Proposed changes to 19 CFR 113.23 relating to changes made 
on the bond.
     Proposed changes to 19 CFR 113.24 relating to riders, with 
the exception

[[Page 70156]]

that this section is amended to reflect that riders must be filed with 
the Revenue Division and may be scanned and submitted to CBP as an 
email attachment or by fax. In addition, this section clarifies that 
riders must be attached to their related bond if submitted in a paper 
format and sets forth a reference to the CBP Web site containing a 
comprehensive listing of acceptable riders. In addition, this section 
sets forth a reference to the CBP Web site containing a comprehensive 
listing of acceptable riders.
     Proposed changes to 19 CFR 113.25 relating to seals on the 
bond.
     Proposed changes to 19 CFR 113.26 relating to riders, with 
the exception that this section is amended to allow the filing of 
riders up to sixty days prior to the effective date rather than thirty 
days.
     Proposed changes to 19 CFR 113.27 relating to termination 
of bonds, with the exception that this section is amended to reflect 
that termination notices must be sent to the Revenue Division.
     Proposed changes to 19 CFR 113.33 relating to bond 
execution requirements of corporations, with the exception that 
paragraph (c) is amended to include a reference to the Revenue 
Division.
     Proposed changes to 19 CFR 113.37 relating to signature 
and seal requirements of corporate sureties, with the exception that 
the outdated existing reference to the ``Bureau of Government Financial 
Operations'' is replaced with an updated reference to ``Bureau of the 
Fiscal Service'' to reflect current administrative and legal 
authorities. Also, as noted above, CBP is adopting as final the 
proposed amendments to paragraph (d) whereby agents or attorneys acting 
for a corporate surety may identify themselves to CBP by submitting a 
surety-generated 9-digit alphanumeric identification number as a 
substitute for submission of a social security number.
     Proposed changes to 19 CFR 113.39 to reflect a generalized 
reference to ``authorized CBP officer'' as to who may recommend the 
removal of a surety company from Treasury Department Circular 570, with 
the exception that this section is amended by adding references to the 
Revenue Division and also to replace the outdated existing reference to 
the ``Bureau of Government Financial Operations'' with an updated 
reference to ``Bureau of the Fiscal Service''.
     Proposed changes to Sec.  113.40, which provides for 
acceptance of cash deposits or obligations of the United States in lieu 
of sureties on bonds, with the exception that this section is amended 
to provide that the Secretary of Homeland Security is among those who 
may authorize the enforcement of bond laws and regulations and the 
Director, Revenue Division, and not the Port Director, is authorized to 
accept cash deposits in lieu of sureties on bonds.
     Proposed changes to 19 CFR 113.62(a)(1)(i) to include a 
reference to the ``periodic monthly statement'' inasmuch as this type 
of payment is made pursuant to a test program that has not been 
provided by regulation.
     Proposed changes to the title of the bond set forth in 
Appendix A to Part 113 from ``Airport Customs Security Area'' to 
``Airport CBP Security Area'' in that the term ``CBP'' is improperly 
restrictive in this context. Here, CBP uses ``Customs'' in the generic 
sense of the word rather than as a continued reference to the legacy 
component of CBP, the U.S. Customs Service, previously referred to 
throughout title 19 CFR as ``Customs.'' It is noted, however, that CBP 
adopts in this final rule the proposal to convert this bond from a term 
bond to a continuous bond.
     Proposed changes to Appendices A and D to part 113 which 
would remove the witness requirements.
     Proposed changes to 19 CFR 133.21(d) and 19 CFR 133.42(e), 
as the proposed amendments to these intellectual property rights sample 
bond provisions are the subject of existing rulemakings which are in 
formal inter-departmental review.

Discussion of Comments

    Eight commenters responded to CBP's solicitation of public comment 
in the proposed rule. A description of the comments received, together 
with CBP's analyses, is set forth below.
    Comment:
    One commenter requested confirmation that the proposed substitution 
of the reference to the Department of the Treasury in 19 CFR 113.1, 
with a reference to the
    Department of Homeland Security (DHS), does not create a deficiency 
in authority for CBP to require bonds or other security.
    CBP Response:
    The proposed substitution does not create a deficiency in 
authority. First, in view of the authority transferred by the Homeland 
Security Act of 2002 and delegated by Treasury Department Order No. 
100-16 (May 23, 2003), Appendix to part 0 of title 19 of the Code of 
Federal Regulations (19 CFR part 0), all of the Secretary of the 
Treasury's authority pursuant to 19 U.S.C. 1623(a) was transferred and/
or delegated to the DHS Secretary who then appropriately delegated it 
to the Commissioner of CBP, who may re-delegate it further within CBP. 
Second, any authority outside the scope of 19 U.S.C. 1623(a) is 
encompassed within the dependent clause of the sentence which begins 19 
CFR 113.1.
    Comment:
    Six commenters provided submissions regarding various aspects of 
the bond application process as set forth in proposed Sec.  113.11. The 
bond application comments are summarized as follows:
     The level of continuous bond application detail specified 
in proposed Sec.  113.11(c) is much greater than the amount of 
information currently collected in bond applications and constitutes a 
new ``collection of information'' pursuant to the Paperwork Reduction 
Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3507). This contradicts CBP's statement in the 
proposed rule that ``[T]here are no new collections of information 
proposed in this document.''
     The requirement to submit an application for a STB, as set 
forth in proposed Sec.  113.11(a), should be removed. The commenters 
noted that STBs are rarely, if ever, accompanied by bond applications 
and the transaction that the bond secures serves to provide CBP with 
the necessary information.
     In the alternative, if CBP elects to retain applications 
for STBs, as is required in proposed Sec.  113.11(a), CBP should modify 
the provision to state that STB applications may be filed at either the 
Revenue Division or the port, and either of those locales may review 
and approve the bond.
     Requiring applications for any type of customs bonds is an 
outmoded concept as the preponderance of bond sufficiency decisions 
rendered by the Revenue Division are not based on the application, but 
on the Revenue Division's analysis of data that is readily and 
routinely extracted from CBP's own data systems. In this regard, it is 
noted that CBP's data processing and analysis capabilities are vastly 
more comprehensive today than those that were in existence in 1985 when 
the current bond application regulatory requirements were promulgated. 
CBP should handle its request for more specific information collection 
through utilization of CBP Directives.
     The detail set forth in the proposed bond application 
involves certain information which is pertinent only in the case of 
Activity Code 1 continuous bonds, even though the requirements of 
proposed Sec.  113.11(c) purport to apply to all activity codes.
     Proposed Sec.  113.11(d) requires updates to application 
information in the event of a ``material change.''

[[Page 70157]]

Commenters note CBP has not enforced this provision for 25 years. In 
addition, the term ``material change'' is undefined and therefore 
subjective, vague, and difficult to enforce. CBP has the ability to 
determine for itself whether any information has changed materially 
enough to warrant a new bond and, as the bond obligee, it is good risk 
management practice to continually review all bonds for adequacy.
     References in Sec.  113.11 to CBP Form 301 should be 
deleted inasmuch as certain bonds filed with CBP (e.g., Importer 
Security Filing (ISF) ``Appendix D'' Bonds, Airport Customs Security 
Area ``Appendix A'' Bonds) are not filed on the CBP Form 301.
     Proposed Sec.  113.11(c)(1)(v) requires that the bond 
applicant provide information relating to the nature of the 
relationship between principal, co-principals, or unincorporated 
divisions or trade names appearing on the bond. This new requirement 
does not have any relation to protection of revenue and/or setting bond 
amounts.
     Proposed Sec.  113.11(c)(1)(viii) requires the applicant 
to report ``anticipated'' material changes to the nature of the 
merchandise that will be imported over the subsequent 12 months. This 
new requirement does not have any relation to protection of revenue.
     Proposed Sec.  113.11(c)(1)(xii) and (xiii) duplicate the 
information requested in paragraph (e).
     It is not necessary that a bond application be executed 
under seal and this requirement should be removed from proposed Sec.  
113.11(e)(1). By waiving this requirement, proposed paragraphs (e)(1) 
and (e)(2) can be combined and require the same certification language 
for everyone and every situation.
     As proposed, Sec.  113.11 pertains to bond applications, 
paragraph (e)(1) should be amended by adding the word ``applications'' 
to clarify that the provision pertains to paper bond applications.
     The last sentence in the certification language set forth 
in proposed Sec.  113.11(e)(2) presumes that every bond application 
submitted electronically will be submitted by a corporate applicant. 
Non-corporate applicants will not be able to make such a certification.
     The term ``continuous transaction bond'' in proposed Sec.  
113.11(c)(1) should read ``continuous bonds.''
     In the proposed rule, CBP would permit certain 
documentation to be submitted to the Revenue Division in a non-paper 
format. As such submissions will not contain a written signature or 
seal, CBP proposes to add alternative certification language stating 
that the bonds are legally binding ``to the same extent as if signed 
and under seal.'' CBP should not permit certification in lieu of 
requiring a signature on non-paper bonds without developing appropriate 
safeguards to verify and authenticate the intent of the parties to be 
bound without the evidence of signatures. Part 113 should be limited to 
bonds submitted by mail, fax or other electronic imagery where the 
signature and seal will be visible (i.e., as a .pdf or .tif email 
attachment). CBP should engage the surety industry and trade in 
discussions to establish the proper regulatory language. Self-
certification of one's own authority is susceptible to fraud. In a 
related submission, another commenter noted that if an electronic bond 
transmission to CBP is not pursuant to an ``authorized electronic 
interchange system,'' as required by 19 U.S.C. 1623(e), a signature is 
required. To remedy these problems, the commenters suggest amending 
proposed Sec.  113.11 by: (1) Deleting the introductory paragraph and 
all references to CBP Form 301; (2) deleting the requirement to submit 
a bond application for STBs set forth in proposed paragraph (a); (3) 
removing the specific bond information set forth in proposed paragraph 
(c); (4) deleting the requirement to submit bond application updates in 
the event of material change; (5) stating that CBP may require a 
prospective or existing continuous or term bond principal to file a 
written bond application and, when required, the application must 
include the information specified by the Revenue Division in order to 
properly evaluate bond sufficiency; (6) changing the reference to 
``paper bond'' in proposed Sec.  113.11(e)(1) to read, ``paper bond 
application'', and; (7) adding the words, ``where applicable'' to the 
certification language in Sec.  113.11(e)(2) to reflect that not all 
non-paper bond applications will be from corporate applicants. The 
commenters maintain that such amendments to the bond application 
procedures will result in true paperwork reduction without sacrificing 
CBP's ability to obtain and review the information it needs to make 
sound bond sufficiency decisions.
    CBP Response:
    For reasons discussed elsewhere in this preamble, CBP has 
determined not to proceed with most of the proposed changes to 19 CFR 
113.11. It is noted, however, that this final rule amends the CBP 
regulations to reflect the proposal to set forth CBP's bond application 
procedures in Sec.  113.11 (which are currently prescribed in Sec.  
113.12) and to set forth the bond approval regulations in Sec.  113.12 
(which are currently prescribed in Sec.  113.11) as this non-
substantive change reflects the proper chronological order of bond 
processing events. It is further noted that CBP is amending the STB 
bond application process set forth in Sec.  113.11(a) to provide that 
the STB bond application may be in the form of a letter and filed with 
the Director, Revenue Division or the port director, or the STB may be 
scanned and submitted to CBP as an email attachment or by fax. 
Similarly, CBP is amending Sec.  113.11(b) to provide that continuous 
bonds must be submitted to the Director, Revenue Division and may be 
scanned and submitted to CBP as an email attachment or by fax. Lastly, 
this final rule removes references to CBP Form 301 in Sec.  113.11.
    Comment:
    Several commenters noted that a reference to term bonds should be 
added to proposed Sec.  113.11 to encompass Airport Customs Security 
Area Bonds or, in the alternative, term bonds should be converted into 
a continuous bond format.
    CBP Response:
    CBP agrees with the commenters' suggestion that Airport Customs 
Security Area Bonds, which are currently term bonds that lapse at the 
end of a specified period,
    should be converted to a continuous bond type. This change will 
allow CBP to avoid lapses in coverage and thereby enhance security. The 
conversion poses no economic burden on the public and is a logical 
outgrowth of the proposed rulemaking in that it serves to ensure a 
uniform approach to bond approval, maintenance, and periodic review. 
Accordingly, this document amends Appendix A to 19 CFR part 113 by 
removing the bond text pertaining to specific duration of the bond and 
to locality.
    Comment:
    Several commenters provided submissions regarding various aspects 
of the bond approval process as set forth in proposed Sec.  113.12. The 
bond approval comments are summarized as follows:
     Paragraph (a) should reflect that the Revenue Division 
already accepts emailed STB versions of the ISF Bond (Appendix D to 
part 113).
     The last sentence of proposed Sec.  113.12(b) should be 
changed to state that ``only one continuous bond for a particular 
activity `code' will be authorized for each principal.'' This is 
necessary because the unqualified reference to ``a particular 
activity,'' as is currently proposed, is too broad and susceptible to 
an unintended

[[Page 70158]]

interpretation that would require a principal to obtain more continuous 
bonds than are needed to cover all of its activities.
    CBP Response:
    CBP agrees that additional clarification as to who may approve 
bonds is beneficial. Accordingly, this document amends Sec.  113.12(a) 
to state that STBs may be approved by the Revenue Division or by the 
director of the port where the STB is filed, and amends Sec.  113.12(b) 
to state that continuous bonds must be approved by the Revenue 
Division. As CBP has determined not to proceed with the remainder of 
the proposed amendments to Sec.  113.12, it is not necessary to address 
other comments concerning this section.
    Comment:
    Several commenters noted that CBP has apparently launched a new 
electronic single transaction bond program (``e-STB''). The program 
appears to be unauthorized and violative of the NPRM which repeatedly 
indicates that STBs will continue to be filed and approved by port 
directors. The final rule should authorize, but not require, the 
centralization of e-STBs at the Revenue Division.
    CBP Response:
    This comment predates deployment of the eBond test on January 3, 
2015, and prior to this date CBP had not launched a formal e-STB 
program; rather, based on individual program requirements, such as 
Importer Security Filing (ISF) and Automated Commercial Environment 
(ACE) entries, CBP has accepted and processed scanned images of bonds 
transmitted via email. Nevertheless, as noted above, CBP is in 
agreement with the commenters' suggestion to liberalize the manner by 
which STBs may be submitted to CBP. To that end, this final rule amends 
the CBP regulations to permit STBs to be scanned and submitted to CBP 
as an email attachment or by fax. For purposes of uniformity, this 
document also amends Sec.  113.11(b) to clarify that continuous bonds 
may be scanned and submitted to CBP as an email attachment or by fax.
    Comment:
    Several commenters provided comments regarding the proposed 
amendments to Sec.  113.13(c), which pertain to CBP's periodic review 
to determine bond sufficiency. The comments are summarized as follows:
     Six commenters objected to the proposed amendments to 
Sec.  113.13(c) which state that CBP will periodically review each bond 
on file to determine whether the bond is adequate to protect the 
revenue and ensure compliance with applicable law and regulations, and 
that, if CBP determines a bond to be inadequate, the principal will be 
promptly notified in writing and additional security for any and all of 
the principal's transactions covered by the bond may be required until 
the deficiency is remedied. The commenters state that the proposed 
changes would permit CBP to deactivate a bond and/or require additional 
collateralization almost immediately, regardless of the reason for the 
insufficiency. Although 19 CFR 113.13(c), as it is currently proposed 
to be amended, suggests that a bond insufficiency is determined by 
whether ``the bond is adequate to protect the revenue and ensure 
compliance with the law and regulations,'' the commenters note that CBP 
finds insufficiency and deactivates bonds for a variety of reasons, not 
all of them involving threats to compliance or the revenue. The 
commenters request that CBP maintain the 30 days written notice to the 
principal as is currently provided in the regulations.
     Several commenters object to CBP's ability to render a 
bond insufficient in situations where a bond has been identified as 
``inadequate,'' but the inadequacy is not significant enough to rise to 
the level of jeopardizing compliance or revenue.
     One commenter suggests replacing the word ``immediate'' in 
paragraph (d), with a word connoting a more reasonable period of time.
     The bond is an agreement between the principal, CBP, and 
the surety, and any notice given by CBP to the principal should also be 
given to the surety.
     Several commenters suggest the language in proposed 
paragraphs (c) and (d) pertaining to ``additional securities'' is 
duplicative and need only be stated once in paragraph (d).
    CBP Response:
    When circumstances require, CBP must be able to act quickly to 
protect the revenue and ensure compliance with law and regulation. 
There have been situations where the passage of time between CBP's 
decision finding a bond to be insufficient and the principal increasing 
the bond in response to such a finding has resulted in the agency 
having to write off millions of dollars in uncollectible revenue. It is 
noted that even in situations where the continuous bond is rendered 
insufficient ``immediately,'' the trade retains the ability to move 
cargo without excessive delay by using STBs. In an effort to alleviate 
concern that CBP will improperly render a bond insufficient in 
situations where the bond inadequacy is not significant enough to rise 
to the level of jeopardizing compliance or revenue, CBP will reinstate 
a prescribed time period within which a principal is given the 
opportunity to remedy the bond insufficiency. As noted above in this 
document, CBP views the existing 30-day response period as too lengthy 
to adequately protect the revenue and ensure compliance with applicable 
law and regulations; therefore, Sec.  113.13(c) is amended to prescribe 
a 15-day period within which a principal must remedy a deficiency and 
to state that where CBP has determined that a bond is insufficient to 
adequately protect the revenue and ensure compliance with applicable 
law and regulations, CBP may provide written notice to the principal 
and surety that additional security in the form of cash deposit or STB 
may be required for any and all of the principal's transactions until 
the deficiency is remedied. CBP will provide notice of any 
insufficiency to both the principal and the surety.
    Comment:
    Several commenters expressed concern with the ISF implications of 
CBP's proposed amendments to Sec.  113.13 which would allow CBP to 
deactivate a bond and/or require additional collateralization almost 
immediately. Before introduction of the ISF requirement, this action 
would cause delays in filing an entry for release as the cargo arrives 
at terminals in the U.S. Under ISF, the immediate inactivation of a 
bond for any insufficiency takes on troubling implications in that 
cargo will be held back from being sent to the U.S. by the carrier 
overseas. If the cargo is not laden aboard the vessel at the foreign 
port, it may cause significant shipping delays.
    CBP response:
    CBP disagrees and notes that even in situations where the 
continuous bond is rendered insufficient ``immediately,'' the trade 
retains the ability to move cargo without excessive delay by using 
STBs. This includes using a STB to satisfy the ISF bonding requirement.
    Comment:
    Seven commenters disagree that CBP is ``entitled to presume, 
without verification, that submitted bond applications and related 
documentation, which include the bond, are properly executed, complete, 
accurate, and in full compliance with all applicable laws.'' This 
language, or substantially similar variations thereof, was proposed to 
be added to various provisions throughout part 113. The commenters 
state that, as CBP is the obligee of the bond and a party to it, CBP 
has a duty to exercise due diligence to ensure that the bond meets the 
regulations and requirements CBP establishes. The explicit elimination 
of CBP's accountability indicates a radical, unnecessary and

[[Page 70159]]

inappropriate change in CBP's approach to the bond process and 
protection of the revenue and such change was not adequately discussed 
in the proposed rule's preamble. It was also suggested that, as a 
matter of law, it is inconceivable that the courts would allow CBP to 
collect against sureties on bonds which were produced fraudulently, or 
are deficient on their face, or are inconsistent with CBP regulations 
and statutory requirements. One commenter noted that the presumption of 
validity, authority and accuracy may attach to the filer, but not to 
the surety unless the filer's authority is specifically verified. If a 
bond is submitted and accepted by CBP, then CBP must also take 
responsibility for the problems, errors or deficiencies in the bond 
which it has accepted.
    CBP Response:
    As CBP has determined not to proceed with the proposed regulatory 
provisions containing this language, it is not necessary to address 
these comments.
    Comment:
    One commenter suggests that the requirement to ``line out'' unused 
portions of the CBP Form 301 should be retained in Sec.  113.21 as it 
helps reduce ambiguity or uncertainty as to the intent of the principal 
or the surety when completing the bond.
    CBP response:
    As CBP has determined not to proceed with the proposed changes to 
19 CFR 113.21, it is not necessary to address this comment.
    Comment:
    One commenter agrees with CBP's proposal to remove Sec.  113.22, 
which pertains to bond witness requirements, and suggests that all 
references to witnesses should be removed from Sec. Sec.  113.24(d), 
113.40(b), and Appendices A, B, C, and D to part 113.
    CBP Response:
    As CBP has determined not to proceed with the proposed changes to 
19 CFR 113.22, it is not necessary to address this comment.
    Comment:
    Four comments were received regarding Sec.  113.23, which describes 
the types of changes that may be made to a bond and the process by 
which to effect such changes. The comments are summarized below:
     This section should be amended to read that changes may be 
made to the bond ``filing'' and not the actual bond because the bond 
has not been approved yet.
     One commenter suggests that the last sentence in Sec.  
113.23(c) be amended to read, ``[W]hen a modification or interlineation 
is desired, the principal or surety will withdraw the bond filing if 
submitted to CBP and a new bond will be executed.''
    CBP response:
    As CBP has determined not to proceed with the proposed changes to 
19 CFR 113.23, it is not necessary to address these comments.
    Comment:
    Four commenters made submissions regarding the proposed amendments 
to riders in Sec.  113.24. The comments are summarized as follows:
     Any future riders should be able to be submitted to the 
Revenue Division.
     Proposed Sec.  113.24(e) requires that all riders 
submitted on paper be signed by both the principal and co-principals. 
This requirement deviates from the existing requirement to have a rider 
signed by only the affected principal and, as such, is overly 
burdensome and unnecessary. In the alternative, if this revision is 
retained in the final, the requirement should also apply to each surety 
and co-surety. Section 113.24(e) does not provide the format for all 
acceptable riders, and the final rule should either list all acceptable 
riders or refer the reader to the CBP Web site for a complete listing.
     As Sec.  113.26 states that the riders in Sec. Sec.  
113.24(e)(2) and (3) are effective on the ``date in the rider,'' CBP 
needs to include an effective date in these riders.
     CBP should remove the requirement that the rider must be 
executed under seal inasmuch as the only approved riders are those 
intended to correct information that does not rise to the level of 
materially altering the bond itself (i.e., address change, name change, 
etc.).
     One commenter noted that the riders named in proposed 
Sec.  113.24, which are to be filed at the Revenue Division, are for a 
change to the principal's name or address, as well as addition and 
deletion riders for unincorporated divisions on a bond. The commenter 
suggests that reconciliation riders, which are currently filed at CBP 
Headquarters, should also be filed at the Revenue Division to avoid 
situations where a bond is terminated, but the rider is not. If a new 
bond is filed with a new surety, the rider is deemed unavailable as it 
indicates the surety on the terminated bond. Any entry flagged for 
reconciliation under the new bond is not valid because there is no 
reconciliation rider for the new bond. This is a CBP system issue and 
it would be advisable for the Revenue Division to control the filing 
and termination of reconciliation riders.
    CBP Response:
    CBP is not proceeding with the finalization of most of the proposed 
amendments to Sec.  113.24. One exception is the amendment that 
provides that riders must be filed with the Revenue Division and that 
they may be scanned and filed as an email attachment or by fax. Other 
exceptions are the amendment of paragraph (c) to clarify that riders 
must be attached to their related bond if submitted in a paper format 
and the amendment of Sec.  113.24 to include a reference to the CBP Web 
site containing a listing of all acceptable riders. As CBP has 
determined not to proceed with the remainder of the proposed changes to 
19 CFR 113.24, it is not necessary to address the rest of the comments 
pertaining to this section. In response to the commenter's concern that 
there may be situations where a bond is terminated but the rider is 
not, CBP wishes to clarify that termination of the bond also terminates 
any and all riders to the bond.
    Comment:
    Five commenters noted the following regarding the seal requirements 
set forth in proposed Sec.  113.25.
     CBP should add language to this provision stating that 
seal requirements apply only to bonds directly executed by principals 
(e.g., corporate officers), and that bonds executed by a duly empowered 
attorney-in-fact acting for the principal are exempt from seal 
requirements.
     As bonds are produced in a variety of ways, the 
regulations should specify whether the requirements imposed on the 
party executing the bond apply to the principal, surety or both.
     Paragraph (a), which requires that the party executing a 
bond submitted electronically to CBP ``must retain a copy of the paper 
seal and make such seal available to CBP for inspection upon request,'' 
should be amended to apply to the party ``filing'' the electronic bond 
inasmuch as this more accurately reflects the typical business practice 
and makes a necessary distinction.
     CBP should specify whether the requirement to retain a 
copy of the paper bond, and provide it to CBP upon request, is imposed 
upon the principal, the surety, or both.
    CBP Response:
    As CBP has determined not to proceed with the proposed changes to 
19 CFR 113.25, it is not necessary to address these comments.
    Comment:
    Several commenters made recommendations pertaining to the effective 
dates of bonds and bond riders set forth in Sec.  113.26. The comments 
follow:

[[Page 70160]]

     One commenter requested that CBP clarify, in paragraph 
(e), that the applicable time frame is 15 business days.
     CBP should make the rule more flexible with respect to the 
effective date of riders that are filed to correct an initial 
rejection.
    CBP Response:
    As CBP has determined not to proceed with the proposed changes to 
19 CFR 113.26, with the exception that this document amends this 
section to allow the filing of riders up to 60 days prior to their 
effective dates, it is not necessary to address these comments.
    Comment:
    Several commenters submitted the following comments regarding bond 
termination procedures set forth in Sec.  113.27:
     Proposed Sec.  113.27 should be amended to provide CBP 
with the discretion to permit a withdrawal of a termination if it would 
be in the interest of CBP, the principal, and the surety.
     A commenter expressed dissatisfaction with the proposed 
amendments to Sec.  113.27(b) which eliminate the current authority for 
sureties to terminate a bond in less than 30 days upon a showing ``that 
a lesser time is reasonable under the circumstances,'' and recommends 
that the authority be reinstated.
     The trade supports the proposed procedures set forth in 
paragraph (c) which avoid gaps in bond coverage.
     One commenter noted that pursuant to Sec.  113.27(c)(1), a 
new bond must be filed after termination has taken effect and the bond 
must contain the conditions in Subpart G, regardless of whether the new 
bond is on CBP Form 301 or some other form in the regulations. As the 
conditions in Subpart G are only found on the CBP Form 301 and not on 
the other forms, the regulation should be amended accordingly.
     One commenter stated that the proposed language in Sec.  
113.27(c)(2) permits a termination to be conditioned on the approval of 
a new bond intended to replace the one being terminated. The commenter 
supports the concept, but not the way it is expressed (``. . . 
terminated pursuant to this section . . .'') as this could circumvent a 
surety's decision to terminate a bond when that surety does not desire 
any delay or extension as to when termination becomes effective. A 
surety does not need a principal's consent to terminate the bond, so 
the principal should not be able to delay that decision once the surety 
has given notice of termination under Sec.  113.27(b). Further, this 
language should apply only when the principal has given notice of 
termination under Sec.  113.27(a), and it should be moved there with 
some minor changes. A surety does not have a need to avail itself of 
the method outlined in proposed Sec.  113.27(c)(2).
     Several commenters recommended removing the reference to 
``sureties'' in Sec.  113.27(c)(2) as this provision pertains to 
actions initiated by principals (usually importers), and by moving the 
regulatory text set forth in paragraph (c)(2) to paragraph (a). This 
restructuring will clarify that proposed paragraph (c)(2) does not 
apply to Sec.  113.27(b).
    CBP Response:
    As CBP has determined not to proceed with the proposed changes to 
19 CFR 113.27, with the exception that termination notices must be 
filed at the Revenue Division and they may be submitted to CBP via 
email or by fax, it is not necessary to address these comments.
    Comment:
    Several comments were submitted regarding corporations and Limited 
Liability Corporations (LLC) in Sec.  113.33:
     One commenter suggested that CBP should amend proposed 
Sec.  113.33 to include a definition of ``corporation.''
     One commenter noted that proposed Sec.  113.33(b) states 
that where the continuous bond of a corporate principal or LLC 
principal is submitted to CBP in an electronic format, the bond must 
contain the certification language set forth in Sec.  113.11(e)(2). The 
commenter continued to note that the CBP Form 301 is subject to OMB 
approval and, as this certification is not required under the existing 
regulations, the addition of any language must be approved by OMB. The 
commenter also expresses concern that there is no physical room on the 
CBP Form 301 to place this certification.
    CBP Response:
    As CBP has determined not to proceed with most of the proposed 
changes to 19 CFR 113.33, with the exception that Sec.  133.33(c) is 
amended to add a reference to the Revenue Division, it is not necessary 
to address these comments.
    Comment:
    One commenter stated that the use of individual sureties is 
outmoded and therefore Sec.  113.35 should be removed from title 19 of 
the CFR. However, another commenter suggested that this section should 
be revised to set forth the specific types of property that can be 
posted by individual sureties (e.g., such assets should be liquid and 
be able to be readily valued).
    CBP Response:
    Although this provision is not commonly used, CBP opts to retain it 
and does not deem further specification as to the types of property 
that may be posted by individual sureties as necessary.
    Comment:
    One commenter noted that CBP should amend Sec.  113.37(d) to remove 
the requirement that an agent or attorney on the bond must provide his 
or her social security number (SSN), as this requirement is counter to 
the protections afforded by the Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. 552a). 
The commenter noted that CBP no longer uses the importer number (i.e., 
Employee Identification Number, whether CBP-assigned or SSN) of the 
bond principal on the CBP Form 5955a. Additionally, the commenter noted 
that the Department of Commerce's Bureau of Census abolished the use of 
SSNs in its Automated Export System, citing 5 U.S.C. 552a, and 
suggested that CBP allow a surety attorney-in-fact to obtain and use a 
CBP-assigned importer number.
    CBP Response:
    In this final rule CBP is not adopting most of the proposed changes 
to Sec.  113.37, with the following exceptions:
     Sections 113.37(d) and (g)(ii) are amended to allow an 
agent or attorney to place either his/her social security number or a 
surety-generated 9-digit alphanumeric identification number on the 
bond.
     Sections 113.37(a) and (f) are amended by removing the 
outdated reference to ``Bureau of Government Financial Operations'' and 
replacing it with a reference to ``Bureau of the Fiscal Service'' in 
order to conform to current administrative and legal authorities.
     Section 113.37(g)(1) is amended to allow corporate surety 
powers of attorney to be scanned and submitted to CBP as an email 
attachment, or by fax or mail.
    Comment:
    Two commenters suggested that CBP should amend proposed Sec.  
113.37(g) to reflect that the ACE permits a surety to manage its powers 
of attorney without the need to prepare and submit CBP Form 5297 on 
paper to CBP. Another commenter stated that CBP should authorize the 
electronic filing of CBP Form 5297.
    CBP Response:
    As noted above, CBP is amending Sec.  113.37(g) to allow for the 
corporate surety powers of attorney to be scanned and submitted to CBP 
as an email attachment, or by fax or by mail.
    Comment:
    One commenter recommended that a change is needed to the language 
set

[[Page 70161]]

forth in proposed Sec.  113.38, which pertains to delinquent sureties, 
in order to harmonize the provision with the goal of bond 
centralization. Specifically, paragraph (c)(4) proposes to include a 
port director, along with the Commissioner of CBP and the Director, 
Revenue Division, as a person with the authority to determine that CBP 
will no longer accept the bonds of a particular surety. The commenter 
notes that this is troubling because the opinion of an individual port 
director may set policy based upon his or her criteria, instead of upon 
criteria developed and administered centrally. Further, such language 
is inconsistent with current Sec.  113.38(c)(1) and (2) which 
distinguish between decisions as to non-acceptance of bonds by a port 
director and decisions as to non-acceptance of bonds by the 
Commissioner which are issued to port directors. It is also 
inconsistent with proposed Sec.  113.39(a) which states that the role 
of any authorized CBP officer in determinations relating to the removal 
of a surety from Treasury Department Circular 570 status is that of 
fact gathering and reporting, with the ultimate determination as to 
whether to refer a matter to Treasury to be made by CBP Headquarters.
    CBP Response:
    We agree with the commenter. CBP will revert back to the existing 
language in Sec.  113.38(c)(4) which states that ``an appropriate CBP 
officer'' will make these decisions. This final rule also amends Sec.  
113.38(c)(4) to no longer require that notice to the surety be provided 
in person or by certified mail.
    Comment:
    One commenter requested that CBP extend the effective date of the 
final rule to 180 days from date of publication in the Federal 
Register.
    CBP Response:
    CBP does not view an extension beyond the stated effective date to 
be necessary as the amendments to part 113 promulgated in this document 
do not require the trade to adopt different procedures.
    Comment:
    Several commenters noted that the substantive changes proposed in 
the notice were never the subject of a pre-publication dialogue with 
the trade, despite the fact that CBP meets regularly with the trade.
    CBP Response:
    CBP engaged in pre-publication dialogue of these issues with the 
trade on numerous occasions during the development of this rulemaking. 
CBP believes that the agency met its trade outreach obligations 
regarding the content and development of these regulations.
    Comment:
    Several commenters noted that the proposed changes to Sec.  113.39 
would allow an ``authorized CBP officer'' to initiate a procedure to 
remove a surety from Treasury Department Circular 570. The commenters 
note that this is an extremely serious action as the Treasury 
Department Circular 570 is the basis for the surety to secure all types 
of federal government obligations, not merely customs obligations. 
Accordingly, it is recommended that CBP delegate the authority to 
initiate this action to the Commissioner of CBP or the Director, 
Revenue Division (the same individuals authorized to refuse to accept 
bonds of significantly delinquent sureties).
    CBP Response:
    CBP shares the commenters' concern, and this document does not 
adopt the proposed amendments to 19 CFR 113.39 which would have had the 
effect of replacing the existing references to ``port director or 
Fines, Penalties, and Forfeitures Officer'' with a more generalized 
reference to ``CBP.'' However, in order to reflect the centralization 
of the continuous bond program at the Revenue Division, this provision 
is amended to include ``authorized Revenue Division personnel,'' in 
addition to port directors and Fine, Penalties and Forfeitures 
Officers, as among those who may recommend that a surety company be 
removed from Treasury Department Circular 570.
    Comment:
    Section 113.40 prescribes the terms by which cash deposits or other 
types of U.S. obligations may be accepted by CBP in lieu of sureties on 
bonds. Paragraph (a) of this section requires that the party execute 
CBP Form 301 with the appropriate activity designated. A commenter 
noted that, as CBP bonds exist in formats other than the CBP Form 301, 
this paragraph should be amended to reflect that fact. A commenter also 
inquired whether the proposed amendments to Sec.  113.40 authorize port 
directors to accept cash deposits or other obligations to secure single 
transactions.
    CBP Response:
    As a completed CBP Form 301 is not required for every type of cash-
in-lieu of surety bond, Sec.  113.40 is amended accordingly. This 
document also reverts to the original procedure set forth in paragraph 
(a) which provides that a port director retains the authority to accept 
cash deposits or obligations of the United States in lieu of sureties 
on STBs.
    Comment:
    One commenter recommended that CBP make a technical change to 
current Sec.  113.52, which requires that CBP report a bonded debt to 
the Department of Justice for prosecution if unpaid for 90 days. The 
commenter notes that as a party has 180 days to submit a protest to 
CBP, the 90-day period should be changed to 180 days to reflect that 
fact.
    CBP Response:
    CBP agrees. Section 2103 of the Miscellaneous Trade and Technical 
Corrections Act of 2004 amended 19 U.S.C. 1514 by extending the time to 
file and amend a protest from 90 days to 180 days after the date of 
liquidation or reliquidation, or date of the decision, order, or 
finding being protested for entries made on or after December 18, 2004. 
This document makes a technical correction to 19 CFR 113.52 to reflect 
the statutory amendment.
    Comment:
    One commenter requested that CBP clarify what is meant by the term 
``paper bond'' as used in proposed Sec. Sec.  113.11 and 113.25(a). 
Until CBP adopts the paperless eBond concept, every bond is a paper 
bond and every bond application is a paper bond application. It appears 
the defining element as to which rules for signatures and certification 
apply is to be determined by the means of delivery to CBP, and CBP 
should be more precise in its language. CBP should define the term 
``electronic bond'' as that term is used in Sec.  113.25(b) to mean a 
paper bond that is transmitted electronically.
    CBP Response:
    As discussed above, CBP has further clarified the text of 
Sec. Sec.  113.11, and of other provisions within part 113 as 
appropriate, to reflect that bonds and related documents may be scanned 
and submitted to CBP as an email attachment or by fax. Scanned or faxed 
documents will contain the requisite signatures and certifications.

Conclusion

    After review of the comments and further consideration, CBP has 
decided to adopt as final, with the changes discussed above in the 
preamble and with additional non-substantive editorial changes, the 
proposed rule published in the Federal Register (75 FR 266) on January 
5, 2010.

Executive Orders 13563 And 12866

    Executive Orders 13563 and 12866 direct agencies to assess the 
costs and benefits of available regulatory alternatives and, if 
regulation is necessary, to select regulatory approaches that maximize 
net benefits (including potential economic, environmental, public 
health and safety effects, distributive impacts, and equity). Executive 
Order 13563

[[Page 70162]]

emphasizes the importance of quantifying both costs and benefits, of 
reducing costs, of harmonizing rules, and of promoting flexibility. 
This rule is not a ``significant regulatory action,'' under section 
3(f) of Executive Order 12866. Accordingly, OMB has not reviewed this 
regulation.

Regulatory Flexibility Act

    This section examines the impact on small entities as required by 
the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et. seq.), as amended by 
the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement and Fairness Act of 1996. A 
small entity may be a small business (defined as any independently 
owned and operated business not dominant in its field that qualifies as 
a small business per the Small Business Act); a small not-for-profit 
organization; or a small governmental jurisdiction (locality with fewer 
than 50,000 people).
    The entities affected by this rule are importers and various other 
parties who file bonds with CBP as required by the CBP regulations. 
``Importers'' are not defined as a ``major industry'' by the Small 
Business Administration (SBA) and do not have a unique North American 
Industry Classification System (NAICS) code; rather, virtually all 
industries classified by SBA include entities that import goods and 
services into the United States. Thus, entities affected by this rule 
would likely consist of a broad range of large, medium, and small 
businesses operating under the customs laws and other laws that CBP 
administers and enforces. These entities include, but are not limited 
to, importers, brokers, and freight forwarders, as well as other 
businesses that conduct various activities under continuous bonds.
    The amendments set forth in this rule align the CBP regulations 
with current common practice and improve efficiency by requiring 
importers to file continuous bonds at the Revenue Division, requiring 
STBs to be filed at either the Revenue Division or with the port 
director, and permitting both continuous bonds and STBs to be scanned 
and submitted to CBP via email as an attachment or by fax.
    Because these amendments affect such a wide-ranging group of 
entities involved in the importation of goods to the United States, the 
number of entities subject to this rule is considered ``substantial.'' 
It is not anticipated that there will be additional costs associated 
with filing continuous or single transaction bonds with the Revenue 
Division instead of the local port, and many importers already file 
these types of bonds directly with the Revenue Division. Additionally, 
these changes to the regulations confer a benefit to the entities as a 
result of increased efficiencies and harmonized standards in bond 
processing. The effects of these amendments, however, do not rise to 
the level of being considered a ``significant'' economic impact.
    In the proposed rulemaking, CBP solicited comments on this 
conclusion. As we did not receive any comments contradicting our 
findings, CBP certifies that this final rule will not have a 
significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities.

Paperwork Reduction Act

    The information collections contained in this rule have been 
previously submitted and approved by the Office of Management and 
Budget (OMB) and assigned OMB control numbers 1651-0050 and 1515-0144. 
An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to 
respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a valid 
control number assigned by OMB.

Signing Authority

    This document is being issued in accordance with 19 CFR 0.1(a)(1).

List of Subjects

19 CFR Part 101

    Administrative practice and procedure, Customs duties and 
inspections, Organization and functions (Government agencies).

19 CFR Part 113

    Bonds, Customs duties and inspection, Imports, Reporting and 
recordkeeping requirements, Surety bonds.

19 CFR Part 133

    Bonds, Copyrights, Counterfeit goods, Customs duties and 
inspection, Imports, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, 
Restricted merchandise, Seizures and forfeitures.

Amendments to the CBP Regulations

    For the reasons stated above, parts 101, 113 and 133 of title 19 of 
the Code of Federal Regulations (19 CFR parts 101, 113 and 133) are 
amended as follows:

PART 101--GENERAL PROVISIONS

0
1. The general authority citation for part 101 is revised to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 5 U.S.C. 301; 6 U.S.C. 101, et. seq.; 19 U.S.C. 2, 
66, 1202 (General Note 3(i), Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the 
United States), 1623, 1624, 1646a.
* * * * *

0
2. Section 101.1 is amended by adding definitions for ``CBP,'' 
``Commissioner or Commissioner of Customs,'' ``Customs or U.S. Customs 
Service,'' and ``Customs regulations or CBP regulations'' in 
alphabetical order to read as follows:


Sec.  101.1  Definitions.

* * * * *
    CBP. The term ``CBP'' means U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
    Commissioner or Commissioner of Customs. The terms ``Commissioner'' 
or ``Commissioner of Customs'' mean Commissioner of U.S. Customs and 
Border Protection.
    Customs or U.S. Customs Service. The terms ``Customs'' or ``U.S. 
Customs Service'' mean U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
    Customs regulations or CBP regulations. The terms ``Customs 
regulations'' or ``CBP regulations'' mean Chapter 1 of title 19 of the 
Code of Federal Regulations (19 CFR Chapter 1).
* * * * *

PART 113--CBP BONDS

0
3. The general authority citation for part 113 is revised to read as 
follows:

    Authority:  6 U.S.C. 101, et. seq.; 19 U.S.C. 66, 1623, 1624.
* * * * *
0
4. The part 113 heading is revised to read as set forth above.


Sec.  113.0  [Amended]


0
5. Section 113.0 is amended by removing the word ``Customs'' and adding 
in its place the term ``CBP''.


0
6. Section 113.1 is revised to read as follows:


Sec.  113.1  Authority to require security or execution of bond.

    Where a bond or other security is not specifically required by law 
or regulation, the Commissioner of CBP may by specific instruction 
require, or authorize the Director, Revenue Division or the port 
director to require, such bonds or other security considered necessary 
for the protection of the revenue or to assure compliance with any 
pertinent law, regulation, or instruction.

Sec.  113.2  [Amended]

0
7. In Sec.  113.2:
0
a. The heading is amended by removing the word ``Customs'' and adding 
in its place the term ``CBP'';
0
b. The introductory text is amended by removing the word ``Customs'' 
and adding in its place the term ``CBP'';
0
c. Paragraph (c) is amended by removing the word ``shall'' and adding

[[Page 70163]]

in its place the word ``will'', and by adding the word ``as'' before 
the word ``he''; and
0
d. In paragraph (d), the first sentence is amended by removing the word 
``entry'' and adding in its place the word ``transaction'', the second 
sentence is amended by removing the word ``shall'' and adding in its 
place the word ``will'', and the third sentence is amended by removing 
the word ``Customs'' and adding in its place the term ``CBP''.


0
8. Section 113.4 is amended by revising paragraph (a) and amending 
paragraph (b) by removing the words ``Customs laws or regulations'' and 
adding in their place the words ``customs laws or CBP regulations''.
    The revision reads as follows:


Sec.  113.4  Bonds and carnets.

    (a) Bonds. All bonds required to be given under the customs laws or 
CBP regulations will be known as CBP bonds.
* * * * *
0
9. Section 113.11 is revised to read as follows:


Sec.  113.11  Bond application.

    (a) Single transaction bond application. In order to insure that 
the revenue is adequately protected, the port director may require a 
person who will be engaged in a single customs transaction relating to 
the importation or entry of merchandise to file a bond application. The 
single transaction bond application may be in the form of a letter 
filed with the Director, Revenue Division or the port director, or the 
application may be scanned and submitted to CBP as an email attachment 
or by fax. The application must identify the value and nature of the 
merchandise involved in the transaction to be secured. When the proper 
bond in a sufficient amount is filed with the entry summary or with the 
entry, or when the entry summary is filed at the time of entry, an 
application will not be required.
    (b) Continuous bond application. To secure multiple transactions 
relating to the importation or entry of merchandise or the operation of 
a bonded smelting or refining warehouse, a continuous bond application 
must be submitted to the Director, Revenue Division. The continuous 
bond application may be in the form of a letter or it may be scanned 
and submitted to CBP as an email attachment or by facsimile (fax).
    (1) Information required. The application must contain the 
following information:
    (i) The general character of the merchandise to be entered; and
    (ii) The total amount of ordinary customs duties (including any 
taxes required by law to be treated as duties), plus the estimated 
amount of any other tax or taxes on the merchandise to be collected by 
CBP, accruing on all merchandise imported by the principal during the 
calendar year preceding the date of the application. The total amount 
of duties and taxes will be that which would have been required to be 
deposited had the merchandise been entered for consumption even though 
some or all of the merchandise may have been entered under bond. If the 
value or nature of the merchandise to be imported will change in any 
material respect during the next year the change must be identified. If 
no imports were made during the calendar year prior to the application, 
a statement of the duties and taxes it is estimated will accrue on all 
importations during the current year shall be submitted.
    (2) Application updates. If the Director, Revenue Division approves 
a bond based upon the application, whenever there is a significant 
change in the information provided under this paragraph, the principal 
on the bond must submit a new application containing an update of the 
information required by paragraph (b)(1) of this section. The new 
application must be filed no later than 30 days after the new facts 
become known to the principal.
    (c) Certification. Any application submitted under this section 
must be signed by the applicant and contain the following 
certification:

    I certify that the factual information contained in this 
application is true and accurate and any information provided which 
is based upon estimates is based upon the best information available 
on the date of this application.


0
10. Section 113.12 is revised to read as follows:


Sec.  113.12  Bond approval.

    (a) Single transaction bonds. Single transaction bonds will be 
approved by the Revenue Division or the director of the port where 
filed.
    (b) Continuous bonds. Continuous bonds must be approved by the 
Revenue Division. Only one continuous bond for a particular activity 
will be authorized for each principal.


0
11. In Sec.  113.13:
0
a. The first sentence in paragraph (a) is amended by removing the words 
``Customs bond shall'' and adding in their place the words ``CBP bond 
must'', and the second and third sentences in paragraph (a) are amended 
by removing the word ``shall'' each place that it appears and adding 
the word ``will'';
0
b. Paragraph (b) introductory text is amended by removing the words 
``the port director or drawback office in the case of a bond relating 
to repayment of erroneous drawback payment (see Sec.  113.11) should at 
least'' and adding in their place the words ``CBP will'';
0
c. Paragraph (b)(2) is revised;
0
d. Paragraph (b)(4) is amended by removing the word ``Customs'' and 
adding in its place the term ``CBP'';
0
e. Paragraph (c) is revised; and
0
f. Paragraph (d) is amended by removing the words ``a port director or 
drawback office'' and adding in their place the term ``CBP''; by 
removing the word ``Customs'' and adding in its place the words ``all 
applicable''; and by removing the words ``he shall'' and adding in 
their place the words ``CBP may immediately''.
    The revisions read as follows:


Sec.  113.13  Amount of bond.

* * * * *
    (b) * * *
    (2) The prior record of the principal in complying with CBP demands 
for redelivery, the obligation to hold unexamined merchandise intact, 
and other requirements relating to enforcement and administration of 
customs and other laws and CBP regulations;
* * * * *
    (c) Periodic review of bond sufficiency. CBP will periodically 
review each bond on file to determine whether the bond is adequate to 
protect the revenue and ensure compliance with applicable law and 
regulations. If CBP determines that a bond is inadequate, the principal 
and surety will be promptly notified in writing. The principal will 
have 15 days from the date of notification to remedy the deficiency. 
Notwithstanding the foregoing, where CBP determines that a bond is 
insufficient to adequately protect the revenue and ensure compliance 
with applicable law and regulations, CBP may provide written notice to 
the principal and surety that, upon receipt thereof, additional 
security in the form of cash deposit or single transaction bond may be 
required for any and all of the principal's transactions until the 
deficiency is remedied.
* * * * *

0
12. Section 113.14 is revised to read as follows:


Sec.  113.14  Approved form of bond inadequate.

    If CBP determines that none of the conditions contained in subpart 
G of this part is applicable to a transaction sought to be secured, the 
Director,

[[Page 70164]]

Revenue Division, or the port director, as CBP deems appropriate, will 
draft conditions that cover the transaction. Before execution of the 
bond, the conditions must be submitted to Headquarters, Attention: 
Executive Director, Regulations and Rulings, Office of International 
Trade, for approval.

0
13. Section 113.15 is revised to read as follows:


Sec.  113.15  Retention of approved bonds.

    Except for bonds containing an agreement to pay court costs 
(condemned goods) (see Sec.  113.72), and except as may otherwise be 
deemed appropriate by CBP, bonds that are approved by the port director 
will be retained at the port office and bonds that are approved by the 
Revenue Division (including bonds relating to repayment of erroneous 
drawback payments containing the conditions set forth in Sec.  113.65) 
will be retained at the Revenue Division. The bond containing the 
agreement to pay court costs (condemned goods), will be transmitted to 
the United States attorney, as required by section 608, Tariff Act of 
1930, as amended (19 U.S.C. 1608).


Sec.  113.21  [Amended]

0
14. In Sec.  113.21:
0
a. Paragraphs (a)(1), (b), (c), and (e) are amended by removing the 
word ``shall'' each place that it appears and adding in its place the 
word ``must''; and
0
b. Paragraph (d) is amended by removing the word ``shall'' and adding 
in its place the word ``may''.

Sec.  113.22  [Amended]

0
15. Section 113.22 is amended in paragraphs (a) and (b) by removing the 
word ``shall'' each place it appears and adding in its place the word 
``must''.

Sec.  113.23  [Amended]

0
16. In Sec.  113.23:
0
a. Paragraph (b) is amended by removing the word ``shall'' and adding 
in its place the word ``must'';
0
b. Paragraph (c) is amended, in the first sentence, by removing the 
word ``Customs'' and adding in its place the term ``CBP'' and by 
removing the word ``shall'' and adding in its place the word ``must'' 
and, in the second sentence, by removing the word ``shall'' and adding 
in its place the word ``may''; and
0
c. Paragraph (d) is amended: by removing the word ``Customs'' each 
place that it appears and adding in its place the term ``CBP''; by 
removing, in the first sentence, the word ``shall'' and adding in its 
place the word ``may'', and; in the second sentence, be removing the 
word ``shall'' and adding in its place the word ``will''.

0
17. In Sec.  113.24:
0
a. Paragraphs (a), (b) and (c) are revised; and
0
b. Paragraph (d) is amended by removing the word ``shall'' each place 
that it appears and adding in its place the word ``must'', and by 
removing the word ``Customs'' each place that it appears and adding in 
its place the term ``CBP''.
    The revisions read as follows:


Sec.  113.24  Riders.

    (a) Types of riders. The Revenue Division will accept all types of 
authorized bond riders. For a comprehensive listing, see the CBP Web 
site located at www.cbp.gov.
    (b) Location and method of filing. A bond rider must be filed at 
the Revenue Division, and may be submitted in paper or scanned and 
submitted to the Revenue Division as an email attachment or by 
facsimile (fax).
    (c) Attachment of rider to paper bond. A rider submitted to CBP in 
paper format must be securely attached to the related bond to prevent 
their loss or misplacement.
* * * * *


Sec.  113.25  [Amended]

0
18. Section 113.25 is amended by removing the word ``shall'' each place 
that it appears and adding in its place the word ``must''.

0
19. In Sec.  113.26:
0
a. Paragraph (a) is revised;
0
b. Paragraph (b) is amended by removing the words ``the Customs Bond, 
Customs'' and adding in their place the term ``CBP''; and
0
c. Paragraph (c) is amended by removing the words ``the Customs Bond, 
Customs'' and adding in their place the term ``CBP''.
    The revision reads as follows:


Sec.  113.26  Effective dates of bonds and riders.

    (a) General. A continuous bond, and any associated application 
required by Sec.  113.11 or a rider, must be filed at least 60 days 
prior to the effective date requested for the continuous bond or rider.
* * * * *

0
20. Section 113.27 is revised to read as follows:


Sec.  113.27  Effective dates of termination of bond.

    (a) Termination by principal/co-principal. A written request by a 
principal or co-principal to terminate a bond must be mailed, faxed, or 
emailed to the Revenue Division or, in the case of a bond relating to 
repayment of erroneous drawback payment, to the drawback office where 
the bond was approved. The termination will take effect on the date 
requested if that date is at least 10 business days after the date CBP 
receives the request. If no termination date is requested, the 
termination will take effect on the tenth business day following the 
date CBP receives the request.
    (b) Termination by surety. A surety may not disavow already 
incurred obligations but may, with or without the consent of the 
principal, terminate its agreement to accept future obligations on a 
bond. The surety must provide reasonable notice of termination, made 
pursuant to the methods set forth in paragraph (a) of this section, to 
both the Revenue Division or a drawback office, as appropriate, and to 
the principal. The notice must state the date on which the termination 
will be effective. Thirty days will constitute reasonable notice unless 
the surety can show to the satisfaction of CBP that a shorter time 
frame is reasonable under the facts and circumstances.
    (c) Effect of termination. If a bond is terminated, no new customs 
transactions may be charged against the bond. A new bond in an 
appropriate amount on CBP Form 301, containing the appropriate bond 
conditions set forth in subpart G of this part, must be filed before 
further customs activity may be transacted.


0
21. In Sec.  113.32:
0
a. Introductory text is added;
0
b. Paragraph (a) is removed;
0
c. Paragraph (b) is redesignated as paragraph (a) and is amended by 
removing the word ``shall'' and adding in its place the word ``must''; 
and
0
d. Paragraph (c) is redesignated as paragraph (b) and is amended, in 
the first sentence, by removing the word ``shall'' and adding in its 
place the word ``will'', and by removing the second sentence.
    The addition reads as follows:


Sec.  113.32  Partnerships as principals.

    A partnership, including a limited partnership, means any business 
association recognized as such under the laws of the State where the 
association is organized.
* * * * *

0
22. Section 113.33 is amended:
0
a. In paragraph (a), by removing the word ``Customs'' and adding in its 
place the term ``CBP'';
0
b. In paragraph (b), be removing the word ``shall'' each place that it 
appears

[[Page 70165]]

and adding in its place the word ``must'';
0
c. By revising paragraph (c);
0
d. In paragraph (d), by removing the words ``port director'' and adding 
in their place the words ``Revenue Division'', and removing the word 
``shall'' each place that it appears and adding in its place the word 
``must''; and
0
e. In paragraph (e), removing the words ``shall be'' and adding in 
their place the word ``are''.
    The revision reads as follows:


Sec.  113.33  Corporations (including Limited Liability Corporations) 
as principals.

* * * * *
    (c) Bond executed by an officer of corporation. When a bond is 
executed by an officer of a corporation, a power of attorney will not 
be required if the person signing the bond on behalf of the corporation 
is known to the Revenue Division, port director, or drawback office to 
be the president, vice president, treasurer, or secretary of the 
corporation. The officer's signature is prima facie evidence of that 
officer's authority to bind the corporation. When a power of attorney 
is required, it must conform to the requirements of subpart C, part 
141, of this chapter.
* * * * *


Sec.  113.34  [Amended]

0
23. Section 113.34 is amended by removing the word ``shall'' in the 
second sentence and adding in its place the word ``may''.

0
24. Section 113.35 is revised to read as follows:


Sec.  113.35  Individual sureties.

    (a) Number required. If individuals sign as sureties, there must be 
two sureties on the bond unless CBP is satisfied that one surety is 
sufficient to protect the revenue and ensure compliance with the law 
and regulations.
    (b) Qualifications to act as surety--(1) Residency and citizenship. 
Each individual surety on a CBP bond must be both a resident and 
citizen of the United States.
    (2) Granting of power of attorney. Any individual, unless 
prohibited by law, may grant a power of attorney to sign as surety on 
CBP bonds. Unless the power is unlimited, all persons to whom the power 
relates must be named.
    (3) Property requirements. For both single transaction and 
continuous bonds, each individual surety must have property available 
as security within the customs territory of the United States. The 
current market value of the property, less any encumbrance, must be 
equal to or greater than the amount of the bond. If one individual 
surety is accepted, the individual surety must have property the value 
of which, less any encumbrance, is equal to or greater than twice the 
amount of the bond.
    (c) Oath and evidence of solvency. Before being accepted as a 
surety, the individual must:
    (1) Take an oath on CBP Form 3579, setting forth:
    (i) The amount of assets over and above all debts and liabilities 
and such exemptions as may be allowed by law; and
    (ii) The general description and location of one or more pieces of 
real estate owned within the customs territory of the United States, 
and the value thereof, less any encumbrance.
    (2) Produce such evidence of solvency and financial responsibility 
as CBP may require.
    (d) Determination of financial responsibility. An individual will 
not be accepted as surety on a bond until CBP is satisfied as to the 
financial responsibility of the individual. CBP may request Immigration 
and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to conduct an immediate investigation to 
verify a surety's financial responsibility.
    (e) Continuancy of financial responsibility. In order to ascertain 
the continued solvency and financial responsibility of individual 
sureties, CBP will require a new oath and determine the financial 
responsibility of each individual surety as prescribed in paragraphs 
(c) and (d) of this section at least once every six months, and more 
often if deemed advisable.

Sec.  113.36  [Amended]

0
25. Section 113.36 is amended by removing the word ``shall'' and adding 
in its place the word ``will''.

0
26. In Sec.  113.37:
0
a. The second sentence in paragraph (a) is amended by removing the word 
``Customs'' and adding in its place the term ``CBP''; removing the word 
``shall'' where it appears after the word ``corporation'' and adding in 
its place the word ``will''; removing the words ``shall be for a 
greater amount than'' and adding in their place the words ``may 
exceed'', and; removing the phrase ``Bureau of Government Financial 
Operations'' and adding in its place the phrase, ``Bureau of the Fiscal 
Service''.
0
b. Paragraph (b) is amended by removing the word ``Customs'' and adding 
in its place the term ``CBP'';
0
c. Paragraph (c) is amended by removing the word ``shall'' and adding 
in its place the word ``must'';
0
d. Paragraph (d) is revised;
0
e. Paragraph (e) is amended by removing the word ``shall'' each place 
that it appears and adding in its place the word ``must'';
0
f. Paragraph (f) is amended by removing the words ``Bureau of 
Government Financial Operations'' and adding in their place the words, 
``Bureau of the Fiscal Service''; removing the word ``shall'' and 
adding in its place the word ``must''; removing, in the last paragraph 
of the ``Corporate Sureties Agreement for Limitation of Liability'' set 
forth under paragraph (f), the number ``19__'' and adding in its place 
``20__''; and removing in the signature block the words ``Port Director 
(Drawback Office)'' and adding in their place the words ``Authorized 
CBP officer'';
0
g. Paragraph (g)(1) introductory text and (g)(1)(ii) are revised;
0
h. Paragraph (g)(2) is amended by removing the word ``shall'' each 
place that it appears and adding in its place the word ``must'' and by 
removing the word ``Customs'' each place that it appears and adding in 
its place the term ``CBP'';
0
i. Paragraph (g)(3) is amended by removing the word ``Customs'' each 
place it appears and adding in its place the term ``CBP''; in the 
first, second and third sentences by removing the word ``shall'' each 
place that it appears and adding in its place the word ``must', and; in 
the fourth sentence, by removing the word ``shall'' and adding in its 
place the word ``will'';
0
j. Paragraph (g)(4) is amended by removing the word ``shall'' each 
place that it appears and adding in its place the word ``will'' and by 
removing the word ``Customs'' and adding in its place the term ``CBP''; 
and
0
k. Paragraph (g)(5) is revised.
    The revisions read as follows:


Sec.  113.37  Corporate sureties.

* * * * *
    (d) Social security or other surety-generated identification number 
of agent or attorney on the bond. In the appropriate place on each bond 
executed by the agent or attorney acting for a corporate surety, the 
agent or attorney must place his/her social security number or other 
surety-generated 9-digit alphanumeric identification number, as it 
appears on the corporate surety power of attorney.
* * * * *
    (g) * * *
    (1) Execution and contents. Corporate surety powers of attorney may 
be submitted to CBP on the CBP Form 5297 and may be scanned and 
submitted as

[[Page 70166]]

an email attachment, or submitted by facsimile (fax) or mail.
* * * * *
    (ii) Name and address of agent or attorney, and social security 
number or other surety-generated 9-digit alphanumeric identification 
number for the agent or attorney.
* * * * *
    (5) Change on the power of attorney. (i) No change may be made on 
the CBP Form 5297 after it has been approved by CBP except the 
following:
    (A) Grantee name change;
    (B) Grantee address change; and
    (C) The addition of port(s) to the corporate surety power of 
attorney on file.
    (ii) To make any other change to the power of attorney two separate 
CBP Forms 5297 must be submitted, one revoking the previous power of 
attorney, and one containing a new grant of authority.


0
27. In Sec.  113.38:
0
a. The heading and text of paragraph (a) are amended by removing the 
word ``Customs'' each place it appears and adding the term ``CBP'' in 
its place; and the text of paragraph (a) is further amended by removing 
the word, ``shall'' and adding in its place the word, ``will'';
0
b. The heading and text of paragraph (b) are amended by removing the 
word ``Customs'' each place it appears and adding the term ``CBP'' in 
its place;
0
c. Paragraph (c)(1) is amended in the heading and first sentence by 
adding the words ``single transaction'' before the word ``bond'' each 
place that it appears and, in the second sentence, by removing the 
language, ``Director, Border Security and Trade Compliance Division'' 
and adding in its place, ``Executive Director, Regulations and Rulings, 
Office of International Trade,'';
0
d. Paragraph (c)(2) is revised;
0
e. Paragraph (c)(3) is amended by removing the word ``Customs'' and 
adding in its place the term ``CBP''; and
0
f. Paragraph (c)(4) is revised.
    The revisions read as follows:


Sec.  113.38  Delinquent sureties.

* * * * *
    (c) * * *
    (2) Non-acceptance of bond upon instruction by Commissioner of CBP 
or Director, Revenue Division. The Commissioner of CBP, or the 
Director, Revenue Division, may issue instructions to CBP officers not 
to accept a bond secured by an individual or corporate surety who, 
without just cause, is significantly delinquent with respect to either 
the number or dollar amounts of outstanding bills.
* * * * *
    (4) Review and final decision. After a review of any submission 
made by a surety under paragraph (c)(3) of this section, if an 
appropriate CBP officer is still of the opinion that bonds secured by 
the surety should not be accepted, written notice of the decision will 
be provided to the surety at least five days before the date that CBP 
will no longer accept the bonds of the surety. Copies of the notice 
will also be provided to the Executive Director, Regulations and 
Rulings, Office of International Trade and, if the notice does not 
originate from the Revenue Director, to the Director, Revenue Director. 
Notice will be given to the public by publishing the decision in the 
Customs Bulletin.
* * * * *

0
28. In Sec.  113.39:
0
a. The introductory text is revised;
0
b. Paragraph (a) introductory text is revised;
0
c. Paragraph (a)(5) is amended by removing the words the ``port 
director or Fines, Penalties, and Forfeitures Officer'' and adding in 
their place the words ``port director, Fines, Penalties, and 
Forfeitures Officer, or authorized Revenue Director personnel''; and
0
d. Paragraph (b) is amended in the first sentence, by removing the 
words ``The Director, Border Security and Trade Compliance Division, 
shall'' and adding in their place the words ``CBP Headquarters will''; 
in the second sentence, by removing the words ``Bureau of Government 
Financial Operations'' and adding in their place the words, ``Bureau of 
the Fiscal Service''; and, in the last sentence, by removing the words 
``port director and Fines, Penalties, and Forfeitures Officer'' and 
adding in their place the words ``port director, Fines, Penalties, and 
Forfeitures Officer, and Director, Revenue Division''.
    The revisions read as follows:


Sec.  113.39  Procedure to remove a surety from Treasury Department 
Circular 570.

    If a port director, Fines, Penalties, and Forfeitures Officer, or 
authorized Revenue Division officer is dissatisfied with a surety 
company because the company has neglected or refused to pay a valid 
demand made on the surety company's bond or otherwise has failed to 
honor an obligation on that bond, the port director, Fines, Penalties, 
and Forfeitures Officer, or authorized Revenue Division personnel may 
take the following steps to recommend that the surety company be 
removed from Treasury Department Circular 570.
    (a) Report to Headquarters. A port director, Fines, Penalties, and 
Forfeitures Officer, or authorized Revenue Division officer will send 
the following evidence to CBP Headquarters, Attention: Executive 
Director, Regulations and Rulings, Office of International Trade:
* * * * *

0
29. In Sec.  113.40:
0
a. Paragraph (a) is revised;
0
b. Paragraph (b) introductory text is revised and the ``Power of 
Attorney and Agreement (For Corporation)'' form is amended by removing 
the designation ``19__'' each place that it appears and adding ``20__'' 
in its place; and
0
c. Paragraph (c) is revised.
    The revisions read as follows:


Sec.  113.40  Acceptance of cash deposits or obligations of the United 
States in lieu of sureties on bonds.

    (a) General provisions. In lieu of sureties on any bond required or 
authorized by any law, regulation, or instruction which the Secretary 
of the Treasury, the Secretary of Homeland Security, or the 
Commissioner of CBP are authorized to enforce, the Director, Revenue 
Division or, in the case of single transaction bonds, a port director, 
may accept United States money, United States bonds (except for savings 
bonds), United States certificates of indebtedness, Treasury notes, or 
Treasury bills in an amount equal to the face amount of the bond that 
would be required. The option to deposit cash or U.S. obligations in 
lieu of sureties is at the option of the importer, and a CBP Form 301 
or other CBP-approved bond designating the appropriate activity for the 
cash deposits or U.S. obligations in lieu of surety must be filed. When 
cash or obligations in lieu of surety are accepted, it must be for a 
term of no more than one year. Additional cash deposits or obligations 
in lieu of surety may be required.
    (b) Authority to sell United States obligations on default. At the 
time of deposit with the Director, Revenue Division, of any U.S. 
obligation (other than U.S. money), the obligor must deliver a duly 
executed power of attorney and agreement authorizing the Director, 
Revenue Division, in the case of any default in the performance of any 
of the conditions of the bond, to sell the obligation so deposited and 
to apply the proceeds of the sale, in whole or in part, to the 
satisfaction of any damages, demands, or deficiency arising by reason 
of default. The format of the power of attorney and agreement, when the 
obligor is a corporation, is set forth below and must be appropriately 
modified when the obligor is either an individual or a partnership:
* * * * *
    (c) Application of United States money or obligations on default. 
If

[[Page 70167]]

United States cash or obligations are deposited in lieu of surety on 
any bond, the appropriate CBP officer is authorized to apply the cash 
or money received from the deposited obligation to satisfy any damages, 
demand, or deficiency arising from a default under the bond.

Sec.  113.41  [Amended]

0
30. Section 113.41 is amended by removing the word ``shall'' and adding 
in its place the word ``must'', and removing the word ``Customs'' and 
adding in its place the term ``CBP''.

Sec.  113.42  [Amended]

0
31. Section 113.42 is amended by removing from the first sentence the 
word ``shall'' and adding in its place the word ``must''; removing the 
word ``Customs'' and adding in its place the term ``CBP''; and removing 
in the second sentence the word ``shall'' and adding in its place the 
word ``will''.

0
32. In Sec.  113.43:
0
a. Paragraph (a) is revised;
0
b. Paragraph (b) is amended by removing the word ``shall'' each place 
that it appears and adding in its place the word ``will'' and removing 
the words ``2 months'' each place that they appear and adding in their 
place the words ``60 days''; and
0
c. Paragraph (c) is amended by removing the word ``shall'' each place 
that it appears and adding in its place the word ``will''.
    The revision reads as follows:


Sec.  113.43  Extension of time period.

    (a) Application received within time period. If a document referred 
to in Sec.  113.42 is not produced within 120 days from the date of the 
transaction in connection with which the bond was given, the port 
director or an appropriate CBP officer, in his or her discretion, and 
upon written application of the importer, may extend the period for one 
further period not to exceed 60 days.
* * * * *


Sec.  113.44  [Amended]

0
33. In Sec.  113.44, paragraph (b) is amended by removing the word 
``shall'' and adding in its place the word ``must''.

Sec.  113.45  [Amended]

0
34. Section 113.45 is amended by removing the word ``shall'' and adding 
in its place the word ``must'' and removing the word ``entry'' each 
place that it appears and adding in its place the word ``transaction''.

Sec.  113.51   [Amended]

0
35. Section 113.51 is amended by removing the word ``Customs'' and 
adding in its place the term ``CBP''.

0
36. Section 113.52 is revised to read as follows:


Sec.  113.52  Failure to satisfy the bond.

    If any CBP bond, except one given only for the production of free-
entry or reduced-duty documents (see Sec.  113.43(c) of this chapter) 
has not been satisfied upon the expiration of 180 days after liability 
has accrued under the bond, the matter will be reported to the 
Department of Justice for prosecution unless measures have been taken 
to file an application for relief or protest in accordance with the 
provisions of this chapter or to satisfactorily settle this matter.

Sec.  113.53  [Amended]

0
37. In Sec.  113.53:
0
a. The section heading is amended by removing the word ``Customs'' and 
adding in its place the term ``CBP'';
0
b. Paragraph (a) introductory text is amended by removing in the 
paragraph heading the word ``Customs'' and adding in its place the term 
``CBP'' and removing the word ``Customs'' each place that it appears 
and adding in its place the term ``CBP'';
0
c. Paragraph (a)(3) is amended by adding after the word 
``Commissioner'' the words ``of CBP''; and
0
d. Paragraph (b) is amended by adding in the paragraph heading, after 
the word ``director'', the words ``or other authorized CBP officer''; 
removing, in the text, the word ``Customs'' and adding in its place the 
term ``CBP''; adding after the word ``director'' the words ``or other 
authorized CBP officer''; and removing the word ``shall'' and adding in 
its place the word ``will''.

Sec.  113.55  [Amended]

0
38. In Sec.  113.55:
0
a. Paragraph (c) introductory text is amended by removing the word 
``shall'' each place that it appears and adding in its place the word 
``must'' and removing the word ``Customs'' and adding in its place the 
word ``customs'';
0
b. Paragraph (c)(1) is amended by removing the word ``shall'' and 
adding in its place the word ``will'';
0
c. Paragraph (c)(3) is amended by removing the word ``Customs'' and 
adding in its place the term ``CBP''; and
0
d. Paragraph (d) is removed.

Subpart G--CBP Bond Conditions

0
39. The subpart G heading is revised to read as set forth above.

Sec.  113.61  [Amended]

0
40. Section 113.61 is amended in the first sentence by removing the 
word ``Customs'' and adding in its place the word ``customs'' and in 
the second sentence by removing the word ``Customs'' and adding in its 
place the term ``CBP''.

0
41. In Sec.  113.62:
0
a. The introductory text is amended by removing the word ``shall'' and 
adding in its place the word ``must'' and by removing the words 
``single entry'' and adding in their place the words ``single 
transaction'';
0
b. Paragraphs (a)(1) introductory text, (a)(1)(ii), and (a)(2) 
introductory text are amended by removing the word ``Customs'' each 
place that it appears and adding in its place the term ``CBP'';
0
c. Paragraph (a)(3) is amended by removing the words ``the port 
director'' and adding in their place the term ``CBP'';
0
d. Paragraph (b) introductory text and paragraph (b)(1) are amended by 
removing the word ``Customs'' each place that it appears and adding in 
its place the term ``CBP'';
0
e. Paragraph (c) is amended by removing the word ``Customs'' and adding 
in its place the term ``CBP'';
0
f. Paragraph (d) introductory text is amended by removing the word 
``Customs'' wherever it appears and adding in its place the term 
``CBP'';
0
g. Paragraph (f) introductory text and paragraph (f)(2) are amended by 
removing the word ``Customs'' wherever it appears and adding in its 
place the term ``CBP'';
0
h. Paragraph (f)(3) is revised;
0
i. Paragraph (g)(1) is amended by removing the word ``Customs'' and 
adding in its place the term ``CBP'';
0
j. Paragraph (h)(2) is revised;
0
k. Paragraphs (h)(3) and (4) are amended by removing the word 
``Customs'' each place that it appears and adding in its place the term 
``CBP'';
0
l. The heading and text of paragraph (i) are amended by removing the 
words ``Customs Regulations'' each place that they appear and adding in 
their place the words ``CBP regulations''; and by removing the words 
``Customs security'' each place that they appear and adding in their 
place the words ``customs security'';
0
m. Paragraph (j) is amended by removing the words ``Customs and Border 
Protection'' and adding in their place the term ``CBP'';
0
n. Paragraph (k)(2) is amended by removing the words ``Customs and 
Border Protection (CBP)'' and adding in their place the term ``CBP''; 
and
0
o. Paragraphs (m)(2) and (4) are amended by removing the word

[[Page 70168]]

``Customs'' each place that it appears and adding in its place the term 
``CBP'' and removing the word ``shall'' each place that it appears and 
adding in its place the word ``will''.
    The revisions to Sec.  113.62 read as follows:


Sec.  113.62  Basic importation and entry bond conditions.

* * * * *
    (f) * * *
    (3) Keep any customs seal or cording on the merchandise intact 
until the merchandise is examined by CBP.
* * * * *
    (h) * * *
    (2) If a fishing vessel, to present the original approved 
application to CBP within 24 hours on each arrival of the vessel in the 
customs territory of the United States from a fishing voyage;
* * * * *


Sec.  113.63  [Amended]

0
42. In Sec.  113.63:
0
a. The introductory text is amended by removing the word ``shall'' each 
place that it appears and adding in its place the word ``must'';
0
b. Paragraph (a)(2) is amended by removing the words ``Customs 
Regulations'' and adding in their place the words ``CBP regulations'';
0
c. Paragraph (a)(3) is amended by adding the term ``CBP'' before the 
word ``regulations'' and removing the word ``Customs'' and adding in 
its place the term ``CBP'';
0
d. Paragraph (a)(5) is amended by removing the word ``Customs'' each 
place that it appears and adding in its place the term ``CBP'' and 
removing the word ``Regulations'' and adding in its place the word 
``regulations'';
0
e. Paragraph (b)(2) is amended by removing the word ``Customs'' and 
adding in its place the term ``CBP'';
0
f. Paragraph (b)(3) is amended by removing the words ``Customs 
Regulations'' and adding in their place the words ``CBP regulations'';
0
g. Paragraphs (c)(1) and (2) are amended by removing the word 
``Customs'' each place that it appears and adding in its place the term 
``CBP'';
0
h. Paragraph (c)(3) is amended by removing the words ``Customs 
Regulations'' and adding in its place the words ``CBP regulations'';
0
i. Paragraph (c)(4) is amended by removing the word ``Customs'' and 
adding in its place the term ``CBP'' and removing the words ``Customs 
Regulations'' and adding in their place the words ``CBP regulations'';
0
j. Paragraph (d) is amended by removing in the paragraph heading and 
text the word ``Customs'' each place that it appears and adding in 
their place the term ``CBP'';
0
k. Paragraph (e) is amended by removing the words ``Customs laws and 
regulations'' and adding in their place the words ``customs laws and 
CBP regulations'';
0
l. The heading and text of paragraph (f) are amended by removing the 
words ``Customs Regulations'' each place that they appear and adding in 
their place the words ``CBP regulations'' and by removing the words 
``Customs security'' each place that they appear and adding in their 
place the words ``customs security'';
0
m. Paragraph (g) is amended by removing the words ``Customs and Border 
Protection'' and adding in their place the term ``CBP'';
0
n. Paragraph (h)(1) is amended by removing the word ``Customs'' and 
adding in its place the term ``CBP'';
0
o. Paragraph (h)(2) is amended by removing the words ``Customs 
Regulations'' and adding in their place the words ``CBP regulations'';
0
p. Paragraph (h)(5) is amended by removing the word ``Customs'' and 
adding in its place the term ``CBP'';
0
q. Paragraph (i)(2) is amended by removing the word ``shall'' and 
adding in its place the word ``will'' and by removing the word 
``Customs'' and adding in its place the term ``CBP''; and
0
r. Paragraph (i)(3) is amended by removing the word ``Customs'' and 
adding in its place the term ``CBP''.

0
43. In Sec.  113.64:
0
a. The introductory text is amended by removing the word ``shall'' and 
adding in its place the word ``must'' and by removing the word 
``entry'' and adding in its place the word ``transaction'';
0
b. Paragraph (a) is amended by removing the words ``Customs and Border 
Protection (CBP)'' and adding in their place the term ``CBP'' and by 
removing the second sentence;
0
c. Paragraphs (b) through (k) are redesignated as paragraphs (c) 
through (l);
0
d. A new paragraph (b) is added;
0
e. Newly redesignated paragraph (c) is amended by removing the word 
``Customs'' each place that it appears and adding in its place the term 
``CBP''; by removing the word ``Regulations'' each place it appears and 
adding in its place the word ``regulations'', and; in the third 
sentence, by removing the word ``shall'' and adding in its place the 
word ``will'';
0
f. The heading and text of newly redesignated (j) are amended by 
removing the words ``Customs Regulations'' each place they appear and 
adding in their place the words ``CBP regulations''; and by removing 
the words ``Customs security'' each place that they appear and adding 
in their place the words ``customs security''; and
0
g. Newly redesignated paragraphs (l)(1) and (2) are amended by removing 
the word ``Customs'' each place that it appears and adding in its place 
the term ``CBP''.
    The addition reads as follows:


Sec.  113.64  International carrier bond conditions.

* * * * *
    (b) Agreement to pay liquidated damages--(1) Passenger processing 
fees: If the principal (carrier) fails to pay passenger processing fees 
to CBP within 31 calendar days after the close of the calendar quarter 
in which they were required to be collected pursuant to Sec.  24.22(g) 
of this chapter, the obligors (principal and surety, jointly and 
severally) agree to pay liquidated damages equal to two times the 
passenger processing fees that were required to be collected but not 
timely remitted to CBP, regardless of whether such fees were in fact 
collected from passengers, as prescribed by regulation.
    (2) Railroad car processing fees: If the principal (carrier) fails 
to pay railroad car processing fees to CBP within 60 calendar days 
after the close of the calendar month in which they were collected 
pursuant to Sec.  24.22(d) of this chapter, the obligors (principal and 
surety, jointly and severally) agree to pay liquidated damages equal to 
two times the railroad car processing fees which have not been timely 
paid to CBP as prescribed by regulation.
    (3) Reimbursement fees payable by express consignment carrier and 
centralized hub facilities. If the principal (carrier) fails to timely 
pay the reimbursement fees payable to CBP by express consignment 
carrier facilities and centralized carrier facilities pursuant to the 
terms set forth in Sec.  24.23(b)(4) of this chapter, the obligors 
(principal and surety, jointly and severally) agree to pay liquidated 
damages equal to two times the fees which have not been timely paid to 
CBP as prescribed by that section.
* * * * *


Sec.  113.65  [Amended]

0
44. In Sec.  113.65:
0
a. The introductory text is amended by removing the word ``shall'' and 
adding in its place the word ``must'' and by removing the word 
``entry'' and adding in its place the word ``transaction''; and
0
b. Paragraphs (a)(3) and (4) are amended by removing the word

[[Page 70169]]

``Customs'' each place that it appears and adding in its place the term 
``CBP''.

0
45. In Sec.  113.66:
0
a. The introductory text is amended by removing the word ``shall'' each 
place that it appears and adding in its place the word ``must'';
0
b. Paragraph (a) introductory text and paragraph (a)(1) are revised;
0
c. Paragraph (b)(3) is amended by removing the word ``Customs'' and 
adding in its place the term ``CBP'';
0
d. Paragraph (c)(2) is amended by removing the word ``Customs'' and 
adding in its place the term ``CBP'';
0
e. Paragraph (d)(2) is amended by removing the word ``shall'' and 
adding in its place the word ``will'' and by removing the word 
``Customs'' and adding in its place the term ``CBP''; and
0
f. Paragraph (d)(3) is amended by removing the word ``Customs'' and 
adding in its place the term ``CBP''.
    The revisions read as follows:


Sec.  113.66  Control of containers and instruments of international 
traffic bond conditions.

    (a) Agreement to Enter Any Diverted Instrument of International 
Traffic. If a principal brings in and takes out of the customs 
territory of the United States an instrument of international traffic 
without entry and without payment of duty, as provided by the CBP 
regulations and section 322(a), Tariff Act of 1930, as amended (19 
U.S.C. 1322(a)) the principal agrees to:
    (1) Report promptly to CBP when the instrument is diverted to 
point-to-point local traffic in the customs territory of the United 
States or when the instrument is otherwise withdrawn in the customs 
territory of the United States from its use as an instrument of 
international traffic.
* * * * *


Sec.  113.67  [Amended]

0
46. In Sec.  113.67:
0
a. Paragraph (a) introductory text is amended by removing the word 
``shall'' each place that it appears and adding in its place the word 
``must'';
0
b. Paragraph (a)(1) introductory text is amended by removing the word 
``Customs'' and adding in its place the term ``CBP'';
0
c. Paragraph (a)(1)(i) is amended by removing the words ``Customs 
Regulations'' and adding in their place the words ``CBP regulations'';
0
d. Paragraph (a)(1)(iii) is amended by removing the word ``Customs'' 
and adding in its place the term ``CBP'';
0
e. Paragraph (a)(2)(iii) is amended by removing the word ``shall'' and 
adding in its place the word ``will''; and by removing the word 
``Customs'' each place it appears and adding in its place the term 
``CBP'';
0
f. Paragraph (b) introductory text is amended by removing the word 
``shall'' each place it appears and adding in its place the word 
``must'';
0
g. Paragraph (b)(1) introductory text is amended by removing the word 
``Customs'' and adding in its place the term ``CBP'';
0
h. Paragraph (b)(1)(i) is amended by removing the words ``Customs 
Regulations'' and adding in their place the words ``CBP regulations''; 
and
0
i. Paragraphs (b)(1)(iii) and (b)(2)(iii) are amended by removing the 
word ``Customs'' each place it appears and adding in its place the term 
``CBP''.

Sec.  113.68  [Amended]

0
47. In Sec.  113.68:
0
a. The introductory text is amended by removing the word ``shall'' each 
place that it appears and adding in its place the word ``must''; and by 
removing the word ``entry'' and adding in its place the word 
``transaction'';
0
b. Paragraph (a) is amended by removing the word ``Customs'' and adding 
in its place the term ``CBP''; and
0
c. The second sentence of paragraph (b) is amended by removing the word 
``shall'' and adding in its place the word ``will''; and by removing 
the word ``Customs'' and adding in its place the term ``CBP''.

Sec.  113.69  [Amended]

0
48. In Sec.  113.69:
0
a. The introductory text is amended by removing the word ``shall'' each 
place it appears and adding in its place the word ``must'' and by 
removing the word ``entry'' and adding in its place the word 
``transaction''; and
0
b. The introductory text of the ``Production of Bill of Lading Bond 
Conditions'' is amended by removing the word ``Customs'' and adding in 
its place the term ``CBP''.

Sec.  113.70  [Amended]

0
49. In Sec.  113.70:
0
a. The introductory text is amended by removing the word ``shall'' each 
place it appears and adding in its place the word ``must'' and by 
removing the word ``entry'' and adding in its place the word 
``transaction''; and
0
b. The first sentence in the ``Bond Condition to Indemnify United 
States for Detention of Copyrighted Material'' is amended by removing 
the word ``Customs'' and adding in its place the term ``CBP''.

Sec.  113.71  [Amended]

0
50. In Sec.  113.71, the introductory text is amended by removing the 
word ``shall'' each place that it appears and adding in its place the 
word ``must'' and by removing the word ``entry'' and adding in its 
place the word ``transaction''.

Sec.  113.72  [Amended]

0
51. In Sec.  113.72, the introductory text is amended by removing the 
word ``shall'' each place that it appears and adding in its place the 
word ``must'' and by removing the word ``entry'' and adding in its 
place the word ``transaction''.

Sec.  113.73  [Amended]

0
52. In Sec.  113.73:
0
a. The introductory text is amended by removing the word ``shall'' each 
place that it appears and adding in its place the word ``must'';
0
b. Paragraph (a)(1) is amended by removing the words ``Customs 
Regulations'' and adding in their place the words ``CBP regulations'';
0
c. Paragraph (a)(2) is amended by removing the word ``Customs'' each 
place that it appears and adding in its place the term ``CBP'' by 
removing the word ``Regulations'' and adding in its place the word 
``regulations'' and by removing the word ``shall'' in the third 
sentence and adding in its place the word ``will'';
0
d. Paragraph (b) is amended by removing the word ``shall'' and adding 
in its place the word ``will'' and by removing the word ``Customs'' and 
adding in its place the term ``CBP'';
0
e. Paragraph (c) is amended by removing the words ``Customs and Border 
Protection (CBP)'' and adding in their place the term ``CBP'';
0
f. Paragraph (d)(2) is amended by removing the words ``Customs 
officer'' and adding in its place the words ``CBP Officer''; and
0
g. Paragraph (e) is amended by removing the words ``Customs 
Regulations'' and adding in their place the words ``CBP regulations''.


Sec.  113.74  [Amended]

0
53. Section 113.74 is amended by removing the word ``entry'' and adding 
in its place the word ``transaction''.

0
54. Appendix A to Part 113 is revised to read as follows:

Appendix A to Part 113--Airport Customs Security Area Bond

AIRPORT CUSTOMS SECURITY AREA BOND

    ___(name of principal) of ___(address) and ___(name of surety) 
of ___(address) are held and firmly bound unto the United States of 
America in the sum of __dollars ($__), for the payment of

[[Page 70170]]

which we bind ourselves, our heirs, executors, administrators, 
successors, and assigns, jointly and severally, by these conditions.
    WITNESS our hands and seals this __day of __, 20__. WHEREAS, the 
principal (including the principal's employees, agents, and 
contractors) desires access to airport customs security areas;
    Now, Therefore, the Condition of this Obligation is Such That--
    The principal agrees to comply with the CBP regulations 
applicable to customs security areas at airports. If the principal 
defaults on the condition of this obligation, the principal and 
surety, jointly and severally, agree to pay liquidated damages of 
$1,000 for each default; or such other amount as may be authorized 
by law or regulation. This bond is effective ___, 20__, and remains 
in force for one year beginning with the effective date and for each 
succeeding annual period, or until terminated. This bond constitutes 
a separate bond for each annual period in the amount listed above 
for liabilities that accrue in each annual period.
    Signed, Sealed, and Delivered in the Presence of --



Name
Address



Name
Address
Principal (SEAL)



Name
Address



Name
Address



Name
Address
Surety (SEAL)



Name
Address

Appendix B to Part 113 [Amended]

0
55. Appendix B to Part 113 is amended by removing the word ``Customs'' 
each place that it appears and adding in its place the term ``CBP''.

Appendix C to Part 113 [Amended]

0
56. Appendix C to Part 113 is amended by removing the word ``Customs'' 
each place that it appears and adding in its place the term ``CBP''.

PART 133--TRADEMARKS, TRADE NAMES, AND COPYRIGHTS

0
57. The general and specific authority citations for part 133 continue 
to read as follows:

    Authority: 15 U.S.C. 1124, 1125, 1127; 17 U.S.C. 101, 601, 602, 
603; 19 U.S.C. 66, 1202, 1499, 1526, 1624; 31 U.S.C. 9701;
* * * * *
    Sections 133.21 through 133.25 also issued under 18 U.S.C. 1905; 
Sec. 818(g), Pub. L. 112-81.
* * * * *

0
58. In Sec.  133.25, paragraph (c) is revised to read as follows:


Sec.  133.25  Procedure on detention of articles subject to 
restriction.

* * * * *
    (c) Disclosure to the trademark or trade name owner. At any time 
following presentation of the merchandise for CBP's examination, but 
prior to seizure, CBP may release a sample of the suspect merchandise 
to the owner of the trademark or trade name for examination or testing 
to assist in determining whether the article imported bears an 
infringing trademark or trade name. To obtain a sample under this 
paragraph, the owner of the mark must furnish to CBP a bond in the form 
and amount specified by CBP, conditioned to indemnify the importer or 
owner of the imported article against any loss or damage resulting from 
the furnishing of the sample by CBP to the owner of the mark. CBP may 
demand the return of the sample at any time. The owner must return the 
sample to CBP upon demand or at the conclusion of the examination or 
testing, whichever occurs sooner. In the event that the sample is 
damaged, destroyed, or lost while in the possession of the trademark or 
trade name owner, the owner must, in lieu of returning the sample, 
certify to CBP that: ``The sample described as [insert description] and 
provided pursuant to 19 CFR 133.25(c) was (damaged/destroyed/lost) 
during examination or testing for trademark infringement.''
* * * * *

R. Gil Kerlikowske,
Commissioner.
    Approved: November 4, 2015.
Timothy E. Skud,
Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Treasury.
[FR Doc. 2015-28503 Filed 11-12-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 9111-14-P