Discontinuation of Customs Broker Importer Self-Assessment Pre-Certification Test, 47931-47932 [2018-20581]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 184 / Friday, September 21, 2018 / Notices DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES National Institutes of Health National Eye Institute; Notice of Closed Meeting Pursuant to section 10(d) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act, as amended, notice is hereby given of the following meeting. The meeting will be closed to the public in accordance with the provisions set forth in sections 552b(c)(4) and 552b(c)(6), Title 5 U.S.C., as amended. The grant applications and the discussions could disclose confidential trade secrets or commercial property such as patentable material, and personal information concerning individuals associated with the grant applications, the disclosure of which would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy. Name of Committee: National Eye Institute Special Emphasis Panel; NEI Retina Applications. Date: October 15, 2018. Time: 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Agenda: To review and evaluate cooperative agreement applications. Place: National Institutes of Health, 6700B Rockledge Drive, Bethesda, MD 20817 (Telephone Conference Call). Contact Person: Brian Hoshaw, Ph.D., Scientific Review Officer, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Division of Extramural Research, 5635 Fishers Lane, Suite 1300, Rockville, MD 20892, 301–451–2020, hoshawb@ mail.nih.gov. (Catalogue of Federal Domestic Assistance Program Nos. 93.867, Vision Research, National Institutes of Health, HHS) Dated: September 17, 2018. Natasha M. Copeland, Program Analyst, Office of Federal Advisory Committee Policy. [FR Doc. 2018–20525 Filed 9–20–18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4140–01–P confidential trade secrets or commercial property such as patentable material, and personal information concerning individuals associated with the grant applications, the disclosure of which would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy. Name of Committee: National Institute of Mental Health Special Emphasis Panel; Development and Exploration of Psychosocial Interventions for Mental Health Disorders. Date: October 12, 2018. Time: 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Agenda: To review and evaluate grant applications. Place: Hyatt Regency Bethesda, One Bethesda Metro Center, 7400 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, MD 20814. Contact Person: David I. Sommers, Ph.D., Scientific Review Officer Division of Extramural Activities, National Institute of Mental Health National Institutes of Health, 6001 Executive Blvd., Room 6154, MSC 9606, Bethesda, MD 20892, 301–443–7861, dsommers@mail.nih.gov. Name of Committee: National Institute of Mental Health Special Emphasis Panel; NIMH Pilot Effectiveness Trials for Treatment, Preventive, and Services Interventions (R34). Date: October 24, 2018. Time: 11:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Agenda: To review and evaluate grant applications. Place: National Institutes of Health Neuroscience Center, 6001 Executive Boulevard, Rockville, MD 20852 (Virtual Meeting). Contact Person: Marcy Ellen Burstein, Ph.D., Scientific Review Officer Division of Extramural Activities, National Institute of Mental Health, NIH Neuroscience Center, 6001 Executive Blvd., Room 6143, MSC 9606, Bethesda, MD 20892–9606, 301–443–9699, bursteinme@mail.nih.gov. (Catalogue of Federal Domestic Assistance Program No. 93.242, Mental Health Research Grants, National Institutes of Health, HHS) Dated: September 17, 2018. Melanie J. Pantoja, Program Analyst, Office of Federal Advisory Committee Policy. [FR Doc. 2018–20524 Filed 9–20–18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4140–01–P daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with NOTICES DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES National Institutes of Health DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY National Institute of Mental Health; Notice of Closed Meetings U.S. Customs and Border Protection Pursuant to section 10(d) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act, as amended, notice is hereby given of the following meetings. The meetings will be closed to the public in accordance with the provisions set forth in sections 552b(c)(4) and 552b(c)(6), Title 5 U.S.C., as amended. The grant applications and the discussions could disclose Discontinuation of Customs Broker Importer Self-Assessment PreCertification Test VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:30 Sep 20, 2018 Jkt 244001 U.S. Customs and Border Protection; Department of Homeland Security. ACTION: General notice. AGENCY: On April 17, 2013, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00058 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 47931 announced a test allowing customs brokers to pre-certify importers for participation in the Importer SelfAssessment (ISA) program. The Customs Broker Importer SelfAssessment Pre-Certification (Broker ISA PC) test was intended to leverage customs brokers’ relationships with importers to facilitate and promote importer participation in the ISA program. Unfortunately, there was minimal importer participation in the test; thus, CBP has determined that it is not effective to continue with the Broker ISA PC test. This notice announces CBP’s intention to discontinue the test and not to move forward with a permanent Broker ISA PC program. DATES: As of September 21, 2018, the test is discontinued. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Lori Mennitt, Acting Chief, Trade Compliance Branch, Cargo & Conveyance Security, Office of Field Operations, 202–344–3285, lori.mennitt@cbp.dhs.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background The Broker ISA PC Test On April 17, 2013, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced a test in the Federal Register (78 FR 22895) allowing customs brokers to precertify importers for participation in the Importer Self-Assessment program. The primary goal of the test, known as the Customs Broker Importer SelfAssessment (ISA) Pre-Certification (Broker ISA PC) test, was to leverage customs brokers’ relationships to facilitate and promote importer participation in the ISA program, especially for small and medium enterprises. The Broker ISA PC test allowed selected brokers, referred to as ISA pre-certifiers, to pre-certify importers for the ISA program. The ISA program was established in 2002 to enable interested importers to voluntarily participate in a program that allows them to self-assess their own compliance with customs laws and regulations on a continuing basis. See 67 FR 41298 (June 17, 2002). The ISA program is a joint government-business trade facilitation partnership program that recruits trade compliant companies to build cooperative relationships that strengthen trade compliance. It is based on the premise that importers with strong internal controls are more likely to achieve a high level of compliance with customs laws and regulations; thus the program enables CBP to recognize and support importers who have implemented such programs. Importers wishing to participate in the ISA E:\FR\FM\21SEN1.SGM 21SEN1 47932 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 184 / Friday, September 21, 2018 / Notices daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with NOTICES program submit a complete application package to CBP. CBP then reviews the application and begins the vetting process including a risk assessment and a determination of the applicant’s readiness to assume the responsibilities of ISA. When the Broker ISA PC test was in operation, importers interested in applying to participate in the ISA program had the option of using either the Broker ISA PC services (most likely for a fee) of an ISA pre-certifier to facilitate participation in the ISA program or the importers could continue to apply for participation in the ISA program without the services of a pre-certifier. Under the Broker ISA PC test, an interested importer who wished to use the services of a pre-certifier submitted a complete ISA application package to both CBP and the ISA precertifier whom they selected. If an importer used the services of an ISA pre-certifier, the importer noted this at the time it submitted its ISA application. The key benefit of using the services of an ISA pre-certifier was the facilitation of the ISA application process. In the April 17, 2013 Federal Register notice, CBP anticipated that the use of an ISA pre-certifier would reduce the time period from application to presentation to the ISA Review Board from the average processing time for CBP which is between 9 and 12 months to between 90 and 120 days. Discontinuation of the Broker ISA PC Test CBP announced in the April 17, 2013 Federal Register notice that it would review the effectiveness and feasibility of the Broker ISA PC test one (1) year after the date of the ISA Pre-Certifiers Orientation and that based on the results and lessons learned from the test, CBP would determine if the Broker ISA PC would be fully implemented as a permanent program. While a total of 23 brokers volunteered to participate in the test and 9 brokers were selected to participate in the test per the guidelines of the notice, the test proved unsuccessful as there was little participation from importers. Several importers expressed reservations about securing the services of a broker to conduct the ISA evaluations and indicated that the broker fees were cost prohibitive. Only three (3) importers signed up to be reviewed by the brokers. Because of the low participation rate, CBP has determined that the test and test program are not effective and has decided to terminate the test. As a result, the Broker ISA PC test is discontinued effective immediately and VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:30 Sep 20, 2018 Jkt 244001 the test program will not be implemented as a permanent program. The discontinuation of the test and the publication of this notice will have no effect on the ISA program. Dated: September 18, 2018. Todd C. Owen, Executive Assistant Commissioner, Office of Field Operations. [FR Doc. 2018–20581 Filed 9–20–18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 9111–14–P DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services [OMB Control Number 1615–0069] Agency Information Collection Activities; Revision of a Currently Approved Collection: Application by Refugee for Waiver of Inadmissibility Grounds U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Department of Homeland Security. ACTION: 30-Day notice. AGENCY: The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will be submitting the following information collection request to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and clearance in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. The purpose of this notice is to allow an additional 30 days for public comments. DATES: The purpose of this notice is to allow an additional 30 days for public comments. Comments are encouraged and will be accepted until October 22, 2018. ADDRESSES: Written comments and/or suggestions regarding the item(s) contained in this notice, especially regarding the estimated public burden and associated response time, must be directed to the OMB USCIS Desk Officer via email at dhsdeskofficer@ omb.eop.gov. All submissions received must include the agency name and the OMB Control Number 1615–0069 in the subject line. You may wish to consider limiting the amount of personal information that you provide in any voluntary submission you make. For additional information please read the Privacy Act notice that is available via the link in the footer of https://www.regulations.gov. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: USCIS, Office of Policy and Strategy, Regulatory Coordination Division, SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00059 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Samantha Deshommes, Chief, 20 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20529–2140, Telephone number (202) 272–8377 (This is not a toll-free number; comments are not accepted via telephone message.). Please note contact information provided here is solely for questions regarding this notice. It is not for individual case status inquiries. Applicants seeking information about the status of their individual cases can check Case Status Online, available at the USCIS website at https:// www.uscis.gov, or call the USCIS National Customer Service Center at (800) 375–5283; TTY (800) 767–1833. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Comments The information collection notice was previously published in the Federal Register on May 31, 2018, at 83 FR 25026, allowing for a 60-day public comment period. USCIS did receive two comments in connection with the 60day notice. You may access the information collection instrument with instructions, or additional information by visiting the Federal eRulemaking Portal site at: https://www.regulations.gov and enter USCIS–2006–0042 in the search box. Written comments and suggestions from the public and affected agencies should address one or more of the following four points: (1) Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility; (2) Evaluate the accuracy of the agency’s estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (3) Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (4) Minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting electronic submission of responses. Overview of This Information Collection (1) Type of Information Collection Request: Revision of a Currently Approved Collection. (2) Title of the Form/Collection: Application by Refugee for Waiver of Inadmissibility Grounds. E:\FR\FM\21SEN1.SGM 21SEN1

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[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 184 (Friday, September 21, 2018)]
[Notices]
[Pages 47931-47932]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-20581]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

U.S. Customs and Border Protection


Discontinuation of Customs Broker Importer Self-Assessment Pre-
Certification Test

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

ACTION: General notice.

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

SUMMARY: On April 17, 2013, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) 
announced a test allowing customs brokers to pre-certify importers for 
participation in the Importer Self-Assessment (ISA) program. The 
Customs Broker Importer Self-Assessment Pre-Certification (Broker ISA 
PC) test was intended to leverage customs brokers' relationships with 
importers to facilitate and promote importer participation in the ISA 
program. Unfortunately, there was minimal importer participation in the 
test; thus, CBP has determined that it is not effective to continue 
with the Broker ISA PC test. This notice announces CBP's intention to 
discontinue the test and not to move forward with a permanent Broker 
ISA PC program.

DATES: As of September 21, 2018, the test is discontinued.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Lori Mennitt, Acting Chief, Trade 
Compliance Branch, Cargo & Conveyance Security, Office of Field 
Operations, 202-344-3285, [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Background

The Broker ISA PC Test

    On April 17, 2013, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) 
announced a test in the Federal Register (78 FR 22895) allowing customs 
brokers to pre-certify importers for participation in the Importer 
Self-Assessment program. The primary goal of the test, known as the 
Customs Broker Importer Self-Assessment (ISA) Pre-Certification (Broker 
ISA PC) test, was to leverage customs brokers' relationships to 
facilitate and promote importer participation in the ISA program, 
especially for small and medium enterprises. The Broker ISA PC test 
allowed selected brokers, referred to as ISA pre-certifiers, to pre-
certify importers for the ISA program.
    The ISA program was established in 2002 to enable interested 
importers to voluntarily participate in a program that allows them to 
self-assess their own compliance with customs laws and regulations on a 
continuing basis. See 67 FR 41298 (June 17, 2002). The ISA program is a 
joint government-business trade facilitation partnership program that 
recruits trade compliant companies to build cooperative relationships 
that strengthen trade compliance. It is based on the premise that 
importers with strong internal controls are more likely to achieve a 
high level of compliance with customs laws and regulations; thus the 
program enables CBP to recognize and support importers who have 
implemented such programs. Importers wishing to participate in the ISA

[[Page 47932]]

program submit a complete application package to CBP. CBP then reviews 
the application and begins the vetting process including a risk 
assessment and a determination of the applicant's readiness to assume 
the responsibilities of ISA.
    When the Broker ISA PC test was in operation, importers interested 
in applying to participate in the ISA program had the option of using 
either the Broker ISA PC services (most likely for a fee) of an ISA 
pre-certifier to facilitate participation in the ISA program or the 
importers could continue to apply for participation in the ISA program 
without the services of a pre-certifier. Under the Broker ISA PC test, 
an interested importer who wished to use the services of a pre-
certifier submitted a complete ISA application package to both CBP and 
the ISA pre-certifier whom they selected. If an importer used the 
services of an ISA pre-certifier, the importer noted this at the time 
it submitted its ISA application. The key benefit of using the services 
of an ISA pre-certifier was the facilitation of the ISA application 
process. In the April 17, 2013 Federal Register notice, CBP anticipated 
that the use of an ISA pre-certifier would reduce the time period from 
application to presentation to the ISA Review Board from the average 
processing time for CBP which is between 9 and 12 months to between 90 
and 120 days.

Discontinuation of the Broker ISA PC Test

    CBP announced in the April 17, 2013 Federal Register notice that it 
would review the effectiveness and feasibility of the Broker ISA PC 
test one (1) year after the date of the ISA Pre-Certifiers Orientation 
and that based on the results and lessons learned from the test, CBP 
would determine if the Broker ISA PC would be fully implemented as a 
permanent program.
    While a total of 23 brokers volunteered to participate in the test 
and 9 brokers were selected to participate in the test per the 
guidelines of the notice, the test proved unsuccessful as there was 
little participation from importers. Several importers expressed 
reservations about securing the services of a broker to conduct the ISA 
evaluations and indicated that the broker fees were cost prohibitive. 
Only three (3) importers signed up to be reviewed by the brokers. 
Because of the low participation rate, CBP has determined that the test 
and test program are not effective and has decided to terminate the 
test. As a result, the Broker ISA PC test is discontinued effective 
immediately and the test program will not be implemented as a permanent 
program.
    The discontinuation of the test and the publication of this notice 
will have no effect on the ISA program.

    Dated: September 18, 2018.
Todd C. Owen,
Executive Assistant Commissioner, Office of Field Operations.
[FR Doc. 2018-20581 Filed 9-20-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 9111-14-P

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