Public Meeting: 21st Century Customs Framework, 65703-65705 [2018-27716]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 245 / Friday, December 21, 2018 / Notices Register. It is possible that the study may validate the status quo (no routing measures) and conclude that no changes are necessary. It is also possible that the study may recommend one or more changes to enhance navigational safety and the efficiency of vessel traffic management. The recommendations may lead to future rulemakings or appropriate international agreements. This notice is published under the authority of 5 U.S.C. 552(a). Dated: December 4, 2018. Melissa L. Rivera, Captain, U.S. Coast Guard, Chief of Staff, Seventeenth Coast Guard District. [FR Doc. 2018–27604 Filed 12–20–18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 9110–04–P DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY U.S. Customs and Border Protection [Docket No. USCBP–2018–0045] Public Meeting: 21st Century Customs Framework U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Department of Homeland Security (DHS). ACTION: Notice of public meeting and request for public comments. AGENCY: U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is cognizant of the need to stay modern in order to meet the challenges of an evolving trade landscape. New actors, industries, and modes of conducting business have emerged, disrupting the traditional global supply chain. To continue to effectively fulfill CBP’s mission, CBP is pursuing an initiative titled ‘‘The 21st Century Customs Framework.’’ ‘‘The 21st Century Customs Framework’’ will seek to address and enhance numerous aspects of CBP’s trade mission to better position CBP to operate in the 21st century trade environment. Through preliminary efforts, CBP has identified key themes for which CBP seeks public input: Emerging Roles in the Global Supply Chain, Intelligent Enforcement, Cutting-Edge Technology, Data Access and Sharing, 21st Century Processes, and Self-Funded Customs Infrastructure. To that end, CBP is announcing a public meeting to discuss these themes. CBP will use the public comments received in response to this notice to initiate discussion at the public meeting for CBP to consider possible policy, regulatory, and statutory improvements to further the trade mission. CBP is already pursuing related efforts through the Border Interagency Executive Council and the amozie on DSK3GDR082PROD with NOTICES1 SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 00:00 Dec 21, 2018 Jkt 247001 Commercial Customs Operations Advisory Committee and is ensuring coordination among these initiatives. DATES: Meeting: The meeting to discuss ‘‘The 21st Century Customs Framework’’ will be held on Friday, March 1, 2019, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. EST. Pre-registration: Members of the public wishing to attend the meeting whether in-person or via teleconference must register as indicated in the ADDRESSES section by 5:00 p.m. EST, February 4, 2019. Cancellation of pre-registration: Members of the public who are preregistered to attend in-person or via teleconference and later need to cancel, please do so by 5:00 p.m. EST, February 22, 2019. Submission of comments: Members of the public wishing to submit comments must do so by 5:00 p.m. EST, February 4, 2019 by the methods described in the ADDRESSES section. ADDRESSES: Meeting: The meeting will be conducted in-person and via teleconference. The in-person meeting will be held at the U.S. International Trade Commission, 500 E Street SW, Washington, DC 20436. The teleconference number will be provided to all registrants by 5:00 p.m. EST on February 28, 2019. For information on services for individuals with disabilities or to request special assistance at the meeting, contact Mr. Brandon Lord, Office of Trade, U.S. Customs & Border Protection, at (202) 325–6432 or email, 21CCF@cbp.dhs.gov as soon as possible. Pre-registration: Meeting participants may attend either in-person or via teleconference after pre-registering using one of the methods indicated below. All in-person attendees must pre-register by 5:00 p.m. EST, February 4, 2019; on-site registration is not permitted. For members of the public who plan to attend the meeting in-person, please register online at https://teregistration. cbp.gov/index.asp?w=145. For members of the public who plan to participate via teleconference, please register online at https://teregistration. cbp.gov/index.asp?w=146 by 5:00 p.m. EST, February 4, 2019. Please feel free to share this information with other interested members of your organization or association. Members of the public who are preregistered to attend and later need to cancel, please do so by 5:00 p.m. EST, February 22, 2019, utilizing the following links: https:// teregistration.cbp.gov/cancel.asp?w=145 to cancel an in-person registration or PO 00000 Frm 00082 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 65703 https://teregistration.cbp.gov/cancel. asp?w=146 to cancel a teleconference registration. Submission of comments: To facilitate public participation, we are inviting public comment on the six themes described below. Comments must be submitted in writing no later than February 4, 2019, must be identified by Docket No. USCBP–2018–0045, and may be submitted by one (1) of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: https:// www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. • Email: 21CCF@cbp.dhs.gov. Include the docket number (USCBP–2018–0045) in the subject line of the message. • Mail: Mr. Brandon Lord, Office of Trade, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, 1331 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Suite 950N, Washington, DC 20229. Instructions: All submissions received must include the words ‘‘Department of Homeland Security’’ and the docket number (USCBP–2018–0045) for this action. If you wish to give a public statement in-person during the meeting, please do not send your comments through the Federal eRulemaking portal as certain identification information is required for CBP to contact you, and all comments sent to the portal will be posted without change. Please do not submit personal information to the Federal eRulemaking portal. For those who wish to give a public statement inperson during the meeting, please send your comments to the email or mail address above, indicate your interest in speaking and include the following information: First and last name; title/ position; phone number; email address; name and type of organization; and identify the theme you will speak to (each individual will be limited to one public statement on one theme). CBP will then post your comment on the docket without the personal information. Docket: For access to the docket or to read background documents or comments, go to https:// www.regulations.gov and search for Docket Number USCBP–2018–0045. To submit a comment, click the ‘‘Comment Now!’’ button located on the top-right hand side of the docket page. Mr. Brandon Lord, Office of Trade, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, 1331 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Suite 950N, Washington, DC 20229; telephone (202) 325–6432 or email 21CCF@cbp.dhs.gov. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: E:\FR\FM\21DEN1.SGM 21DEN1 65704 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 245 / Friday, December 21, 2018 / Notices 21st Century Customs Framework Initiative Overview CBP is cognizant of the need to stay modern in order to meet the challenges of an evolving trade landscape. New actors, industries, and modes of conducting business have emerged, disrupting the traditional global supply chain. To continue to effectively fulfill CBP’s mission, CBP is pursuing an initiative titled ‘‘The 21st Century Customs Framework.’’ ‘‘The 21st Century Customs Framework’’ will seek to address and enhance numerous aspects of CBP’s trade mission to better position the agency to operate in the 21st century trade environment. Through preliminary efforts, CBP has identified key themes for which CBP seeks public input: (1) Emerging Roles in the Global Supply Chain; (2) Intelligent Enforcement; (3) CuttingEdge Technology; (4) Data Access and Sharing; (5) 21st Century Processes; and (6) Self-Funded Customs Infrastructure. Brief descriptions of each theme are provided in this document along with the request for public comments on questions posed by CBP related to each theme. Members of the public who wish to provide a public statement should follow the instructions under the Addresses section. Due to time and content considerations, it is possible that not all persons who express an interest in making a public statement will be able to do so. Speakers will be selected based on time considerations and to ensure the panel receives diverse, individual perspectives. CBP will begin selecting and contacting individuals to deliver public statements starting no earlier than February 11, 2019. Members of the public may submit as many written comments as they wish; however, any commenter who is selected to provide a public statement will be limited to one timeslot addressing one theme. amozie on DSK3GDR082PROD with NOTICES1 Agenda 21st Century Customs Framework Public Meeting 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.—Public Statements and Open Public Comment on Themes As described above, members of the public may submit as many written comments as they wish; however, any one individual will be selected for only one public statement theme and timeslot. (1) Emerging Roles in the Global Supply Chain Due to technological advances and new modes of conducting business, the VerDate Sep<11>2014 00:00 Dec 21, 2018 Jkt 247001 modern international trade environment is marked by emerging actors and dynamic supply chains. CBP’s traditional legal frameworks were developed to primarily reflect containerized shipments and the supply chain to support such shipments, as opposed to small packages and business models built around e-commerce. CBP is seeking to ensure that all parties in the modern supply chain are aware of their responsibilities to promote safety and compliance, while still enabling legitimate trade and economic prosperity. Public Comment Questions • What new roles in the global supply chain are unaccounted for in CBP’s current legal framework? How should the agency account for these roles? • How can CBP work with ecommerce platforms and carriers to identify and deter illicit shipments? • How can new actors in the global supply chain work with CBP to improve trade security? (2) Intelligent Enforcement CBP’s efforts on intelligent enforcement are anchored on further improving risk management and the impact of efforts to detect high-risk activity, deter non-compliance and disrupt fraudulent behavior—all in the interest of enforcing U.S. trade laws to protect America’s economic security. CBP’s intelligent enforcement efforts include exploring how to better utilize technology, big data, and predictive analytics to drive decision-making. Public Comment Questions • What technologies are useful in predicting violative activities and an entity’s potential for violations? • What tools or sources of information regarding CBP’s compliance requirements have you found the most useful? What other resources can CBP provide to ensure that trade stakeholders understand CBP requirements? • How can CBP improve violation referral systems and allegation processing? (3) Cutting-Edge Technology One of the defining features of the modern trade environment is the rapid emergence of new technology. CBP is exploring the use of new technologies to improve trade facilitation and trade enforcement activities. Public Comment Questions • What emerging technologies are most important for CBP to monitor or adopt? PO 00000 Frm 00083 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 • What technologies are being adopted by the private sector that are incompatible with CBP’s current legal or policy frameworks? • What technologies on the horizon have the potential to be a disruptive force (enabling or challenging) within the trade ecosystem? (4) Data Access and Sharing The volume and types of data and the speed at which the data can be transmitted create a valuable opportunity for CBP and trade stakeholders. CBP is examining how more efficient data sharing can improve trade facilitation and trade enforcement. At the same time, CBP is looking at ways to reduce the duplication or unnecessary capture of data. Public Comment Questions • What data would you like CBP to share with importers, and vice versa, to improve trade facilitation and enforcement? • How can CBP’s overall data sharing with trade stakeholders be improved? (5) 21st Century Trade Processes CBP will be refining certain import processes to reflect the modern trade environment, improve the experience of importers, brokers, and other important actors in the supply chain, and increase overall efficiency. CBP is placing a focus on processes that may be overly burdensome or outdated. Public Comment Questions • What specific import procedures or requirements can be improved or refined, and how? • What are some international best practices (i.e., processes used by other customs agencies) that CBP should examine? (6) Self-Funded Customs Infrastructure * * There will be no in-person statements related to this theme. New requirements affecting CBP, Partner Government Agencies (PGA), and trade industry will necessitate updates to the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) outside of reoccurring maintenance. CBP is examining avenues to ensure that the ACE has a consistent stream of funding for enhancements and new functionalities. Public Comment Questions • Outside of the annual Congressional appropriations cycle, what mechanisms should CBP explore for consistent and timely funding for ACE enhancements? • How could the fee collection process be streamlined, improved, or E:\FR\FM\21DEN1.SGM 21DEN1 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 245 / Friday, December 21, 2018 / Notices redesigned to more directly fund ACE enhancements? Dated: December 18, 2018. Brenda B. Smith, Executive Assistant Commissioner, Office of Trade. [FR Doc. 2018–27716 Filed 12–20–18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 9111–14–P DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY Privacy Act of 1974; System of Records. Department of Homeland Security. ACTION: Notice of a modified system of records. AGENCY: In accordance with the Privacy Act of 1974, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) proposes to modify a current DHS system of records titled ‘‘DHS/ALL–007 Accounts Payable System of Records.’’ This system of records allows DHS to collect and maintain payment records. DHS is updating this system of records notice (SORN) to change the system location and clarify the authorities for which the records are collected. DHS is also expanding the categories of records collected by including invoices, receipts, and bank account numbers. DHS is modifying routine use E and adding routine use F to this SORN to comply with Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Memorandum M–17–12. Routine use L is also being modified to account for sharing payment information with the Department of Treasury to determine an individual’s eligibility to receive federal payments. Additionally, this notice includes nonsubstantive changes to simplify the formatting and text of the previously published notice. DATES: Submit comments on or before January 22, 2019. This modified system will be effective upon publication. New or modified routine uses will be effective January 22, 2019. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments, identified by docket number DHS– 2018–0067 by one of the following methods: • Federal e-Rulemaking Portal: https:// www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. • Fax: 202–343–4010. • Mail: Philip S. Kaplan, Chief Privacy Officer, Privacy Office, Department of Homeland Security, Washington, DC 20528–0655. amozie on DSK3GDR082PROD with NOTICES1 VerDate Sep<11>2014 00:00 Dec 21, 2018 Jkt 247001 For general questions and for privacy issues, please contact: Philip S. Kaplan, Privacy@hq.dhs.gov, (202) 343–1717, Chief Privacy Officer, Privacy Office, Department of Homeland Security, Washington, DC 20528–0655. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: [Docket No. DHS–2018–0067] SUMMARY: Instructions: All submissions received must include the agency name and docket number DHS–2018–0067. All comments received will be posted without change to https:// www.regulations.gov, including any personal information provided. Docket: For access to the docket to read background documents or comments received, go to https:// www.regulations.gov. I. Background DHS is modifying and reissuing DHS/ ALL–007 Accounts Payable SORN. DHS uses records covered by this SORN to meet its obligation to manage Departmental funds and ensure that DHS pays its creditors, including DHS employees for travel related reimbursements, and ensures that DHS has an accurate accounting of money it owes. DHS is updating this SORN to provide notice that the location of financial management activities for all DHS Components will be housed at DHS facilities and on DHS information systems, instead of the Department of Interior as was stated in the previous SORN. DHS is also clarifying its authorities to collect accounts payable information. The Department is expanding the categories of records contained in this SORN to include bank account information, invoices, and receipts, to more accurately reflect the financial records needed by DHS to verify monies owed and track payments to individuals. Further, routine use E is being modified and routine use F is being added to be in conformity with OMB Memorandum M–17–12. Routine Use L is being modified to incorporate information sharing with the Department of Treasury’s ‘‘Do Not Pay’’ program, which determines federal eligibility for dispersment of payments by checking death records, federal debt records, and lists of sanctioned individuals. Additionally, this notice includes non-substantive changes to simplify the formatting and text of the previously published notice. This system of records does not include information to enable travel service providers under contract to the Federal Government to authorize, issue, or account for travel and travel reimbursements provided to individuals PO 00000 Frm 00084 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 65705 on official Federal Government business, which are covered under GSA/GOVT–4 Contracted Travel Services Program, 74 FR 26700 (June 3, 2009), and GSA/GOVT–4 Contracted Travel Services Program, 74 FR 28048 (June 12, 2009). Consistent with DHS’s information sharing mission, information stored in the DHS/ALL–007 Accounts Payable system of records may be shared with other DHS Components that have a need to know the information to carry out their national security, law enforcement, immigration, intelligence, or other homeland security functions. In addition, DHS may share information with appropriate federal, state, local, tribal, territorial, foreign, and international government agencies, members of the public, and other entities consistent with the routine uses set forth in this system of records notice. This updated system will be included in DHS’s inventory of record systems. II. Privacy Act The Privacy Act embodies fair information practice principles in a statutory framework governing the means by which Federal Government agencies collect, maintain, use, and disseminate individuals’ records. The Privacy Act applies to information that is maintained in a ‘‘system of records.’’ A ‘‘system of records’’ is a group of any records under the control of an agency from which information is retrieved by the name of an individual or by some identifying number, symbol, or other identifying particular assigned to the individual. In the Privacy Act, an individual is defined to encompass U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents. Additionally, the Judicial Redress Act (JRA) provides covered persons with a statutory right to make requests for access and amendment to covered records, as defined by the JRA, along with judicial review for denials of such requests. In addition, the JRA prohibits disclosures of covered records, except as otherwise permitted by the Privacy Act. Below is a description of the DHS/ ALL–007 Accounts Payable System of Records. In accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552a(r), DHS has provided a report of this revised system of records to the Office of Management and Budget and to Congress. SYSTEM NAME AND NUMBER Department of Homeland Security (DHS)/ALL–007 Accounts Payable. SECURITY CLASSIFICATION: Unclassified. E:\FR\FM\21DEN1.SGM 21DEN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 245 (Friday, December 21, 2018)]
[Notices]
[Pages 65703-65705]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-27716]


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

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

U.S. Customs and Border Protection

[Docket No. USCBP-2018-0045]


Public Meeting: 21st Century Customs Framework

AGENCY: U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Department of 
Homeland Security (DHS).

ACTION: Notice of public meeting and request for public comments.

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

SUMMARY: U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is cognizant of the 
need to stay modern in order to meet the challenges of an evolving 
trade landscape. New actors, industries, and modes of conducting 
business have emerged, disrupting the traditional global supply chain. 
To continue to effectively fulfill CBP's mission, CBP is pursuing an 
initiative titled ``The 21st Century Customs Framework.'' ``The 21st 
Century Customs Framework'' will seek to address and enhance numerous 
aspects of CBP's trade mission to better position CBP to operate in the 
21st century trade environment. Through preliminary efforts, CBP has 
identified key themes for which CBP seeks public input: Emerging Roles 
in the Global Supply Chain, Intelligent Enforcement, Cutting-Edge 
Technology, Data Access and Sharing, 21st Century Processes, and Self-
Funded Customs Infrastructure. To that end, CBP is announcing a public 
meeting to discuss these themes. CBP will use the public comments 
received in response to this notice to initiate discussion at the 
public meeting for CBP to consider possible policy, regulatory, and 
statutory improvements to further the trade mission. CBP is already 
pursuing related efforts through the Border Interagency Executive 
Council and the Commercial Customs Operations Advisory Committee and is 
ensuring coordination among these initiatives.

DATES: Meeting: The meeting to discuss ``The 21st Century Customs 
Framework'' will be held on Friday, March 1, 2019, from 9:00 a.m. to 
5:00 p.m. EST.
    Pre-registration: Members of the public wishing to attend the 
meeting whether in-person or via teleconference must register as 
indicated in the Addresses section by 5:00 p.m. EST, February 4, 2019.
    Cancellation of pre-registration: Members of the public who are 
pre-registered to attend in-person or via teleconference and later need 
to cancel, please do so by 5:00 p.m. EST, February 22, 2019.
    Submission of comments: Members of the public wishing to submit 
comments must do so by 5:00 p.m. EST, February 4, 2019 by the methods 
described in the Addresses section.

ADDRESSES: Meeting: The meeting will be conducted in-person and via 
teleconference. The in-person meeting will be held at the U.S. 
International Trade Commission, 500 E Street SW, Washington, DC 20436. 
The teleconference number will be provided to all registrants by 5:00 
p.m. EST on February 28, 2019. For information on services for 
individuals with disabilities or to request special assistance at the 
meeting, contact Mr. Brandon Lord, Office of Trade, U.S. Customs & 
Border Protection, at (202) 325-6432 or email, 21CCF@cbp.dhs.gov as 
soon as possible.
    Pre-registration: Meeting participants may attend either in-person 
or via teleconference after pre-registering using one of the methods 
indicated below. All in-person attendees must pre-register by 5:00 p.m. 
EST, February 4, 2019; on-site registration is not permitted.
    For members of the public who plan to attend the meeting in-person, 
please register online at https://teregistration.cbp.gov/index.asp?w=145.
    For members of the public who plan to participate via 
teleconference, please register online at https://teregistration.cbp.gov/index.asp?w=146 by 5:00 p.m. EST, February 4, 
2019.
    Please feel free to share this information with other interested 
members of your organization or association.
    Members of the public who are pre-registered to attend and later 
need to cancel, please do so by 5:00 p.m. EST, February 22, 2019, 
utilizing the following links: https://teregistration.cbp.gov/cancel.asp?w=145 to cancel an in-person registration or https://teregistration.cbp.gov/cancel.asp?w=146 to cancel a teleconference 
registration.
    Submission of comments: To facilitate public participation, we are 
inviting public comment on the six themes described below. Comments 
must be submitted in writing no later than February 4, 2019, must be 
identified by Docket No. USCBP-2018-0045, and may be submitted by one 
(1) of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov. 
Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     Email: 21CCF@cbp.dhs.gov. Include the docket number 
(USCBP-2018-0045) in the subject line of the message.
     Mail: Mr. Brandon Lord, Office of Trade, U.S. Customs and 
Border Protection, 1331 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Suite 950N, Washington, 
DC 20229.
    Instructions: All submissions received must include the words 
``Department of Homeland Security'' and the docket number (USCBP-2018-
0045) for this action. If you wish to give a public statement in-person 
during the meeting, please do not send your comments through the 
Federal eRulemaking portal as certain identification information is 
required for CBP to contact you, and all comments sent to the portal 
will be posted without change. Please do not submit personal 
information to the Federal eRulemaking portal. For those who wish to 
give a public statement in-person during the meeting, please send your 
comments to the email or mail address above, indicate your interest in 
speaking and include the following information: First and last name; 
title/position; phone number; email address; name and type of 
organization; and identify the theme you will speak to (each individual 
will be limited to one public statement on one theme). CBP will then 
post your comment on the docket without the personal information.
    Docket: For access to the docket or to read background documents or 
comments, go to https://www.regulations.gov and search for Docket Number 
USCBP-2018-0045. To submit a comment, click the ``Comment Now!'' button 
located on the top-right hand side of the docket page.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Brandon Lord, Office of Trade, 
U.S. Customs and Border Protection, 1331 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Suite 
950N, Washington, DC 20229; telephone (202) 325-6432 or email 
21CCF@cbp.dhs.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

[[Page 65704]]

21st Century Customs Framework Initiative Overview

    CBP is cognizant of the need to stay modern in order to meet the 
challenges of an evolving trade landscape. New actors, industries, and 
modes of conducting business have emerged, disrupting the traditional 
global supply chain. To continue to effectively fulfill CBP's mission, 
CBP is pursuing an initiative titled ``The 21st Century Customs 
Framework.'' ``The 21st Century Customs Framework'' will seek to 
address and enhance numerous aspects of CBP's trade mission to better 
position the agency to operate in the 21st century trade environment. 
Through preliminary efforts, CBP has identified key themes for which 
CBP seeks public input: (1) Emerging Roles in the Global Supply Chain; 
(2) Intelligent Enforcement; (3) Cutting-Edge Technology; (4) Data 
Access and Sharing; (5) 21st Century Processes; and (6) Self-Funded 
Customs Infrastructure. Brief descriptions of each theme are provided 
in this document along with the request for public comments on 
questions posed by CBP related to each theme.
    Members of the public who wish to provide a public statement should 
follow the instructions under the Addresses section. Due to time and 
content considerations, it is possible that not all persons who express 
an interest in making a public statement will be able to do so. 
Speakers will be selected based on time considerations and to ensure 
the panel receives diverse, individual perspectives. CBP will begin 
selecting and contacting individuals to deliver public statements 
starting no earlier than February 11, 2019. Members of the public may 
submit as many written comments as they wish; however, any commenter 
who is selected to provide a public statement will be limited to one 
timeslot addressing one theme.

Agenda

21st Century Customs Framework Public Meeting

9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.--Public Statements and Open Public Comment on 
Themes
    As described above, members of the public may submit as many 
written comments as they wish; however, any one individual will be 
selected for only one public statement theme and timeslot.

(1) Emerging Roles in the Global Supply Chain

    Due to technological advances and new modes of conducting business, 
the modern international trade environment is marked by emerging actors 
and dynamic supply chains. CBP's traditional legal frameworks were 
developed to primarily reflect containerized shipments and the supply 
chain to support such shipments, as opposed to small packages and 
business models built around e-commerce. CBP is seeking to ensure that 
all parties in the modern supply chain are aware of their 
responsibilities to promote safety and compliance, while still enabling 
legitimate trade and economic prosperity.

Public Comment Questions

     What new roles in the global supply chain are unaccounted 
for in CBP's current legal framework? How should the agency account for 
these roles?
     How can CBP work with e-commerce platforms and carriers to 
identify and deter illicit shipments?
     How can new actors in the global supply chain work with 
CBP to improve trade security?

(2) Intelligent Enforcement

    CBP's efforts on intelligent enforcement are anchored on further 
improving risk management and the impact of efforts to detect high-risk 
activity, deter non-compliance and disrupt fraudulent behavior--all in 
the interest of enforcing U.S. trade laws to protect America's economic 
security. CBP's intelligent enforcement efforts include exploring how 
to better utilize technology, big data, and predictive analytics to 
drive decision-making.

Public Comment Questions

     What technologies are useful in predicting violative 
activities and an entity's potential for violations?
     What tools or sources of information regarding CBP's 
compliance requirements have you found the most useful? What other 
resources can CBP provide to ensure that trade stakeholders understand 
CBP requirements?
     How can CBP improve violation referral systems and 
allegation processing?

(3) Cutting-Edge Technology

    One of the defining features of the modern trade environment is the 
rapid emergence of new technology. CBP is exploring the use of new 
technologies to improve trade facilitation and trade enforcement 
activities.

Public Comment Questions

     What emerging technologies are most important for CBP to 
monitor or adopt?
     What technologies are being adopted by the private sector 
that are incompatible with CBP's current legal or policy frameworks?
     What technologies on the horizon have the potential to be 
a disruptive force (enabling or challenging) within the trade 
ecosystem?

(4) Data Access and Sharing

    The volume and types of data and the speed at which the data can be 
transmitted create a valuable opportunity for CBP and trade 
stakeholders. CBP is examining how more efficient data sharing can 
improve trade facilitation and trade enforcement. At the same time, CBP 
is looking at ways to reduce the duplication or unnecessary capture of 
data.

Public Comment Questions

     What data would you like CBP to share with importers, and 
vice versa, to improve trade facilitation and enforcement?
     How can CBP's overall data sharing with trade stakeholders 
be improved?

(5) 21st Century Trade Processes

    CBP will be refining certain import processes to reflect the modern 
trade environment, improve the experience of importers, brokers, and 
other important actors in the supply chain, and increase overall 
efficiency. CBP is placing a focus on processes that may be overly 
burdensome or outdated.

Public Comment Questions

     What specific import procedures or requirements can be 
improved or refined, and how?
     What are some international best practices (i.e., 
processes used by other customs agencies) that CBP should examine?

(6) Self-Funded Customs Infrastructure *

    * There will be no in-person statements related to this theme.
    New requirements affecting CBP, Partner Government Agencies (PGA), 
and trade industry will necessitate updates to the Automated Commercial 
Environment (ACE) outside of reoccurring maintenance. CBP is examining 
avenues to ensure that the ACE has a consistent stream of funding for 
enhancements and new functionalities.

Public Comment Questions

     Outside of the annual Congressional appropriations cycle, 
what mechanisms should CBP explore for consistent and timely funding 
for ACE enhancements?
     How could the fee collection process be streamlined, 
improved, or

[[Page 65705]]

redesigned to more directly fund ACE enhancements?

    Dated: December 18, 2018.
Brenda B. Smith,
Executive Assistant Commissioner, Office of Trade.
[FR Doc. 2018-27716 Filed 12-20-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 9111-14-P

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