Air Declaration Zone Test, 58747-58749 [2024-15947]
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Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 139 / Friday, July 19, 2024 / Notices
Diseases, National Institutes of Health, 5601
Fishers Lane, Room 3E70A, Rockville, MD
20892, (240) 669–5178, saadisoh@
niaid.nih.gov.
(Catalogue of Federal Domestic Assistance
Program Nos. 93.855, Allergy, Immunology,
and Transplantation Research; 93.856,
Microbiology and Infectious Diseases
Research, National Institutes of Health, HHS)
Dated: July 16, 2024.
Lauren A. Fleck,
Program Analyst, Office of Federal Advisory
Committee Policy.
[FR Doc. 2024–15952 Filed 7–18–24; 8:45 am]
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND
HUMAN SERVICES
National Institutes of Health
National Institute of Diabetes and
Digestive and Kidney Diseases; Notice
of Closed Meeting
ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with NOTICES1
Pursuant to section 1009 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 Institute of
Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
Special Emphasis Panel; Defining the Social
Epigenome in Type 2 Diabetes Development
in a High-Risk Diverse Population (RC2).
Date: October 2, 2024.
Time: 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Agenda: To review and evaluate grant
applications.
Place: National Institutes of Health, NIDDK
Democracy II, Suite 7000A, 6707 Democracy
Boulevard, Bethesda, MD 20892 (Virtual
Meeting).
Contact Person: Paul A. Rushing, Ph.D.,
Scientific Review Officer, National Institute
of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney,
National Institute of Health, 6707 Democracy
Boulevard, Rm. 7345, Bethesda, MD 20892–
5452, (301) 594–8895, rushingp@
extra.niddk.nih.gov.
(Catalogue of Federal Domestic Assistance
Program Nos. 93.847, Diabetes,
Endocrinology and Metabolic Research;
93.848, Digestive Diseases and Nutrition
Research; 93.849, Kidney Diseases, Urology
and Hematology Research, National Institutes
of Health, HHS)
18:53 Jul 18, 2024
Jkt 262001
DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND
SECURITY
[FR Doc. 2024–15949 Filed 7–18–24; 8:45 am]
Air Declaration Zone Test
BILLING CODE 4140–01–P
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND
HUMAN SERVICES
National Institutes of Health
Pursuant to section 1009 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 Institute of
Neurological Disorders and Stroke Special
Emphasis Panel; NST–2 202410 conflict/
overflow.
Date: August 12, 2024.
Time: 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Agenda: To review and evaluate grant
applications.
Place: National Institutes of Health,
Neuroscience Center, 6001 Executive
Boulevard, Rockville, MD 20852 (Video
Assisted Meeting).
Contact Person: DeAnna Lynn Adkins,
Ph.D., Scientific Review Officer, Scientific
Review Branch, Division of Extramural
Activities, NINDS/NIH/DHHS, NSC, 6001
Executive Boulevard, Rockville, MD 20852,
301–496–9223, deanna.adkins@nih.gov.
(Catalogue of Federal Domestic Assistance
Program Nos. 93.853, Clinical Research
Related to Neurological Disorders; 93.854,
Biological Basis Research in the
Neurosciences, National Institutes of Health,
HHS).
Dated: July 16, 2024.
Lauren A. Fleck,
Program Analyst, Office of Federal Advisory
Committee Policy.
[FR Doc. 2024–15951 Filed 7–18–24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4140–01–P
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U.S. Customs and Border Protection
U.S. Customs and Border
Protection; DHS.
ACTION: General notice.
AGENCY:
National Institute of Neurological
Disorders and Stroke; Notice of Closed
Meeting
BILLING CODE 4140–01–P
VerDate Sep<11>2014
Dated: July 16, 2024.
Miguelina Perez,
Program Analyst, Office of Federal Advisory
Committee Policy.
58747
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This document announces
that U.S. Customs and Border Protection
(CBP) will conduct a Declaration Zone
test at air terminal facilities at
participating air ports of entry (POEs) to
fulfill a regulatory declaration
requirement and allow for streamlined
processing. Current CBP regulations
require each traveler at air POEs to
provide an oral or written declaration of
all articles brought into the United
States, to a CBP officer (CBPO). The test
will provide arriving travelers with an
alternative method to meet this
requirement by allowing a
demonstrative initial declaration.
During the test, CBP will establish two
queues for travelers entering the country
to choose from: Items to Declare and No
Items to Declare. Known as ‘‘Declaration
Zones,’’ these queues will allow
travelers entering the country through
participating air POEs to make their
initial declaration simply by choosing
which queue to enter. This notice
describes the test, and also sets forth
requirements for participating in the
test, the duration of the test, and how
CBP will evaluate the test. This notice
also invites public comment on any
aspect of the test.
DATES: The test will begin no earlier
than August 19, 2024 and will run for
approximately two years. The start date
will be in accordance with the air POE’s
ability to implement the declaration
zones. Comments concerning this notice
and all aspects of the announced test
may be submitted at any time during the
test period to the address set forth
below.
ADDRESSES: Written comments
concerning program, policy, and
technical issues may be submitted at
any time during the test period via
email to BiometricAir@cbp.dhs.gov.
Please use ‘‘Comment on Declaration
Zone Test’’ in the subject line of the
email.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Natascha Gutermuth, Program Manager,
Biometrics Program Office, Office of
Field Operations, U.S. Customs and
Border Protection, (202) 417–0096, or
email at: Natascha.A.Gutermuth@
cbp.dhs.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
SUMMARY:
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Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 139 / Friday, July 19, 2024 / Notices
Background
Current U.S. Customs and Border
Protection (CBP) regulations require
each traveler to provide an oral or
written declaration of all articles
brought into the United States, to a CBP
officer (CBPO). See part 148, subpart B
of title 19 of the Code of Federal
Regulations (19 CFR part 148, subpart
B). There are currently three types of
Federal Inspection Services (FIS) air
port of entry (POE) air terminal
facilities: standard, modified egress, and
baggage first. At standard air terminal
facilities, a traveler is processed by a
CBPO at primary inspection to
determine whether the traveler may
enter the United States. Once cleared for
entry, the traveler then proceeds to the
baggage area to collect any luggage and
subsequently proceeds through the
egress area to the facility exit where a
CBPO takes an oral declaration from the
traveler or collects a written declaration
through CBP Form 6059–B if the
traveler completes one. See 19 CFR
148.12, 148.13. The CBPO then
determines whether the declaration
requires the payment of a duty or if
further examination is necessary. If
either is required, the CBPO refers the
traveler to secondary inspection.
Otherwise, the traveler may then exit
the air terminal facility.
At modified egress air terminal
facilities, a traveler is processed by a
CBPO at primary inspection to
determine whether the traveler may
enter the United States. Concurrently,
the CBPO takes an oral declaration from
the traveler or collects a written
declaration through CBP Form 6059–B if
the traveler completes one. The CBPO
then determines whether the declaration
requires the payment of a duty or if
further examination is necessary. If
either is required, the CBPO refers the
traveler to secondary inspection. Once
cleared for entry, the traveler proceeds
to the baggage area to collect any
luggage. The traveler may then exit the
air terminal facility without being
stopped, unless a roving CBPO engages
with the traveler.
At baggage first air terminal facilities,
the traveler collects any luggage prior to
being processed at primary inspection,
where a CBPO then determines whether
the traveler may enter the United States.
If the traveler is cleared for entry, the
CBPO also takes an oral declaration
from the traveler or collects a written
declaration through CBP Form 6059–B if
the traveler completes one. The CBPO
then determines whether the declaration
requires the payment of a duty or if
further examination is necessary. If
either is required, the CBPO refers the
VerDate Sep<11>2014
18:53 Jul 18, 2024
Jkt 262001
traveler to secondary inspection.
Otherwise, the traveler may then exit
the air terminal facility, unless a roving
CBPO engages with the traveler.
At all three types of air terminal
facilities described above, CBPOs also
perform roving enforcement operations
within the baggage area and egress area.
At any point prior to exiting the air
terminal facility, a traveler may be
questioned by a CBPO and referred for
secondary inspection. Travelers referred
to secondary inspection may be directed
to complete CBP Form 6059–B, if not
already completed.
As air travel returns to, and exceeds,
pre-pandemic levels, innovative
methods of processing are necessary to
ensure the safe and streamlined
movement of travelers. Declaration
zones, whereby travelers provide an
initial declaration via selection of a
queue, are an established concept in
many countries and are being tested in
several U.S. sea POEs. See 86 FR 48436
(Aug. 30, 2021) (announcing a
Declaration Zone test at certain cruise
terminal facilities); 88 FR 71372 (Oct.
16, 2023) (announcing the extension
and expansion of the 2021 test).
Declaration zones facilitate the
processing of travelers by separating
those who need to go directly to a CBPO
for additional processing from those
who do not. With declaration zones,
travelers provide an initial declaration
by selecting one of two clearly marked
queues, either that they have items to
declare or no items to declare. This
selection acts as travelers’ initial
declaration simply through the queue
that they choose. This addition of a
physical, demonstrative form of
declaration would allow CBPOs to shift
focus from conducting some of the
administrative tasks they do currently,
such as taking oral declarations from all
applicable travelers and instead focus
on conducting roving enforcement
operations. Roving CBPOs would be
able to use their observation skills, as
well as their knowledge of trends and
smuggling techniques, to actively
monitor and select individuals for
inspection. As is the case currently,
travelers would still be subject to
questions upon inspection, and as the
travelers move through the Federal
Inspection Station (FIS), as appropriate.
The Air Declaration Zone Test
CBP will conduct an Air Declaration
Zone Test under 19 CFR 101.9 to fulfill
the declaration requirement, while also
allowing for streamlined processing.
Current CBP regulations require each
traveler to provide an oral or written
declaration of all articles brought into
the United States, to a CBPO. See 19
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Sfmt 4703
CFR part 148, subpart B. The test will
provide arriving travelers with an
alternative method to meet this
requirement by allowing a
demonstrative initial declaration
through the use of declaration zones at
air terminal facilities at certain air POEs.
The test does not change any other
aspect of the processing of arriving
travelers. Travelers will continue to
have the option of making an oral or
written declaration.
Description and Procedures
Within an air terminal facility, two
distinct customs declaration zone
queues will be established after travelers
collect their luggage: one for No Items
to Declare and another for Items to
Declare. The location of the queues,
either at the entrance to the egress area
or prior to processing in primary
inspection, will depend on the air
terminal facility. At all air terminal
facilities, signage will be posted to
clearly label the queues. The physical
act of selecting the No Items to Declare
queue or the Items to Declare queue in
and of itself will constitute an initial
demonstrative declaration. CBPOs and
CBP Agricultural Specialists will
conduct roving enforcement operations
within the baggage area and egress area
to ensure traveler compliance.
No Items To Declare Queue
Travelers who determine that they
have nothing to declare will enter the
No Items to Declare queue. Depending
on the location of the queue in the air
terminal facility, the traveler will either
proceed to primary inspection or
proceed through the egress area to
facility exit. CBPOs will conduct roving
operations in the No Items to Declare
zone to affirm traveler compliance.
When the queue is located at the
entrance of the egress area, CBPOs will
also receive oral declarations and make
referrals to secondary inspection as
necessary; travelers who are not
questioned by CBPOs conducting roving
operations proceed to the exit.
Items To Declare Queue
Travelers with items to declare will
enter the Items to Declare queue and
will present before a CBPO to make an
oral declaration. The CBPO will make a
determination if duty is owed by the
traveler or if additional inspection is
warranted. The CBPO will then direct
the traveler accordingly.
Referral to Secondary Inspection
If a traveler is referred to secondary
inspection at any point, CBPOs will
follow standard procedures, including
collecting oral and/or written
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Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 139 / Friday, July 19, 2024 / Notices
declarations during the referral and
inspection. CBPOs will follow current
agency policy on declaration
amendment opportunities.
by 19 CFR 148.18, regarding failure to
declare, and 19 CFR 148.19, regarding
false or fraudulent statements, will still
apply.
Eligibility and Participation
Requirements
This test allowing a demonstrative
declaration to be an acceptable
declaration method will begin at one air
POE, Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas. CBP
may choose to expand this test to other
air POEs during the two-year test
period. Any such expansion will be
announced on the CBP website, https://
www.cbp.gov.
CBP will provide directional signage
for use in the implementation of the
declaration zones. Port management
will coordinate with the airport
authority and terminal managers for the
printing and posting of the directional
signage and for establishing the
corresponding queues. The signage is
ancillary to the statutory signage
currently posted within air terminal
facilities and the FIS area. These
directional signs will facilitate the
declaration zone process and help
travelers understand the expectation
when entering a specific queue.
CBP will also work with each airline
at eligible POEs to develop educational
materials to provide to travelers
regarding U.S. Customs declaration
responsibilities and how travelers
should navigate the declaration zones.
Duration of Test
Authorization for the Test
The test described in this notice is
authorized pursuant to 19 CFR 101.9(a),
which allows the Commissioner of CBP
to impose requirements different from
those specified in the CBP Regulations
for purposes of conducting a test
program or procedure designed to
evaluate the effectiveness of new
operational procedures regarding the
processing of passengers. This test is
authorized pursuant to this regulation as
it is designed to evaluate whether
allowing a demonstrative initial
declaration is a feasible way to fulfill
the declaration requirement and allow
for streamlined processing.
Paperwork Reduction Act
Waiver of Certain Regulatory
Requirements
CBP regulations require each traveler
to provide an oral or written declaration
of all articles brought into the United
States, to a CBP officer. See 19 CFR
148.12, 148.13. The test will provide
arriving travelers with an alternative
method to meet this requirement by
allowing a demonstrative initial
declaration. All other requirements of
19 CFR part 148, subpart B, regarding
declarations, including those provided
VerDate Sep<11>2014
18:53 Jul 18, 2024
Jkt 262001
This test will run for approximately
two years, beginning no earlier than
August 19, 2024. While the test is
ongoing, CBP will evaluate the results
and determine whether the test will be
extended or otherwise modified. CBP
reserves the right to discontinue this test
at any time in CBP’s sole discretion.
CBP will announce any modifications to
the duration of the test by notice in the
Federal Register.
Evaluation of Declaration Zone Test
CBP will use the results of this test to
assess the operational feasibility of
allowing an initial demonstrative
declaration to be an acceptable method
of declaration at air POEs. CBP will
evaluate this test based on a number of
criteria, including:
• Evaluation of airline customer
satisfaction surveys gathering feedback
on the debarkation process; and
• Comparison of year-over-year
enforcement statistics for each test
period to ensure no impact to duty
collection or to the frequency of
enforcement activities.
The Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA)
of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3507(d)) requires that
CBP consider the impact of paperwork
and other information collection
burdens imposed on the public. As
there is no new collection of
information required in this document,
the provisions of the PRA are
inapplicable.
Signing Authority
Troy A. Miller, the Senior Official
Performing the Duties of the
Commissioner, having reviewed and
approved this document, has delegated
the authority to electronically sign this
document to the Director (or Acting
Director, if applicable) of the
Regulations and Disclosure Law
Division for CBP, for purposes of
publication in the Federal Register.
Robert F. Altneu,
Director, Regulations & Disclosure Law
Division, Regulations & Rulings, Office of
Trade, U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
[FR Doc. 2024–15947 Filed 7–18–24; 8:45 am]
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58749
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Bureau of Land Management
[BLM_CO_FRN_MO4500179856]
Notice of Availability of the Proposed
Resource Management Plan
Amendment and Final Environmental
Impact Statement for Big Game Habitat
Conservation for Oil and Gas
Management in Colorado
Bureau of Land Management.
Notice of availability.
AGENCY:
ACTION:
In compliance with the
National Environmental Policy Act of
1969, as amended (NEPA), and the
Federal Land Policy and Management
Act of 1976, as amended (FLPMA), the
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has
prepared a proposed Resource
Management Plan (RMP) Amendment
and Final Environmental Impact
Statement (EIS) for Big Game Habitat
Conservation for Oil and Gas
Management and by this notice is
announcing the start of a 30-day protest
period of the proposed RMP
amendment.
SUMMARY:
This notice announces a 30-day
protest period to the BLM on the
proposed RMP amendment. Protests
must be postmarked or electronically
submitted on the BLM’s ePlanning site
within 30 days of the date that the
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
publishes its Notice of Availability
(NOA) in the Federal Register. The EPA
usually publishes its NOAs on Fridays.
ADDRESSES: The proposed RMP
amendment and final EIS is available on
the BLM ePlanning project website at
https://go.usa.gov/xzXxY. Documents
pertinent to this proposal may also be
examined at the BLM Colorado State
Office, Denver Federal Center, Building
1A, Lakewood, Colorado.
Instructions for filing a protest with
the BLM for the Big Game Habitat
Conservation for Oil and Gas
Management Proposed RMP
Amendment and Final EIS can be found
at: https://www.blm.gov/programs/
planning-and-nepa/publicparticipation/filing-a-plan-protest and
at 43 CFR 1610.5–2. All protests must be
submitted in writing by one of the
following methods—
Website: https://go.usa.gov/xzXxY; or
Regular mail and overnight mail: BLM
Director, Attention: Protest Coordinator
(HQ210), Denver Federal Center,
Building 40 (Door W–4), Lakewood, CO
80215.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Alan Bittner, Deputy State Director,
Resources, telephone 303–239–3768;
DATES:
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 139 (Friday, July 19, 2024)]
[Notices]
[Pages 58747-58749]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-15947]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Air Declaration Zone Test
AGENCY: U.S. Customs and Border Protection; DHS.
ACTION: General notice.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: This document announces that U.S. Customs and Border
Protection (CBP) will conduct a Declaration Zone test at air terminal
facilities at participating air ports of entry (POEs) to fulfill a
regulatory declaration requirement and allow for streamlined
processing. Current CBP regulations require each traveler at air POEs
to provide an oral or written declaration of all articles brought into
the United States, to a CBP officer (CBPO). The test will provide
arriving travelers with an alternative method to meet this requirement
by allowing a demonstrative initial declaration. During the test, CBP
will establish two queues for travelers entering the country to choose
from: Items to Declare and No Items to Declare. Known as ``Declaration
Zones,'' these queues will allow travelers entering the country through
participating air POEs to make their initial declaration simply by
choosing which queue to enter. This notice describes the test, and also
sets forth requirements for participating in the test, the duration of
the test, and how CBP will evaluate the test. This notice also invites
public comment on any aspect of the test.
DATES: The test will begin no earlier than August 19, 2024 and will run
for approximately two years. The start date will be in accordance with
the air POE's ability to implement the declaration zones. Comments
concerning this notice and all aspects of the announced test may be
submitted at any time during the test period to the address set forth
below.
ADDRESSES: Written comments concerning program, policy, and technical
issues may be submitted at any time during the test period via email to
[email protected]. Please use ``Comment on Declaration Zone
Test'' in the subject line of the email.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Natascha Gutermuth, Program Manager,
Biometrics Program Office, Office of Field Operations, U.S. Customs and
Border Protection, (202) 417-0096, or email at:
[email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
[[Page 58748]]
Background
Current U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regulations
require each traveler to provide an oral or written declaration of all
articles brought into the United States, to a CBP officer (CBPO). See
part 148, subpart B of title 19 of the Code of Federal Regulations (19
CFR part 148, subpart B). There are currently three types of Federal
Inspection Services (FIS) air port of entry (POE) air terminal
facilities: standard, modified egress, and baggage first. At standard
air terminal facilities, a traveler is processed by a CBPO at primary
inspection to determine whether the traveler may enter the United
States. Once cleared for entry, the traveler then proceeds to the
baggage area to collect any luggage and subsequently proceeds through
the egress area to the facility exit where a CBPO takes an oral
declaration from the traveler or collects a written declaration through
CBP Form 6059-B if the traveler completes one. See 19 CFR 148.12,
148.13. The CBPO then determines whether the declaration requires the
payment of a duty or if further examination is necessary. If either is
required, the CBPO refers the traveler to secondary inspection.
Otherwise, the traveler may then exit the air terminal facility.
At modified egress air terminal facilities, a traveler is processed
by a CBPO at primary inspection to determine whether the traveler may
enter the United States. Concurrently, the CBPO takes an oral
declaration from the traveler or collects a written declaration through
CBP Form 6059-B if the traveler completes one. The CBPO then determines
whether the declaration requires the payment of a duty or if further
examination is necessary. If either is required, the CBPO refers the
traveler to secondary inspection. Once cleared for entry, the traveler
proceeds to the baggage area to collect any luggage. The traveler may
then exit the air terminal facility without being stopped, unless a
roving CBPO engages with the traveler.
At baggage first air terminal facilities, the traveler collects any
luggage prior to being processed at primary inspection, where a CBPO
then determines whether the traveler may enter the United States. If
the traveler is cleared for entry, the CBPO also takes an oral
declaration from the traveler or collects a written declaration through
CBP Form 6059-B if the traveler completes one. The CBPO then determines
whether the declaration requires the payment of a duty or if further
examination is necessary. If either is required, the CBPO refers the
traveler to secondary inspection. Otherwise, the traveler may then exit
the air terminal facility, unless a roving CBPO engages with the
traveler.
At all three types of air terminal facilities described above,
CBPOs also perform roving enforcement operations within the baggage
area and egress area. At any point prior to exiting the air terminal
facility, a traveler may be questioned by a CBPO and referred for
secondary inspection. Travelers referred to secondary inspection may be
directed to complete CBP Form 6059-B, if not already completed.
As air travel returns to, and exceeds, pre-pandemic levels,
innovative methods of processing are necessary to ensure the safe and
streamlined movement of travelers. Declaration zones, whereby travelers
provide an initial declaration via selection of a queue, are an
established concept in many countries and are being tested in several
U.S. sea POEs. See 86 FR 48436 (Aug. 30, 2021) (announcing a
Declaration Zone test at certain cruise terminal facilities); 88 FR
71372 (Oct. 16, 2023) (announcing the extension and expansion of the
2021 test). Declaration zones facilitate the processing of travelers by
separating those who need to go directly to a CBPO for additional
processing from those who do not. With declaration zones, travelers
provide an initial declaration by selecting one of two clearly marked
queues, either that they have items to declare or no items to declare.
This selection acts as travelers' initial declaration simply through
the queue that they choose. This addition of a physical, demonstrative
form of declaration would allow CBPOs to shift focus from conducting
some of the administrative tasks they do currently, such as taking oral
declarations from all applicable travelers and instead focus on
conducting roving enforcement operations. Roving CBPOs would be able to
use their observation skills, as well as their knowledge of trends and
smuggling techniques, to actively monitor and select individuals for
inspection. As is the case currently, travelers would still be subject
to questions upon inspection, and as the travelers move through the
Federal Inspection Station (FIS), as appropriate.
The Air Declaration Zone Test
CBP will conduct an Air Declaration Zone Test under 19 CFR 101.9 to
fulfill the declaration requirement, while also allowing for
streamlined processing. Current CBP regulations require each traveler
to provide an oral or written declaration of all articles brought into
the United States, to a CBPO. See 19 CFR part 148, subpart B. The test
will provide arriving travelers with an alternative method to meet this
requirement by allowing a demonstrative initial declaration through the
use of declaration zones at air terminal facilities at certain air
POEs. The test does not change any other aspect of the processing of
arriving travelers. Travelers will continue to have the option of
making an oral or written declaration.
Description and Procedures
Within an air terminal facility, two distinct customs declaration
zone queues will be established after travelers collect their luggage:
one for No Items to Declare and another for Items to Declare. The
location of the queues, either at the entrance to the egress area or
prior to processing in primary inspection, will depend on the air
terminal facility. At all air terminal facilities, signage will be
posted to clearly label the queues. The physical act of selecting the
No Items to Declare queue or the Items to Declare queue in and of
itself will constitute an initial demonstrative declaration. CBPOs and
CBP Agricultural Specialists will conduct roving enforcement operations
within the baggage area and egress area to ensure traveler compliance.
No Items To Declare Queue
Travelers who determine that they have nothing to declare will
enter the No Items to Declare queue. Depending on the location of the
queue in the air terminal facility, the traveler will either proceed to
primary inspection or proceed through the egress area to facility exit.
CBPOs will conduct roving operations in the No Items to Declare zone to
affirm traveler compliance. When the queue is located at the entrance
of the egress area, CBPOs will also receive oral declarations and make
referrals to secondary inspection as necessary; travelers who are not
questioned by CBPOs conducting roving operations proceed to the exit.
Items To Declare Queue
Travelers with items to declare will enter the Items to Declare
queue and will present before a CBPO to make an oral declaration. The
CBPO will make a determination if duty is owed by the traveler or if
additional inspection is warranted. The CBPO will then direct the
traveler accordingly.
Referral to Secondary Inspection
If a traveler is referred to secondary inspection at any point,
CBPOs will follow standard procedures, including collecting oral and/or
written
[[Page 58749]]
declarations during the referral and inspection. CBPOs will follow
current agency policy on declaration amendment opportunities.
Eligibility and Participation Requirements
This test allowing a demonstrative declaration to be an acceptable
declaration method will begin at one air POE, Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas.
CBP may choose to expand this test to other air POEs during the two-
year test period. Any such expansion will be announced on the CBP
website, https://www.cbp.gov.
CBP will provide directional signage for use in the implementation
of the declaration zones. Port management will coordinate with the
airport authority and terminal managers for the printing and posting of
the directional signage and for establishing the corresponding queues.
The signage is ancillary to the statutory signage currently posted
within air terminal facilities and the FIS area. These directional
signs will facilitate the declaration zone process and help travelers
understand the expectation when entering a specific queue.
CBP will also work with each airline at eligible POEs to develop
educational materials to provide to travelers regarding U.S. Customs
declaration responsibilities and how travelers should navigate the
declaration zones.
Authorization for the Test
The test described in this notice is authorized pursuant to 19 CFR
101.9(a), which allows the Commissioner of CBP to impose requirements
different from those specified in the CBP Regulations for purposes of
conducting a test program or procedure designed to evaluate the
effectiveness of new operational procedures regarding the processing of
passengers. This test is authorized pursuant to this regulation as it
is designed to evaluate whether allowing a demonstrative initial
declaration is a feasible way to fulfill the declaration requirement
and allow for streamlined processing.
Waiver of Certain Regulatory Requirements
CBP regulations require each traveler to provide an oral or written
declaration of all articles brought into the United States, to a CBP
officer. See 19 CFR 148.12, 148.13. The test will provide arriving
travelers with an alternative method to meet this requirement by
allowing a demonstrative initial declaration. All other requirements of
19 CFR part 148, subpart B, regarding declarations, including those
provided by 19 CFR 148.18, regarding failure to declare, and 19 CFR
148.19, regarding false or fraudulent statements, will still apply.
Duration of Test
This test will run for approximately two years, beginning no
earlier than August 19, 2024. While the test is ongoing, CBP will
evaluate the results and determine whether the test will be extended or
otherwise modified. CBP reserves the right to discontinue this test at
any time in CBP's sole discretion. CBP will announce any modifications
to the duration of the test by notice in the Federal Register.
Evaluation of Declaration Zone Test
CBP will use the results of this test to assess the operational
feasibility of allowing an initial demonstrative declaration to be an
acceptable method of declaration at air POEs. CBP will evaluate this
test based on a number of criteria, including:
Evaluation of airline customer satisfaction surveys
gathering feedback on the debarkation process; and
Comparison of year-over-year enforcement statistics for
each test period to ensure no impact to duty collection or to the
frequency of enforcement activities.
Paperwork Reduction Act
The Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3507(d))
requires that CBP consider the impact of paperwork and other
information collection burdens imposed on the public. As there is no
new collection of information required in this document, the provisions
of the PRA are inapplicable.
Signing Authority
Troy A. Miller, the Senior Official Performing the Duties of the
Commissioner, having reviewed and approved this document, has delegated
the authority to electronically sign this document to the Director (or
Acting Director, if applicable) of the Regulations and Disclosure Law
Division for CBP, for purposes of publication in the Federal Register.
Robert F. Altneu,
Director, Regulations & Disclosure Law Division, Regulations & Rulings,
Office of Trade, U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
[FR Doc. 2024-15947 Filed 7-18-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 9111-14-P
