Department of Homeland Security December 9, 2011 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

As part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, CBP invites the general public and other Federal agencies to comment on an information collection requirement concerning the NAFTA Regulations and Certificate of Origin. This request for comment is being made pursuant to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13).

The United States and Canada are staunch allies, vital economic partners, neighbors, and steadfast friends. We share common values, communities, and deep links among our citizens. The extensive mobility of people, goods, capital, and information between our two countries has helped ensure that our societies remain open, democratic, prosperous, and secure. On February 4, 2011, President Barack Obama and Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced Beyond the Border: A Shared Vision for Perimeter Security and Economic Competitiveness. This declaration describes a perimeter approach to security in which the United States and Canada share responsibility for the security and resilience of our nations. Our countries will seek to jointly address threats at the earliest point possible, while working together to facilitate the flows of legitimate travel and trade. Beyond the Border identifies four key areas of cooperation: Addressing Threats Early; Trade Facilitation, Economic Growth, and Jobs; Integrated Cross-Border Law Enforcement; and Critical Infrastructure and Cybersecurity. Progress in these areas will be underpinned by a respect for the sovereignty, civil rights and civil liberties, privacy protections, and legal frameworks of both countries. On December 7, 2011, President Barack Obama and Prime Minister Harper announced the Beyond the Border Action Plan, which describes specific initiatives our countries intend to undertake to achieve Beyond the Border's goals of perimeter security and economic competitiveness. With this notice, the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS), on behalf of the Administration, is seeking public input on the Beyond the Border Action Plan.

The U.S. Coast Guard is reopening the comment period to further its outreach efforts and solicit additional comments concerning its Port Access Route Study being conducted along the Atlantic Coast from Maine to Florida.