[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 208 (Tuesday, October 28, 1997)]
[Notices]
[Pages 55847-55848]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-28491]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY

Customs Service


Live Entry Requirement for Non-Automated Entry; Comment Request

AGENCY: U.S. Customs, Department of the Treasury.

ACTION: Notice of meeting and request for comment.

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SUMMARY: In its efforts to redesign the trade compliance process, 
Customs would like to develop a more efficient way to process non-
automated entry and entry summary documents. This notice announces that 
a public meeting will be in Hearing Room B of the Interstate Commerce 
Commission Building in Washington, D.C., commencing at 9:30 a.m. on 
Friday, November 14, 1997. The purpose of this meeting is to (1) 
discuss a possible change in regulations to require all non-automated 
entry documents to be filed as entry/entry summaries before the release 
of merchandise; (2) discuss differing public interpretations of this 
issue and (3) explore options for clarifying the differing 
interpretations. Due to limitations on available seating, those 
planning to attend are requested to notify Customs in advance. Written 
comments will also be accepted at the hearing and by mail.

DATES: Meeting will take place on November 14, 1997, from 9:30 a.m. to 
11:30 p.m. Written comments should be received on or before November 
30, 1997, to be assured of consideration in the development of any 
proposed amendment to the current regulations.

ADDRESSES: Meeting will be held in Hearing Room B of the Interstate 
Commerce Commission Building at 12th Street and Constitution Avenue, 
NW, Washington, D.C. Written comments regarding this notice should be 
addressed to Ms. Brenda Brockman, U.S. Customs Service, Room B-102, 
1301 Constitution Avenue, Washington, DC 20229.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
    To attend the hearing, please notify Ms. Tonda Moton at (202) 927-
1676.
    For operational or policy issues: Ms. Kathryn Dapkins at (202) 927-
0333.
    For regulatory issues: Ms. Gina Grier at (202) 927-2397.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In accordance with the Customs 
Modernization provisions (the Mod Act) of the North American Free 
Trade Agreement Implementation Act, which gives Customs the 
flexibility to tailor its commercial operations to meet its needs 
and capabilities, Customs has undertaken an effort to redesign the 
entry process. While the majority of all entry summaries are sent 
to Customs electronically via the Automated Broker Interface (ABI), 
the remaining summaries are still submitted as non-automated 
documents. Customs is currently reconsidering the processing of 
non-ABI, fully paper entry documents.

    Importers currently have the option of filing formal, non-ABI 
entries by one of the following two methods: (1) The entry (CF 3461) is 
submitted to Customs to obtain release of the merchandise, and the 
entry summary (CF 7501) along with payment of duties, fees, and taxes, 
is submitted within ten business days of the date of the entry (date of 
release of the merchandise); or (2) the entry/entry summary (generally 
referred to as a ``live'' entry), along with payment of duties, fees, 
and taxes, is submitted to Customs to obtain the combined effect of 
processing the documents and paying the duties and then obtaining 
release of the merchandise.
    When a non-ABI entry is filed, Customs manually enters data from 
the entry documents into its automated system. When the entry summary 
is submitted, Customs again enters data manually, this time from the 
summary, into its automated system. This process of handling the entry 
documents twice is inefficient and burdensome. It also hinders Customs 
ability to perform the enforcement activities which are a part of its 
mission.
    Customs would like to streamline this process by requiring 
importers who file non-automated entry documents to file them as entry/
entry summaries, along with all documentation and estimated duties, 
fees, and taxes, prior to the release of the merchandise. This type of 
``live entry'' would require only one-time processing by Customs, 
thereby decreasing the amount of time spent on these non-automated 
documents and freeing up resources for other work. This one-time 
processing would allow Customs to more efficiently handle the increase 
in importations within current resource levels. For importers who file 
non-automated entry documents, the

[[Page 55848]]

two-step process of submitting the CF 3461 to obtain release of goods, 
and then, within ten business days, submitting the CF 7501 entry 
summary with payment of duties, fees, and taxes, would be eliminated.
    Customs ability to enforce trade laws would also be enhanced if the 
entry/entry summary were submitted prior to the release of the 
merchandise. The information on entry summaries tends to be more 
complete and accurate than that on entries. Having better data up front 
would make it easier for Customs to pinpoint compliance problems, 
ensure admissibility, and verify bond sufficiency, as these types of 
checks are performed manually with non-automated entries.
    Customs will hold a public meeting to discuss a possible change in 
regulations to require all non-automated entry documents to be filed as 
entry/entry summaries before the release of merchandise. This meeting 
will begin with a brief description of possible proposals, followed by 
time for the trade community to ask questions and provide comments. 
Those wishing to provide verbal comments should so indicate when making 
seating reservations, and should also submit their comments in writing. 
Because seating is limited, reservations will be required. Individuals 
planning to attend are requested to notify Ms. Tonda Moton by fax at 
(202) 927-1363 or by phone at (202) 927-1676. Written comments will be 
considered in the development of any proposed amendment to the current 
regulations, but will not be responded to individually.

    Dated: October 21, 1997.
Charles W. Winwood,
Assistant Commissioner, Office of Strategic Trade.
[FR Doc. 97-28491 Filed 10-27-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4820-02-P