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[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 222 (Tuesday, November 18, 2014)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 68589-68609]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-27129]

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Rules and Regulations
                                                Federal Register
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Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 222 / Tuesday, November 18, 2014 / 
Rules and Regulations

[[Page 68589]]

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Commodity Credit Corporation

7 CFR Part 1493

RIN 0551-AA74

CCC Export Credit Guarantee (GSM-102) Program and Facility 
Guarantee Program (FGP)

AGENCY: Foreign Agricultural Service and Commodity Credit Corporation 
(CCC), USDA.

ACTION: Final rule.

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

SUMMARY: This final rule amends the regulations that administer the 
Export Credit Guarantee (GSM-102) Program and eliminates provisions for 
the Intermediate Export Credit Guarantee (GSM-103) Program, consistent 
with the repeal of authority to operate this program in the Food, 
Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (2008 Act). This final rule 
incorporates program operational changes and information from press 
releases and notices to participants that have been implemented since 
the publication of the current rule, and include other administrative 
revisions to enhance clarity and program integrity. It also 
incorporates certain comments received in response to proposed rules 
issued on July 27, 2011, and December 27, 2013. These changes should 
increase program availability to all program participants and enhance 
access and encourage sales for smaller U.S. exporters. Changes are also 
intended to improve CCC's financial management of the program.

DATES: Effective Date: This final rule is effective December 18, 2014.
    Applicability Date: The provisions of this final rule will be 
applied by CCC as follows:
    (1) For any payment guarantee associated with an application for 
payment guarantee received by CCC on or after December 18, 2014, the 
provisions of this final rule shall immediately apply in their 
entirety.
    (2) For any payment guarantee associated with an application for 
payment guarantee received by CCC prior to December 18, 2014, the 
provisions of the previous rule governing the Export Credit Guarantee 
(GSM-102) Program shall apply.
    (3) Notwithstanding (2) above, the provisions of Sec. Sec.  
1493.30, 1493.40, 1493.50, 1493.60, and 1493.192 shall apply to all 
program participants as of December 18, 2014.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Amy Slusher, Deputy Director, Credit 
Programs Division, Foreign Agricultural Service, U.S. Department of 
Agriculture, 1400 Independence Ave. SW., Stop 1025, Room 5509, 
Washington, DC 20250-1025; telephone (202) 720-6211.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    The Commodity Credit Corporation's (CCC) Export Credit Guarantee 
(GSM-102) Program is administered by the Foreign Agricultural Service 
(FAS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) on behalf of CCC, 
pursuant to program regulations codified at 7 CFR Part 1493, and 
through the issuance of ``Program Announcements'' and ``Notices to 
Participants'' that are consistent with this regulation. The previous 
regulation became effective on November 18, 1994. Since that time, CCC 
has implemented numerous operational changes to improve the efficiency 
of the program, including an automated, Internet-based system for 
participants and revised program controls to improve program quality, 
reduce costs, and protect against waste and fraud. Also since that 
time, agricultural trade and finance practices have evolved. This final 
rule is intended to reflect these changes and to enhance the overall 
clarity and integrity of the program. In addition, the 2008 Act 
repealed the authority to operate the GSM-103 Program, and this change 
is reflected in the final rule.
    On July 27, 2011, CCC published a Proposed Rule in the Federal 
Register (Vol. 76, No. 144, pages 44836-44855). In response to comments 
received, CCC made several significant changes and issued a second 
proposed rule on December 27, 2013 (Federal Register Vol. 78, No. 249, 
pages 79254-79282). The deadline for comments on the second proposed 
rule was January 27, 2014. CCC received comments on the second proposed 
rule from seven parties, including U.S. exporters and U.S. banks. 
Comments received on the December 27, 2013, proposed rule and changes 
made by CCC are discussed below in the Section-by-Section Analysis.

Section-by-Section Analysis

    The section-by-section analysis below includes a summary of 
comments received on the December 27, 2013, proposed rule (hereafter 
``proposed rule''), CCC's responses to those comments, and a discussion 
of any additional changes made by CCC. In some instances, the numbering 
systems differ between the proposed and final rules. For purposes of 
this discussion, the numbering system of the final rule will be used, 
except where otherwise indicated. Defined terms found in the final rule 
are capitalized.

Subpart B--CCC Export Credit Guarantee (GSM-102) Program Operations

Section 1493.20 Definition of Terms

Eligible Export Sale
    One commenter expressed concern that the proposed rule preamble 
added requirements to the definition of Eligible Export Sale. Because 
the Exporter is required to certify that a GSM-102 transaction is an 
Eligible Export Sale, the commenter requested clarification regarding 
whether the preamble language constitutes additional conditions not 
contained in the body of the regulation.
    The language in the preamble to the proposed rule was intended to 
explain the reasons for the new requirement that a GSM-102 transaction 
be an Eligible Export Sale. The preamble itself does not impose 
additional conditions on participants. An Exporter certifying that a 
sale is an Eligible Export Sale is specifically certifying that the 
export sale meets the definition in the rule (i.e., that it is ``an 
export sale of U.S. Agricultural Commodities in which the obligation of 
payment for the portion registered under the GSM-102 program arises 
solely and exclusively from a Foreign Financial Institution Letter of 
Credit or Terms and Conditions Document issued in connection with a 
Payment Guarantee.''). The Exporter is not required to certify that a 
sale

[[Page 68590]]

constitutes an expansion of U.S. exports or would not have occurred 
without the GSM-102 program, nor is this definition intended to 
preclude brokerage arrangements. CCC will provide clarification on a 
case-by-case basis to any Exporter as needed to determine whether a 
particular transaction meets this requirement.
Firm Export Sales Contract
    CCC received two comments on the definition of Firm Export Sales 
Contract. One commenter understood CCC to be requiring the Importer to 
be the party taking physical possession of and nationalizing the U.S. 
Agricultural Commodities for customs clearance in the destination 
country or region. This understanding was based on language in the 
proposed rule and its preamble referencing the Importer (or Importer's 
Representative) as ``taking receipt'' of the U.S. Agricultural 
Commodities shipped under the Payment Guarantee. The commenter noted 
that this requirement could dramatically reduce Exporters' ability to 
utilize the program, as often the Exporter sells to a related entity 
(currently the Importer under the Payment Guarantee), who sells on to 
the final buyer taking physical possession of the goods. This structure 
enables the Exporter to pass on greater program benefits to the final 
buyer and enables multiple commodity shipments to be registered under a 
single Payment Guarantee, reducing administrative costs. The commenter 
suggested adding a definition of an ``exporter's representative''--an 
entity related to the Exporter that sells the commodities to the final 
buyer in the destination country or region. This new term would meet 
CCC's objective of requiring the Importer to be the party taking 
physical possession of the goods while retaining the Exporter's ability 
to utilize the program. With this new term, the definition of Firm 
Export Sales Contract would be redefined as a contract between the 
Exporter and either the ``exporter's representative'' or the Importer.
    CCC does not intend to require that the Importer in a GSM-102 
transaction be the final buyer taking physical possession of the 
commodities in the destination country or region. However, CCC agrees 
that certain language in the proposed rule and preamble, in particular 
reference to the Importer ``taking receipt of the goods,'' could lead 
to a misunderstanding regarding CCC's intent. To address this 
misunderstanding, CCC revised the definition of Importer and modified 
the provisions of Sec.  1493.70(a)(2) and (3). Those changes are 
discussed in the relevant sections of this preamble. No changes are 
necessary to the definition of Firm Export Sales Contract in response 
to this comment.
    A second commenter expressed concern that a Firm Export Sales 
Contract must be physically signed by both the Exporter and Importer 
when the Exporter submits an application for a Payment Guarantee. A 
requirement for a physically signed document at time of application in 
accordance with Sec.  1493.70(a) could be problematic, as it can take 
several weeks to obtain final signatures. The commenter clarified that 
a firm sale always exists at the time of application for the Payment 
Guarantee as evidenced by acknowledgements or other documentation, but 
may not include signatures of both the Exporter and Importer at that 
point.
    CCC acknowledges this concern but notes that the definition of Firm 
Export Sales Contract does not require a physically signed document. 
The definition states that ``Written evidence of a sale may be in the 
form of a signed sales contract, a written offer and acceptance between 
parties, or other documentary evidence of sale.'' Provided the 
documentation demonstrates evidence of the sale and contains the 
minimum required information stated in the definition, such 
documentation need not be physically signed by both parties. No changes 
are needed to the rule in response to this comment.
Foreign Financial Institution Letter of Credit or Letter of Credit
    CCC received one comment on the increasing use of electronic bills 
of lading (e-BLs) through providers such as Electronic Shipping 
Solutions (ESS) and Bolero, with a request that the GSM-102 rule 
specifically allow for e-BLs. CCC agrees and made a number of 
modifications to the final rule to accommodate e-BLs. The definition of 
Foreign Financial Institution Letter of Credit requires the Letter of 
Credit to be subject to the current revision of the Uniform Customs and 
Practices for Documentary Credits (UCP). The current revision, UCP 600, 
includes a Supplement to the Uniform Customs and Practice for 
Documentary Credits for Electronic Presentation (eUCP) to accommodate 
presentation of electronic records alone or in combination with paper 
documents. CCC modified the Letter of Credit definition in the final 
rule to include that, if applicable (i.e., if electronic records are to 
be used under the Letter of Credit), the provisions of the current 
revision of eUCP shall apply.
Importer
    One commenter suggested modifying this definition to allow the 
Importer to enter a Firm Export Sales Contract with an ``exporter's 
representative for onward sale to the Importer. . . .'' This suggestion 
was made in conjunction with proposed modifications to the definition 
of Firm Export Sales Contract and addition of an ``exporter's 
representative.'' As noted in the analysis of the definition of Firm 
Export Sales Contract, CCC determined that it is not necessary to add 
``exporter's representative'' to the rule, and this change is not 
needed to the Importer definition. However, CCC modified the definition 
of Importer in response to participant concerns that CCC is now 
requiring the Importer to be the final buyer in the destination country 
or region. The revised definition allows for the U.S. Agricultural 
Commodities ``to be shipped from the United States to the destination 
country or region under the Payment Guarantee.'' CCC believes this 
change will allow a final buyer other than the Importer to physically 
receive the goods in the destination country or region.
Importer's Representative
    One commenter noted that some countries do not require registration 
of an Importer's Representative and requested the definition be 
modified to allow this entity to ``be organized under the laws of'' the 
destination country or region. CCC agrees and has modified this 
definition accordingly.
Intervening Purchaser
    One commenter suggested modifying this definition to allow the 
Intervening Purchaser to enter a Firm Export Sales Contract with an 
Exporter and sell the same commodities to either an Importer or an 
``exporter's representative.'' This suggestion was made in conjunction 
with proposed modifications to the definition of Firm Export Sales 
Contract and addition of an ``exporter's representative.'' As noted in 
the analysis of the definition of Firm Export Sales Contract, CCC 
determined that it is not necessary to add ``exporter's 
representative'' to the rule, and this change is not needed to the 
Intervening Purchaser definition.
OFAC (Office of Foreign Assets Control)
    The proposed rule required participants to make certifications in 
certain submissions that neither the Importer, the Intervening 
Purchaser, nor the Foreign Financial Institution is present on the OFAC 
or the U.S. Government's System for Awards Management (SAM) Web site. 
SAM is

[[Page 68591]]

the primary database of vendors doing business with the Federal 
Government, including entities that are excluded from doing business 
with the government. Since publication of the proposed rule, CCC 
determined that SAM fully incorporates all excluded entities from the 
OFAC list; therefore, it is not necessary for participants to check 
separately for entities on the OFAC list and certify that they have 
done so. Checking the SAM list is sufficient. CCC removed all 
references to OFAC in the final rule.
SAM (System for Award Management)
    CCC clarified the certifications in Sec. Sec.  1493.80(d), 
1493.120(c)(1)(i) and (f)(2)(iii), and 1493.140(d) requiring 
confirmation that certain entities are not present on the SAM list. SAM 
not only includes entities that are excluded from doing business with 
the Federal Government, but also entities that are registered and 
eligible to do business with the Federal Government. An excluded entity 
is denoted in SAM as ``Exclusion.'' The certifications were modified to 
state that the GSM-102 participant has verified that the relevant 
entity ``is not present as an excluded party on the SAM list.''
    One commenter asked for clarification regarding when Exporters are 
required to check SAM and what proof the Exporter should maintain to 
document this check.
    The Exporter must certify on the application for Payment Guarantee 
that neither the Importer nor the Intervening Purchaser is present on 
the SAM list (Sec.  1493.80(d)). To make this certification, the 
Exporter must perform this check immediately prior to submitting the 
application for Payment Guarantee. Similarly, the Exporter should 
perform this check, if required, just prior to submitting an Evidence 
of Export report, consistent with Sec.  1493.140(d). The Exporter need 
not maintain specific documentation that the SAM list has been checked. 
In accordance with government-wide suspension and debarment regulations 
found at 2 CFR Part 180, CCC will check SAM for all parties after 
receiving an application for Payment Guarantee, a notice of assignment, 
and an Evidence of Export report (if applicable). Sufficient 
information is available in SAM or through contact with other U.S. 
Government agencies to determine when an entity was excluded through 
SAM, and thus to determine whether the Exporter likely checked these 
lists as required. An Exporter wishing to maintain such documentation, 
however, might consider keeping printouts of SAM searches.

Section 1493.50 Information Required for Foreign Financial Institution 
Participation

    In paragraph (d) of this section, CCC added that when a Foreign 
Financial Institution (FFI) submits annual year-end financial 
statements for CCC to determine continued eligibility, the FFI must 
also re-submit the certifications in Sec.  1493.60. This change is 
consistent with requirements on Exporters and U.S. Financial 
Institutions throughout the rule, who must re-certify the information 
provided at qualification when certain documents are submitted to CCC. 
CCC also added Foreign Financial Institutions to the provision in Sec.  
1493.191(c) (Submission of documents by Principals), as CCC requires 
these certifications to be made by a Principal (or designee) of the 
Foreign Financial Institution.

Section 1493.60 Certifications Required for Program Participation

    One commenter asked whether adherence (and documentation of 
adherence) to the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act is a requirement of 
Foreign Financial Institutions in addition to U.S. Financial 
Institutions and Exporters.
    The certification for program participation found in Sec.  
1493.60(b)(2), which must be made by all U.S. and Foreign Financial 
Institutions, states that ``All U.S. operations of the applicant and 
its U.S. Principals are in compliance with U.S. anti-money laundering 
and terrorist financing statutes including, but not limited to, the USA 
Patriot Act of 2001, and the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977.'' 
Therefore, to the extent that a Foreign Financial Institution has U.S. 
operations and U.S. Principals, these operations and Principals are 
required to adhere to the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and otherwise 
be in compliance with U.S. law as specified in this certification. 
There is no particular documentation required by the U.S. or Foreign 
Financial Institution to demonstrate such compliance.

Section 1493.70 Application for Payment Guarantee

    One commenter suggested modifying paragraph (a)(2) of this section 
to require either the name of the Importer or the ``exporter's 
representative,'' consistent with suggested changes to the Firm Export 
Sales Contract definition. As noted in the analysis of the Firm Export 
Sales Contract definition, CCC believes it is unnecessary to add 
``exporter's representative'' to the rule and this change is not 
needed. However, CCC modified this provision in response to concerns 
that CCC is now requiring the Importer to be the final buyer in the 
destination country or region. Consistent with the change to the 
Importer definition, CCC removed the reference to the Importer or 
Importer's Representative ``taking receipt'' of goods in the 
destination country or region. Instead, the Importer (or Importer's 
Representative, if applicable) must be physically located in the 
country or region of destination.
    CCC received one comment on paragraph (a)(3) expressing concern 
that this statement lacks clarity, specifically with respect to 
regional programs. The commenter is concerned that if the Importer (or 
Importer's Representative) under a regional program is located in a 
country other than where goods are discharged, the Importer (or 
Importer's Representative) cannot take receipt of the goods. CCC agrees 
and modified this statement to reflect that the goods must be ``shipped 
directly to the destination country or region.'' This change eliminates 
the requirement that either the Importer or Importer's Representative 
take physical receipt of the goods, and allows for these entities to be 
located anywhere in the destination country or region. This 
modification also accounts for cases where the final buyer of the 
goods--who may not be the Importer--may take physical receipt of the 
goods at destination.
    One commenter requested that because paragraph (a)(4) allows the 
Letter of Credit to be opened by a party other than the Importer, CCC 
consider modifying the current language on the GSM-102 Payment 
Guarantee, which states ``The contractual obligation of the foreign 
importer to the exporter for the portion of the port value of the 
export sale(s) for which credit is extended to the foreign bank must be 
secured by an irrevocable letter of credit.'' CCC agrees and will 
review the GSM-102 Payment Guarantee to determine whether other changes 
are needed as a result of new regulatory language.
    One commenter suggested modifying paragraph (a)(8) of this section 
to require either the name of the Importer or the ``exporter's 
representative,'' consistent with suggested changes to the Firm Export 
Sales Contract definition. As noted in the analysis of the Firm Export 
Sales Contract definition, CCC believes it is unnecessary to add 
``exporter's representative'' to the rule and this change is not 
needed.
    CCC received one comment requesting elimination of the requirement 
in paragraph (a)(9) for the Exporter to ensure the commodity grade and 
quality specified in the Exporter's

[[Page 68592]]

application for Payment Guarantee is consistent with the Firm Export 
Sales Contract and Letter of Credit. The commenter contended that this 
provision is inconsistent with standard banking practice and the UCP 
600, and emphasized that the Exporter or Holder of the Payment 
Guarantee must be assured CCC will honor the payment guarantee if 
documents are accepted for payment under the Letter of Credit.
    CCC opted to maintain paragraph (a)(9) in the final rule. In 
response to comments received to the first proposed rule, CCC moved 
this provision from Sec.  1493.90 (Special Requirements of the Foreign 
Financial Institution Letter of Credit and the Terms and Conditions 
Document, if applicable). In doing so, CCC acknowledged that the sales 
contract is a separate transaction from the Letter of Credit, and 
therefore the U.S. Financial Institution should not be responsible for 
ensuring consistency of the Letter of Credit with the underlying sales 
contract. However, CCC believes this requirement is important to avoid 
defaults based on failure to comply with the underlying terms of the 
sale and will maintain the requirement in Sec.  1493.70(a)(9). CCC 
notes that Sec.  1493.191(b) requires all Exporters and U.S. and 
Foreign Financial Institutions to review and be fully acquainted with 
all GSM-102 program regulations. As the Exporter should be working with 
the Importer, U.S. and Foreign Financial Institutions, and other 
parties (such as the Letter of Credit applicant) prior to application 
for the Payment Guarantee, all parties to the transaction should be 
familiar with this requirement.
    CCC did modify paragraph (a)(9) in the final rule, changing 
``consistent with'' to ``correspond with.'' Article 18 of the UCP 600 
uses this language, requiring that the ``Description of the goods, 
services or performance in a commercial invoice must correspond with 
that appearing in the credit.'' It is not CCC's intent that the Letter 
of Credit contain every detail of a commodity description, as CCC 
acknowledges that certain commodities have very detailed and lengthy 
specifications. However, CCC expects commodity descriptions across the 
Firm Export Sales Contract, application for Payment Guarantee, and 
Letter of Credit to contain the commodity's primary price determining 
characteristics and to correspond closely enough that they are 
reasonably considered the same grade and type of commodity. CCC also 
added a requirement that the commodity description include the six-
digit Harmonized System commodity classification code utilized by the 
Exporter. This addition will assist CCC with better tracking of 
commodities under the program.
    The Agricultural Act of 2014 eliminated authority for the Dairy 
Export Incentive Program. As a result, paragraph (a)(18) of this 
section was deleted and the final rule renumbered.

Section 1493.80 Certification Requirements for Obtaining Payment 
Guarantee

    CCC received one comment on the certification in paragraph (b) of 
this section. The commenter is concerned that this certification might 
preclude transactions where the Exporter is obligated to pay a 
commission or other compensation to an agent of the Importer or final 
buyer. The commenter requested that CCC clarify that arms-length 
payments to agents are not ``items extraneous to the transaction.''
    CCC previously issued clarification in a notice to participants 
that when an Importer requires an Exporter to employ and compensate a 
specified agent as a condition of concluding an export sale, such 
commissions/compensation are treated by CCC as Discounts and Allowances 
that must be reported in accordance with Sec.  1493.70(a)(12) and 
deducted from both the Exported Value and Port Value in accordance with 
Sec.  1493.10. Such commissions/compensation are therefore not 
considered by CCC to be ``items extraneous to the transaction.'' 
Although CCC understands the need for clarity, it is not possible to 
include in the rule all items that might constitute ``items extraneous 
to the transaction.'' CCC is not making any changes to this 
certification but will examine specific items on a case-by-case basis.

Section 1493.90 Special Requirements of the Foreign Financial 
Institution Letter of Credit and the Terms and Conditions Document, if 
Applicable

    CCC received three comments on the requirement that the Letter of 
Credit stipulate presentation of at least one original clean on board 
bill of lading as a required document (paragraph (a)(1) in the proposed 
rule). Two commenters noted that this requirement would jeopardize 
program utilization. Export sales to destinations with short transit 
times typically utilize copies of shipping documents for the Letter of 
Credit. Original documents are provided directly to the destination for 
safe keeping, to be released to the appropriate party once payment is 
received under the Letter of Credit. This process helps to avoid 
demurrage charges that could accrue if parties are waiting for the 
arrival of original documents. Requiring that an original bill of 
lading be presented under the Letter of Credit would slow import 
procedures and negate the potential value offered by the GSM-102 
program. One commenter requested this provision be deleted. A third 
commenter agreed with CCC that requiring presentation of an original 
bill of lading in the Letter of Credit will help to prevent non-
Eligible Export Sales, but noted there are legitimate cases when 
original clean on board bills of lading are not available due to time, 
technical or administrative constraints. This commenter suggested CCC 
make an exception to this requirement when the Exporter is indicated as 
the shipper on the clean onboard bill of lading. In this instance, the 
Letter of Credit could allow for copies of the bill of lading.
    CCC's intent in requiring the Letter of Credit to stipulate 
presentation of an original bill of lading is to prevent non-Eligible 
Export Sales. Although the final rule includes a provision specifically 
prohibiting non-Eligible Export Sales, CCC believes additional 
provisions are necessary. However, CCC agrees that where the Exporter 
is the shipper on the bill of lading, this would indicate that the GSM-
102 transaction is an Eligible Export Sale and therefore an original 
bill of lading need not be required under the Letter of Credit. CCC has 
modified Sec.  1493.90(a) to allow for this exception, including when a 
company related to the Exporter (as reported in Sec.  1493.30(a)(5)) is 
indicated as the shipper on the bill of lading.
    CCC also modified paragraph (a) of this section to account for the 
use of electronic bills of lading (eBLs). CCC acknowledges that when 
utilizing eBLs, the only ``original'' bill of lading is the electronic 
version--which is only accessible to parties with access to the eBL 
vendor. Therefore, in cases where the Letter of Credit allows for 
presentation of electronic documents, the Letter of Credit may 
stipulate that a copy of the bill of lading is acceptable.
    CCC received one comment on paragraph (a)(3)(ii) of this section in 
the proposed rule, requesting that CCC modify this provision to clarify 
that the Terms and Conditions Document is between the Foreign and U.S. 
Financial Institutions, as the Exporter will not be a party to this 
document. No changes were made in response to this comment. There is no 
requirement that the Exporter assign a Payment Guarantee to a U.S. 
Financial Institution. If there is no assignment, the Exporter would 
remain the Holder of the Payment Guarantee and be a party to any Terms 
and Conditions Document.
    One commenter noted concern with Sec.  1493.90(b)(2) in the 
proposed rule,

[[Page 68593]]

which requires a clause in the Letter of Credit regarding specific 
jurisdiction in any legal action or proceeding under the Letter of 
Credit. The commenter stated that the Exporter will not know when 
applying for the Payment Guarantee whether the Foreign Financial 
Institution is willing to include this language in the Letter of 
Credit, which could in turn cause delays in issuing the Letter of 
Credit. The commenter further asked that CCC refund the guarantee fees 
to the Exporter if the Foreign Financial Institution refuses to issue 
the Letter of Credit because of this language, or if the Letter of 
Credit cannot be issued within 30 days of the Date of Export due to 
this language.
    CCC believes that the Foreign Financial Institution should know in 
advance whether it is willing to include this language in the Letter of 
Credit, and, therefore, whether it is willing to participate in the 
transaction. Section 1493.191(b) requires all Exporters and U.S. and 
Foreign Financial Institutions to review and be fully acquainted with 
all regulations related to the GSM-102 program. All participating 
Foreign Financial Institutions should be aware of this requirement, and 
should not agree to participate in the transaction if unwilling to 
include this language in the Letter of Credit. CCC will not agree in 
advance to refund guarantee fees to an Exporter in cases where the 
Foreign Financial Institution cannot include the required language in 
the Letter of Credit or issue the Letter of Credit within the required 
timeframe. As specified in Sec.  1493.110(d), fees will only be 
refunded if the Director determines that a refund is in the best 
interest of CCC. All determinations on fee refunds will be made on a 
case-by-case basis.

Section 1493.100 Terms and Requirements of the Payment Guarantee

    CCC received one comment on paragraph (e) of this section, 
requesting that the latest date to release reserves be amended to the 
latter of 45 days from the final date to export or 30 days from the 
date of issuance of the Letter of Credit. When bulk products are sold 
in one shipment for delivery to multiple buyers, the individual bills 
of lading are often not available until near the time the vessel 
reaches its destination, which could be 30-40 days from the time the 
vessel leaves the load port. Until all bills of lading are issued, the 
Exporter is unable to determine what reserve coverage is needed for a 
particular guarantee and cannot file the necessary amendment to the 
Payment Guarantee. Furthermore, the 21 calendar day requirement for 
filing for reserves is inconsistent with the 30 calendar days permitted 
for Letter of Credit issuance.
    CCC does not agree with the suggestion to allow 45 days from the 
final date to export (or 30 days from the date of issuance of the 
Letter of Credit) to file amendments for reserve coverage. As noted in 
the preamble to the proposed rule, reserve coverage permits an Exporter 
to hold program allocation that may not be utilized and could be made 
available to other Exporters. Given that CCC allows reserve coverage of 
up to ten percent of the Port Value of the sale, this reserve may be a 
substantial amount. However, CCC acknowledges that an Exporter may need 
more than 21 calendar days from the final date to export to compile 
documents and determine reserves needed, and also that there is logic 
in having similar timeframes related to reserve coverage, evidence of 
export report, and Letter of Credit issuance timeframes. Therefore, CCC 
increased the timeframe for filing an amendment for reserve coverage to 
30 calendar days from the date of final export. CCC also changed the 
language in this paragraph to state that if the amendment to the 
guarantee and additional fee for reserves is not received within this 
30 calendar days, CCC may (instead of ``will'') cancel the reserve 
coverage. This change will provide more flexibility in cases where 
unusual circumstances exist.
    CCC received one comment requesting that the timeframe for issuance 
of the Letter of Credit be extended to 60 days from the Date of Export 
under paragraph (g)(3) of this section. The commenter noted that the 
time needed to obtain bills of lading, the internal and external 
financial institution processes related to issuance and approval of the 
Letter of Credit, and new language required by CCC in the Letter of 
Credit or Terms and Conditions Document may result in delays in Letter 
of Credit issuance. The Exporter will be unable to predict these delays 
at the time of application for a Payment Guarantee. The commenter also 
questioned how a delay in issuance of the Letter of Credit increases 
CCC's risk and expressed concern about forfeiture of guarantee fees 
when this timeframe cannot be met.
    CCC addressed these concerns in the preamble to the proposed rule 
in response to similar comments. This provision is intended to 
eliminate cases where Exporters clearly have not worked with the 
parties in the transaction before submitting an application for Payment 
Guarantee and where the Letter of Credit ultimately may not be issued. 
The ``cost'' of such cancellations is that other Exporters who may have 
utilized the allocation are unable to do so. This provision is not 
related to CCC's risk profile, nor is it intended to reduce CCC's risk. 
The final rule permits the Director to waive this requirement and/or to 
permit a refund of the guarantee fee if determined to be in CCC's best 
interest. Furthermore, as previously noted, Sec.  1493.191(b) requires 
all Exporters and U.S. and Foreign Financial Institutions to review and 
be fully acquainted with all regulations and other documents related to 
the GSM-102 program. As the Exporter should be working with the 
Importer and U.S. and Foreign Financial Institutions prior to 
application for the Payment Guarantee, all parties to the transaction 
should be familiar with this requirement in advance of negotiation of 
the Letter of Credit. CCC made no changes to the final rule in response 
to this comment.
    CCC received one comment regarding Sec.  1493.100(f)(6) in the 
proposed rule, noting a perceived discrepancy between the language in 
the proposed rule (which prohibits coverage of an export sale that has 
been guaranteed by CCC under another Payment Guarantee) and language in 
the preamble to the proposed rule, which indicates CCC does not believe 
an exporter could certify that a particular transaction has not been 
registered by another entity. The commenter did not understand why CCC 
maintained a certification related to duplicate registrations when the 
preamble indicates an Exporter could not make such a certification.
    CCC believes there is confusion regarding Sec.  1493.100(f)(6). 
This is not a certification required of the Exporter, but rather a 
statement that a particular type of transaction is prohibited under the 
program. CCC agrees that an Exporter registering a particular sale has 
no way to know if another Exporter has done the same. The introduction 
to paragraph (f) of this section states that ``An export sale (or 
portion thereof) is ineligible for Payment Guarantee coverage if at any 
time CCC determines that: . . . .'' CCC would make a determination of 
duplicate registrations based on information that only CCC may have. 
For this reason, CCC is not asking the Exporter to make a certification 
to this effect.
    In reviewing this section, however, CCC determined that this 
provision is better suited to paragraph (g) of this section. Paragraph 
(g) defines particular exports that are ineligible under an otherwise 
valid Payment Guarantee. A single export (shipment) under a Payment 
Guarantee may be ineligible for coverage under paragraph (g), whereas 
other exports (shipments) under the

[[Page 68594]]

same guarantee may remain eligible for coverage. CCC believes that it 
is possible for a particular export (shipment) to be registered more 
than once, even if the entire value of the Payment Guarantee is not. 
Paragraph (f)(6) in the proposed rule has therefore been moved to 
paragraph (g)(4) in the final rule. CCC has also added clarification 
that if such duplicate guarantees (or applications for guarantees) are 
found to exist, CCC will determine which guarantee (or application) 
constitutes an Eligible Export Sale.

Section 1493.110 Guarantee Fees

    One commenter requested that CCC assure Exporters that if the 
requirements of Sec.  1493.100(g)(3) or Sec.  1493.90(b)(2) are not 
met, CCC will refund the guarantee fees paid by the Exporter. CCC will 
not make a ``blanket'' assurance that Exporters will receive a refund 
of guarantee fees if these requirements are not met. CCC will consider 
all requests for guarantee fee refunds on a case-by-case basis, 
granting them only if the Director determines in a particular case that 
a refund is in the best interest of CCC, consistent with Sec.  
1493.110(d).

Section 1493.130 Evidence of Export

    The Agricultural Act of 2014 eliminated authority for the Dairy 
Export Incentive Program. Paragraph (a)(11) of this section was deleted 
and the final rule renumbered.
    Similar to the addition in Sec.  1493.70(a)(9), CCC added a 
requirement that the commodity description reported on the evidence of 
export report include the six-digit Harmonized System commodity 
classification code utilized by the Exporter. This addition will assist 
CCC with better tracking of commodities under the program.
    CCC received one comment on paragraph (b)(1) of this section, 
requesting that CCC extend the timeframe for submitting evidence of 
export reports (EOEs) from 21 calendar days to the latter of 45 days 
from the final date to export or 30 days from the date of Letter of 
Credit issuance. The commenter noted that the issues applying to 
reserve coverage (discussed under Sec.  1493.100) also apply to filing 
EOEs. As noted in the discussion of Sec.  1493.100(e), CCC acknowledges 
that Exporters may need more than 21 calendar days from the Date of 
Export to compile documents and submit an EOE, and also that there is 
logic in having similar timeframes related to reserve coverage, EOE, 
and Letter of Credit issuance timeframes. Therefore, CCC increased the 
timeframe for submitting an EOE to 30 calendar days from the Date of 
Export.

Section 1493.140 Certification Requirements for the Evidence of Export

    Similar to the change in Sec.  1493.70(a)(3), CCC modified the 
certification at Sec.  1493.140(b) to reflect that the goods were 
``shipped directly to the country or region specified on the Payment 
Guarantee.'' This change is explained in the discussion of Sec.  
1493.70 (Application for Payment Guarantee).

Section 1493.160 Notice of Default

    CCC received one comment on paragraph (c) of this section. The 
commenter expressed concern that an Exporter's sales contract may be 
jeopardized if the Importer is unable to find a different Foreign 
Financial Institution (FFI) to issue the letter of credit (following a 
default by the original FFI on the Payment Guarantee). The commenter 
noted that CCC should honor any Payment Guarantees already issued, as 
CCC performs a financial analysis of each FFI, and should not issue a 
Payment Guarantee if there is doubt as to the FFI's creditworthiness.
    As stated in the preamble to the proposed rule, CCC recognizes that 
this provision creates some risk for the exporter who may have 
conditioned the export sale upon the guarantee. In response to comments 
on the first proposed rule, CCC modified this provision to allow 
continued coverage if the Letter of Credit has already been issued. 
However, CCC has a responsibility to protect against additional loss of 
taxpayer resources following the default of an FFI on another CCC-
guaranteed transaction. CCC does perform a financial analysis of each 
FFI and will not issue a payment guarantee if there is doubt as to the 
FFI's creditworthiness, but the economic and financial situation of 
countries and financial institutions can change rapidly. CCC believes 
the need to protect taxpayer resources against a certain default is 
paramount in this case and made no changes in response to this comment.

Section 1493.170 Claims for Default

    CCC received one comment requesting that the requirement for a 
``negotiable'' bill of lading as a claims document under paragraph 
(a)(3)(iii) of this section be eliminated, specifically to accommodate 
electronic bills of lading (copies of which are non-negotiable). CCC 
determined that it is not necessary to require a ``negotiable'' bill of 
lading under any GSM-102 transaction; therefore, the word 
``negotiable'' was eliminated. CCC maintained the provision that the 
bill of lading must be signed. As noted in elsewhere in the rule, when 
e-BLs (or other electronic documents) are utilized in the transaction, 
the Letter of Credit must so stipulate and is subject to the current 
version of eUCP. Because the eUCP allows for electronic signatures, CCC 
will accept e-BLs with electronic signature as ``signed'' bills of 
lading. CCC added a sentence specifying that if an e-BL is utilized, a 
print-out of the e-BL from the electronic system with an electronic 
signature is acceptable.
    CCC received one comment requesting the addition of a provision 
that the Payment Guarantee is binding in cases where payments received 
by the Assignee from the Foreign Financial Institution (FFI) are 
subsequently required to be returned due to a law, provision or decree 
in the FFI's country. Such a law or provision may particularly result 
from bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings. The commenter notes that 
although such ``clawback'' situations are rare, the absence of such a 
provision could undermine U.S. Financial Institutions' faith in the CCC 
guarantee.
    The authorizing statute for the GSM-102 program (Section 202(a) of 
the Agricultural Trade Act of 1978, as amended (7 U.S.C. 5622(a)), 
provides that ``the Commodity Credit Corporation may guarantee the 
repayment of credit made available to finance commercial export sales 
of agricultural commodities.'' Under a ``clawback'' scenario, the FFI 
has already repaid the portion of the credit that an insolvency or 
bankruptcy proceeding subsequently seeks to recoup through law. It is 
CCC's view that the authorizing statute does not extend to 
indemnification for all losses arising as a result of bankruptcy or 
insolvency law or proceedings; therefore, this provision was not added 
to the final rule.

Section 1493.180 Payment for Default

    One commenter requested clarification on language in the proposed 
rule preamble related to paragraph (e) of this section. The preamble 
language stated that ``If a prohibited transaction were registered 
under a payment guarantee, CCC would take action against the exporter, 
if warranted, but not against the assignee, provided the assignee had 
no knowledge that the transaction was prohibited.'' The commenter asked 
if the Assignee must depend on CCC taking action against the Exporter 
in order to receive payment on a submitted claim.
    Per 1493.180(e), CCC's determination that an Assignee is to be held 
harmless

[[Page 68595]]

for any action, omission or statement by the Exporter is based on 
whether all required claim documents ``appear on their face to confirm 
with the requirements'' of Sec.  1493.170 and whether the Assignee had 
any knowledge of the action, omission or statement by the Exporter. 
CCC's decision to take action against an Exporter is wholly separate 
from a decision to hold the Assignee harmless and pay a claim. CCC does 
not believe any clarification is needed to paragraph (e) of this 
section.

Section 1493.191 Additional Obligations and Requirements

    CCC modified paragraph (c) of this section to include Foreign 
Financial Institutions. All submissions by a Foreign Financial 
Institution must be signed by a Principal or authorized designee.

Executive Order 12866

    This final rule is issued in conformance with Executive Order 
12866. It has been determined to be not significant for the purposes of 
Executive Order 12866 and was not reviewed by OMB. A cost-benefit 
assessment of this rule was not completed.

Executive Order 12988

    This rule has been reviewed in accordance with Executive Order 
12988. This rule would not preempt State or local laws, regulations, or 
policies unless they present an irreconcilable conflict with this rule. 
Before any judicial action may be brought concerning the provisions of 
this rule, the appeal provisions of 7 CFR part 1493.192 would need to 
be exhausted. This rule would not be retroactive.

Executive Order 12372

    This program is not subject to Executive Order 12372, which 
requires intergovernmental consultation with State and local officials. 
See the notice related to 7 CFR part 3015, subpart V, published at 48 
FR 29115 (June 24, 1983).

Executive Order 13132

    This rule has been reviewed under Executive Order 13132, 
``Federalism.'' The policies contained in this rule do not have any 
substantial direct effect on States, on the relationship between the 
Federal government and the States, or on the distribution of power and 
responsibilities among the various levels of government, nor does this 
rule impose substantial direct compliance costs on State and local 
governments. Therefore, consultation with the States is not required.

Executive Order 13175

    The United States has a unique relationship with Indian Tribes as 
provided in the Constitution of the United States, treaties, and 
Federal statutes. On November 5, 2009, President Obama signed a 
Memorandum emphasizing his commitment to ``regular and meaningful 
consultation and collaboration with tribal officials in policy 
decisions that have tribal implications including, as an initial step, 
through complete and consistent implementation of Executive Order 
13175.'' This rule has been reviewed for compliance with E.O. 13175 and 
CCC worked directly with the Office of Tribal Relations in the rule's 
development. The policies contained in this rule do not have tribal 
implications that preempt tribal law.

Regulatory Flexibility Act

    The Regulatory Flexibility Act does not apply to this rule because 
CCC is not required by 5 U.S.C. 553 or any other law to publish a 
notice of rulemaking with respect to the subject matter of this rule.

Environmental Assessment

    CCC has determined that this rule does not constitute a major State 
or Federal action that would significantly affect the human or natural 
environment. Consistent with the National Environmental Policy Act 
(NEPA), 40 CFR 1502.4, ``Major Federal Actions Requiring the 
Preparation of Environmental Impact Statements'' and the regulations of 
the Council on Environmental Quality, 40 CFR parts 1500-1508, no 
environmental assessment or environmental impact statement was 
prepared.

Unfunded Mandates

    This rule does not impose any enforceable duty or contain any 
unfunded mandate as described under Title II of the Unfunded Mandate 
Reform Act of 1995 (UMRA). Therefore, this rule is not subject to the 
requirements of sections 202 and 205 of UMRA.

Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995

    The information collection and record keeping requirements 
contained in this regulation have been approved by OMB in accordance 
with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 under OMB Control Number 0551-
0004.

E-Government Act Compliance

    CCC is committed to complying with the E-Government Act to promote 
the use of the Internet and other information technologies to provide 
increased opportunities for citizen access to Government information 
and services and for other purposes. The forms, regulations, and other 
information collection activities required to be utilized by a person 
subject to this rule are available at: http://www.fas.usda.gov.

List of Subjects in 7 CFR Part 1493

    Agricultural commodities, Exports.

    For the reasons stated in the preamble, CCC amends 7 CFR part 1493 
as follows:

PART 1493--CCC EXPORT CREDIT GUARANTEE PROGRAMS

0
1. The authority citation for 7 CFR part 1493 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 7 U.S.C. 5602, 5622, 5661, 5662, 5663, 5664, 5676; 15 
U.S.C. 714b(d), 714c(f).

0
2. Subpart A is revised to read as follows:
Subpart A--Restrictions and Criteria for Export Credit Guarantee 
Program
Sec.
1493.1 General statement.
1493.2 Purposes of programs.
1493.3 Restrictions on programs and cargo preference statement.
1493.4 Criteria for country and regional allocations.
1493.5 Criteria for agricultural commodity allocations.

Subpart A--Restrictions and Criteria for Export Credit Guarantee 
Programs

Sec.  1493.1  General statement.

    This subpart sets forth the restrictions that apply to the issuance 
and use of Payment Guarantees under the Commodity Credit Corporation 
(CCC) Export Credit Guarantee (GSM-102) Program and Facility Guarantee 
Program (FGP), the criteria considered by CCC in determining the annual 
allocations of Payment Guarantees to be made available with respect to 
each participating country and region, and the criteria considered by 
CCC in the review and approval of proposed allocation levels for 
specific U.S. Agricultural Commodities to these countries and regions.

Sec.  1493.2  Purposes of programs.

    CCC is authorized to issue Payment Guarantees:
    (a) To increase exports of U.S. Agricultural Commodities and expand 
access to trade finance;
    (b) To assist countries, particularly developing countries and 
emerging markets, in meeting their food and fiber needs;
    (c) To establish or improve facilities and infrastructure in 
emerging markets

[[Page 68596]]

to expand exports of U.S. Agricultural Commodities; or
    (d) For such other purposes as the Secretary of Agriculture 
determines appropriate.

Sec.  1493.3  Restrictions on programs and cargo preference statement.

    (a) Restrictions on use of Payment Guarantees. (1) Payment 
Guarantees authorized under these regulations shall not be used for 
foreign aid, foreign policy, or debt rescheduling purposes.
    (2) CCC shall not make Payment Guarantees available in connection 
with sales of U.S. Agricultural Commodities to any country that the 
Secretary determines cannot adequately service the debt associated with 
such sale.
    (3) CCC shall not make Payment Guarantees available in connection 
with sales of U.S. Agricultural Commodities financed by any Foreign 
Financial Institution that CCC determines cannot adequately service the 
debt associated with such sale.
    (b) Cargo preference laws. The provisions of the cargo preference 
laws do not apply to export sales with respect to which Payment 
Guarantees are issued under these programs.

Sec.  1493.4  Criteria for country and regional allocations.

    The criteria considered by CCC in reviewing proposals for country 
and regional allocations will include, but not be limited to, the 
following:
    (a) Potential benefits that the extension of Payment Guarantees 
would provide for the development, expansion, or maintenance of the 
market for particular U.S. Agricultural Commodities in the importing 
country;
    (b) Financial and economic ability and/or willingness of the 
country of obligation to adequately service CCC guaranteed debt 
(``country of obligation'' is the country whose Foreign Financial 
Institution obligation is guaranteed by CCC);
    (c) Financial status of participating Foreign Financial 
Institutions in the country of obligation as it would affect their 
ability to adequately service CCC guaranteed debt;
    (d) Political stability of the country of obligation as it would 
affect its ability and/or willingness to adequately service CCC 
guaranteed debt; and
    (e) Current status of debt either owed by the country of obligation 
or by the participating Foreign Financial Institutions to CCC or to 
lenders protected by CCC's Payment Guarantees.

Sec.  1493.5  Criteria for agricultural commodity allocations.

    The criteria considered by CCC in determining U.S. Agricultural 
Commodity allocations within a specific country or regional allocation 
will include, but not be limited to, the following:
    (a) Potential benefits that the extension of Payment Guarantees 
would provide for the development, expansion or maintenance of the 
market in the importing country for the particular U.S. Agricultural 
Commodity under consideration;
    (b) The best use to be made of the Payment Guarantees in assisting 
the importing country in meeting its particular needs for food and 
fiber, as may be determined through consultations with private buyers 
and/or representatives of the government of the importing country; and
    (c) Evaluation, in terms of program purposes, of the relative 
benefits of providing Payment Guarantee coverage for sales of the U.S. 
Agricultural Commodity under consideration compared to providing 
coverage for sales of other U.S. Agricultural Commodities.
0
3. Subpart B is revised to read as follows:
Subpart B--CCC Export Credit Guarantee (GSM-102) Program Operations
Sec.
1493.10 General statement.
1493.20 Definition of terms.
1493.30 Information required for Exporter participation.
1493.40 Information required for U.S. Financial Institution 
participation.
1493.50 Information required for Foreign Financial Institution 
participation.
1493.60 Certification requirements for program participation.
1493.70 Application for Payment Guarantee.
1493.80 Certification requirements for obtaining Payment Guarantee.
1493.90 Special requirements of the Foreign Financial Institution 
Letter of Credit and the Terms and Conditions Document, if 
applicable.
1493.100 Terms and requirements of the Payment Guarantee.
1493.110 Guarantee fees.
1493.120 Assignment of the Payment Guarantee.
1493.130 Evidence of export.
1493.140 Certification requirements for the evidence of export.
1493.150 Proof of entry.
1493.160 Notice of default.
1493.170 Claims for default.
1493.180 Payment for default.
1493.190 Recovery of defaulted payments.
1493.191 Additional obligations and requirements
1493.192 Dispute resolution and appeals.
1493.195 Miscellaneous provisions.

Subpart B--CCC Export Credit Guarantee Program (GSM-102) Operations

Sec.  1493.10  General statement.

    (a) Overview. The Export Credit Guarantee (GSM-102) Program of the 
Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) was developed to expand U.S. 
Agricultural Commodity exports by making available Payment Guarantees 
to encourage U.S. private sector financing of foreign purchases of U.S. 
Agricultural Commodities on credit terms. The Payment Guarantee issued 
under GSM-102 is an agreement by CCC to pay the Exporter, or the U.S. 
Financial Institution that may take assignment of the Payment 
Guarantee, specified amounts of principal and interest in case of 
default by the Foreign Financial Institution that issued the Letter of 
Credit for the export sale covered by the Payment Guarantee. Under the 
GSM-102 program, maximum repayment terms may vary based on risk of 
default, as determined by CCC. The program operates in a manner 
intended not to interfere with markets for cash sales and is targeted 
toward those countries that have sufficient financial strength so that 
foreign exchange will be available for scheduled payments. In providing 
this program, CCC seeks to expand and/or maintain market opportunities 
for U.S. agricultural exporters and assist long-term market development 
for U.S. Agricultural Commodities.
    (b) Program administration. The GSM-102 program is administered 
under the direction of the General Sales Manager and Vice President of 
CCC, pursuant to this subpart, subpart A, and any Program Announcements 
issued by CCC. From time to time, CCC may issue a notice to 
participants on the USDA Web site to remind participants of the 
requirements of the GSM-102 program or to clarify the program 
requirements contained in these regulations in a manner not 
inconsistent with this subpart and subpart A. Program information, such 
as eligible U.S. Agricultural Commodities and approved U.S. and Foreign 
Financial Institutions, is available on the USDA Web site.
    (c) Country and regional program announcements. From time to time, 
CCC will issue a Program Announcement on the USDA Web site to announce 
a GSM-102 program for a specific country or region. The Program 
Announcement for a country or region will designate specific U.S. 
Agricultural Commodities or products thereof, or designate that all 
eligible U.S. Agricultural Commodities are available under the 
announcement. The Program Announcement will contain any

[[Page 68597]]

requirements applicable to that country or region as determined by CCC.

Sec.  1493.20  Definition of terms.

    Terms set forth in this subpart, on the USDA Web site (including in 
Program Announcements and notices to participants), and in any CCC-
originated documents pertaining to the GSM-102 Program will have the 
following meanings:
    Affiliate. Entities are affiliates of each other if, directly or 
indirectly, either one controls or has the power to control the other 
or a third person controls or has the power to control both. Control 
may include, but is not limited to: Interlocking management or 
ownership; identity of interests among family members; shared 
facilities and equipment; or common use of employees.
    Assignee. A U.S. Financial Institution that has obtained the legal 
right to make a claim and receive the payment of proceeds under the 
Payment Guarantee.
    Business Day. A day during which employees of the U.S. Department 
of Agriculture in the Washington, DC metropolitan area are on official 
duty during normal business hours.
    CCC. The Commodity Credit Corporation, an agency and 
instrumentality of the United States within the Department of 
Agriculture, authorized pursuant to the Commodity Credit Corporation 
Charter Act (15 U.S.C. 714 et seq).
    CCC Late Interest. Interest payable by CCC pursuant to Sec.  
1493.180(c).
    Cost and Freight (CFR). A customary trade term for sea and inland 
waterway transport only, as defined by the International Chamber of 
Commerce, Incoterms 2010 (or as superseded).
    Cost Insurance and Freight (CIF). A customary trade term for sea 
and inland waterway transport only, as defined by the International 
Chamber of Commerce, Incoterms 2010 (or as superseded).
    Date of Export. One of the following dates, depending upon the 
method of shipment: The on-board date of an ocean bill of lading or the 
on-board ocean carrier date of an intermodal bill of lading; the on-
board date of an airway bill; or, if exported by rail or truck, the 
date of entry shown on an entry certificate or similar document issued 
and signed by an official of the government of the importing country.
    Date of Sale. The earliest date on which a Firm Export Sales 
Contract exists between the Exporter, or an Intervening Purchaser, if 
applicable, and the Importer.
    Director. The Director, Credit Programs Division, Office of Trade 
Programs, Foreign Agricultural Service, or the Director's designee.
    Discounts and Allowances. Any consideration provided directly or 
indirectly, by or on behalf of the Exporter or an Intervening 
Purchaser, to the Importer in connection with an Eligible Export Sale, 
above and beyond the commodity's value, stated on the appropriate FOB, 
FAS, FCA, CFR or CIF basis (or other basis specified in Incoterms 2010, 
or as superseded), which includes, but is not limited to, the provision 
of additional goods, services or benefits; the promise to provide 
additional goods, services or benefits in the future; financial 
rebates; the assumption of any financial or contractual obligations; 
commissions where the Importer requires the Exporter to employ and 
compensate a specified agent as a condition of concluding the Eligible 
Export Sale; the whole or partial release of the Importer from any 
financial or contractual obligations; or settlements made in favor of 
the Importer for quality or weight.
    Eligible Export Sale. An export sale of U.S. Agricultural 
Commodities in which the obligation of payment for the portion 
registered under the GSM-102 program arises solely and exclusively from 
a Foreign Financial Institution Letter of Credit or Terms and 
Conditions Document issued in connection with a Payment Guarantee.
    Eligible Interest. The amount of interest that CCC agrees to pay 
the Holder of the Payment Guarantee in the event that CCC pays a claim 
for default of Ordinary Interest. Eligible Interest shall be the lesser 
of:
    (1) The amount calculated using the interest rate specified between 
the Holder of the Payment Guarantee and the Foreign Financial 
Institution; or
    (2) The amount calculated using the specified percentage of the 
Treasury bill investment rate set forth on the face of the Payment 
Guarantee.
    Exported Value. (1) Where CCC announces Payment Guarantee coverage 
on a FAS, FCA, or FOB basis and:
    (i) Where the U.S. Agricultural Commodity is sold on a FAS, FCA, or 
FOB basis, the value, FAS, FCA, or FOB basis, port of shipment, of the 
export sale, reduced by the value of any Discounts and Allowances 
granted to the Importer in connection with such sale; or
    (ii) Where the U.S. Agricultural Commodity was sold on a CFR or CIF 
basis, point of entry, the value of the export sale, FAS, FCA or FOB, 
port of shipment, is measured by the CFR or CIF value of the U.S. 
Agricultural Commodity less the cost of ocean freight, as determined at 
the time of application and, in the case of CIF sales, less the cost of 
marine and war risk insurance, as determined at the time of 
application, reduced by the value of any Discounts and Allowances 
granted to the Importer in connection with the sale of the commodity; 
or
    (2) Where CCC announces coverage on a CFR or CIF basis, and where 
the U.S. Agricultural Commodity is sold on a CFR or CIF basis, port of 
destination, the total value of the export sale, CFR or CIF basis, port 
of destination, reduced by the value of any Discounts and Allowances 
granted to the Importer in connection with the sale of the commodity; 
or
    (3) When a CFR or CIF U.S. Agricultural Commodity export sale 
involves the performance of non-freight services to be performed 
outside the United States (e.g., services such as bagging bulk cargo) 
which are not normally included in ocean freight contracts, the value 
of such services and any related materials not exported from the U.S. 
with the commodity must also be deducted from the CFR or CIF sales 
price in determining the Exported Value.
    Exporter. A seller of U.S. Agricultural Commodities that is both 
qualified in accordance with the provisions of Sec.  1493.30 and the 
applicant for the Payment Guarantee.
    Firm Export Sales Contract. The written sales contract entered into 
between the Exporter and the Importer (or, if applicable, the written 
sales contracts between the Exporter and the Intervening Purchaser and 
the Intervening Purchaser and the Importer) which sets forth the terms 
and conditions of an Eligible Export Sale of the eligible U.S. 
Agricultural Commodity from the Exporter to the Importer (or, if 
applicable, the sale of the eligible U.S. Agricultural Commodity from 
the Exporter to the Intervening Purchaser and from the Intervening 
Purchaser to the Importer). Written evidence of a sale may be in the 
form of a signed sales contract, a written offer and acceptance between 
parties, or other documentary evidence of sale. The written evidence of 
sale for the purposes of the GSM-102 program must, at a minimum, 
document the following information: The eligible U.S. Agricultural 
Commodity, quantity, quality specifications, delivery terms (FOB, C&F, 
FCA, etc.) to the eligible country or region, delivery period, unit 
price, payment terms, Date of Sale, and evidence of agreement between 
Importer (and Intervening Purchaser, if applicable) and Exporter. The 
Firm Export Sales Contract between the Exporter and the Importer (or, 
if

[[Page 68598]]

applicable, between the Exporter and the Intervening Purchaser and 
between the Intervening Purchaser and the Importer) may be conditioned 
upon CCC's approval of the Exporter's application for a Payment 
Guarantee.
    Foreign Financial Institution. A financial institution (including 
foreign branches of U.S. financial institutions):
    (1) Organized and licensed under the laws of a jurisdiction outside 
the United States;
    (2) Not domiciled in the United States; and
    (3) Subject to the banking or other financial regulatory authority 
of a foreign jurisdiction (except for multilateral and sovereign 
institutions).
    Foreign Financial Institution Letter of Credit or Letter of Credit. 
An irrevocable documentary letter of credit, subject to the current 
revision of the Uniform Customs and Practices (UCP) for Documentary 
Credits (International Chamber of Commerce Publication No. 600, or 
latest revision), and, if electronic documents are to be utilized, the 
current revision of the Supplement to the Uniform Customs and Practice 
for Documentary Credits for Electronic Presentation (eUCP) providing 
for payment in U.S. dollars against stipulated documents and issued in 
favor of the Exporter by a CCC-approved Foreign Financial Institution.
    Free Alongside Ship (FAS). A customary trade term for sea and 
inland waterway transport only, as defined by the International Chamber 
of Commerce, Incoterms 2010 (or as superseded).
    Free Carrier (FCA). A customary trade term for all modes of 
transportation, as defined by the International Chamber of Commerce, 
Incoterms 2010 (or as superseded).
    Free on Board (FOB). A customary trade term for sea and inland 
waterway transport only, as defined by the International Chamber of 
Commerce, Incoterms 2010 (or as superseded).
    GSM. The General Sales Manager, Foreign Agricultural Service, USDA, 
acting in his or her capacity as Vice President, CCC, or designee.
    Guaranteed Value. The maximum amount indicated on the face of the 
Payment Guarantee, exclusive of interest, that CCC agrees to pay the 
Holder of the Payment Guarantee.
    Holder of the Payment Guarantee. The Exporter or the Assignee of 
the Payment Guarantee with the legal right to make a claim and receive 
the payment of proceeds from CCC under the Payment Guarantee in case of 
default by the Foreign Financial Institution.
    Importer. A foreign buyer that enters into a Firm Export Sales 
Contract with an Exporter or with an Intervening Purchaser for the sale 
of the U.S. Agricultural Commodities to be shipped from the United 
States to the destination country or region under the Payment 
Guarantee.
    Importer's Representative. An entity having a physical office and 
that is either organized under the laws of or registered to do business 
in the destination country or region specified in the Payment Guarantee 
and that is authorized to act on the Importer's behalf with respect to 
the sale described in the Firm Export Sales Contract.
    Incoterms. Trade terms developed by the International Chamber of 
Commerce in Incoterms 2010 (or latest revision) which define the 
respective obligations of the buyer and seller in a sales contract.
    Intervening Purchaser. A party that is not located in the country 
or region of destination specified in the Payment Guarantee and that 
enters into a Firm Export Sales Contract to purchase U.S. Agricultural 
Commodities from an Exporter and sell the same U.S. Agricultural 
Commodities to an Importer.
    Ordinary Interest. Interest (other than Post Default Interest) 
charged on the principal amount identified in the Foreign Financial 
Institution Letter of Credit or, if applicable, the Terms and 
Conditions Document.
    Payment Guarantee. An agreement under the GSM-102 program by which 
CCC, in consideration of a fee paid, and in reliance upon the 
statements and declarations of the Exporter, subject to the terms set 
forth in the written guarantee, this subpart, and any applicable 
Program Announcements, agrees to pay the Holder of the Payment 
Guarantee in the event of a default by a Foreign Financial Institution 
on its Repayment Obligation under the Foreign Financial Institution 
Letter of Credit issued in connection with a guaranteed sale or, if 
applicable, under the Terms and Conditions Document.
    Port Value. (1) Where CCC announces coverage on a FAS, FCA, or FOB 
basis and:
    (i) Where the U.S. Agricultural Commodity is sold on a FAS, FCA, or 
FOB basis, port of shipment, the value, FAS, FCA, or FOB basis, port of 
shipment, of the export sale, including the upward loading tolerance, 
if any, as provided by the Firm Export Sales Contract, reduced by the 
value of any Discounts and Allowances granted to the Importer in 
connection with such sale; or
    (ii) Where the U.S. Agricultural Commodity was sold on a CFR or CIF 
basis, port of destination, the value of the export sale, FAS, FCA, or 
FOB, port of shipment, including the upward loading tolerance, if any, 
as provided by the Firm Export Sales Contract, is measured by the CFR 
or CIF value of the U.S. Agricultural Commodity less the value of ocean 
freight and, in the case of CIF sales, less the value of marine and war 
risk insurance, reduced by the value of any Discounts and Allowances 
granted to the Importer in connection with the sale of the commodity.
    (2) Where CCC announces coverage on a CFR or CIF basis and where 
the U.S. Agricultural Commodity was sold on CFR or CIF basis, port of 
destination, the total value of the export sale, CFR or CIF basis, port 
of destination, including the upward loading tolerance, if any, as 
provided by the Firm Export Sales Contract, reduced by the value of any 
Discounts and Allowances granted to the Importer in connection with the 
sale of the commodity.
    (3) When a CFR or CIF U.S. Agricultural Commodity export sale 
involves the performance of non-freight services to be performed 
outside the United States (e.g., services such as bagging bulk cargo), 
which are not normally included in ocean freight contracts, the value 
of such services and any related materials not exported from the U.S. 
with the commodity must also be deducted from the CFR or CIF sales 
price in determining the Port Value.
    Post Default Interest. Interest charged on amounts in default that 
begins to accrue upon default of payment, as specified in the Foreign 
Financial Institution Letter of Credit or, if applicable, in the Terms 
and Conditions Document.
    Principal. A principal of a corporation or other legal entity is an 
individual serving as an officer, director, owner, partner, or other 
individual with management or supervisory responsibilities for such 
corporation or legal entity.
    Program Announcement. An announcement issued by CCC on the USDA Web 
site that provides information on specific country and regional 
programs and may identify eligible U.S. Agricultural Commodities and 
countries, length of credit periods which may be covered, and other 
information.
    Repayment Obligation. A contractual commitment by the Foreign 
Financial Institution issuing the Letter of Credit in connection with 
an Eligible Export Sale to make payment(s) on principal amount(s), plus 
any Ordinary Interest and Post Default Interest, in U.S. dollars, to an 
Exporter or U.S. Financial Institution on deferred payment terms 
consistent with those permitted under

[[Page 68599]]

CCC's Payment Guarantee. The Repayment Obligation must be documented 
using one of the methods specified in Sec.  1493.90.
    Repurchase Agreement. A written agreement under which the Holder of 
the Payment Guarantee may from time to time enter into transactions in 
which the Holder of the Payment Guarantee agrees to sell to another 
party Foreign Financial Institution Letter(s) of Credit and, if 
applicable, Terms and Conditions Document(s), secured by the Payment 
Guarantee, and repurchase the same Foreign Financial Institution 
Letter(s) of Credit and Terms and Conditions Documents secured by the 
Payment Guarantee, on demand or date certain at an agreed upon price.
    SAM (System for Award Management). A Federal Government owned and 
operated free Web site that contains information on parties excluded 
from receiving Federal contracts or certain subcontracts and excluded 
from certain types of Federal financial and nonfinancial assistance and 
benefits.
    Terms and Conditions Document. A document specifically identified 
and referred to in the Foreign Financial Institution Letter of Credit 
which may contain the Repayment Obligation and other special 
requirements specified in Sec.  1493.90.
    United States or U.S. Each of the States of the United States, the 
District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the territories and possessions 
of the United States.
    U.S. Agricultural Commodity or U.S. Agricultural Commodities. 
(1)(i) An agricultural commodity or product entirely produced in the 
United States; or
    (ii) A product of an agricultural commodity--
    (A) 90 percent or more of the agricultural components of which by 
weight, excluding packaging and added water, is entirely produced in 
the United States; and
    (B) That the Secretary determines to be a high value agricultural 
product.
    (2) For purposes of this definition, fish entirely produced in the 
United States include fish harvested by a documented fishing vessel as 
defined in title 46, United States Code, in waters that are not waters 
(including the territorial sea) of a foreign country.
    USDA. United States Department of Agriculture.
    U.S. Financial Institution. A financial institution (including U.S. 
branches of Foreign Financial Institutions):
    (1) Organized and licensed under the laws of a jurisdiction within 
the United States;
    (2) Domiciled in the United States; and
    (3) Subject to the banking or other financial regulatory authority 
jurisdiction within the United States.
    Weighted Average Export Date. The mean Date of Export for all 
exports within a 30 calendar day period, weighted by the guaranteed 
portion of the Exported Value of each export.

Sec.  1493.30  Information required for Exporter participation.

    Exporters must apply and be approved by CCC to be eligible to 
participate in the GSM-102 Program.
    (a) Qualification requirements. To qualify for participation in the 
GSM-102 program, an applicant must submit the following information to 
CCC in the manner specified on the USDA Web site:
    (1) For the applicant:
    (i) The name and full U.S. address (including the full 9-digit zip 
code) of the applicant's office, along with an indication of whether 
the address is a business or private residence. A post office box is 
not an acceptable address. If the applicant has multiple offices, the 
address included in the information should be that which is pertinent 
to the GSM-102 export sales contemplated by the applicant;
    (ii) Dun and Bradstreet (DUNS) number;
    (iii) Employer Identification Number (EIN--also known as a Federal 
Tax Identification Number);
    (iv) Telephone and fax numbers;
    (v) Email address (if applicable);
    (vi) Business Web site (if applicable);
    (vii) Contact name;
    (viii) Statement indicating whether the applicant is a U.S. 
domestic entity or a foreign entity domiciled in the United States; and
    (ix) The form of business entity of the applicant (e.g., sole 
proprietorship, partnership, corporation, etc.) and the U.S. 
jurisdiction under which such entity is organized and authorized to 
conduct business. Such jurisdictions are a U.S. State, the District of 
Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the territories and possessions of the 
United States. Upon request by CCC, the applicant must provide written 
evidence that such entity has been organized in a U.S. State, the 
District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, or a territory or possession of the 
United States.
    (2) For the applicant's headquarters office:
    (i) The name and full address of the applicant's headquarters 
office. A post office box is not an acceptable address; and
    (ii) Telephone and fax numbers.
    (3) For the applicant's agent for the service of process:
    (i) The name and full U.S. address of the applicant's agent's 
office, along with an indication of whether the address is a business 
or private residence;
    (ii) Telephone and fax numbers;
    (iii) Email address (if applicable); and
    (iv) Contact name.
    (4) A description of the applicant's business. Applicants must 
provide the following information:
    (i) Nature of the applicant's business (e.g., agricultural 
producer, commodity trader, consulting firm, etc.);
    (ii) Explanation of the applicant's experience/history with U.S. 
Agricultural Commodities for the preceding three years, including a 
description of such commodities;
    (iii) Explanation of the applicant's experience/history exporting 
U.S. Agricultural Commodities, including number of years involved in 
exporting, types of products exported, and destination of exports for 
the preceding three years; and
    (iv) Whether or not the applicant is a ``small or medium 
enterprise'' (SME) as defined on the USDA Web site;
    (5) A listing of any related companies (e.g., Affiliates, 
subsidiaries, or companies otherwise related through common ownership) 
currently qualified to participate in CCC export programs;
    (6) A statement describing the applicant's participation, if any, 
during the past three years in U.S. Government programs, contracts or 
agreements; and
    (7) A statement that: ``All certifications set forth in 7 CFR 
1493.60(a) are hereby made in this application'' which, when included 
in the application, will constitute a certification that the applicant 
is in compliance with all of the requirements set forth in Sec.  
1493.60(a). The applicant will be required to provide further 
explanation or documentation if not in compliance with these 
requirements or if the application does not include this statement.
    (b) Qualification notification. CCC will promptly notify applicants 
that have submitted information required by this section whether they 
have qualified to participate in the program or whether further 
information is required by CCC. Any applicant failing to qualify will 
be given an opportunity to provide additional information for 
consideration by the Director.
    (c) Previous qualification. Any Exporter not submitting an 
application to CCC for a Payment Guarantee for two consecutive U.S. 
Government fiscal years must resubmit a qualification application 
containing the information specified in Sec.  1493.30(a) to CCC to

[[Page 68600]]

participate in the GSM-102 program. If at any time the information 
required by paragraph (a) of this section changes, the Exporter must 
promptly contact CCC to update this information and certify that the 
remainder of the information previously provided pursuant to paragraph 
(a) has not changed.
    (d) Ineligibility for program participation. An applicant may be 
ineligible to participate in the GSM-102 program if such applicant 
cannot provide all of the information and certifications required by 
paragraph (a) of this section.

Sec.  1493.40  Information required for U.S. Financial Institution 
participation.

    U.S. Financial Institutions must apply and be approved by CCC to be 
eligible to participate in the GSM-102 Program.
    (a) Qualification requirements. To qualify for participation in the 
GSM-102 Program, a U.S. Financial Institution must submit the following 
information to CCC in the manner specified on the USDA Web site:
    (1) Legal name and address of the applicant;
    (2) Dun and Bradstreet (DUNS) number;
    (3) Employer Identification Number (EIN--also known as a Federal 
Tax Identification Number);
    (4) Year-end audited financial statements for the applicant's most 
recent fiscal year;
    (5) Breakdown of the applicant's ownership as follows:
    (i) Ten largest individual shareholders and ownership percentages;
    (ii) Percentage of government ownership, if any; and
    (iii) Identity of the legal entity or person with ultimate control 
or decision making authority, if other than the majority shareholder.
    (6) Organizational structure (independent, or a subsidiary, 
Affiliate, or branch of another financial institution);
    (7) Documentation from the applicable United States Federal or 
State agency demonstrating that the applicant is either licensed or 
chartered to do business in the United States;
    (8) Name of the agency that regulates the applicant and the name 
and telephone number of the primary contact for such regulator; and
    (9) A statement that: ``All certifications set forth in 7 CFR 
1493.60 are hereby made in this application'' which, when included in 
the application, will constitute a certification that the applicant is 
in compliance with all of the requirements set forth in Sec.  1493.60. 
The applicant will be required to provide further explanation or 
documentation if not in compliance with these requirements or if the 
application does not include this statement.
    (b) Qualification notification. CCC will notify applicants that 
have submitted information required by this section whether they have 
qualified to participate in the program or whether further information 
is required by CCC. Any applicant failing to qualify will be given an 
opportunity to provide additional information for consideration by the 
Director.
    (c) Previous qualification. Any U.S. Financial Institution not 
participating in the GSM-102 program for two consecutive U.S. 
Government fiscal years must resubmit a qualification application 
containing the information specified in paragraph (a) of this section 
to CCC to participate in the GSM-102 program. If at any time the 
information required by paragraph (a) of this section changes, the U.S. 
Financial Institution must promptly contact CCC to update this 
information and certify that the remainder of the information 
previously provided pursuant to paragraph (a) has not changed.
    (d) Ineligibility for program participation. A U.S. Financial 
Institution may be deemed ineligible to participate in the GSM-102 
Program if such applicant cannot provide all of the information and 
certifications required by paragraph (a) of this section.

Sec.  1493.50  Information required for Foreign Financial Institution 
participation.

    Foreign Financial Institutions must apply and be approved by CCC to 
be eligible to participate in the GSM-102 Program.
    (a) Qualification requirements. To qualify for participation in the 
GSM-102 program, a Foreign Financial Institution must submit the 
following information to CCC in the manner specified on the USDA Web 
site:
    (1) Legal name and address of the applicant;
    (2) Year end, audited financial statements in accordance with the 
accounting standards established by the applicant's regulators, in 
English, for the applicant's three most recent fiscal years. If the 
applicant is not subject to a banking or other financial regulatory 
authority, year-end, audited financial statements in accordance with 
prevailing accounting standards, in English, for the applicant's three 
most recent fiscal years;
    (3) Breakdown of applicant's ownership as follows:
    (i) Ten largest individual shareholders and ownership percentages;
    (ii) Percentage of government ownership, if any; and
    (iii) Identity of the legal entity or person with ultimate control 
or decision making authority, if other than the majority shareholder.
    (4) Organizational structure (independent, or a subsidiary, 
Affiliate, or branch of another legal entity);
    (5) Name of foreign government agency that regulates the applicant; 
and
    (6) A statement that: ``All certifications set forth in 7 CFR 
1493.60 are hereby made in this application'' which, when included in 
the application, will constitute a certification that the applicant is 
in compliance with all of the requirements set forth in Sec.  1493.60. 
The applicant will be required to provide further explanation or 
documentation if not in compliance with these requirements or if the 
application does not include this statement.
    (b) Qualification notification. CCC will notify applicants that 
have submitted information required by this section whether they have 
qualified to participate in the program or whether further information 
is required by CCC. Any applicant failing to qualify will be given an 
opportunity to provide additional information for consideration by the 
Director.
    (c) Participation limit. If, after review of the information 
submitted and other publicly available information, CCC determines that 
the Foreign Financial Institution is eligible for participation, CCC 
will establish a dollar participation limit for the institution. This 
limit will be the maximum amount of exposure CCC agrees to undertake 
with respect to this Foreign Financial Institution at any point in 
time. CCC may change or cancel this dollar participation limit at any 
time based on any information submitted or any publicly available 
information.
    (d) Previous qualification and submission of annual financial 
statements. Each qualified Foreign Financial Institution shall submit 
annually to CCC the certifications in Sec.  1493.60 and its audited 
fiscal year-end financial statements in accordance with the accounting 
standards established by the applicant's regulators, in English, so 
that CCC may determine the continued ability of the Foreign Financial 
Institution to adequately service CCC guaranteed debt. If the Foreign 
Financial Institution is not subject to a banking or other financial 
regulatory authority, it should submit year-end, audited financial 
statements in accordance with prevailing accounting standards, in 
English, for the applicant's most recent fiscal year. Failure to submit 
this

[[Page 68601]]

information annually may cause CCC to decrease or cancel the Foreign 
Financial Institution's dollar participation limit. Any Foreign 
Financial Institution not participating in the GSM-102 program for two 
consecutive U.S. Government fiscal years may have its dollar 
participation limit cancelled. If this participation limit is 
cancelled, the Foreign Financial Institution must resubmit the 
information and certifications requested in paragraph (a) of this 
section to CCC when reapplying for participation. Additionally, if at 
any time the information required by paragraph (a) of this section 
changes, the Foreign Financial Institution must promptly contact CCC to 
update this information and certify that the remainder of the 
information previously provided under paragraph (a) has not changed.
    (e) Ineligibility for program participation. A Foreign Financial 
Institution may be deemed ineligible to participate in the GSM-102 
program if:
    (1) Such applicant cannot provide all of the information and 
certifications required in paragraph (a) of this section; or
    (2) Based upon information submitted by the applicant or other 
publicly available sources, CCC determines that the applicant cannot 
adequately service the debt associated with the Payment Guarantees 
issued by CCC.

Sec.  1493.60  Certifications required for program participation.

    (a) When making the statement required by Sec. Sec.  1493.30(a)(7), 
1493.40(a)(9), or 1493.50(a)(6), each Exporter, U.S. Financial 
Institution and Foreign Financial Institution applicant for program 
participation is certifying that, to the best of its knowledge and 
belief:
    (1) The applicant and any of its principals (as defined in 2 CFR 
180.995) or affiliates (as defined in 2 CFR 180.905) are not presently 
debarred, suspended, proposed for debarment, declared ineligible, or 
excluded from covered transactions by any U.S. Federal department or 
agency;
    (2) The applicant and any of its principals (as defined in 2 CFR 
180.995) or affiliates (as defined in 2 CFR 180.905) have not within a 
three-year period preceding this application been convicted of or had a 
civil judgment rendered against them for commission of fraud or a 
criminal offense in connection with obtaining, attempting to obtain, or 
performing a public (Federal, State, or local) transaction or contract 
under a public transaction; violation of Federal or State antitrust 
statues or commission of embezzlement, theft, forgery, bribery, 
falsification or destruction of records, making false statements, or 
receiving stolen property;
    (3) The applicant and any of its principals (as defined in 2 CFR 
180.995) or affiliates (as defined in 2 CFR 180.905) are not presently 
indicted for or otherwise criminally or civilly charged by a 
governmental entity (Federal, State or local) with commission of any of 
the offenses enumerated in paragraph (a)(2) of this section;
    (4) The applicant and any of its principals (as defined in 2 CFR 
180.995) or affiliates (as defined in 2 CFR 180.905) have not within a 
three-year period preceding this application had one or more public 
transactions (Federal, State or local) terminated for cause or default;
    (5) The applicant does not have any outstanding nontax debt to the 
United States that is in delinquent status as provided in 31 CFR 
285.13;
    (6) The applicant is not controlled by a person owing an 
outstanding nontax debt to the United States that is in delinquent 
status as provided in 31 CFR 285.13 (e.g., a corporation is not 
controlled by an officer, director, or shareholder who owes a debt); 
and
    (7) The applicant does not control a person owing an outstanding 
nontax debt to the United States that is in delinquent status as 
provided in 31 CFR 285.13 (e.g., a corporation does not control a 
wholly-owned or partially-owned subsidiary which owes a debt).
    (b) Additional certifications for U.S. and Foreign Financial 
Institution applicants. When making the statement required by Sec.  
1493.40(a)(9) or Sec.  1493.50(a)(6), each U.S. and Foreign Financial 
Institution applicant for program participation is certifying that, to 
the best of its knowledge and belief:
    (1) The applicant and its Principals are in compliance with all 
requirements, restrictions and guidelines as established by the 
applicant's regulators; and
    (2) All U.S. operations of the applicant and its U.S. Principals 
are in compliance with U.S. anti-money laundering and terrorist 
financing statutes including, but not limited to, the USA Patriot Act 
of 2001, and the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977.

Sec.  1493.70  Application for Payment Guarantee.

    (a) A Firm Export Sales Contract for an Eligible Export Sale must 
exist before an Exporter may submit an application for a Payment 
Guarantee. Upon request by CCC, the Exporter must provide evidence of a 
Firm Export Sales Contract. An application for a Payment Guarantee must 
be submitted in writing to CCC in the manner specified on the USDA Web 
site. An application must identify the name and address of the Exporter 
and include the following information:
    (1) Name of the destination country or region. If the destination 
is a region, indicate the country or countries within the region to 
which the U.S. Agricultural Commodity will be exported.
    (2) Name and address of the Importer. If the Importer is not 
physically located in the country or region of destination, it must 
have an Importer's Representative in the country or region of 
destination. If applicable, provide the name and address of the 
Importer's Representative.
    (3) A statement that the U.S. Agricultural Commodity will be 
shipped to the destination country or region.
    (4) Name and address of the party on whose request the Letter of 
Credit is issued, if other than the Importer.
    (5) Name and address of the Intervening Purchaser, if any.
    (6) Date of Sale.
    (7) Exporter's sale number.
    (8) Delivery period as agreed between the Exporter and the 
Importer.
    (9) A full description of the U.S. Agricultural Commodity 
(including packaging, if any). The description must include the 
applicable six-digit Harmonized System commodity classification code. 
The commodity grade and quality specified in the Exporter's application 
for the Payment Guarantee must correspond with the commodity grade and 
quality specified in the Firm Export Sales Contract and the Foreign 
Financial Institution Letter of Credit.
    (10) Mean quantity, contract loading tolerance and, if necessary, a 
request for CCC to reserve coverage up to the maximum quantity 
permitted.
    (11) Unit sales price of the U.S. Agricultural Commodity, or a 
mechanism to establish the price, as agreed between the Exporter and 
the Importer. If the commodity was sold on the basis of CFR or CIF, the 
actual (if known at the time of application) or estimated value of 
freight and, in the case of sales made on a CIF basis, the actual (if 
known at the time of application) or estimated value of marine and war 
risk insurance, must be specified.
    (12) Description and value of Discounts and Allowances, if any.
    (13) Port Value (includes upward loading tolerance, if any).
    (14) Guaranteed Value.

[[Page 68602]]

    (15) Guarantee fee, either as announced on the Web site per Sec.  
1493.110(a)(1), or the competitive fee bid per Sec.  1493.110(a)(2), 
depending on the type of fee charged by CCC for the country or region.
    (16) Name and location of the Foreign Financial Institution issuing 
the Letter of Credit and, upon request by CCC, written evidence that 
the Foreign Financial Institution has agreed to issue the Letter of 
Credit.
    (17) The term length for the credit being extended and the 
intervals between principal payments for each shipment to be made under 
the export sale.
    (18) The Exporter's statement, ``All certifications set forth in 7 
CFR 1493.80 are hereby being made by the Exporter in this 
application.'' which, when included in the application by the Exporter, 
will constitute a certification that it is in compliance with all the 
requirements set forth in Sec.  1493.80.
    (b) An application for a Payment Guarantee may be approved as 
submitted, approved with modifications agreed to by the Exporter, or 
rejected by the Director. In the event that the application is 
approved, the Director will cause a Payment Guarantee to be issued in 
favor of the Exporter. Such Payment Guarantee will become effective at 
the time specified in Sec.  1493.100(b). If, based upon a price review, 
the unit sales price of the commodity does not fall within the 
prevailing commercial market level ranges, as determined by CCC, the 
application will not be approved.

Sec.  1493.80  Certification requirements for obtaining Payment 
Guarantee.

    By providing the statement in Sec.  1493.70(a)(18), the Exporter is 
certifying that the information provided in the application is true and 
correct and, further, that all requirements set forth in this section 
have been met. The Exporter will be required to provide further 
explanation or documentation with regard to applications that do not 
include this statement. If the Exporter makes false certifications with 
respect to a Payment Guarantee, CCC will have the right, in addition to 
any other rights provided under this subpart or otherwise as a matter 
of law, to revoke guarantee coverage for any commodities not yet 
exported and/or to commence legal action and/or administrative 
proceedings against the Exporter. The Exporter, in submitting an 
application for a Payment Guarantee and providing the statement set 
forth in Sec.  1493.70(a)(18), certifies that:
    (a) The commodity or product covered by the Payment Guarantee is a 
U.S. Agricultural Commodity;
    (b) There have not been any corrupt payments or extra sales 
services or other items extraneous to the transaction provided, 
financed, or guaranteed in connection with the transaction, and the 
transaction complies with applicable United States law, including the 
Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977 and other anti-bribery measures;
    (c) If the U.S. Agricultural Commodity is vegetable oil or a 
vegetable oil product, that none of the agricultural commodity or 
product has been or will be used as a basis for a claim of a refund, as 
drawback, pursuant to section 313 of the Tariff Act of 1930, 19 U.S.C. 
1313, of any duty, tax or fee imposed under Federal law on an imported 
commodity or product;
    (d) At the time of submission of the application for Payment 
Guarantee, neither the Importer nor the Intervening Purchaser, if 
applicable, is present as an excluded party on the SAM list;
    (e) The Exporter is fully in compliance with the requirements of 
Sec.  1493.130(b) for all existing Payment Guarantees issued to the 
Exporter or has requested and been granted an extension per Sec.  
1493.130(b)(3); and
    (f) The information provided pursuant to Sec.  1493.30 has not 
changed and the Exporter still meets all of the qualification 
requirements of Sec.  1493.30.

Sec.  1493.90  Special requirements of the Foreign Financial 
Institution Letter of Credit and the Terms and Conditions Document, if 
applicable.

    (a) Permitted mechanisms to document special requirements. (1) A 
Foreign Financial Institution Letter of Credit is required in 
connection with the export sale to which CCC's Payment Guarantee 
pertains.
    (i) The Letter of Credit must stipulate presentation of at least 
one original clean on board bill of lading as a required document, 
unless:
    (A) The Exporter, or a related company previously reported to CCC 
by the Exporter pursuant to Sec.  1493.30(a)(5), is named as the 
shipper on the clean on board bill of lading. If the Exporter or a 
related company is named the shipper on the bill of lading, the Letter 
of Credit may stipulate a copy or photocopy of an original clean on 
board bill of lading; or
    (B) The Letter of Credit stipulates presentation of electronic 
documents per paragraph (a)(1)(ii) of this section.
    (ii) If the Letter of Credit will allow for presentation of 
electronic documents, the Letter of Credit must so stipulate.
    (2) The use of a Terms and Conditions Document is optional. The 
Terms and Conditions Document, if any, must be specifically identified 
and referred to in the Foreign Financial Institution Letter of Credit.
    (3) The special requirements in paragraph (b) of this section must 
be documented in one of the two following ways:
    (i) The special requirements may be set forth in the Foreign 
Financial Institution Letter of Credit as a special instruction from 
the Foreign Financial Institution; or
    (ii) The special requirements may be set forth in a separate Terms 
and Conditions Document.
    (b) Special requirements. The following provisions are required and 
must be documented in accordance with paragraph (a) of this section:
    (1) The terms of the Repayment Obligation, including a specific 
promise by the Foreign Financial Institution issuing the Letter of 
Credit to pay the Repayment Obligation;
    (2) The following language: ``In the event that the Commodity 
Credit Corporation (``CCC'') is subrogated to the position of the 
obligee hereunder, this instrument shall be governed by and construed 
in accordance with the laws of the State of New York, excluding its 
conflict of laws principles. In such case, any legal action or 
proceeding arising under this instrument will be brought exclusively in 
the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York or the 
U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, as determined by CCC, 
and such parties hereby irrevocably consent to the personal 
jurisdiction and venue therein.'';
    (3) A provision permitting the Holder of the Payment Guarantee to 
declare all or any part of the Repayment Obligation, including accrued 
interest, immediately due and payable, in the event a payment default 
occurs under the Letter of Credit or, if applicable, the Terms and 
Conditions Document; and
    (4) Post Default Interest terms.

Sec.  1493.100  Terms and requirements of the Payment Guarantee.

    (a) CCC's obligation. The Payment Guarantee will provide that CCC 
agrees to pay the Holder of the Payment Guarantee an amount not to 
exceed the Guaranteed Value, plus Eligible Interest, in the event that 
the Foreign Financial Institution fails to pay under the Foreign 
Financial Institution Letter of Credit and, if applicable, the Terms 
and Conditions Document. Payment by CCC will be in U.S. dollars.
    (b) Period of guarantee coverage. (1) The Holder of the Payment 
Guarantee may, with respect to a series of

[[Page 68603]]

shipments made within a 30 calendar day period, elect to have the 
Payment Guarantee coverage being on the Weighted Average Export Date 
for such shipments. The first allowable 30 calendar day period for 
bundling of shipments to compute the Weighted Average Export Date for 
such shipments begins on the first Date of Export for transactions 
covered by the Payment Guarantee. Shipments within each subsequent 30 
calendar day period may be bundled with other shipments made within the 
same 30 calendar period to determine the Weighted Average Export Date 
for such shipments.
    (2)(i) The period of coverage under the Payment Guarantee begins on 
the earlier of the following dates and will continue during the credit 
term specified on the Payment Guarantee or any amendments thereto:
    (A) The Date(s) of Export or the Weighted Average Export Date(s), 
as selected by the Holder of the Payment Guarantee consistent with 
paragraph (b)(1) of this section; or
    (B) The date when Ordinary Interest begins to accrue, or the 
weighted average date when interest begins to accrue.
    (ii) However, the Payment Guarantee becomes effective on the 
Date(s) of Export of the U.S. Agricultural Commodities specified in the 
Exporter's application for the Payment Guarantee.
    (c) Terms of the CCC Payment Guarantee. The terms of CCC's coverage 
will be set forth in the Payment Guarantee, as approved by CCC, and 
will include the provisions of this subpart, which may be supplemented 
by any Program Announcements and notices to participants in effect at 
the time the Payment Guarantee is approved by CCC.
    (d) Final date to export. The final date to export shown on the 
Payment Guarantee will be one month, as determined by CCC, after the 
contractual deadline for shipping.
    (e) Reserve coverage for loading tolerances. The Exporter may apply 
for a Payment Guarantee and, if coverage is available, pay the 
guarantee fee, based on the mean of the lower and upper loading 
tolerances of the Firm Export Sales Contract; however, the Exporter may 
also request that CCC reserve additional guarantee coverage to 
accommodate up to the amount of the upward loading tolerance specified 
in the Firm Export Sales Contract. The amount of coverage that can be 
reserved to accommodate the upward loading tolerance is limited to ten 
(10) percent of the Port Value of the sale. If such additional 
guarantee coverage is available at the time of application and the 
Director determines to make such reservation, CCC will so indicate to 
the Exporter. In the event that the Exporter ships a quantity greater 
than the amount on which the guarantee fee was paid (i.e., the mean of 
the upper and lower loading tolerances), it may obtain the additional 
coverage from CCC, up to the amount of the upward loading tolerance, by 
filing for an application for amendment to the Payment Guarantee, and 
by paying the additional amount of fee applicable. If such application 
for an amendment to the Payment Guarantee is not filed with CCC by the 
Exporter and the additional fee not received by CCC within 30 calendar 
days after the date of the last export against the Payment Guarantee, 
CCC may cancel the reserve coverage originally set aside for the 
Exporter.
    (f) Certain export sales are ineligible for GSM-102 Payment 
Guarantees. (1) An export sale (or any portion thereof) is ineligible 
for Payment Guarantee coverage if at any time CCC determines that:
    (1) The commodity is not a U.S. Agricultural Commodity;
    (2) The export sale includes corrupt payments or extra sales or 
services or other items extraneous to the transactions provided, 
financed, or guaranteed in connection with the export sale;
    (3) The export sale does not comply with applicable U.S. law, 
including the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977 and other anti-
bribery measures;
    (4) If the U.S. Agricultural Commodity is vegetable oil or a 
vegetable oil product, any of the agricultural commodity or product has 
been or will be used as a basis for a claim of a refund, as drawback, 
pursuant to section 313 of the Tariff Act of 1930, 19 U.S.C. 1313, of 
any duty, tax or fee imposed under Federal law on an imported commodity 
or product;
    (5) Either the Importer or the Intervening Purchaser, if any, is 
excluded or disqualified from participation in U.S. government 
programs; or
    (6) The sale is not an Eligible Export Sale.
    (g) Certain exports of U.S. Agricultural Commodities are ineligible 
for Payment Guarantee coverage. The following exports are ineligible 
for coverage under a GSM-102 Payment Guarantee except where it is 
determined by the Director to be in the best interest of CCC to provide 
guarantee coverage on such exports:
    (1) Exports of U.S. Agricultural Commodities with a Date of Export 
prior to the date of receipt by CCC of the Exporter's written 
application for a Payment Guarantee;
    (2) Exports of U.S. Agricultural Commodities with a Date of Export 
later than the final date to export shown on the Payment Guarantee or 
any amendments thereof;
    (3) Exports of U.S. Agricultural Commodities where the date of 
issuance of a Foreign Financial Institution Letter of Credit is later 
than 30 calendar days after:
    (i) The Date of Export, or
    (ii) The Weighted Average Export Date, if the Holder of the Payment 
Guarantee has elected to have the Payment Guarantee coverage begin on 
the Weighted Average Export Date; or
    (4) Exports of U.S. Agricultural Commodities that have been 
guaranteed by CCC under another Payment Guarantee. If CCC determines 
that an export of U.S. Agricultural Commodities has been guaranteed 
under multiple Payment Guarantees (or coverage has been requested under 
multiple Payment Guarantees), CCC will determine which Payment 
Guarantee (or application for Payment Guarantee), if any, corresponds 
to an Eligible Export Sale.
    (h) Additional requirements. The Payment Guarantee may contain such 
additional terms, conditions, and limitations as deemed necessary or 
desirable by the Director. Such additional terms, conditions or 
qualifications as stated in the Payment Guarantee are binding on the 
Exporter and the Assignee.
    (i) Amendments. A request for an amendment of a Payment Guarantee 
may be submitted only by the Exporter, with the written concurrence of 
the Assignee, if any. The Director will consider such a request only if 
the amendment sought is consistent with this subpart and any applicable 
Program Announcements and sufficient budget authority exists. Any 
amendment to the Payment Guarantee, particularly those that result in 
an increase in CCC's liability under the Payment Guarantee, may result 
in an increase in the guarantee fee. CCC reserves the right to request 
additional information from the Exporter to justify the request and to 
charge a fee for amendments. Such fees will be announced and available 
on the USDA Web site. Any request to amend the Foreign Financial 
Institution on the Payment Guarantee will require that the Holder of 
the Payment Guarantee resubmit to CCC the certifications in Sec.  
1493.120(c)(1)(i) or Sec.  1493.140(d).

Sec.  1493.110  Guarantee fees.

    (a) Guarantee fee rates. Payment Guarantee fee rates charged may be 
one of the following two types:

[[Page 68604]]

    (1) Those that are announced on the USDA Web site and are based 
upon the length of the payment terms provided for in the Firm Export 
Sales Contract, the degree of risk that CCC assumes, as determined by 
CCC, and any other factors which CCC determines appropriate for 
consideration.
    (2) Those where Exporters are invited to submit a competitive bid 
for coverage. If CCC determines to offer coverage on a competitive fee 
bid basis, instructions for bidding, and minimum fee rates, if 
applicable, will be made available on the USDA Web site.
    (b) Calculation of fee. The guarantee fee will be computed by 
multiplying the Guaranteed Value by the guarantee fee rate.
    (c) Payment of fee. The Exporter shall remit, with his application, 
the full amount of the guarantee fee. Applications will not be accepted 
until the guarantee fee has been received by CCC. The Exporter's wire 
transfer or check for the guarantee fee shall be made payable to CCC 
and be submitted in the manner specified on the USDA Web site.
    (d) Refunds of fee. Guarantee fees paid in connection with 
applications that are accepted by CCC will ordinarily not be 
refundable. Once CCC notifies an Exporter of acceptance of an 
application, the fee for that application will not be refunded unless 
the Director determines that such refund will be in the best interest 
of CCC, even if the Exporter withdraws the application prior to CCC's 
issuance of the Payment Guarantee. If CCC does not accept an 
application for a Payment Guarantee or accepts only part of the 
guarantee coverage requested, a full or pro rata refund of the fee will 
be made.

Sec.  1493.120  Assignment of the Payment Guarantee.

    (a) Requirements for assignment. The Exporter may assign the 
Payment Guarantee only to a U.S. Financial Institution approved for 
participation by CCC. The assignment must cover all amounts payable 
under the Payment Guarantee not already paid, may not be made to more 
than one party, and may not, unless approved in advance by CCC, be:
    (1) Made to one party acting for two or more parties, or
    (2) Subject to further assignment.
    (b) CCC to receive notice of assignment of payment guarantee. A 
notice of assignment signed by the parties thereto must be filed with 
CCC by the Assignee in the manner specified on the USDA Web site. The 
name and address of the Assignee must be included on the written notice 
of assignment. The notice of assignment should be received by CCC 
within 30 calendar days of the date of assignment.
    (c) Required certifications. (1) The U.S. Financial Institution 
must include the following certification on the notice of assignment: 
``I certify that:
    (i) [Name of Assignee] has verified that the Foreign Financial 
Institution, at the time of submission of the notice of assignment, is 
not present as an excluded party on the SAM list; and
    (ii) To the best of my knowledge and belief, the information 
provided pursuant to Sec.  1493.40 has not changed and [name of 
Assignee] still meets all of the qualification requirements of Sec.  
1493.40.''
    (2) If the Assignee makes a false certification with respect to a 
Payment Guarantee, CCC may, in its sole discretion, in addition to any 
other action available as a matter of law, rescind and cancel the 
Payment Guarantee, reject the assignment of the Payment Guarantee, and/
or commence legal action and/or administrative proceedings against the 
Assignee.
    (d) Notice of eligibility to receive assignment. In cases where a 
U.S. Financial Institution is determined to be ineligible to receive an 
assignment, in accordance with paragraph (e) of this section, CCC will 
provide notice thereof to the U.S. Financial Institution and to the 
Exporter issued the Payment Guarantee.
    (e) Ineligibility of U.S. Financial Institutions to receive an 
assignment and proceeds. A U.S. Financial Institution will be 
ineligible to receive an assignment of a Payment Guarantee or the 
proceeds payable under a Payment Guarantee if such U.S. Financial 
Institution:
    (1) At the time of assignment of a Payment Guarantee, is not in 
compliance with all requirements of 1493.40(a); or
    (2) Is the branch, agency, or subsidiary of the Foreign Financial 
Institution issuing the Letter of Credit; or
    (3) Is owned or controlled by an entity that owns or controls the 
Foreign Financial Institution issuing the Letter of Credit; or
    (4) Is the U.S. parent of the Foreign Financial Institution issuing 
the Foreign Financial Institution Letter of Credit; or
    (5) Is owned or controlled by the government of a foreign country 
and the Payment Guarantee has been issued in connection with export 
sales of U.S. Agricultural Commodities to Importers located in such 
foreign country.
    (f) Repurchase agreements. (1) The Holder of the Payment Guarantee 
may enter into a Repurchase Agreement, to which the following 
requirements apply:
    (i) Any repurchase under a Repurchase Agreement by the Holder of 
the Payment Guarantee must be for the entirety of the outstanding 
balance under the associated Repayment Obligation;
    (ii) In the event of a default with respect to the Repayment 
Obligation subject to a Repurchase Agreement, the Holder of the Payment 
Guarantee must immediately effect such repurchase; and
    (iii) The Holder of the Payment Guarantee must file all 
documentation required by Sec. Sec.  1493.160 and 1493.170 in case of a 
default by the Foreign Financial Institution under the Payment 
Guarantee.
    (2) The Holder of the Payment Guarantee shall, within five Business 
Days of execution of a transaction under the Repurchase Agreement, 
notify CCC of the transaction in writing in the manner specified on the 
USDA Web site. Such notification must include the following 
information:
    (i) Name and address of the other party to the Repurchase 
Agreement;
    (ii) A statement indicating whether the transaction executed under 
the Repurchase Agreement is for a fixed term or if it is terminable 
upon demand by either party. If fixed, provide the purchase date and 
the agreed upon date for repurchase. If terminable on demand, provide 
the purchase date only; and
    (iii) The following written certification: ``[Name of Holder of the 
Payment Guarantee] has entered into a Repurchase Agreement that meets 
the provisions of 7 CFR 1493.120(f)(1) and, prior to entering into this 
agreement, verified that [name of other party to the Repurchase 
Agreement] is not present as an excluded party on the SAM list.''
    (3) Failure of the Holder of the Payment Guarantee to comply with 
any of the provisions of paragraph (f) of this section may result in 
CCC annulling coverage on the Foreign Financial Institution Letter of 
Credit and Terms and Conditions Document, if applicable, covered by the 
Payment Guarantee.

Sec.  1493.130  Evidence of export.

    (a) Report of export. The Exporter is required to provide CCC an 
evidence of export report for each shipment made under the Payment 
Guarantee. This report must include the following information:
    (1) Payment Guarantee number;
    (2) Evidence of export report number (e.g., Report 1, Report 2) 
reflecting the report's chronological order of submission under the 
particular Payment Guarantee;

[[Page 68605]]

    (3) Date of Export;
    (4) Destination country or region. If the sale was registered under 
a regional program, the Exporter must indicate the specific country or 
countries within the region to which the goods were shipped;
    (5) Exporter's sale number;
    (6) Exported Value;
    (7) Quantity;
    (8) A full description of the commodity exported, including the 
applicable six-digit Harmonized System commodity classification code;
    (9) Unit sales price received for the commodity exported and the 
Incoterms 2010 basis (e.g., FOB, CFR, CIF). Where the unit sales price 
at export differs from the unit sales price indicated in the Exporter's 
application for a Payment Guarantee, the Exporter is also required to 
submit a statement explaining the reason for the difference;
    (10) Description and value of Discounts and Allowances, if any;
    (11) The Exporter's statement, ``All certifications set forth in 7 
CFR 1493.140 are hereby being made by the Exporter in this Evidence of 
Export.'' which, when included in the evidence of export by the 
Exporter, will constitute a certification that it is in compliance with 
all the requirements set forth in Sec.  1493.140; and
    (12) In addition to all of the above information, the final 
evidence of export report for the Payment Guarantee must include the 
following:
    (i) The statement ``Exports under the Payment Guarantee have been 
completed.''
    (ii) A statement summarizing the total quantity and value of the 
commodity exported under the Payment Guarantee (i.e., the cumulative 
totals on all numbered evidence of export reports).
    (b) Time limit for submission of evidence of export. (1) The 
Exporter must provide a written report to the CCC in the manner 
specified on the USDA Web site within 30 calendar days of the Date of 
Export.
    (2) If at any time the Exporter determines that no shipments are to 
be made under a Payment Guarantee, the Exporter is required to notify 
CCC in writing no later than the final date to export specified on the 
Payment Guarantee by furnishing the Payment Guarantee number and 
stating ``no exports will be made under the Payment Guarantee.''
    (3) Requests for an extension of the time limit for submitting an 
evidence of export report must be submitted in writing by the Exporter 
to the Director and must include an explanation of why the extension is 
needed. An extension of the time limit may be granted if such extension 
is requested prior to the expiration of the time limit for filing and 
is determined by the Director to be in the best interests of CCC.
    (c) Failure to comply with time limits for submission. CCC will not 
accept any new applications for Payment Guarantees from an Exporter 
under Sec.  1493.70 until the Exporter is fully in compliance with the 
requirements of paragraph (b) of this section for all existing Payment 
Guarantees issued to the Exporter or has requested and been granted an 
extension per paragraph (b)(3) of this section.
    (d) Export sales reporting. Exporters have a mandatory reporting 
responsibility under Section 602 of the Agricultural Trade Act of 1978 
(7 U.S.C. 5712), for exports of certain agricultural commodities and 
products thereof.

Sec.  1493.140  Certification requirements for the evidence of export.

    By providing the statement contained in Sec.  1493.130(a)(11), the 
Exporter is certifying that the information provided in the evidence of 
export report is true and correct and, further, that all requirements 
set forth in this section have been met. The Exporter will be required 
to provide further explanation or documentation with regard to reports 
that do not include this statement. If the Exporter makes false 
certifications with respect to a Payment Guarantee, CCC will have the 
right, in addition to any other rights provided under this subpart or 
otherwise as a matter of law, to annul guarantee coverage for any 
commodities not yet exported and/or to commence legal action and/or 
administrative proceedings against the Exporter. The Exporter, in 
submitting the evidence of export and providing the statement set forth 
in Sec.  1493.130(a)(11), certifies that:
    (a) The agricultural commodity or product exported under the 
Payment Guarantee is a U.S. Agricultural Commodity;
    (b) The U.S. Agricultural Commodity was shipped directly to the 
country or region specified on the Payment Guarantee;
    (c) There have not been any corrupt payments or extra sales 
services or other items extraneous to the transaction provided, 
financed, or guaranteed in connection with the export sale, and that 
the export sale complies with applicable United States law, including 
the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977 and other anti-bribery 
measures;
    (d) If the Exporter has not assigned the Payment Guarantee to a 
U.S. Financial Institution, the Exporter has verified that the Foreign 
Financial Institution, at the time of submission of the evidence of 
export report, is not present as an excluded party on the SAM list;
    (e) The transaction is an Eligible Export Sale; and
    (f) The information provided pursuant to Sec. Sec.  1493.30 and 
1493.70 has not changed (except as agreed to and amended by CCC) and 
the Exporter still meets all of the qualification requirements of Sec.  
1493.30.

Sec.  1493.150  Proof of entry.

    (a) Diversion. The diversion of U.S. Agricultural Commodities 
covered by a Payment Guarantee to a country or region other than that 
shown on the Payment Guarantee is prohibited, unless expressly 
authorized in writing by the Director.
    (b) Records of proof of entry. (1) Exporters must obtain and 
maintain records of an official or customary commercial nature that 
demonstrate the arrival of the U.S. Agricultural Commodities exported 
in connection with the GSM-102 program in the country or region that 
was the intended country or region of destination of such commodities. 
At the Director's request, the Exporter must submit to CCC records 
demonstrating proof of entry. Records demonstrating proof of entry must 
be in English or be accompanied by a certified or other translation 
acceptable to CCC. Records acceptable to meet this requirement include 
an original certification of entry signed by a duly authorized customs 
or port official of the importing country, by an agent or 
representative of the vessel or shipline that delivered the U.S. 
Agricultural Commodity to the importing country, or by a private 
surveyor in the importing country, or other documentation deemed 
acceptable by the Director showing:
    (i) That the U.S. Agricultural Commodity entered the importing 
country or region;
    (ii) The identification of the export carrier;
    (iii) The quantity of the U.S. Agricultural Commodity;
    (iv) The kind, type, grade and/or class of the U.S. Agricultural 
Commodity; and
    (v) The date(s) and place(s) of unloading of the U.S. Agricultural 
Commodity in the importing country or region.
    (2) Where shipping documents (e.g., bills of lading) clearly 
demonstrate that the U.S. Agricultural Commodities were shipped to the 
destination country or region, proof of entry verification may be 
provided by the Importer.

Sec.  1493.160  Notice of default.

    (a) Notice of default. If the Foreign Financial Institution issuing 
the Letter

[[Page 68606]]

of Credit fails to make payment pursuant to the terms of the Letter of 
Credit or the Terms and Conditions Document, the Holder of the Payment 
Guarantee must submit a notice of default to CCC as soon as possible, 
but not later than 5 Business Days after the date that payment was due 
from the Foreign Financial Institution (the due date). A notice of 
default must be submitted in writing to CCC in the manner specified on 
the USDA Web site and must include the following information:
    (1) Payment Guarantee number;
    (2) Name of the country or region as shown on the Payment 
Guarantee;
    (3) Name of the defaulting Foreign Financial Institution;
    (4) Payment due date;
    (5) Total amount of the defaulted payment due, indicating 
separately the amounts for principal and Ordinary Interest, and 
including a copy of the repayment schedule with due dates, principal 
amounts and Ordinary Interest rates for each installment;
    (6) Date of the Foreign Financial Institution's refusal to pay, if 
applicable;
    (7) Reason for the Foreign Financial Institution's refusal to pay, 
if known, and copies of any correspondence with the Foreign Financial 
Institution regarding the default.
    (b) Failure to comply with time limit for submission. If the Holder 
of the Payment Guarantee fails to notify CCC of a default within 5 
Business Days, CCC may deny the claim for that default.
    (c) Impact of a default on other existing Payment Guarantees. (1) 
In the event that a Foreign Financial Institution defaults under a 
Repayment Obligation, CCC may declare that such Foreign Financial 
Institution is no longer eligible to provide additional Letters of 
Credit under the GSM-102 Program. If CCC determines that such 
defaulting Foreign Financial Institution is no longer eligible for the 
GSM-102 Program, CCC shall provide written notice of such ineligibility 
to all Exporters and Assignees, if any, having Payment Guarantees 
covering transactions with respect to which the defaulting Foreign 
Financial Institution is expected to issue a Letter of Credit. Receipt 
of written notice from CCC that a defaulting Foreign Financial 
Institution is no longer eligible to provide additional Letters of 
Credit under the GSM-102 Program shall constitute withdrawal of 
coverage of that Foreign Financial Institution under all Payment 
Guarantees with respect to any Letter of Credit issued on or after the 
date of receipt of such written notice. CCC will not withdraw coverage 
of the defaulting Foreign Financial Institution under any Payment 
Guarantee with respect to any Letter of Credit issued before the date 
of receipt of such written notice.
    (2) If CCC withdraws coverage of the defaulting Foreign Financial 
Institution, CCC will permit the Exporter (with concurrence of the 
Assignee, if any) to utilize another approved Foreign Financial 
Institution, and will consider other requested amendments to the 
Payment Guarantee, for the balance of the export sale covered by the 
Payment Guarantee. If no alternate Foreign Financial Institution is 
identified to issue the Letter of Credit within 30 calendar days, CCC 
will cancel the Payment Guarantee and refund the Exporter's guarantee 
fees corresponding to any unutilized portion of the Payment Guarantee.

Sec.  1493.170  Claims for default.

    (a) Filing a claim. A claim by the Holder of the Payment Guarantee 
for a defaulted payment will not be paid if it is made later than 180 
calendar days from the due date of the defaulted payment. A claim must 
be submitted in writing to CCC in the manner specified on the USDA Web 
site. The claim must include the following documents and information:
    (1) An original cover document signed by the Holder of the Payment 
Guarantee and containing the following information:
    (i) Payment Guarantee number;
    (ii) A description of:
    (A) Any payments from or on behalf of the defaulting party or 
otherwise related to the defaulted payment that were received by the 
Exporter or the Assignee prior to submission of the claim; and
    (B) Any security, insurance, or collateral arrangements, whether or 
not any payment has been realized from such security, insurance, or 
collateral arrangement as of the time of claim, from or on behalf of 
the defaulting party or otherwise related to the defaulted payment.
    (iii) The following certifications:
    (A) A certification that the scheduled payment has not been 
received, listing separately scheduled principal and Ordinary Interest;
    (B) A certification of the amount of the defaulted payment, 
indicating separately the amounts for defaulted principal and Ordinary 
Interest;
    (C) A certification that all documents submitted under paragraph 
(a)(3) of this section are true and correct copies; and
    (D) A certification that all documents conforming with the 
requirements for payment under the Foreign Financial Institution Letter 
of Credit have been submitted to the negotiating bank or directly to 
the Foreign Financial Institution under such Letter of Credit.
    (2) An original instrument, in form and substance satisfactory to 
CCC, subrogating to CCC the respective rights of the Holder of the 
Payment Guarantee to the amount of payment in default under the 
applicable export sale. The instrument must reference the applicable 
Foreign Financial Institution Letter of Credit and, if applicable, the 
Terms and Conditions Document; and
    (3) A copy of each of the following documents:
    (i) The repayment schedule with due dates, principal amounts and 
Ordinary Interest rates for each installment (if the Ordinary Interest 
rates for future payments are unknown at the time the claim for default 
is submitted, provide estimates of such rates);
    (ii)(A) The Foreign Financial Institution Letter of Credit securing 
the export sale; and
    (B) If applicable, the Terms and Conditions Document;
    (iii) Depending upon the method of shipment, the ocean carrier or 
intermodal bill(s) of lading signed by the shipping company with the 
onboard ocean carrier date for each shipment, the airway bill, or, if 
shipped by rail or truck, the bill of lading and the entry certificate 
or similar document signed by an official of the importing country. If 
the transaction utilizes electronic bill(s) of lading (e-BL), a print-
out of the e-BL from electronic system with an electronic signature is 
acceptable;
    (iv)(A) The Exporter's invoice showing, as applicable, the FAS, 
FCA, FOB, CFR or CIF values; or
    (B) If there was an Intervening Purchaser, both the Exporter's 
invoice to the Intervening Purchaser and the Intervening Purchaser's 
invoice to the Importer;
    (v) The evidence of export report(s) previously submitted by the 
Exporter to CCC in conformity with the requirements of Sec.  
1493.130(a); and
    (vi) If the defaulted payment was part of a transaction executed 
under a Repurchase Agreement, written evidence that the repurchase 
occurred as required under Sec.  1493.120(f)(1)(ii).
    (b) Additional documents. If a claim is denied by CCC, the Holder 
of the Payment Guarantee may provide further documentation to CCC to 
establish that the claim is in good order.
    (c) Subsequent claims for defaults on installments. If the initial 
claim is found in good order, the Holder of the Payment Guarantee need 
only provide all of the required claims documents with the initial 
claim relating to a

[[Page 68607]]

covered transaction. For subsequent claims relating to failure of the 
Foreign Financial Institution to make scheduled installments on the 
same export shipment, the Holder of the Payment Guarantee need only 
submit to CCC a notice of such failure containing the information 
stated in paragraph (a)(1)(i) and (ii) and (a)(1)(iii)(A) and (B) of 
this section; an instrument of subrogation as per paragraph (a)(2) of 
this section; and the date the original claim was filed with CCC.
    (d) Alternative satisfaction of Payment Guarantees. CCC may 
establish procedures, terms and/or conditions for the satisfaction of 
CCC's obligations under a Payment Guarantee other than those provided 
for in this subpart if CCC determines that those alternative 
procedures, terms, and/or conditions are appropriate in rescheduling 
the debts arising out of any transaction covered by the Payment 
Guarantee and would not result in CCC paying more than the amount of 
CCC's obligation.

Sec.  1493.180  Payment for default.

    (a) Determination of CCC's liability. Upon receipt in good order of 
the information and documents required under Sec.  1493.170, CCC will 
determine whether or not a default has occurred for which CCC is liable 
under the applicable Payment Guarantee. Such determination shall 
include, but not be limited to, CCC's determination that all 
documentation conforms to the specific requirements contained in this 
subpart, and that all documents submitted for payment conform to the 
requirements of the Letter of Credit and, if applicable, the Terms and 
Conditions Document. If CCC determines that it is liable to the Holder 
of the Payment Guarantee, CCC will pay the Holder of the Payment 
Guarantee in accordance with paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section.
    (b) Amount of CCC's liability. CCC's maximum liability for any 
claims submitted with respect to any Payment Guarantee, not including 
any CCC Late Interest payments due in accordance with paragraph (c) of 
this section, will be limited to the lesser of:
    (1) The Guaranteed Value as stated in the Payment Guarantee, plus 
Eligible Interest, less any payments received or funds realized from 
insurance, security or collateral arrangements prior to claim by the 
Exporter or the Assignee from or on behalf of the defaulting party or 
otherwise related to the obligation in default (other than payments 
between CCC, the Exporter or the Assignee); or
    (2) The guaranteed percentage (as indicated in the Payment 
Guarantee) of the Exported Value indicated in the evidence of export, 
plus Eligible Interest, less any payments received or funds realized 
from insurance, security or collateral arrangements prior to claim by 
the Exporter or the Assignee from or on behalf of the defaulting party 
or otherwise related to the obligation in default (other than payments 
between CCC, the Exporter or the Assignee).
    (c) CCC Late Interest. If CCC does not pay a claim within 15 
Business Days of receiving the claim in good order, CCC Late Interest 
will accrue in favor of the Holder of the Payment Guarantee beginning 
with the sixteenth Business Day after the day of receipt of a complete 
and valid claim found by CCC to be in good order and continuing until 
and including the date that payment is made by CCC. CCC Late Interest 
will be paid on the guaranteed amount, as determined by paragraphs 
(b)(1) and (2) of this section, and will be calculated at a rate equal 
to the average investment rate of the most recent Treasury 91-day bill 
auction as announced by the Department of Treasury as of the due date. 
If there has been no 91-day auction within 90 calendar days of the date 
CCC Late Interest begins to accrue, CCC will apply an alternative rate 
in a manner to be described on the USDA Web site.
    (d) Accelerated payments. CCC will pay claims only on amounts not 
paid as scheduled. CCC will not pay claims for amounts due under an 
accelerated payment clause in the Firm Export Sales Contract, the 
Foreign Financial Institution Letter of Credit, the Terms and 
Conditions Document (if applicable), or any obligation owed by the 
Foreign Financial Institution to the Holder of the Payment Guarantee 
that is related to the Letter of Credit issued in favor of the 
Exporter, unless it is determined to be in the best interests of CCC. 
Notwithstanding the foregoing, CCC at its option may declare up to the 
entire amount of the unpaid balance, plus accrued Ordinary Interest, in 
default, require the Holder of the Payment Guarantee to invoke the 
acceleration provision in the Foreign Financial Institution Letter of 
Credit or, if applicable, in the Terms and Conditions Document, require 
submission of all claims documents specified in Sec.  1493.170, and 
make payment to the Holder of the Payment Guarantee in addition to such 
other claimed amount as may be due from CCC.
    (e) Action against the Assignee. If an Assignee submits a claim for 
default pursuant to Section 1493.170 and all documents submitted appear 
on their face to conform with the requirements of such section, CCC 
will not hold the Assignee responsible or take any action or raise any 
defense against the Assignee for any action, omission, or statement by 
the Exporter of which the Assignee has no knowledge.

Sec.  1493.190  Recovery of defaulted payments.

    (a) Notification. Upon claim payment to the Holder of the Payment 
Guarantee, CCC will notify the Foreign Financial Institution of CCC's 
rights under the subrogation agreement to recover all monies in 
default.
    (b) Receipt of monies. (1) In the event that monies related to the 
obligation in default are recovered by the Exporter or the Assignee 
from or on behalf of the defaulting party, the Importer, or any source 
whatsoever (excluding payments among CCC, the Exporter, and the 
Assignee), such monies shall be immediately paid to CCC. Any monies 
derived from insurance or through the liquidation of any security or 
collateral after the claim is filed with CCC shall be deemed recoveries 
that must be paid to CCC. If such monies are not received by CCC within 
15 Business Days from the date of recovery by the Exporter or the 
Assignee, such party will owe to CCC interest from the date of recovery 
to the date of receipt by CCC. This interest will be calculated at a 
rate equal to the latest average investment rate of the most recent 
Treasury 91-day bill auction, as announced by the Department of 
Treasury, in effect on the date of recovery and will accrue from such 
date to the date of payment by the Exporter or the Assignee to CCC. 
Such interest will be charged only on CCC's share of the recovery. If 
there has been no 91-day auction within 90 calendar days of the date 
interest begins to accrue, CCC will apply an alternative rate in a 
manner to be described on the USDA Web site.
    (2) If CCC recovers monies that should be applied to a Payment 
Guarantee for which a claim has been paid by CCC, CCC will pay the 
Holder of the Payment Guarantee its pro rata share, if any, provided 
that the required information necessary for determining pro rata 
distribution has been furnished. If a required payment is not made by 
CCC within 15 Business Days from the date of recovery or 15 business 
days from receiving the required information for determining pro rata 
distribution, whichever is later, CCC will pay interest calculated at a 
rate equal to the latest average investment rate of the most recent 
Treasury 91-day bill auction, as announced by the Department of 
Treasury, in effect on the date of recovery and interest will accrue 
from such date to the date of payment by CCC. The interest will apply 
only to the

[[Page 68608]]

portion of the recovery payable to the Holder of the Payment Guarantee.
    (c) Allocation of recoveries. Recoveries received by CCC from any 
source whatsoever that are related to the obligation in default will be 
allocated by CCC to the Holder of the Payment Guarantee and to CCC on a 
pro rata basis determined by their respective interests in such 
recoveries. The respective interest of each party will be determined on 
a pro rata basis, based on the combined amount of principal and 
interest in default on the date the claim is paid by CCC. Once CCC has 
paid a particular claim under a Payment Guarantee, CCC pro-rates any 
collections it receives and shares these collections proportionately 
with the Holder of the Payment Guarantee until both CCC and the Holder 
of the Payment Guarantee have been reimbursed in full.
    (d) Liabilities to CCC. Notwithstanding any other terms of the 
Payment Guarantee, under the following circumstances the Exporter or 
the Assignee will be liable to CCC for any amounts paid by CCC under 
the Payment Guarantee:
    (1) The Exporter will be liable to CCC when and if it is determined 
by CCC that the Exporter has engaged in fraud, or has been or is in 
material breach of any contractual obligation, certification or 
warranty made by the Exporter for the purpose of obtaining the Payment 
Guarantee or for fulfilling obligations under the GSM-102 program; and
    (2) The Assignee will be liable to CCC when and if it is determined 
by CCC that the Assignee has engaged in fraud or otherwise violated 
program requirements.
    (e) Cooperation in recoveries. Upon payment by CCC of a claim to 
the Holder of the Payment Guarantee, the Holder of the Payment 
Guarantee and the Exporter will cooperate with CCC to effect recoveries 
from the Foreign Financial Institution and/or the Importer. Cooperation 
may include, but is not limited to, submission of documents to the 
Foreign Financial Institution (or its representative) to establish a 
claim; participation in discussions with CCC regarding the appropriate 
course of action with respect to a default; actions related to 
accelerated payments as specified in Sec.  1493.180(d); and other 
actions that do not increase the obligation of the Holder of the 
Payment Guarantee or the Exporter under the Payment Guarantee.

Sec.  1493.191  Additional obligations and requirements.

    (a) Maintenance of records, access to premises, and responding to 
CCC inquiries. For a period of five years after the date of expiration 
of the coverage of a Payment Guarantee, the Exporter and the Assignee, 
if applicable, must maintain and make available all records and respond 
completely to all inquiries pertaining to sales and deliveries of and 
extension of credit for U.S. Agricultural Commodities exported in 
connection with a Payment Guarantee, including those records generated 
and maintained by agents, Intervening Purchasers, and related companies 
involved in special arrangements with the Exporter. The Secretary of 
Agriculture and the Comptroller General of the United States, through 
their authorized representatives, must be given full and complete 
access to the premises of the Exporter and the Assignee, as applicable, 
during regular business hours from the effective date of the Payment 
Guarantee until the expiration of such five-year period to inspect, 
examine, audit, and make copies of the Exporter's, Assignee's, agent's, 
Intervening Purchaser's or related company's books, records and 
accounts concerning transactions relating to the Payment Guarantee, 
including, but not limited to, financial records and accounts 
pertaining to sales, inventory, processing, and administrative and 
incidental costs, both normal and unforeseen. During such period, the 
Exporter and the Assignee may be required to make available to the 
Secretary of Agriculture or the Comptroller General of the United 
States, through their authorized representatives, records that pertain 
to transactions conducted outside the program, if, in the opinion of 
the Director, such records would pertain directly to the review of 
transactions undertaken by the Exporter in connection with the Payment 
Guarantee.
    (b) Responsibility of program participants. It is the 
responsibility of all Exporters and U.S. and Foreign Financial 
Institutions to review, and fully acquaint themselves with, all 
regulations, Program Announcements, and notices to participants 
relating to the GSM-102 program, as applicable. All Exporters and U.S. 
and Foreign Financial Institutions participating in the GSM-102 program 
are hereby on notice that they will be bound by this subpart and any 
terms contained in the Payment Guarantee and in applicable Program 
Announcements.
    (c) Submission of documents by Principals. All required 
submissions, including certifications, applications, reports, or 
requests (i.e., requests for amendments) by Exporters, Assignees, or 
Foreign Financial Institutions under this subpart must be signed by a 
Principal of the Exporter, Assignee, or Foreign Financial Institution 
or their authorized designee(s). In cases where the designee is acting 
on behalf of the Principal, the signature must be accompanied by: 
Wording indicating the delegation of authority or, in the alternative, 
by a certified copy of the delegation of authority; and the name and 
title of the authorized person or officer. Further, the Exporter, 
Assignee, or Foreign Financial Institution must ensure that all 
information and reports required under these regulations are timely 
submitted.
    (d) Misstatements or noncompliance by Exporter may lead to 
rescission of Payment Guarantee. CCC may cancel a Payment Guarantee in 
the event that an Exporter makes a willful misstatement in the 
certifications in Sec. Sec.  1493.80(b) and 1493.140(c) or if the 
Exporter fails to comply with the provisions of Sec.  1493.150 or 
paragraph (a) of this section. However, notwithstanding the foregoing, 
CCC will not cancel its Payment Guarantee, if it determines, in its 
sole discretion, that an Assignee had no knowledge of the Exporter's 
misstatement or noncompliance at the time of assignment of the Payment 
Guarantee.

Sec.  1493.192  Dispute resolution and appeals.

    (a) Dispute resolution. (1) The Director and the Exporter or the 
Assignee will attempt to resolve any disputes, including any adverse 
determinations made by CCC, arising under the GSM-102 program, this 
subpart, the applicable Program Announcements and notices to 
participants, or the Payment Guarantee.
    (2) The Exporter or the Assignee may seek reconsideration of a 
determination made by the Director by submitting a letter requesting 
reconsideration to the Director within 30 calendar days of the date of 
the determination. For the purposes of this section, the date of a 
determination will be the date of the letter or other means of 
notification to the Exporter or the Assignee of the determination. The 
Exporter or the Assignee may include with the letter requesting 
reconsideration any additional information that it wishes the Director 
to consider in reviewing its request. The Director will respond to the 
request for reconsideration within 30 calendar days of the date on 
which the request or the final documentary evidence submitted by the 
Exporter or the Assignee is received by the Director, whichever is 
later, unless the Director extends the time permitted for response. If 
the Exporter or the Assignee fails to request reconsideration of a 
determination by the Director, then the

[[Page 68609]]

determination of the Director will be deemed final.
    (3) If the Exporter or the Assignee requests reconsideration of a 
determination by the Director pursuant to paragraph (a)(2) of this 
section, and the Director upholds the original determination, then the 
Exporter or the Assignee may appeal the Director's final determination 
to the GSM in accordance with the procedures set forth in paragraph (b) 
of this section. If the Exporter or the Assignee fails to appeal the 
Director's final determination within 30 calendar days as provided in 
paragraph (b)(1) of this section, then the Director's decision becomes 
the final determination of CCC.
    (b) Appeal procedures. (1) An Exporter or Assignee that has 
exhausted the procedures set forth in paragraph (a) of this section may 
appeal to the GSM for a determination of the Director. An appeal to the 
GSM must be made in writing and filed with the office of the GSM no 
later than 30 calendar days following the date of the final 
determination by the Director. If the Exporter or Assignee requests an 
administrative hearing in its appeal letter, it shall be entitled to a 
hearing before the GSM or the GSM's designee.
    (2) If the Exporter or Assignee does not request an administrative 
hearing, the Exporter or Assignee must indicate in its appeal letter 
whether or not it will submit any additional written information or 
documentation for the GSM to consider in acting upon its appeal. This 
information or documentation must be submitted to the GSM within 30 
calendar days of the date of the appeal letter to the GSM. The GSM will 
make a decision regarding the appeal based upon the information 
contained in the administrative record. The GSM will issue his or her 
written decision within 60 calendar days of the latter of the date on 
which the GSM receives the appeal or the date that final documentary 
evidence is submitted by the Exporter or Assignee to the GSM.
    (3) If the Exporter or the Assignee has requested an administrative 
hearing, the GSM will set a date and time for the hearing that is 
mutually convenient for the GSM and the Exporter or Assignee. This date 
will ordinarily be within 60 calendar days of the date on which the GSM 
receives the request for a hearing. The hearing will be an informal 
procedure. The Exporter or Assignee and/or its counsel may present any 
relevant testimony or documentary evidence to the GSM. A transcript of 
the hearing will not ordinarily be prepared unless the Exporter or 
Assignee bears the costs involved in preparing the transcript, although 
the GSM may decide to have a transcript prepared at the expense of the 
Government. The GSM will make a decision regarding the appeal based 
upon the information contained in the administrative record. The GSM 
will issue his or her written decision within 60 calendar days of the 
latter of the date of the hearing or the date of receipt of the 
transcript, if one is to be prepared.
    (4) The decision of the GSM will be the final determination of CCC. 
The Exporter or Assignee will be entitled to no further administrative 
appellate rights.
    (c) Failure to comply with determination. If the Exporter or 
Assignee has violated the terms of this subpart or the Payment 
Guarantee by failing to comply with a determination made under this 
section, and the Exporter or Assignee has exhausted its rights under 
this section or has failed to exercise such rights, then CCC will have 
the right to take any measures available to CCC under applicable law.
    (d) Exporter's obligation to perform. The Exporter will continue to 
have an obligation to perform pursuant to the provisions of these 
regulations and the terms of the Payment Guarantee pending the 
conclusion of all procedures under this section.

Sec.  1493.195  Miscellaneous provisions.

    (a) Officials not to benefit. No member of or delegate to Congress, 
or Resident Commissioner, shall be admitted to any share or part of the 
Payment Guarantee or to any benefit that may arise therefrom, but this 
provision shall not be construed to extend to the Payment Guarantee if 
made with a corporation for its general benefit.
    (b) OMB control number assigned pursuant to the Paperwork Reduction 
Act. The information collection requirements contained in this part (7 
CFR part 1493) have been approved by the Office of Management and 
Budget (OMB) in accordance with the provisions of 44 U.S.C. Chapter 35 
and have been assigned OMB Control Number 0551-0004.

    Dated: June 4, 2014.
Philip C. Karsting,
Administrator, Foreign Agricultural Service, and Vice President, 
Commodity Credit Corporation.

    Editorial Note: This document was received for publication by 
the Office of the Federal Register on November 12, 2014.

[FR Doc. 2014-27129 Filed 11-17-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-10-P
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