Source: https://regulations.justia.com/regulations/fedreg/2015/12/29/2015-32743.html
Timestamp: 2019-09-21 01:05:59
Document Index: 735516222

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Trade Monitoring Procedures for Fishery Products; International Trade in Seafood; Permit Requirements for Importers and Exporters, 81251-81262 [2015-32743] :: National Oceanic And Atmospheric Administration :: Department Of Commerce :: Regulation Tracker :: Justia
Justia Regulation Tracker Department Of Commerce National Oceanic And Atmospheric Administration Trade Monitoring Procedures for Fishery Products; International Trade in Seafood; Permit Requirements for Importers and Exporters, 81251-81262 [2015-32743]
Trade Monitoring Procedures for Fishery Products; International Trade in Seafood; Permit Requirements for Importers and Exporters, 81251-81262 [2015-32743]
Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 249 / Tuesday, December 29, 2015 / Proposed Rules name of any person who fails to respond to such a request within a reasonable timeframe. (B) In lieu of the requirement in paragraph (c)(2)(i) of this section to publish a notice in a daily or weekly newspaper, the Director shall notify the public by posting the following information, for the duration of the public comment period, on a public Web site identified by the Director: a notice of availability of the draft permit for public comment (or the denial of the permit application), the draft permit, information on how to access the administrative record, and information on how to request and/or attend a public hearing on the permit. (C) In lieu of the requirement in paragraph (d)(1)(vi) of this section to specify a location of the administrative record, the Director may post the administrative record on a public Web site identified by the Director. * * * * * [FR Doc. 2015–32639 Filed 12–28–15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560–50–P ADDRESSES in the December 3, 2015 proposal. Mr. David Risley, Clean Air Markets Division, Office of Atmospheric Programs (Mail Code 6204M), Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20460; telephone number: (202) 343–9177; email address: Risley.David@ epa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This document extends the public comment period for the proposed Cross-State Air Pollution Rule Update for the 2008 Ozone NAAQS (80 FR 75706, December 3, 2015) in order to ensure that the public has sufficient time to review and comment on the proposal. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: List of Subjects in 40 CFR Parts 52, 78, and 97 Environmental protection, Administrative practice and procedure, Air pollution control, Electric power plants, Incorporation by reference, Nitrogen oxides, Reporting and record keeping requirements. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY Dated: December 18, 2015. Sarah Dunham, Director, Office of Atmospheric Programs. 40 CFR Parts 52, 78, and 97 [FR Doc. 2015–32507 Filed 12–28–15; 8:45 am] [EPA–HQ–OAR–2015–0500; FRL–9940–57– OAR] BILLING CODE 6560–50–P RIN 2060–AS05 DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE Cross-State Air Pollution Rule Update for the 2008 Ozone NAAQS Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Proposed rule; extension of comment period. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration AGENCY: 50 CFR Parts 216 and 300 [Docket No. 090223227–5999–02] RIN 0648–AX63 The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is extending the comment period for the proposed rule titled ‘‘Cross-State Air Pollution Rule Update for the 2008 Ozone NAAQS’’ that was published in the Federal Register on December 3, 2015. The proposal provided for a public comment period ending January 19, 2016. The EPA received several requests from the public to extend this comment period. The EPA is extending the comment period to a 60-day public comment period ending February 1, 2016. DATES: The comment period for the proposed rule published December 3, 2015, at 80 FR 75706, is extended. Comments, identified by docket identification (ID) number EPA–HQ– OAR–2015–0500, must be received on or before February 1, 2016. ADDRESSES: Follow the detailed instructions as provided under jstallworth on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:26 Dec 28, 2015 Jkt 238001 Trade Monitoring Procedures for Fishery Products; International Trade in Seafood; Permit Requirements for Importers and Exporters National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Proposed rule; request for comments. AGENCY: NMFS proposes regulations to revise procedures and requirements for filing import, export, and re-export documentation for certain fishery products to meet requirements for the SAFE Port Act of 2006, the MagnusonStevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA), other applicable statutes, and obligations that arise from U.S. participation in regional fishery management organizations SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00053 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 81251 (RFMOs) and other arrangements to which the United States is a member or contracting party. Specifically, NMFS proposes to integrate the collection of trade documentation within the government-wide International Trade Data System (ITDS) and require electronic information collection through the automated portal maintained by the Department of Homeland Security, Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Under this integration, NMFS would require annually renewable International Fisheries Trade Permits (IFTP) for the import, export, and re-export of certain regulated seafood commodities that are subject to trade monitoring programs of RFMOs and/or subject to trade documentation requirements under domestic law. These trade monitoring programs enable the United States to exclude products that do not meet the criteria for admissibility to U.S. markets, including products resulting from illegal, unregulated, and unreported (IUU) fishing activities. This proposed rule would consolidate existing international trade permits for regulated seafood products under the Antarctic Marine Living Resources (AMLR) and Highly Migratory Species International Trade Permit (HMS ITP) programs and expand the scope of the permit requirement to include regulated seafood products under the Tuna Tracking and Verification Program (TTVP). This proposed rule would also stipulate data and trade documentation for the above programs which must be provided electronically to CBP and address recordkeeping requirements for these programs in light of the proposed changes. Trade documentation excludes any programmatic documents that are not required at the time of entry/export (e.g., biweekly dealer reports). Written comments must be received by February 29, 2016. DATES: You may submit comments on this document, identified by docket NOAA-NMFS-2009-0124, by any of the following methods: Electronic Submission: Submit all electronic public comments via the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal. Go to www.regulations.gov/ #!docketDetail;D=NOAA-NMFS-20090124, click the ‘‘Comment Now!’’ icon, complete the required fields, and enter or attach your comments. Mail: Mark Wildman, International Fisheries Division, Office for International Affairs and Seafood Inspection, NOAA Fisheries, 1315 EastWest Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910. ADDRESSES: E:\FR\FM\29DEP1.SGM 29DEP1 81252 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 249 / Tuesday, December 29, 2015 / Proposed Rules Instructions: Comments sent by any other method, to any other address or individual, or received after the end of the comment period, may not be considered by NMFS. All comments received are a part of the public record and will generally be posted for public viewing on www.regulations.gov without change. All personal identifying information (e.g., name, address, etc.), confidential business information, or otherwise sensitive information submitted voluntarily by the sender will be publicly accessible. NMFS will accept anonymous comments (enter ‘‘N/ A’’ in the required fields if you wish to remain anonymous). Written comments regarding the burden-hour estimates or other aspects of the collection-of-information requirements contained in this proposed rule may be submitted to the Office for International Affairs and Seafood Inspection (see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT) or by email to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs at OIRA_Submission@ omb.eop.gov or fax to (202) 395–7285. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mark Wildman, International Trade and Marine Stewardship Division, Office for International Affairs and Seafood Inspection, NOAA Fisheries (phone 301–427–8386, or email mark.wildman@noaa.gov). SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: jstallworth on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS Background The Security and Accountability For Every Port Act of 2006 (SAFE Port Act, Pub. L. 109–347) requires all Federal agencies with a role in import admissibility decisions to collect information electronically through the ITDS. The Department of the Treasury has the U.S. Government lead on ITDS development and Federal agency integration. CBP developed Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) as an internet-based system for the collection and dissemination of information for ITDS. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB), through its e-government initiative, oversees Federal agency participation in ITDS, with a focus on reducing duplicate reporting across agencies and migrating paper-based reporting systems to electronic information collection. The term ITDS refers to the integrated, government-wide project for the electronic collection, use, and dissemination of the international trade and transportation data Federal agencies need to perform their missions, while the term ACE refers to the ‘‘single window’’ system through which the trade community will submit data VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:26 Dec 28, 2015 Jkt 238001 related to imports and exports. Detailed information on ITDS is available at: http://www.itds.gov. Numerous Federal agencies are involved in the regulation of international trade and many of these agencies participate in the import, export and transportation-related decision-making process. Agencies also use trade data to monitor and report on trade activity. NMFS is a partner government agency in the ITDS project because of its role in monitoring the trade of certain fishery products. Electronic collection of seafood trade data through a single portal will result in an overall reduction of the public reporting burden and the agency’s data collection costs, will improve the timeliness and accuracy of admissibility decisions, and increase the effectiveness of applicable trade restrictive measures. Overview of Current Trade Measures and Trade Monitoring Programs NMFS is responsible for implementation of trade measures and monitoring programs for fishery products subject to RFMO documentation requirements and/or documentation requirements under domestic laws. RFMOs are international fisheries organizations, established by treaties, to promote international cooperation to achieve effective and responsible marine stewardship and ensure sustainable fisheries management. The United States is a signatory to many RFMO treaties, and Congress has passed implementing legislation to carry out U.S. obligations under those treaties. Trade measures and monitoring programs enable the United States to exclude products that do not meet the criteria for admissibility to U.S. markets. NMFS notes that the MSA defines ‘‘import’’ to mean ‘‘land on, bring into, or introduce into, or attempt to land on, bring into, or introduce into, any place subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, whether or not such landing, bringing or introduction constitutes an importation within the meaning of the customs laws of the United States; but . . . does not include any activity described [above] with respect to fish caught in the exclusive economic zone or by a vessel of the United States.’’ 16 U.S.C. 1802(22). This definition of ‘‘import’’ covers a broad range of activities, including but not limited to, customs entry for consumption, withdrawal from warehouse for consumption, or entry for consumption from a foreign trade zone. The following sections outline NMFS authorities for the various trade measures and trade PO 00000 Frm 00054 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 monitoring programs that apply to fishery products. Authorities for Trade Measures The High Seas Driftnet Fishing Moratorium Protection Act (HSDFMPA) (16 U.S.C. 1826d–k) requires U.S. actions to address IUU fishing activity, bycatch of protected living marine resources (PLMR) and shark catch. Specifically, the HSDFMPA requires the Secretary of Commerce (Secretary) to identify in a biennial report to Congress foreign nations whose vessels engaged in IUU fishing or fishing practices that result in PLMR bycatch or shark catch on the high seas without a regulatory program comparable to that of the United States. The Secretary has established procedures to certify whether nations identified in the biennial report are taking appropriate corrective actions to address the activities for which they were identified (50 CFR 300, Subpart N). Certain fish and fish products from identified nations that do not receive positive certifications could be subject to import prohibitions under the authority provided in the High Seas Driftnet Fisheries Enforcement Act (HSDFEA) (16 U.S.C. 1826a–c). Additionally, there are identification and/or certification procedures in other statutes, including the Pelly Amendment to the Fishermen’s Protective Act (22 U.S.C. 1978) and the Atlantic Tunas Convention Act (ATCA) (16 U.S.C. 971 et seq.). These procedures may result in trade restrictive measures for a country for those fishery products associated with the activity that raised concerns. Further, import prohibitions for certain fishery products could also be applied under provisions of the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) (16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.) and other statutes, depending on the circumstances of the fish harvest and the conservation concerns of the United States. Trade monitoring authority is also provided by the Dolphin Protection Consumer Information Act (DPCIA) (16 U.S.C. 1385) which specifies the conditions under which tuna products, eligible to be labeled dolphin-safe, may be imported into the United States. Multilateral efforts to combat IUU fishing may also result in requirements to take trade action. The United States is a member or contracting party to several RFMOs. Many of these RFMOs have established procedures to identify nations and/or vessels whose fishing activities undermine the effectiveness of the conservation and management measures adopted by the organization. Fishery products exported by such E:\FR\FM\29DEP1.SGM 29DEP1 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 249 / Tuesday, December 29, 2015 / Proposed Rules jstallworth on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS nations or harvested by such vessels may be subject to import or sale prohibitions specified by the RFMO as a means to address the activity of concern. In these cases, the United States is obligated to deny entry of the designated products into its markets, unless it has lodged a timely objection to the RFMO measure establishing the import or sale prohibition. Relevant RFMO statutes include the ATCA, the Antarctic Marine Living Resources Convention Act (AMLRCA) (16 U.S.C. 2431 et seq.), the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Convention Implementation Act (WCPFCIA) (16 U.S.C. 6901 et seq.), and the Tuna Conventions Act (TCA) (16 U.S.C. 951 et seq.). Although the proposed rule would not amend existing regulations pertaining to any of the above trade measure authorities, import filing through ACE will facilitate U.S. Government implementation of trade measures when and if imposed. ITDS will facilitate sharing of data between agencies and allow for improved targeting of suspected illegal (or embargoed) shipments. Trade Monitoring and Documentation Programs Pursuant to domestic statutory authorities and/or multilateral agreements, NMFS has implemented a number of monitoring programs to collect information from the seafood industry regarding the origin of certain fishery products. The purpose of these programs is to determine the admissibility of the products in accordance with the specific criteria of the trade measure or documentation requirements in effect. The three NMFS trade monitoring programs subject to this proposed rule are the HMS ITP program which regulates trade in specified commodities of tuna, swordfish, billfish, and shark fins; the AMLR trade program which regulates trade in Antarctic and Patagonian toothfish and other fishery products caught in the area where the Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) applies; and the TTVP, which regulates trade in frozen and/or processed tuna products, as well as certain other fishery products under the authority of the HSDFEA (refer to 50 CFR 216.24(f)(2)(iii) for a complete list). Generally, these trade monitoring programs require anyone who intends to import, export, and/or re-export regulated species to: Obtain a permit from NMFS; obtain documentation on the flag-nation authorization for the harvest from the foreign exporter; and submit this VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:26 Dec 28, 2015 Jkt 238001 information to NMFS. Depending on the commodity, specific information may also be required, for example the flag state of the harvesting vessel, the ocean area of catch, the fishing gear used, the harvesting vessel name, and details and authorizations related to harvest, landing, transshipment and export. In most cases, these trade monitoring programs require the importer to submit documentation that provides catch and/ or other statistical information to NMFS, while other relevant information on the inbound shipments is provided by the dealer, importer, shipper, carrier, or customs broker to CBP by electronic means. NMFS reviews and reconciles the information reported by importers with the information obtained from CBP and, where applicable, from the relevant RFMO or harvesting or exporting/reexporting nation to determine if the admissibility requirements have been satisfied. If documentation is incomplete, fraudulent or missing, or if the shipment is not admissible given its ocean area of harvest, flag country of the harvesting vessel, harvesting vessel or the circumstances under which it was harvested, entry into U.S. commerce may be prohibited for that shipment and the shipment may be subject to forfeiture. In addition, the importer or other responsible party may be subject to enforcement action. Likewise, U.S. exporters must provide similar documentation for use by other importing nations. As an ITDS partner government agency, access to the ACE system and ITDS data has improved NMFS’ ability to evaluate trends and identify potential problems with seafood imports, including potential cases of seafood fraud (e.g., tariff code misspecification) or imports lacking proper documentation. ACE has helped NMFS communicate with the seafood industry to educate importers and brokers on documentation requirements. It has also helped NMFS target enforcement resources using a risk management approach and has improved the Agency’s ability to intercept illegal shipments by providing access to real time information on shipments coming into U.S. ports of entry. NMFS anticipates that efficiencies derived from ITDS integration would better enable the agency to implement potential future trade measures taken by RFMOs or under domestic statutes, as well as enhance the implementation of NMFS’ three current trade monitoring and documentation programs (AMLR, HMS ITP, and TTVP). NMFS believes implementation of ITDS would result in reduced reporting burdens for the seafood industry, reduced data PO 00000 Frm 00055 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 81253 processing time for government, increased compliance with product admissibility requirements, faster admissibility decisions and more effective enforcement. Under the proposed rule (50 CFR 300.320), an IFTP would be established which would consolidate existing international trade permits for regulated seafood products under the AMLR and HMS ITP programs and expand the scope of the permit requirement to include regulated seafood products under the TTVP. To obtain the IFTP, U.S. importers, exporters, and reexporters of seafood products covered under the TTVP, AMLR, and HMS ITP programs would be required to electronically submit their application and fee for the IFTP via a Web site designated by NMFS. As explained above, currently, the TTVP, AMLR and HMS ITP regulations require submission of specific information and documentation for trade monitoring. Under this proposed rule, the IFTP holder, or his or her representative, would need to electronically provide CBP via ACE with certain data sets (i.e., a subset of the information required to be submitted under the TTVP, AMLR or HMS ITP) and scanned images of documentation for each applicable trade transaction. NMFS would provide detailed information regarding submission of such data sets and documentation in a compliance guide for industry that will be prepared in advance of NMFS’ implementation of a final rule. The format for the data sets would be designated for each of the three programs and specified in the following documents that would be jointly developed by NMFS and CBP and made available to entry filers by CBP (http://www.cbp.gov/trade/ace/ catair): • CBP and Trade Automated Interface Requirements—Appendix PGA • CBP and Trade Automated Interface Requirements—PGA Message Set • Automated Broker Interface (ABI) Requirements—Implementation Guide for NMFS While this proposed rule only applies to the three programs described above, proposed § 300.320 provides that the IFTP and ACE requirements may be incorporated by reference in other regulations pertaining to documentation and reporting of imports and/or exports. Because NMFS will have access to the ITDS, importers, exporters, re-exporters and/or their customs agents would no longer be required to provide NMFS with paper copies of trade documentation. However, they would still need to maintain, and make E:\FR\FM\29DEP1.SGM 29DEP1 81254 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 249 / Tuesday, December 29, 2015 / Proposed Rules jstallworth on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS available for inspection, electronic or paper versions of said records at their place of business for a period of two years after the transaction. Biweekly dealer reports, or other documents not required for import/export admissibility decisions, will not be affected by this proposed rule and will continue to be submitted to NMFS as paper copies. Currently, a trade permit is not required for trade of TTVP fishery commodities. Under this proposed rule, however, those who trade in TTVP fishery commodities would need to obtain an IFTP and individuals or business entities trading in fishery commodities covered by the current HMS ITP and AMLR trade programs would need to obtain an IFTP rather than the programspecific permits required currently. The IFTP would authorize import, export and re-export of fishery commodities covered by the TTVP, AMLR or HMS ITP programs, provided that the permit holder complies with the specific requirements of each program. The amount of the fee charged for the IFTP would be calculated, at least annually, in accordance with procedures of the NOAA Finance Handbook (http:// www.corporateservices.noaa.gov/ finance/Finance%20Handbook.html) for determining the costs for administering the IFTP program; the fee would not exceed such costs. Alternatives Considered When deliberating how best to implement ITDS, NMFS also considered several alternatives to the proposed action described above. Under the first alternative, rather than require entry filers to submit scanned images of documentation and a limited data set, such filers would be required to enter all data elements necessary for the authentication and authorization of each shipment into the CBP’s automated ACE system. Although this alternative would not require the submission of scanned images of documentation for two of the three trade monitoring programs (scanned images would still be required for the TTVP), it would require entry filers to provide most of the data contained in such documentation at the time of import or export rather than providing a data set limited to only those elements absolutely necessary to determine admissibility. NMFS considers this alternative to be too burdensome for entry filers in terms of the additional time that would be required to enter such data into ACE. A second alternative would involve the submission of a limited electronic data set with no scanned documentation provided electronically. In this scenario, NMFS would require entry filers to VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:26 Dec 28, 2015 Jkt 238001 submit a limited message set into ACE, but entry filers would also need to separately provide NMFS with any additional documentation and data necessary for NMFS to complete dolphin-safe tuna verification at the time of, or in advance of, importation and periodic reports for RFMOs. This alternative is not preferred as it would create an unnecessary burden on both NMFS and the trade since it would require entry filers to both complete ACE entry procedures and also submit admissibility documents to NMFS outside of ACE, the ITDS single window. A third alternative would be for NMFS to require an electronic data set consisting solely of the international fisheries trade permit number with scanned documentation provided electronically via ITDS. This alternative would not be preferred as it would place a significant burden on NMFS to manually convert scanned document images to data sets so that NMFS could make decisions regarding product admissibility. Such an approach would require considerable NMFS staff time and would inevitably create burdens on industry as such an alternative would result in post-release seizures or redelivery orders to the trade for products later determined by NMFS to be inadmissible. A fourth alternative would be to implement the IFTP requirement for the HMS ITP and AMLR trade program but not for the TTVP which currently has no permit requirement. The rationale for instituting the IFTP for the TTVP is to identify the business entities that are engaged in the trade activities subject to monitoring, for the purposes of informing them of requirements and any changes thereto. Lack of education/ notification could increase noncompliance, resulting in delayed release, seizures or other enforcement actions, and/or blocked shipments when requirements are not met at the border. In addition, not requiring an IFTP for the TTVP participants, would preclude the imposition of permit sanctions in the event of serious infractions of reporting or recordkeeping requirements in the TTVP. For all the above-stated reasons, this alternative is not preferred. Amendments to AMLR Regulations As a Member of the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR), the United States is obligated to implement conservation measures adopted by CCAMLR, unless the United States objects, pursuant to Article IX of the CCAMLR Convention. NMFS has implemented CCAMLR-adopted PO 00000 Frm 00056 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 conservation measures in 50 CFR part 300, subpart G. Under these regulations, a person that intends to import or reexport AMLR must obtain a dealer permit. To integrate the collection of information on the trade of AMLR within the ITDS, NMFS proposes to revise the AMLR regulations to require a dealer importing or exporting AMLR to possess a valid IFTP issued under the proposed § 300.322 discussed below. These proposed revisions to 50 CFR part 300 subpart G would replace the AMLR dealer permit procedures with a reference to the proposed IFTP procedures (see below). Where appropriate, the term ‘‘AMLR dealer permit’’ and references to that permit would be replaced with ‘‘IFTP.’’ Section 300.114(k) of the AMLR regulations regarding registered agents would be removed because § 300.322 provides for the designation of resident agents who would be authorized to act on behalf of foreign entities. Amendments to HMS ITP Regulations NMFS established permitting, reporting, and recordkeeping regulations to implement various RFMO trade monitoring programs under the HMS ITP program in 50 CFR part 300 subpart M. As noted above, a person trading in fishery commodities covered by the current HMS ITP program would need to obtain the newly established IFTP and the program-specific HMS ITP permit will be retired. Submission of consignment documents such as the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tuna (ICCAT) bluefin tuna catch document would be through ACE and the CBP Document Imaging System (DIS). Using the ACE system rather than submitting hardcopy documents to NMFS would result in reduced reporting burdens for the seafood industry and reduced data processing time for the government as documents would be submitted only once, to CBP, instead of to both CBP and NMFS. Amendments to TTVP As noted above, a person trading in fishery commodities covered under the TTVP would need to obtain an IFTP. Such a trade permit is currently not a requirement under the TTVP. NMFS believes the benefits and efficiencies resulting from ITDS implementation and establishing a single consolidated IFTP covering all three of the NMFS trade monitoring programs would greatly exceed the fee charged to cover administrative costs associated with NMFS issuance of the IFTP. In addition, under current regulations at 50 CFR 216.24(f)(3)(ii), TTVP E:\FR\FM\29DEP1.SGM 29DEP1 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 249 / Tuesday, December 29, 2015 / Proposed Rules importers are able to submit documents electronically in Portable Document Format (PDF) using a secure file transfer protocol site. This proposed rule would eliminate that document submission option in favor of document submission through the ACE system. Such a change would result in reduced reporting burdens for the seafood industry and reduced data processing time for the government as documents would be submitted only once, to CBP, instead of to both CBP and the TTVP. The proposed rule would also allow for a reduced data set to be filed via ACE in certain circumstances. The reduced data set is limited to importations by domestic canners and to processors other than canners that label any tuna product dolphin-safe, and which are required to submit the monthly reports required under 50 CFR 216.93(d)(2) or (e) to the TTVP. The reduced data set pertains to importations of: 1) frozen cooked tuna loins used in cannery operations and 2) tuna products in airtight containers manufactured in American Samoa and imported into the United States or Puerto Rico that originated from the tuna receipts listed on those monthly reports. The reduced data set is intended to prevent duplicative reporting for the companies that import the tuna products described above and that already submit required information to the TTVP via the monthly reports. This proposed rule also makes minor edits to the regulatory text in order to update an internet Web site address, harmonize regulatory text in part 216, Subpart H, Dolphin Safe Tuna Labeling, with the regulatory text being revised as part of ITDS implementation in 50 CFR 216.24(f), and allow importers to submit documentation to the ACE system at the time of, or in advance of, importation. Revisions to the tables in § 216.24(f)(2)(i) through (iii) have been made to reflect the latest updates to harmonized tariff codes. jstallworth on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS Relationship to Presidential Task Force on Combatting Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing and Seafood Fraud This current rulemaking does not propose measures to implement recommendations 14 and 15 (seafood traceability) of the Presidential Task Force on Combatting Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing and Seafood Fraud (Task Force). There will be a separate opportunity for public comment on the proposed regulations pertaining to these Task Force recommendations. VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:26 Dec 28, 2015 Jkt 238001 Classification This proposed rule is published under the authority of AMLRCA of 1984, 16 U.S.C. 2431 et seq.; ATCA of 1975, 16 U.S.C. 971 et seq.; TCA of 1950, 16 U.S.C. 951–961; MSA, 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.; MMPA of 1972, 16 U.S.C. 1361– 1407; DPCIA, 16 U.S.C. 1385; HSDFMPA, 16 U.S.C. 1826d–k; and HSDFEA, 16 U.S.C. 1826a–c. Other relevant authorities include the Pelly Amendment to the Fishermen’s Protective Act, 22 U.S.C. 1978, and the Lacey Act, 16 U.S.C. 3371. The NMFS Assistant Administrator has determined that this proposed rule is consistent with the provisions of these and other applicable laws, subject to further consideration after public comment. This proposed rule has been determined to be not significant for the purposes of Executive Order 12866. NMFS has prepared a regulatory impact review of this action, which is available from NMFS (see ADDRESSES). This analysis describes the economic impact this proposed action, if adopted, would have on the United States. NMFS invites the public to comment on this proposal and the supporting analysis. Regulatory Flexibility Act An initial regulatory flexibility analysis was not prepared because this proposed rule is not expected to have a significant economic impact on U.S. small entities. Thus, the Chief Counsel for Regulation of the Department of Commerce certified to the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Small Business Administration that this proposed rule, if adopted, would not have any significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. The regulatory action being considered, and its legal basis, is described in detail earlier in the preamble. Although a new IFTP is proposed to be established for the import, export or re-export of regulated products under the AMLR, HMS ITP and TTVP programs, this new permit generally represents a consolidation of information contained in existing permits and should actually result in fewer reporting or recordkeeping requirements. Data sets to be entered electronically to determine product admissibility are already required to be submitted in paper form under the respective trade programs. Thus, NMFS anticipates that U.S. entities would not be significantly affected by this action because it generally does not pose new or additional burdens with regard to the collection and submission of PO 00000 Frm 00057 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 81255 information necessary to determine product admissibility. With regard to the possible economic effects of this action, per the response to Question 13 of the supporting statement prepared for the Paperwork Reduction Act analysis (available from www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAMain), NMFS estimates there will be 751 applicants for the new IFTP with an estimated net increase in annual costs of $16,255 for obtaining those permits, based on the combined number of permit holders and respondents under NMFS’ existing trade monitoring programs. Although NMFS does not have access to data about the business sizes of importers and receivers that would be impacted by this proposed rule, it is likely that the majority may be classified as small entities. However, when overall total new burdens for the three requirements proposed under this rule (IFTP, data set submission, and admissibility document(s) submission) are compared to current burdens, the new consolidated burdens are estimated to result in an overall net burden decrease of 4,225 hours and $63,650. A no-action alternative, where NMFS would not promulgate the proposed rule, was not considered as all applicable U.S. government agencies are required to implement ITDS under the authority of section 405 of the SAFE Port Act and Executive Order 13659 on Streamlining the Export/Import Process, dated February 19, 2014. The proposed action would not affect the volume of seafood trade or alter trade flows in the U.S. market. Although the proposed rule would require traders under the TTVP to obtain an IFTP, which they are not currently required to do, NMFS expects that the consolidated IFTP would have no impact on, or would actually reduce, the overall administrative burden on the public; those parties currently required to obtain two separate permits under the AMLR and HMS ITP programs would be required to obtain only one consolidated permit under this proposed rule. The consolidated permitting and electronic reporting program proposed by this rulemaking would not have significant adverse or long-term economic impacts on small U.S. entities. This proposed rule has also been determined not to duplicate, overlap, or conflict with any other Federal rules. Thus, the requirements and prohibitions in the proposed rule would not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. Consequently, an initial regulatory flexibility analysis is not required and none has been prepared. E:\FR\FM\29DEP1.SGM 29DEP1 81256 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 249 / Tuesday, December 29, 2015 / Proposed Rules Paperwork Reduction Act This proposed rule contains a collection-of-information requirement subject to review and approval by OMB under the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA). This requirement has been submitted to OMB for approval. When overall total new burdens for the three requirements proposed under this rule (IFTP, data set submission, and admissibility document(s) submission) are compared to current burdens, the new burdens are estimated to result in an overall net burden decrease of 4,225 hours and $63,650. Public comment is sought regarding: whether this proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information shall have practical utility; the accuracy of the burden estimate; ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information, including through the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Send comments on these or any other aspects of the collection of information to the Office for International Affairs and Seafood Inspection at the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT above, or to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs by email to OIRA_Submission@ omb.eop.gov or fax to (202) 395–7285. Notwithstanding any other provision of the law, no person is required to respond to, and no person shall be subject to penalty for failure to comply with, a collection of information subject to the requirements of the PRA, unless that collection of information displays a currently valid OMB control number. List of Subjects 50 CFR Part 216 Administrative practice and procedure, Exports, Marine mammals, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements. jstallworth on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS 50 CFR Part 300 Exports, Fisheries, Fishing, Fishing vessels, Foreign relations, Illegal, unreported or unregulated fishing, Imports, International trade permits, Treaties. Dated: December 23, 2015. Eileen Sobeck, Assistant Administrator for Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. For the reasons set out in the preamble, 50 CFR parts 216 and 300 are proposed to be amended as follows: VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:26 Dec 28, 2015 Jkt 238001 PART 216—REGULATIONS GOVERNING THE TAKING AND IMPORTING OF MARINE MAMMALS 1. The authority citation for part 216 continues to read as follows: ■ Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq., unless otherwise noted. 2. In § 216.24, revise introductory paragraph (f)(2); (f)(2)(i)(A) and (D); (f)(2)(ii)(A) and (D); (f)(2)(iii)(A) through (C); introductory paragraph (f)(3); and (f)(3)(i) through (iii) to read as follows: ■ § 216.24 Taking and related acts incidental to commercial fishing operations by tuna purse seine vessels in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean. * * * * * (f) * * * (2) Imports requiring a Fisheries Certificate of Origin and an International Fisheries Trade Permit. Shipments of tuna, tuna products, and certain other fish products identified in paragraphs (f)(2)(i) through (iii) of this section may not be imported into the United States unless: a scanned copy of a properly completed Fisheries Certificate of Origin (FCO), NOAA Form 370, associated certifications and statements described in § 216.91(a), and required data set are filed electronically with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at the time of, or in advance of, importation as required under § 300.322; and the importer of record designated on the entry summary (Customs Form 7501) holds a valid International Fisheries Trade Permit as specified at § 300.322 of this title. ‘‘Required data set’’ has the same meaning as § 300.321 of this title (see definition of ‘‘Documentation and data sets required’’). (i) * * * (A) Frozen: (products containing Yellowfin). 0303.42.0020 Yellowfin tunas, whole, frozen 0303.42.0040 Yellowfin tunas, head-on, frozen, except whole 0303.42.0060 Yellowfin tunas, other, frozen, except whole, head-on, fillets, livers and roes 0304.87.0000 Tuna fish fillets, frozen, not elsewhere specified or indicated (NESOI) 0304.99.1190 Tuna, frozen, in bulk or in immediate containers weighing with their contents over 6.8 kg each * * * * * (D) Other: (products containing Yellowfin). 0511.91.0090 Fish, shellfish products unfit for human consumption 1604.20.1000 Fish pastes 1604.20.1500 Fish balls, cakes and puddings, in oil PO 00000 Frm 00058 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 1604.20.2000 Fish balls, cakes and puddings, not in oil, less than 6.8 kg, in airtight containers 1604.20.2500 Fish balls, cakes and puddings, not in oil, not in airtight containers, in immediate containers weighing with their contents not over 6.8 kg each 1604.20.3000 Fish balls, cakes and puddings, NESOI 1604.20.4000 Fish sticks, not cooked, nor in oil 1604.20.5010 Fish sticks, cooked and frozen 1604.20.5090 Fish sticks, NESOI 2309.10.0010 Dog or cat food, in airtight containers (ii) * * * (A) Frozen: (other than Yellowfin). 0303.41.0000 Albacore or longfinned tunas, frozen, except fillets, livers and roes 0303.43.0000 Skipjack tunas or stripebellied bonito, frozen, except fillets, livers and roes 0303.44.0000 Bigeye tunas, frozen, except fillets, livers and roes 0303.45.0110 Atlantic Bluefin, frozen, except fillets, livers and roes 0303.45.0150 Pacific Bluefin, frozen, except fillets, livers and roes 0303.46.0000 Southern bluefin tunas, frozen, except fillets, livers and roes 0303.49.0200 Tunas, frozen, except fillets, livers and roes, NESOI 0304.87.0000 Tuna fish fillets, frozen, NESOI 0304.99.1190 Tuna, frozen, in bulk or in immediate containers weighing with their contents over 6.8 kg each, NESOI * * * * * (D) Other: (only if the product contains tuna). 0511.91.0090 Fish, shellfish products unfit for human consumption 1604.20.1000 Fish pastes 1604.20.1500 Fish balls, cakes and puddings, in oil 1604.20.2000 Fish balls, cakes and puddings, not in oil, less than 6.8 kg, in airtight containers 1604.20.2500 Fish balls, cakes and puddings, not in oil, not in airtight containers, in immediate containers weighing with their contents not over 6.8 kg each 1604.20.3000 Fish balls, cakes and puddings, NESOI 1604.20.4000 Fish sticks, not cooked, nor in oil 1604.20.5010 Fish sticks, cooked and frozen 1604.20.5090 Fish sticks, NESOI 2309.10.0010 Dog or cat food, in airtight containers (iii) * * * (A) Frozen: E:\FR\FM\29DEP1.SGM 29DEP1 jstallworth on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 249 / Tuesday, December 29, 2015 / Proposed Rules 0303.11.0000 Sockeye (red) salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka), frozen, except fillets, livers and roes 0303.12.0012 Chinook (King) salmon (Oncorhynchus tschawytscha), frozen, except fillets, livers and roes 0303.12.0022 Chum (dog) salmon (Oncorhynchus keta), frozen, except fillets, livers and roes 0303.12.0032 Pink (humpie) salmon (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha), frozen, except fillets, livers and roes 0303.12.0052 Coho (silver) salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch), frozen, except fillets, livers and roes 0303.12.0062 Pacific salmon (Oncorhynchus masou, Oncorhynchus rhodurus), frozen, except fillets, livers and roes, NESOI 0303.13.0000 Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) and Danube salmon (Hucho hucho), frozen, except fillets, livers and roes 0303.14.0000 Trout (Salmo trutta; Oncorhynchus mykiss, clarki, aguabonita, gilae, apache, and chrysogaster), frozen, except fillets, livers and roes 0303.19.0100 Salmonidae, frozen, except fillets, livers and roes, NESOI 0303.57.0010 Swordfish steaks, frozen, except fillets 0303.57.0090 Swordfish, frozen, except steaks, fillets, livers and roes 0303.81.0010 Dogfish (Squalus spp.), frozen, except fillets, livers and roes 0303.81.0090 Sharks, frozen, except dogfish, fillets, livers and roes 0303.89.0079 Fish, other, frozen, except fillets, livers and roes, NESOI 0304.81.5010 Atlantic Salmonidae (Salmo salar) fillets, frozen, NESOI 0304.81.5090 Salmonidae fillets, frozen, except Atlantic salmon, NESOI 0304.89.1090 Fish fillets, skinned, frozen blocks weighing over 4.5 kg each, to be minced, ground or cut into pieces of uniform weights and dimensions, NESOI 0304.91.1000 Swordfish, frozen, in bulk or in immediate containers weighing over 6.8 kg each 0304.91.9000 Swordfish, frozen, NESOI 0304.99.9191 Fish fillets, ocean, frozen, NESOI 0307.49.0010 Squid fillets, frozen 0307.49.0022 Squid, Loligo opalescens, NESOI 0307.49.0024 Squid, Loligo pealei, NESOI 0307.49.0029 Squid, Loligo, other, NESOI 0307.49.0050 Squid, other, NESOI (B) Canned: 1604.11.2020 Pink (humpie) salmon, whole or in pieces, but not minced, in oil, in airtight containers VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:26 Dec 28, 2015 Jkt 238001 1604.11.2030 Sockeye (red) salmon, whole or in pieces, but not minced, in oil, in airtight containers 1604.11.2090 Salmon NESOI, whole or in pieces, but not minced, in oil, in airtight containers 1604.11.4010 Chum (dog) salmon, not in oil, canned 1604.11.4020 Pink (humpie) salmon, not in oil, canned 1604.11.4030 Sockeye (red) salmon, not in oil, canned 1604.11.4040 Salmon, NESOI, not in oil, canned 1604.11.4050 Salmon, whole or in pieces, but not minced, NESOI 1604.19.2100 Fish, NESOI, not in oil, in airtight containers 1604.19.3100 Fish, NESOI, in oil, in airtight containers 1605.54.6020 Squid, Loligo, prepared or preserved 1605.54.6030 Squid, except Loligo, prepared or preserved (C) Other: 0305.39.6080 Fish fillets, dried, salted or in brine, but not smoked, NESOI 0305.41.0000 Pacific salmon (Oncorhynchus spp.), Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar), and Danube salmon (Hucho hucho), including fillets, smoked 0305.49.4041 Fish including fillets, smoked, NESOI 0305.59.0000 Fish, dried, whether or not salted but not smoked, NESOI 0305.69.4000 Salmon, salted but not dried or smoked; in brine 0305.69.5001 Fish in immediate containers weighing with their contents 6.8 kg or less each, salted but not dried or smoked; in brine, NESOI 0305.69.6001 Fish, salted but not dried or smoked; in brine, NESOI 0305.71.0000 Shark fins, dried, whether or not salted but not smoked 0305.49.0010 Squid, frozen, fillets 0307.49.0022 Squid, Loligo opalescens, frozen (except fillets), dried, salted or in brine 0307.49.0024 Squid, Loligo pealei, frozen (except fillets), dried, salted or in brine 0307.49.0029 Squid, Loligo, frozen (except fillets), dried, salted or in brine, NESOI 0307.49.0050 Squid, other, frozen (except fillets), dried, salted or in brine, except Loligo squid 0307.49.0060 Cuttle fish (Sepia officinalis, Rossia macrosoma, Sepiola spp.), frozen, dried, salted or in brine (3) Disposition of Fisheries Certificates of Origin. The FCO described in paragraph (f)(4) of this section may be obtained from the PO 00000 Frm 00059 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 81257 Administrator, West Coast Region, or downloaded from the Internet at http:// www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/dolphinsafe/ noaa370.htm. (i) A properly completed FCO, and its attached certifications and statements as described in § 216.91(a), must accompany the required CBP entry documents that are filed at the time of, or in advance of, importation. (ii) FCOs and associated certifications and statements as described in § 216.91(a) must be provided electronically to CBP as indicated in paragraph (f)(2) of this section. (iii) FCOs that accompany imported shipments of tuna destined for further processing in the United States must be endorsed at each change in ownership and submitted to the Administrator, West Coast Region, by the last endorser when all required endorsements are completed. Such FCOs must be submitted as specified in § 216.93(d)(2). * * * * * ■ 3. In § 216.93, revise paragraphs (f) and (g)(2) to read as follows: § 216.93 Tracking and verification program. * * * * * (f) Tracking imports. All tuna products, except fresh tuna, that are imported into the United States must be accompanied as described in § 216.24(f)(3) by a properly certified FCO as required by § 216.24(f)(2). For tuna tracking purposes, copies of FCOs and associated certifications and statements must be submitted by the importer of record to U.S. Customs and Border Protection as described in and required by § 216.24(f)(2). (g) * * * (2) Record submission. At the time of, or in advance of, importation of a shipment of tuna or tuna products, any exporter, transshipper, importer, processor, or wholesaler/distributor of tuna or tuna products must submit all corresponding FCOs and required certifications and statements for those tuna or tuna products as required by § 216.24(f)(2). * * * * * PART 300—INTERNATIONAL FISHERIES REGULATIONS 4. The authority citation for 50 CFR part 300 continues to read as follows: ■ Authority: 16 U.S.C. 951 et seq.; 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.; 16 U.S.C. 5501 et seq.; 16 U.S.C. 2431 et seq.; 31 U.S.C. 9701 et seq. 5. In § 300.4: a. Revise paragraph (o); b. Redesignate paragraphs (p) and (q) as (q) and (r); and ■ c. Add a new paragraph (p). ■ ■ ■ E:\FR\FM\29DEP1.SGM 29DEP1 81258 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 249 / Tuesday, December 29, 2015 / Proposed Rules The revision and addition read as follows: § 300.4 General prohibitions. * * * * * (o) Ship, transport, offer for sale, sell, purchase, import, export, or have custody, control, or possession of, any fish imported, exported or re-exported in violation of this part. (p) Import, export, or re-export any fish regulated under this part without a valid International Fisheries Trade Permit or applicable shipment documentation. * * * * * ■ 6. In § 300.107, revise paragraph (b) introductory text, and paragraphs (b)(1), (b)(3), (c)(6)(i)(A)(5), and (c)(7)(i)(A)(4) to read as follows: § 300.107 Reporting and recordkeeping requirements. * * * * * (b) Dealers. Dealers of AMLR required under § 300.114 to have an International Fisheries Trade Permit (IFTP) issued under § 300.322 must: (1) Accurately maintain all reports and records required by their IFTP and this subpart; * * * * * (3) Within the time specified in the IFTP requirements, submit a copy of such reports and records to NMFS at an address designated by NMFS. (c) * * * (6) * * * (i) * * * (A) * * * (5) The dealer/exporter’s name, address, and IFTP number; and * * * * * (7) * * * (i) * * * (A) * * * (4) The dealer/exporter’s name, address, and IFTP permit number; * * * * * ■ 7. In § 300.114: ■ a. Revise paragraphs (a)(1), (a)(2), (a)(4), (b), (d), (e), (f), (g)(1), (g)(2), (h), and (j); and ■ b. Remove paragraph (k). The revisions read as follows: jstallworth on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS § 300.114 Dealer permits and preapproval. (a) * * * (1) A dealer importing, or re-exporting AMLR, or a person exporting AMLR, must possess a valid IFTP issued under § 300.322 and file required data sets electronically with CBP at the time of, or in advance of importation or exportation. ‘‘Required data set: has the same meaning as § 300.321 (see definition of ‘‘Documentation and data sets required. See § 300.322 for IFTP application procedures and permit VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:26 Dec 28, 2015 Jkt 238001 regulations. The IFTP holder may only conduct those specific activities stipulated by the IFTP. Preapproval from NMFS is required for each shipment of frozen Dissostichus species. (2) An AMLR may be imported into the United States if its harvest has been authorized by a U.S.-issued individual permit or its importation has been authorized by an IFTP and, in the case of frozen Dissostichus species, preapproval issued under § 300.114(a)(1). AMLRs may not be released for entry into the United States unless accompanied by the harvesting permit, the individual permit, or IFTP and, in the case of frozen Dissostichus species, the preapproval certification granted by NMFS to allow import. NMFS will only accept electronic catch documents for toothfish imports. * * * * * (4) An IFTP or preapproval issued under this section does not authorize the harvest or transshipment of any AMLR by or to a vessel of the United States. (b) Application. Application forms for preapproval are available from NMFS. With the exception of the U.S. Customs 7501 entry number, a complete and accurate application must be received by NMFS for each preapproval at least 15 working days before the anticipated date of the first receipt, importation, or re-export. Dealers must supply the U.S. Customs 7501 entry number at least three working days prior to a Dissostichus species shipment’s arrival. * * * * * (d) Issuance. NMFS may issue a preapproval if it determines that the activity proposed by the dealer meets the requirements of the Act and that the resources were not or will not be harvested in violation of any CCAMLR conservation measure in force with respect to the United States or in violation of any regulation in this subpart. No preapproval will be issued for Dissostichusspecies without verifiable documentation, to include VMS reports with vessel location and messages, of the use of real-time C–VMS port-to-port by the vessel that harvested such Dissostichus species, except for Dissostichus species harvested during fishing trips that began prior to September 24, 2007. (e) Duration. A preapproval is valid until the product is imported. Each export or re-export document created by NOAA in the CDS is valid only for that particular shipment. (f) Transfer. A preapproval issued under this section is not transferable or assignable. PO 00000 Frm 00060 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 (g) * * * (1) Pending applications. Applicants for preapproval under this section must report in writing to NMFS any change in the information submitted in preapproval applications. The processing period for the application may be extended as necessary to review and consider the change. (2) Issued preapprovals. Any entity issued a preapproval under this section must report in writing to NMFS any changes in previously submitted information. Any changes that would result in a change in the receipt or importation authorized by the preapproval, such as harvesting vessel or country of origin, type and quantity of the resource to be received or imported, and Convention statistical subarea from which the resource was harvested, must be proposed in writing to NMFS and may not be undertaken unless authorized by NMFS through issuance of a revised or new preapproval. (h) Revision, suspension, or revocation. A preapproval issued under this section may be revised, suspended, or revoked, based upon a violation of the IFTP, the Act, or this subpart. Failure to report a change in the information contained in a preapproval application voids the application or preapproval. Title 15 CFR part 904 governs sanctions under this subpart. * * * * * (j) SVDCD. Preapprovals will not be issued for Dissostichus spp. offered for sale or other disposition under a Specially Validated DCD. * * * * * ■ 8. In § 300.117, revise paragraphs (b) and (r), and add paragraph (ii) to read as follows: § 300.117 Prohibitions. * * * * * (b) Import into, or export or re-export from, the United States any AMLRs without applicable catch documentation as required by § 300.107(c), without an IFTP as required by § 300.114 (a)(1), or in violation of the terms and conditions for such import, export or re-export as specified on the IFTP. * * * * * (r) Without a valid first receiver permit issued under this subpart, receive AMLRs from a vessel or receive AMLRs from a vessel without a valid harvesting permit issued under this subpart. * * * * * (ii) Import into, or export or re-export from, the United States any AMLRs harvest by a vessel of the United States E:\FR\FM\29DEP1.SGM 29DEP1 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 249 / Tuesday, December 29, 2015 / Proposed Rules without a valid harvesting permit issued under this subpart. * * * * * ■ 9. In § 300.181: ■ a. Add a definition for ‘‘Automated Commercial Environment (ACE)’’ in alphabetical order; ■ b. Revise the definition for ‘‘CBP’’; ■ c. Add a definition for ‘‘International Fisheries Trade Permit (IFTP) or trade permit’’ in alphabetical order; ■ d. Revise the definition for ‘‘Permit holder’’; and ■ e. Add a definition for ‘‘Required data set’’, in alphabetical order. The additions and revisions read as follows: § 300.181 Definitions. * * * * * Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) has the same meaning as that term is defined in § 300.321 of this part. * * * * * CBP means U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Department of Homeland Security. * * * * * International Fisheries Trade Permit (IFTP) or trade permit means the permit issued by NMFS under § 300.322. * * * * * Permit holder, for purposes of this subpart, means, unless otherwise specified, a person who is required to obtain an International Fisheries Trade Permit (IFTP) under § 300.322. * * * * * Required data set has the same meaning as § 300.321 (see definition of ‘‘Documentation and data sets required’’). * * * * * ■ 10. Section 300.182 is revised to read as follows: jstallworth on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS § 300.182 Permit. International Fisheries Trade An importer, entering for consumption fish or fish products regulated under this subpart from any ocean area into the United States, or an exporter exporting or re-exporting such product, must possess a valid International Fisheries Trade Permit (IFTP) issued under § 300.322. ■ 11. In § 300.183, revise introductory paragraph (a), and paragraphs (a)(3), (b), (c), (d) and (e) to read as follows: § 300.183 Permit holder reporting and recordkeeping requirements. (a) Biweekly reports. Any person trading fish and fish products regulated under this subpart and required to obtain a trade permit under § 300.322 must submit to NMFS, on forms supplied by NMFS, a biweekly report of VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:26 Dec 28, 2015 Jkt 238001 entries for consumption, exports and reexports of fish and fish products regulated under this subpart except shark fins. * * * * * (3) A biweekly report is not required for export consignments of bluefin tuna when the information required on the biweekly report has been previously supplied on a biweekly report submitted under § 635.5(b)(2)(i)(B) of this title. The person required to obtain a trade permit under § 300.322 must retain, at his/her principal place of business, a copy of the biweekly report which includes the required information and is submitted under § 635.5(b)(2)(i)(B) of this title, for a period of 2 years from the date on which each report was submitted to NMFS. (b) Recordkeeping. Any person trading fish and fish products regulated under this subpart and required to submit biweekly reports under paragraph (a) of this section must retain, at his/her principal place of business, a copy of each biweekly report and all supporting records for a period of 2 years from the date on which each report was submitted to NMFS. (c) Other requirements and recordkeeping requirements. Any person trading fish and fish products regulated under this subpart and required to obtain a trade permit under § 300.322 is also subject to the reporting and recordkeeping requirements identified in § 300.185. (d) Inspection. Any person authorized to carry out the enforcement activities under the regulations in this subpart (authorized person) has the authority, without warrant or other process, to inspect, at any reasonable time: fish or fish products regulated under this subpart, biweekly reports, statistical documents, catch documents, re-export certificates, relevant sales receipts, import and export documentation, and any other records or reports made, retained, or submitted pursuant to this subpart. A permit holder must allow NMFS or an authorized person to inspect any fish or fish products regulated under this subpart, and inspect and copy any import export, and re-export documentation and any reports required under this subpart, and the records, in any form, on which the completed reports are based, wherever they exist. Any agent of a person trading and required to obtain a trade permit under § 300.322, or anyone responsible for importing, exporting, re-exporting, storing, packing, or selling fish or fish products regulated under this subpart, shall be subject to the inspection provisions of this section. PO 00000 Frm 00061 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 81259 (e) Applicability of reporting and recordkeeping requirements. Reporting and recordkeeping requirements in this subpart apply to any person engaging in trading regardless of whether a trade permit has been issued to that person. ■ 12. In § 300.185: ■ a. Revise paragraph (a)(2); ■ b. Remove paragraphs (a)(3) and (b)(3); and ■ c. Revise paragraphs (b)(2), (c)(2)(i) and (ii), and (c)(3) to read as follows: § 300.185 Documentation, reporting and recordkeeping requirements for consignment documents and re-export certificates. (a) * * * (2) Documentation and consignment document reporting requirements. (i) All fish or fish products except for shark fins, regulated under this subpart, imported into the Customs territory of the United States or entered for consumption into a separate customs territory of a U.S. insular possession, must, at the time of presenting entry documentation for clearance by customs authorities (e.g., electronic filing via ACE or other documentation required by the port director) be accompanied by an original, complete, accurate, valid, approved and properly validated, species-specific consignment document. An image of such document and the required data set must be filed electronically with CBP via ACE. (ii) Bluefin tuna. (A) Imports which were re-exported from another nation, must also be accompanied by an original, complete, accurate, valid, approved, and properly validated, species-specific re-export certificate. An image of such document, an image of the original import document, and the required data set must be filed electronically with CBP via ACE. (B) Bluefin tuna, imported into the Customs territory of the United States or entered for consumption into the separate customs territory of a U.S. insular possession, from a country requiring a BCD tag on all such bluefin tuna available for sale, must be accompanied by the appropriate BCD tag issued by that country, and said BCD tag must remain on any bluefin tuna until it reaches its final destination. If the final import destination is the United States, which includes U.S. insular possessions, the BCD tag must remain on the bluefin tuna until it is cut into portions. If the bluefin tuna portions are subsequently packaged for domestic commercial use or re-export, the BCD tag number and the issuing country must be written legibly and indelibly on the outside of the package. (iii) Fish or fish products regulated under this subpart other than bluefin E:\FR\FM\29DEP1.SGM 29DEP1 jstallworth on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS 81260 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 249 / Tuesday, December 29, 2015 / Proposed Rules tuna and shark fins. (A) Imports that were previously re-exported and were subdivided or consolidated with another consignment before re-export, must also be accompanied by an original, complete, accurate, valid, approved and properly validated species-specific re-export certificate. An image of such document, an image of the original import document, and the required data set must be filed electronically with CBP via ACE. (B) All other imports that have been previously re-exported from another nation, should have the intermediate importers certification of the original statistical document completed. (iv) Consignment documents must be validated as specified in § 300.187 by a responsible government official of the flag country whose vessel caught the fish (regardless of where the fish are first landed). Re-export certificates must be validated by a responsible government official of the re-exporting country. (v) A permit holder may not accept an import without the completed consignment document or re-export certificate as described in paragraphs (a)(2)(i) through (a)(2)(iv) of this section. (vi) For fish or fish products, except shark fins, regulated under this subpart that are entered for consumption, the permit holder must provide correct and complete information, as requested by NMFS, on the original consignment document that accompanied the consignment. (b) * * * (2) Documentation and reporting requirements. A permit holder must complete an original, approved, numbered, species-specific consignment document issued to that permit holder by NMFS for each export referenced under paragraph (b)(1) of this section, and electronically file an image of such documentation and the required data set with CBP via ACE. Such an individually numbered document is not transferable and may be used only once by the permit holder to which it was issued to report on a specific export consignment. A permit holder must provide on the consignment document the correct information and exporter certification. The consignment document must be validated, as specified in § 300.187, by NMFS, or another official authorized by NMFS. A list of such officials may be obtained by contacting NMFS. A permit holder requesting U.S. validation for exports should notify NMFS as soon as possible after arrival of the vessel to avoid delays in inspection and validation of the export consignment. A permit holder must ensure that the original, approved, consignment VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:26 Dec 28, 2015 Jkt 238001 document accompanies the export of such products to their export destination. (c) * * * (2) Documentation and filing requirements. (i) If a permit holder reexports a consignment of bluefin tuna, or subdivides or consolidates a consignment of fish or fish products regulated under this subpart, other than shark fins, that was previously entered for consumption as described in paragraph (c)(1) of this section, the permit holder must complete an original, approved, individually numbered, species-specific re-export certificate issued to that permit holder by NMFS for each such re-export consignment. Such an individually numbered document is not transferable and may be used only once by the permit holder to which it was issued to report on a specific re-export consignment. A permit holder must provide on the re-export certificate the correct information and re-exporter certification. The permit holder must also attach the original consignment document that accompanied the import consignment or a copy of that document, and must note on the top of both the consignment documents and the re-export certificates the entry number assigned by CBP authorities at the time of filing the entry summary. An electronic image of these documents and the required data set must be filed electronically with CBP via ACE at the time of export. (ii) If a consignment of fish or fish products regulated under this subpart, except bluefin tuna or shark fins, that was previously entered for consumption as described in paragraph (c)(1) of this section is not subdivided into subconsignments or consolidated, for each re-export consignment, a permit holder must complete the intermediate importer’s certification on the original statistical document and note the entry number on the top of the statistical document. Such re-exports do not need a re-export certificate and the re-export does not require validation. An electronic image of the statistical document with the completed intermediate importer’s certification and the required data set must be filed electronically with CBP via ACE at the time of re-export. * * * * * (3) Reporting requirements. For each re-export, a permit holder must submit the original of the completed re-export certificate (if applicable) and the original or a copy of the original consignment document completed as specified under paragraph (c)(2) of this PO 00000 Frm 00062 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 section, to accompany the consignment of such products to their re-export destination. For re-exports of untagged Atlantic bluefin tuna, the permit holder must email, fax, or mail a copy of the completed consignment document and re-export certificate to the ICCAT Secretariat and the importing nation, at addresses designated by NMFS, to be received by the ICCAT Secretariat and the importing nation, within five days of export. * * * * * ■ 13. In § 300.189, revise paragraphs (a), (b), (c), (m) and (n) to read as follows: § 300.189 Prohibitions. * * * * * (a) Falsify information required on an application for a permit submitted under § 300.322. (b) Import as an entry for consumption, purchase, receive for export, export, or re-export any fish or fish product regulated under this subpart without a valid trade permit issued under § 300.322. (c) Fail to possess, and make available for inspection, a trade permit at the permit holder’s place of business, or alter any such permit as specified in § 300.322. * * * * * (m) Fail to electronically file via ACE a validated consignment document and the required data set for imports at time of entry into the Customs territory of the United States of fish or fish products regulated under this subpart except shark fins, regardless of whether the importer, exporter, or re-exporter holds a valid trade permit issued pursuant to § 300.322 or whether the fish products are imported as an entry for consumption. (n) Import or accept an imported consignment of fish or fish products regulated under this subpart, except shark fins, without an original, complete, accurate, approved, valid and properly validated, species-specific consignment document and re-export certificate (if applicable) with the required information and exporter’s certification completed. ■ 14. Under part 300, add subpart R to read as follows: Subpart R—International Trade Documentation and Tracking Programs. Sec. 300.320 Purpose and scope. 300.321 Definitions. 300.322 International Fisheries Trade Permit. 300.323 Reporting requirements. 300.324 Prohibitions. E:\FR\FM\29DEP1.SGM 29DEP1 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 249 / Tuesday, December 29, 2015 / Proposed Rules § 300.320 Purpose and scope. The regulations in this subpart are issued under the authority of the Atlantic Tunas Convention Act of 1975 (ATCA), the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, the Tuna Conventions Act of 1950, and the Antarctic Marine Living Resources Convention Act of 1984. These regulations implement the applicable recommendations of the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) for the conservation and management of tuna and tuna-like species in the Atlantic Ocean, the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC) for the conservation and management of highly migratory fish resources in the eastern Pacific Ocean, and the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources so far as they affect vessels and persons subject to the jurisdiction of the United States. These regulations are also issued under the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, the Dolphin Protection Consumer Information Act and the Security and Accountability For Every Port Act of 2006. The requirements in this subpart may be incorporated by reference in other regulations under this title. jstallworth on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS § 300.321 Definitions. AMLR trade program means the program for monitoring trade in Antarctic marine living resources including, inter alia, Dissostichus species as set forth in subpart G of this part. Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) means, for purposes of this subpart, the Internet accessible system through which the trade community reports imports and exports and through which the government determines admissibility through use of both user generated and automated transactional functions. ACE is maintained by Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Department of Homeland Security (DHS), for the collection and dissemination of trade data. Catch and Statistical Document/ Documentation means a document or documentation accompanying regulated seafood imports, exports and re-exports that is submitted by importers and exporters to document compliance with TTVP, AMLR, and HMS ITP trade documentation programs as described in § 216.24(f) of this title, and subparts G and M of this part. Documentation and data sets required under this subpart refers to documentation and data that must be submitted by an importer or exporter at the time of, or in advance of, the import, export or re-export of fish or fish VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:26 Dec 28, 2015 Jkt 238001 products as required under this subpart, the AMLR trade program, the HMS ITP, or the TTVP. ACE will specify the required data sets to be submitted for specific programs and transactions. Fish or fish products regulated under this subpart means species and products containing species regulated under this subpart, the AMLR trade program, the HMS ITP, or the TTVP. HMS ITP means the Highly Migratory Species International Trade Program which includes trade monitoring and/or reporting and consignment documentation for trade of bluefin tuna, southern bluefin tuna, frozen bigeye tuna, swordfish, and shark fins as described in subpart M of this part. Import has the same meaning as 16 U.S.C. 1802(22). Import includes, but is not limited to, customs entry for consumption, withdrawal from warehouse for consumption, or entry for consumption from a foreign trade zone. International Fisheries Trade Permit (or IFTP) means the permit issued by NMFS under § 300.222. TTVP means the Tuna Tracking and Verification Program, which regulates trade in certain fishery products as set forth in § 216.24(f)(2) of this title. § 300.322 Permit. International Fisheries Trade (a) General. Any person, which includes a resident agent for a nonresident corporation (see 19 CFR 141.18), who imports into the United States (for consumption or nonconsumption), exports, or re-exports fish or fish products regulated under this subpart from any ocean area, must possess a valid International Fisheries Trade Permit (IFTP) issued under this section. Fish or fish products regulated under this subpart may not be imported into, or exported or re-exported from, the United States unless the IFTP holder files electronically the documentation and the data sets required under this subpart with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) via ACE at the time of, or in advance of, importation, exportation or re-exportation. If authorized under other regulations under this title or other applicable laws and regulations, a representative or agent of the IFTP holder may make the electronic filings. (b) Application. A person must apply for an IFTP electronically via a Web site designated by NMFS. The application must be submitted electronically with the required permit fee payment, at least 30 days before the date upon which the applicant wishes the permit to be made effective. (c) Issuance. (1) Except as provided in subpart D of 15 CFR part 904, NMFS PO 00000 Frm 00063 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 81261 will issue an IFTP within 30 days of receipt of a completed application. NMFS will notify the applicant of any deficiency in the application, including failure to provide information, documentation or reports required under this subpart. If the applicant fails to correct the deficiency within 30 days following the date of notification, the application will be considered abandoned. (d) Duration. An IFTP issued under this section is valid for a period of one year from the permit effective date. (e) Alteration. Any IFTP that is substantially altered, erased, or mutilated is invalid. (f) Replacement. NMFS may issue replacement permits. An application for a replacement permit is not considered a new application. An appropriate fee, consistent with paragraph (j) of this section, may be charged for issuance of a replacement permit. (g) Transfer. An IFTP issued under this section is not transferable or assignable; it is valid only for the permit holder to whom it is issued. (h) Inspection. The permit holder must keep the IFTP issued under this section at his/her principal place of business. The IFTP must be displayed for inspection upon request of any authorized officer, or any employee of NMFS designated by NMFS for such purpose. (i) Sanctions. The Assistant Administrator may suspend, revoke, modify, or deny a permit issued or sought under this section. Procedures governing permit sanctions and denials are found at subpart D of 15 CFR part 904. (j) Fees. NMFS will charge a fee to recover the administrative expenses of permit issuance. The amount of the fee is calculated, at least annually, in accordance with the procedures of the NOAA Finance Handbook, available from NMFS, for determining the administrative costs of each special product or service. The fee may not exceed such costs and is specified on each application form. The appropriate fee must be submitted via a Web site designated by NMFS at the time of application. Failure to pay the fee will preclude issuance of the permit. Payment by a commercial instrument later determined to be insufficiently funded shall invalidate any permit. (k) Change in application information. Within 15 days after any change in the information contained in an application submitted under this section, the permit holder must report the change to NMFS via a Web site designated by NMFS. If a change in permit information is not reported E:\FR\FM\29DEP1.SGM 29DEP1 81262 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 249 / Tuesday, December 29, 2015 / Proposed Rules within 30 days, the permit is void as of the 30th day after such change. (l) Renewal. Persons must apply annually for an IFTP issued under this section. A renewal application must be submitted via a Web site designated by NMFS, at least 15 days before the permit expiration date to avoid a lapse in permitted status. NMFS will renew a permit provided that: the application for the requested permit renewal is complete; all documentation and reports required under this subpart and: the Magnuson-Stevens Act, Atlantic Tuna Conventions Act, the Tuna Conventions Act, the Marine Mammal Protection Act, the Dolphin Consumer Protection Information Act, and the Antarctic Marine Living Resources Act have been submitted, including those required under §§ 216.24, 216.93, 300.114, 300.183, 300.185, 300.186, 300.187 and 635.5 of this title; and the applicant is not subject to a permit sanction or denial under paragraph (i) of this section. § 300.323 Reporting requirements. A person importing for consumption or non-consumption, exporting, or reexporting fish or fish products regulated under this subpart from any ocean area must file all reports and documentation required under the AMLR trade program, HMS ITP, and TTVP, and under other regulations that incorporate by reference the requirements of this subpart. § 300.324 Prohibitions. In addition to the prohibitions specified in §§ 300.4, 300.117, 300.189, 600.725 and 635.71 of this title, it is unlawful for any person subject to the jurisdiction of the United States to: (a) violate any provision of this subpart, or any IFTP issued under this subpart, (b) Import fish or fish products regulated under this subpart without a valid IFTP or without submitting complete and accurate information. [FR Doc. 2015–32743 Filed 12–28–15; 8:45 am] jstallworth on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS BILLING CODE 3510–22–P VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:26 Dec 28, 2015 Jkt 238001 DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 50 CFR Part 679 [Docket No.:150904827–5827–01] RIN 0648–BF36 Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off of Alaska; Observer Coverage Requirements for Small Catcher/ Processors in the Gulf of Alaska and Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Groundfish Fisheries National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Proposed rule; request for comments. AGENCY: NMFS proposes regulations that would implement Amendment 112 to the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area (BSAI FMP) and Amendment 102 to the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA FMP) and revise regulations for observer coverage requirements for certain small catcher/processors in the Gulf of Alaska (GOA) and Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area (BSAI). If approved, this proposed rule would modify the criteria for NMFS to place small catcher/processors in the partial observer coverage category under the North Pacific Groundfish and Halibut Observer Program (Observer Program). Under this proposed rule, the owner of a non-trawl catcher/processor could choose to be in the partial observer coverage category, on an annual basis, if the vessel processed less than 79,000 lb (35.8 mt) of groundfish on an average weekly basis in a particular prior year, as specified in this proposed rule. This proposed rule would not alter observer coverage requirements for a catcher/ processor using trawl gear or for a catcher/processor when participating in a catch share program; these catcher/ processors would continue to be required to be in the full observer coverage category. This proposed rule would provide a relatively limited exception to the general requirement that all catcher/processors are in the full observer coverage category, and maintain the full observer coverage requirement for all trawl catcher/ processors and catcher/processors participating in a catch share program that requires full coverage. The net impact of this proposed rule on the SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00064 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 information available for fisheries management is expected to be small due, in part, to the small amount of fishing activity that would be impacted. This proposed rule is intended to promote the goals of the BSAI and GOA FMPs, and to promote the goals and objectives of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act) and other applicable laws. DATES: Submit comments on or before January 28, 2016. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments on this document, identified by NOAA– NMFS–2015–0114, by any of the following methods: • Electronic Submission: Submit all electronic public comments via the Federal eRulemaking Portal. Go to www.regulations.gov/ #!docketDetail;D=NOAA-NMFS-20150114, click the ‘‘Comment Now!’’ icon, complete the required fields, and enter or attach your comments. • Mail: Submit written comments to Glenn Merrill, Assistant Regional Administrator, Sustainable Fisheries Division, Alaska Region NMFS, Attn: Ellen Sebastian. Mail comments to P.O. Box 21668, Juneau, AK 99802–1668. Instructions: Comments sent by any other method, to any other address or individual, or received after the end of the comment period, may not be considered by NMFS. All comments received are a part of the public record and will generally be posted for public viewing on www.regulations.gov without change. All personal identifying information (e.g., name, address), confidential business information, or otherwise sensitive information submitted voluntarily by the sender will be publicly accessible. NMFS will accept anonymous comments (enter ‘‘N/A’’ in the required fields if you wish to remain anonymous). Electronic copies of Amendment 112 to the BSAI FMP and Amendment 102 to the GOA FMP, the Regulatory Impact Review/Initial Regulatory Flexibility Analysis (Analysis), and the Categorical Exclusion prepared for this action are available from http:// www.regulations.gov or from the NMFS Alaska Region Web site at http:// alaskafisheries.noaa.gov. Written comments regarding the burden-hour estimates or other aspects of the collection-of-information requirements contained in this rule may be submitted to NMFS at the above address; by email to OIRA_Submission@ omb.eop.gov; or by fax to 202–395– 5806. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Anne Marie Eich, 907–586–7228. E:\FR\FM\29DEP1.SGM 29DEP1
[Pages 81251-81262]
[FR Doc No: 2015-32743]
[Docket No. 090223227-5999-02]
Trade Monitoring Procedures for Fishery Products; International
Trade in Seafood; Permit Requirements for Importers and Exporters
SUMMARY: NMFS proposes regulations to revise procedures and
requirements for filing import, export, and re-export documentation for
certain fishery products to meet requirements for the SAFE Port Act of
2006, the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act
(MSA), other applicable statutes, and obligations that arise from U.S.
participation in regional fishery management organizations (RFMOs) and
other arrangements to which the United States is a member or
contracting party. Specifically, NMFS proposes to integrate the
collection of trade documentation within the government-wide
International Trade Data System (ITDS) and require electronic
information collection through the automated portal maintained by the
Department of Homeland Security, Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
Under this integration, NMFS would require annually renewable
International Fisheries Trade Permits (IFTP) for the import, export,
and re-export of certain regulated seafood commodities that are subject
to trade monitoring programs of RFMOs and/or subject to trade
documentation requirements under domestic law. These trade monitoring
programs enable the United States to exclude products that do not meet
the criteria for admissibility to U.S. markets, including products
resulting from illegal, unregulated, and unreported (IUU) fishing
activities. This proposed rule would consolidate existing international
trade permits for regulated seafood products under the Antarctic Marine
Living Resources (AMLR) and Highly Migratory Species International
Trade Permit (HMS ITP) programs and expand the scope of the permit
requirement to include regulated seafood products under the Tuna
Tracking and Verification Program (TTVP). This proposed rule would also
stipulate data and trade documentation for the above programs which
must be provided electronically to CBP and address recordkeeping
requirements for these programs in light of the proposed changes. Trade
documentation excludes any programmatic documents that are not required
at the time of entry/export (e.g., biweekly dealer reports).
DATES: Written comments must be received by February 29, 2016.
docket NOAA-NMFS-2009-0124, by any of the following methods:
the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal. Go to www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=NOAA-NMFS-2009-0124, click the ``Comment Now!'' icon,
Mail: Mark Wildman, International Fisheries Division, Office for
International Affairs and Seafood Inspection, NOAA Fisheries, 1315
[[Page 81252]]
proposed rule may be submitted to the Office for International Affairs
and Seafood Inspection (see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT) or by
email to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs at
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mark Wildman, International Trade and
Marine Stewardship Division, Office for International Affairs and
Seafood Inspection, NOAA Fisheries (phone 301-427-8386, or email
mark.wildman@noaa.gov).
through the ITDS. The Department of the Treasury has the U.S.
Government lead on ITDS development and Federal agency integration. CBP
developed Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) as an internet-based
system for the collection and dissemination of information for ITDS.
The Office of Management and Budget (OMB), through its e-government
initiative, oversees Federal agency participation in ITDS, with a focus
on reducing duplicate reporting across agencies and migrating paper-
based reporting systems to electronic information collection.
The term ITDS refers to the integrated, government-wide project for
the electronic collection, use, and dissemination of the international
trade and transportation data Federal agencies need to perform their
missions, while the term ACE refers to the ``single window'' system
through which the trade community will submit data related to imports
and exports. Detailed information on ITDS is available at: http://www.itds.gov.
import, export and transportation-related decision-making process.
collection of seafood trade data through a single portal will result in
an overall reduction of the public reporting burden and the agency's
data collection costs, will improve the timeliness and accuracy of
admissibility decisions, and increase the effectiveness of applicable
trade restrictive measures.
Overview of Current Trade Measures and Trade Monitoring Programs
monitoring programs for fishery products subject to RFMO documentation
requirements and/or documentation requirements under domestic laws.
RFMOs are international fisheries organizations, established by
treaties, to promote international cooperation to achieve effective and
responsible marine stewardship and ensure sustainable fisheries
management. The United States is a signatory to many RFMO treaties, and
Congress has passed implementing legislation to carry out U.S.
obligations under those treaties. Trade measures and monitoring
the criteria for admissibility to U.S. markets.
NMFS notes that the MSA defines ``import'' to mean ``land on, bring
into, or introduce into, or attempt to land on, bring into, or
introduce into, any place subject to the jurisdiction of the United
States, whether or not such landing, bringing or introduction
the United States; but . . . does not include any activity described
[above] with respect to fish caught in the exclusive economic zone or
by a vessel of the United States.'' 16 U.S.C. 1802(22). This definition
of ``import'' covers a broad range of activities, including but not
limited to, customs entry for consumption, withdrawal from warehouse
for consumption, or entry for consumption from a foreign trade zone.
The following sections outline NMFS authorities for the various trade
measures and trade monitoring programs that apply to fishery products.
The High Seas Driftnet Fishing Moratorium Protection Act (HSDFMPA)
(16 U.S.C. 1826d-k) requires U.S. actions to address IUU fishing
activity, bycatch of protected living marine resources (PLMR) and shark
catch. Specifically, the HSDFMPA requires the Secretary of Commerce
(Secretary) to identify in a biennial report to Congress foreign
nations whose vessels engaged in IUU fishing or fishing practices that
result in PLMR bycatch or shark catch on the high seas without a
regulatory program comparable to that of the United States. The
Secretary has established procedures to certify whether nations
identified in the biennial report are taking appropriate corrective
actions to address the activities for which they were identified (50
CFR 300, Subpart N). Certain fish and fish products from identified
nations that do not receive positive certifications could be subject to
import prohibitions under the authority provided in the High Seas
Driftnet Fisheries Enforcement Act (HSDFEA) (16 U.S.C. 1826a-c).
Additionally, there are identification and/or certification
procedures in other statutes, including the Pelly Amendment to the
Fishermen's Protective Act (22 U.S.C. 1978) and the Atlantic Tunas
Convention Act (ATCA) (16 U.S.C. 971 et seq.). These procedures may
result in trade restrictive measures for a country for those fishery
products associated with the activity that raised concerns. Further,
import prohibitions for certain fishery products could also be applied
under provisions of the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) (16 U.S.C.
1361 et seq.) and other statutes, depending on the circumstances of the
fish harvest and the conservation concerns of the United States. Trade
monitoring authority is also provided by the Dolphin Protection
Consumer Information Act (DPCIA) (16 U.S.C. 1385) which specifies the
conditions under which tuna products, eligible to be labeled dolphin-
safe, may be imported into the United States.
Multilateral efforts to combat IUU fishing may also result in
requirements to take trade action. The United States is a member or
contracting party to several RFMOs. Many of these RFMOs have
established procedures to identify nations and/or vessels whose fishing
activities undermine the effectiveness of the conservation and
management measures adopted by the organization. Fishery products
exported by such
[[Page 81253]]
nations or harvested by such vessels may be subject to import or sale
prohibitions specified by the RFMO as a means to address the activity
of concern. In these cases, the United States is obligated to deny
entry of the designated products into its markets, unless it has lodged
a timely objection to the RFMO measure establishing the import or sale
prohibition. Relevant RFMO statutes include the ATCA, the Antarctic
Marine Living Resources Convention Act (AMLRCA) (16 U.S.C. 2431 et
seq.), the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Convention
Implementation Act (WCPFCIA) (16 U.S.C. 6901 et seq.), and the Tuna
Conventions Act (TCA) (16 U.S.C. 951 et seq.).
Although the proposed rule would not amend existing regulations
pertaining to any of the above trade measure authorities, import filing
through ACE will facilitate U.S. Government implementation of trade
measures when and if imposed. ITDS will facilitate sharing of data
between agencies and allow for improved targeting of suspected illegal
(or embargoed) shipments.
The three NMFS trade monitoring programs subject to this proposed rule
are the HMS ITP program which regulates trade in specified commodities
of tuna, swordfish, billfish, and shark fins; the AMLR trade program
which regulates trade in Antarctic and Patagonian toothfish and other
fishery products caught in the area where the Convention on the
the TTVP, which regulates trade in frozen and/or processed tuna
products, as well as certain other fishery products under the authority
of the HSDFEA (refer to 50 CFR 216.24(f)(2)(iii) for a complete list).
Generally, these trade monitoring programs require anyone who intends
to import, export, and/or re-export regulated species to: Obtain a
permit from NMFS; obtain documentation on the flag-nation authorization
for the harvest from the foreign exporter; and submit this information
to NMFS. Depending on the commodity, specific information may also be
required, for example the flag state of the harvesting vessel, the
ocean area of catch, the fishing gear used, the harvesting vessel name,
and details and authorizations related to harvest, landing,
transshipment and export.
In most cases, these trade monitoring programs require the importer
to submit documentation that provides catch and/or other statistical
information to NMFS, while other relevant information on the inbound
shipments is provided by the dealer, importer, shipper, carrier, or
customs broker to CBP by electronic means. NMFS reviews and reconciles
the information reported by importers with the information obtained
from CBP and, where applicable, from the relevant RFMO or harvesting or
exporting/re-exporting nation to determine if the admissibility
requirements have been satisfied. If documentation is incomplete,
fraudulent or missing, or if the shipment is not admissible given its
ocean area of harvest, flag country of the harvesting vessel,
harvesting vessel or the circumstances under which it was harvested,
entry into U.S. commerce may be prohibited for that shipment and the
shipment may be subject to forfeiture. In addition, the importer or
other responsible party may be subject to enforcement action. Likewise,
U.S. exporters must provide similar documentation for use by other
As an ITDS partner government agency, access to the ACE system and
ITDS data has improved NMFS' ability to evaluate trends and identify
potential problems with seafood imports, including potential cases of
seafood fraud (e.g., tariff code misspecification) or imports lacking
proper documentation. ACE has helped NMFS communicate with the seafood
industry to educate importers and brokers on documentation
requirements. It has also helped NMFS target enforcement resources
using a risk management approach and has improved the Agency's ability
to intercept illegal shipments by providing access to real time
information on shipments coming into U.S. ports of entry. NMFS
anticipates that efficiencies derived from ITDS integration would
better enable the agency to implement potential future trade measures
taken by RFMOs or under domestic statutes, as well as enhance the
implementation of NMFS' three current trade monitoring and
documentation programs (AMLR, HMS ITP, and TTVP). NMFS believes
implementation of ITDS would result in reduced reporting burdens for
the seafood industry, reduced data processing time for government,
increased compliance with product admissibility requirements, faster
admissibility decisions and more effective enforcement.
Under the proposed rule (50 CFR 300.320), an IFTP would be
established which would consolidate existing international trade
permits for regulated seafood products under the AMLR and HMS ITP
programs and expand the scope of the permit requirement to include
regulated seafood products under the TTVP. To obtain the IFTP, U.S.
importers, exporters, and re-exporters of seafood products covered
under the TTVP, AMLR, and HMS ITP programs would be required to
electronically submit their application and fee for the IFTP via a Web
site designated by NMFS. As explained above, currently, the TTVP, AMLR
and HMS ITP regulations require submission of specific information and
documentation for trade monitoring. Under this proposed rule, the IFTP
holder, or his or her representative, would need to electronically
provide CBP via ACE with certain data sets (i.e., a subset of the
information required to be submitted under the TTVP, AMLR or HMS ITP)
and scanned images of documentation for each applicable trade
transaction. NMFS would provide detailed information regarding
submission of such data sets and documentation in a compliance guide
for industry that will be prepared in advance of NMFS' implementation
of a final rule. The format for the data sets would be designated for
each of the three programs and specified in the following documents
that would be jointly developed by NMFS and CBP and made available to
CBP and Trade Automated Interface Requirements--PGA Message
Automated Broker Interface (ABI) Requirements--Implementation
Guide for NMFS
While this proposed rule only applies to the three programs
described above, proposed Sec.  300.320 provides that the IFTP and ACE
requirements may be incorporated by reference in other regulations
pertaining to documentation and reporting of imports and/or exports.
Because NMFS will have access to the ITDS, importers, exporters,
re-exporters and/or their customs agents would no longer be required to
provide NMFS with paper copies of trade documentation. However, they
would still need to maintain, and make
[[Page 81254]]
available for inspection, electronic or paper versions of said records
at their place of business for a period of two years after the
transaction. Biweekly dealer reports, or other documents not required
for import/export admissibility decisions, will not be affected by this
proposed rule and will continue to be submitted to NMFS as paper
copies. Currently, a trade permit is not required for trade of TTVP
fishery commodities. Under this proposed rule, however, those who trade
in TTVP fishery commodities would need to obtain an IFTP and
individuals or business entities trading in fishery commodities covered
by the current HMS ITP and AMLR trade programs would need to obtain an
IFTP rather than the program-specific permits required currently. The
IFTP would authorize import, export and re-export of fishery
commodities covered by the TTVP, AMLR or HMS ITP programs, provided
that the permit holder complies with the specific requirements of each
program. The amount of the fee charged for the IFTP would be
calculated, at least annually, in accordance with procedures of the
NOAA Finance Handbook (http://www.corporateservices.noaa.gov/finance/Finance%20Handbook.html) for determining the costs for administering
the IFTP program; the fee would not exceed such costs.
When deliberating how best to implement ITDS, NMFS also considered
several alternatives to the proposed action described above. Under the
first alternative, rather than require entry filers to submit scanned
images of documentation and a limited data set, such filers would be
required to enter all data elements necessary for the authentication
and authorization of each shipment into the CBP's automated ACE system.
Although this alternative would not require the submission of scanned
images of documentation for two of the three trade monitoring programs
(scanned images would still be required for the TTVP), it would require
entry filers to provide most of the data contained in such
documentation at the time of import or export rather than providing a
data set limited to only those elements absolutely necessary to
determine admissibility. NMFS considers this alternative to be too
burdensome for entry filers in terms of the additional time that would
be required to enter such data into ACE.
A second alternative would involve the submission of a limited
electronic data set with no scanned documentation provided
electronically. In this scenario, NMFS would require entry filers to
submit a limited message set into ACE, but entry filers would also need
to separately provide NMFS with any additional documentation and data
necessary for NMFS to complete dolphin-safe tuna verification at the
time of, or in advance of, importation and periodic reports for RFMOs.
This alternative is not preferred as it would create an unnecessary
burden on both NMFS and the trade since it would require entry filers
to both complete ACE entry procedures and also submit admissibility
documents to NMFS outside of ACE, the ITDS single window.
A third alternative would be for NMFS to require an electronic data
set consisting solely of the international fisheries trade permit
number with scanned documentation provided electronically via ITDS.
This alternative would not be preferred as it would place a significant
burden on NMFS to manually convert scanned document images to data sets
so that NMFS could make decisions regarding product admissibility. Such
an approach would require considerable NMFS staff time and would
inevitably create burdens on industry as such an alternative would
result in post-release seizures or re-delivery orders to the trade for
products later determined by NMFS to be inadmissible.
A fourth alternative would be to implement the IFTP requirement for
the HMS ITP and AMLR trade program but not for the TTVP which currently
has no permit requirement. The rationale for instituting the IFTP for
the TTVP is to identify the business entities that are engaged in the
trade activities subject to monitoring, for the purposes of informing
them of requirements and any changes thereto. Lack of education/
notification could increase noncompliance, resulting in delayed
release, seizures or other enforcement actions, and/or blocked
shipments when requirements are not met at the border. In addition, not
requiring an IFTP for the TTVP participants, would preclude the
imposition of permit sanctions in the event of serious infractions of
reporting or recordkeeping requirements in the TTVP. For all the above-
stated reasons, this alternative is not preferred.
Amendments to AMLR Regulations
As a Member of the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic
Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR), the United States is obligated to
implement conservation measures adopted by CCAMLR, unless the United
States objects, pursuant to Article IX of the CCAMLR Convention. NMFS
has implemented CCAMLR-adopted conservation measures in 50 CFR part
300, subpart G. Under these regulations, a person that intends to
import or re-export AMLR must obtain a dealer permit. To integrate the
collection of information on the trade of AMLR within the ITDS, NMFS
proposes to revise the AMLR regulations to require a dealer importing
or exporting AMLR to possess a valid IFTP issued under the proposed
Sec.  300.322 discussed below. These proposed revisions to 50 CFR part
300 subpart G would replace the AMLR dealer permit procedures with a
reference to the proposed IFTP procedures (see below). Where
appropriate, the term ``AMLR dealer permit'' and references to that
permit would be replaced with ``IFTP.'' Section 300.114(k) of the AMLR
regulations regarding registered agents would be removed because Sec.
300.322 provides for the designation of resident agents who would be
authorized to act on behalf of foreign entities.
Amendments to HMS ITP Regulations
NMFS established permitting, reporting, and recordkeeping
regulations to implement various RFMO trade monitoring programs under
the HMS ITP program in 50 CFR part 300 subpart M. As noted above, a
person trading in fishery commodities covered by the current HMS ITP
program would need to obtain the newly established IFTP and the
program-specific HMS ITP permit will be retired. Submission of
consignment documents such as the International Commission for the
Conservation of Atlantic Tuna (ICCAT) bluefin tuna catch document would
be through ACE and the CBP Document Imaging System (DIS). Using the ACE
system rather than submitting hardcopy documents to NMFS would result
in reduced reporting burdens for the seafood industry and reduced data
processing time for the government as documents would be submitted only
once, to CBP, instead of to both CBP and NMFS.
Amendments to TTVP
As noted above, a person trading in fishery commodities covered
under the TTVP would need to obtain an IFTP. Such a trade permit is
currently not a requirement under the TTVP. NMFS believes the benefits
and efficiencies resulting from ITDS implementation and establishing a
single consolidated IFTP covering all three of the NMFS trade
monitoring programs would greatly exceed the fee charged to cover
administrative costs associated with NMFS issuance of the IFTP.
In addition, under current regulations at 50 CFR 216.24(f)(3)(ii),
[[Page 81255]]
importers are able to submit documents electronically in Portable
Document Format (PDF) using a secure file transfer protocol site. This
proposed rule would eliminate that document submission option in favor
of document submission through the ACE system. Such a change would
result in reduced reporting burdens for the seafood industry and
reduced data processing time for the government as documents would be
submitted only once, to CBP, instead of to both CBP and the TTVP. The
proposed rule would also allow for a reduced data set to be filed via
ACE in certain circumstances. The reduced data set is limited to
importations by domestic canners and to processors other than canners
that label any tuna product dolphin-safe, and which are required to
submit the monthly reports required under 50 CFR 216.93(d)(2) or (e) to
the TTVP. The reduced data set pertains to importations of: 1) frozen
cooked tuna loins used in cannery operations and 2) tuna products in
airtight containers manufactured in American Samoa and imported into
the United States or Puerto Rico that originated from the tuna receipts
listed on those monthly reports. The reduced data set is intended to
prevent duplicative reporting for the companies that import the tuna
products described above and that already submit required information
to the TTVP via the monthly reports.
This proposed rule also makes minor edits to the regulatory text in
order to update an internet Web site address, harmonize regulatory text
in part 216, Subpart H, Dolphin Safe Tuna Labeling, with the regulatory
text being revised as part of ITDS implementation in 50 CFR 216.24(f),
and allow importers to submit documentation to the ACE system at the
time of, or in advance of, importation. Revisions to the tables in
Sec.  216.24(f)(2)(i) through (iii) have been made to reflect the
latest updates to harmonized tariff codes.
Relationship to Presidential Task Force on Combatting Illegal,
Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing and Seafood Fraud
This current rulemaking does not propose measures to implement
recommendations 14 and 15 (seafood traceability) of the Presidential
Task Force on Combatting Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU)
Fishing and Seafood Fraud (Task Force). There will be a separate
opportunity for public comment on the proposed regulations pertaining
to these Task Force recommendations.
This proposed rule is published under the authority of AMLRCA of
1984, 16 U.S.C. 2431 et seq.; ATCA of 1975, 16 U.S.C. 971 et seq.; TCA
of 1950, 16 U.S.C. 951-961; MSA, 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.; MMPA of 1972,
16 U.S.C. 1361-1407; DPCIA, 16 U.S.C. 1385; HSDFMPA, 16 U.S.C. 1826d-k;
and HSDFEA, 16 U.S.C. 1826a-c. Other relevant authorities include the
Pelly Amendment to the Fishermen's Protective Act, 22 U.S.C. 1978, and
the Lacey Act, 16 U.S.C. 3371.
rule is consistent with the provisions of these and other applicable
the purposes of Executive Order 12866. NMFS has prepared a regulatory
impact review of this action, which is available from NMFS (see
ADDRESSES). This analysis describes the economic impact this proposed
action, if adopted, would have on the United States. NMFS invites the
public to comment on this proposal and the supporting analysis.
An initial regulatory flexibility analysis was not prepared because
impact on U.S. small entities. Thus, the Chief Counsel for Regulation
of the Department of Commerce certified to the Chief Counsel for
Advocacy of the Small Business Administration that this proposed rule,
if adopted, would not have any significant economic impact on a
The regulatory action being considered, and its legal basis, is
described in detail earlier in the preamble. Although a new IFTP is
proposed to be established for the import, export or re-export of
regulated products under the AMLR, HMS ITP and TTVP programs, this new
permit generally represents a consolidation of information contained in
existing permits and should actually result in fewer reporting or
recordkeeping requirements. Data sets to be entered electronically to
determine product admissibility are already required to be submitted in
paper form under the respective trade programs. Thus, NMFS anticipates
that U.S. entities would not be significantly affected by this action
because it generally does not pose new or additional burdens with
regard to the collection and submission of information necessary to
determine product admissibility.
With regard to the possible economic effects of this action, per
the response to Question 13 of the supporting statement prepared for
the Paperwork Reduction Act analysis (available from www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAMain), NMFS estimates there will be 751 applicants for the
new IFTP with an estimated net increase in annual costs of $16,255 for
obtaining those permits, based on the combined number of permit holders
and respondents under NMFS' existing trade monitoring programs.
Although NMFS does not have access to data about the business sizes of
importers and receivers that would be impacted by this proposed rule,
it is likely that the majority may be classified as small entities.
However, when overall total new burdens for the three requirements
proposed under this rule (IFTP, data set submission, and admissibility
document(s) submission) are compared to current burdens, the new
consolidated burdens are estimated to result in an overall net burden
decrease of 4,225 hours and $63,650. A no-action alternative, where
NMFS would not promulgate the proposed rule, was not considered as all
applicable U.S. government agencies are required to implement ITDS
under the authority of section 405 of the SAFE Port Act and Executive
Order 13659 on Streamlining the Export/Import Process, dated February
The proposed action would not affect the volume of seafood trade or
alter trade flows in the U.S. market. Although the proposed rule would
require traders under the TTVP to obtain an IFTP, which they are not
currently required to do, NMFS expects that the consolidated IFTP would
have no impact on, or would actually reduce, the overall administrative
burden on the public; those parties currently required to obtain two
separate permits under the AMLR and HMS ITP programs would be required
to obtain only one consolidated permit under this proposed rule.
The consolidated permitting and electronic reporting program
proposed by this rulemaking would not have significant adverse or long-
term economic impacts on small U.S. entities. This proposed rule has
also been determined not to duplicate, overlap, or conflict with any
other Federal rules. Thus, the requirements and prohibitions in the
substantial number of small entities. Consequently, an initial
[[Page 81256]]
(PRA). This requirement has been submitted to OMB for approval. When
overall total new burdens for the three requirements proposed under
this rule (IFTP, data set submission, and admissibility document(s)
submission) are compared to current burdens, the new burdens are
estimated to result in an overall net burden decrease of 4,225 hours
and $63,650.
Office for International Affairs and Seafood Inspection at the FOR
FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT above, or to the Office of Information and
Regulatory Affairs by email to OIRA_Submission@omb.eop.gov or fax to
Administrative practice and procedure, Exports, Marine mammals,
Exports, Fisheries, Fishing, Fishing vessels, Foreign relations,
Illegal, unreported or unregulated fishing, Imports, International
trade permits, Treaties.
2. In Sec.  216.24, revise introductory paragraph (f)(2); (f)(2)(i)(A)
and (D); (f)(2)(ii)(A) and (D); (f)(2)(iii)(A) through (C);
introductory paragraph (f)(3); and (f)(3)(i) through (iii) to read as
(2) Imports requiring a Fisheries Certificate of Origin and an
International Fisheries Trade Permit. Shipments of tuna, tuna products,
and certain other fish products identified in paragraphs (f)(2)(i)
through (iii) of this section may not be imported into the United
States unless: a scanned copy of a properly completed Fisheries
Certificate of Origin (FCO), NOAA Form 370, associated certifications
and statements described in Sec.  216.91(a), and required data set are
filed electronically with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at
the time of, or in advance of, importation as required under Sec.
300.322; and the importer of record designated on the entry summary
(Customs Form 7501) holds a valid International Fisheries Trade Permit
as specified at Sec.  300.322 of this title. ``Required data set'' has
the same meaning as Sec.  300.321 of this title (see definition of
``Documentation and data sets required'').
0303.42.0060 Yellowfin tunas, other, frozen, except whole, head-on,
0304.87.0000 Tuna fish fillets, frozen, not elsewhere specified or
0304.99.1190 Tuna, frozen, in bulk or in immediate containers weighing
with their contents over 6.8 kg each
1604.20.2000 Fish balls, cakes and puddings, not in oil, less than 6.8
kg, in airtight containers
1604.20.2500 Fish balls, cakes and puddings, not in oil, not in
airtight containers, in immediate containers weighing with their
contents not over 6.8 kg each
0303.41.0000 Albacore or longfinned tunas, frozen, except fillets,
0303.43.0000 Skipjack tunas or stripe-bellied bonito, frozen, except
0303.46.0000 Southern bluefin tunas, frozen, except fillets, livers and
with their contents over 6.8 kg each, NESOI
[[Page 81257]]
0303.11.0000 Sockeye (red) salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka), frozen, except
0303.12.0012 Chinook (King) salmon (Oncorhynchus tschawytscha), frozen,
except fillets, livers and roes
0303.12.0022 Chum (dog) salmon (Oncorhynchus keta), frozen, except
0303.12.0032 Pink (humpie) salmon (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha), frozen,
0303.12.0052 Coho (silver) salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch), frozen,
0303.12.0062 Pacific salmon (Oncorhynchus masou, Oncorhynchus
rhodurus), frozen, except fillets, livers and roes, NESOI
0303.13.0000 Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) and Danube salmon (Hucho
hucho), frozen, except fillets, livers and roes
0303.14.0000 Trout (Salmo trutta; Oncorhynchus mykiss, clarki,
aguabonita, gilae, apache, and chrysogaster), frozen, except fillets,
0303.81.0010 Dogfish (Squalus spp.), frozen, except fillets, livers and
0303.89.0079 Fish, other, frozen, except fillets, livers and roes,
0304.89.1090 Fish fillets, skinned, frozen blocks weighing over 4.5 kg
each, to be minced, ground or cut into pieces of uniform weights and
dimensions, NESOI
0304.91.1000 Swordfish, frozen, in bulk or in immediate containers
weighing over 6.8 kg each
1604.11.2020 Pink (humpie) salmon, whole or in pieces, but not minced,
in oil, in airtight containers
1604.11.2030 Sockeye (red) salmon, whole or in pieces, but not minced,
1604.11.2090 Salmon NESOI, whole or in pieces, but not minced, in oil,
0305.39.6080 Fish fillets, dried, salted or in brine, but not smoked,
0305.41.0000 Pacific salmon (Oncorhynchus spp.), Atlantic salmon (Salmo
salar), and Danube salmon (Hucho hucho), including fillets, smoked
0305.69.5001 Fish in immediate containers weighing with their contents
6.8 kg or less each, salted but not dried or smoked; in brine, NESOI
0307.49.0022 Squid, Loligo opalescens, frozen (except fillets), dried,
0307.49.0024 Squid, Loligo pealei, frozen (except fillets), dried,
0307.49.0029 Squid, Loligo, frozen (except fillets), dried, salted or
in brine, NESOI
0307.49.0050 Squid, other, frozen (except fillets), dried, salted or in
brine, except Loligo squid
0307.49.0060 Cuttle fish (Sepia officinalis, Rossia macrosoma, Sepiola
spp.), frozen, dried, salted or in brine
(3) Disposition of Fisheries Certificates of Origin. The FCO
described in paragraph (f)(4) of this section may be obtained from the
Administrator, West Coast Region, or downloaded from the Internet at
http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/dolphinsafe/noaa370.htm.
(i) A properly completed FCO, and its attached certifications and
statements as described in Sec.  216.91(a), must accompany the required
CBP entry documents that are filed at the time of, or in advance of,
(ii) FCOs and associated certifications and statements as described
in Sec.  216.91(a) must be provided electronically to CBP as indicated
in paragraph (f)(2) of this section.
(iii) FCOs that accompany imported shipments of tuna destined for
further processing in the United States must be endorsed at each change
in ownership and submitted to the Administrator, West Coast Region, by
the last endorser when all required endorsements are completed. Such
FCOs must be submitted as specified in Sec.  216.93(d)(2).
3. In Sec.  216.93, revise paragraphs (f) and (g)(2) to read as
certifications and statements must be submitted by the importer of
record to U.S. Customs and Border Protection as described in and
required by Sec.  216.24(f)(2).
(2) Record submission. At the time of, or in advance of,
importation of a shipment of tuna or tuna products, any exporter,
transshipper, importer, processor, or wholesaler/distributor of tuna or
tuna products must submit all corresponding FCOs and required
certifications and statements for those tuna or tuna products as
4. The authority citation for 50 CFR part 300 continues to read as
Authority: 16 U.S.C. 951 et seq.; 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.; 16
U.S.C. 5501 et seq.; 16 U.S.C. 2431 et seq.; 31 U.S.C. 9701 et seq.
5. In Sec.  300.4:
b. Redesignate paragraphs (p) and (q) as (q) and (r); and
c. Add a new paragraph (p).
[[Page 81258]]
Sec.  300.4  General prohibitions.
(o) Ship, transport, offer for sale, sell, purchase, import,
export, or have custody, control, or possession of, any fish imported,
exported or re-exported in violation of this part.
(p) Import, export, or re-export any fish regulated under this part
without a valid International Fisheries Trade Permit or applicable
6. In Sec.  300.107, revise paragraph (b) introductory text, and
paragraphs (b)(1), (b)(3), (c)(6)(i)(A)(5), and (c)(7)(i)(A)(4) to read
Sec.  300.107  Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.
(b) Dealers. Dealers of AMLR required under Sec.  300.114 to have
an International Fisheries Trade Permit (IFTP) issued under Sec.
300.322 must:
(1) Accurately maintain all reports and records required by their
IFTP and this subpart;
(3) Within the time specified in the IFTP requirements, submit a
copy of such reports and records to NMFS at an address designated by
7. In Sec.  300.114:
a. Revise paragraphs (a)(1), (a)(2), (a)(4), (b), (d), (e), (f),
(g)(1), (g)(2), (h), and (j); and
b. Remove paragraph (k).
Sec.  300.114  Dealer permits and preapproval.
(1) A dealer importing, or re-exporting AMLR, or a person exporting
AMLR, must possess a valid IFTP issued under Sec.  300.322 and file
required data sets electronically with CBP at the time of, or in
advance of importation or exportation. ``Required data set: has the
same meaning as Sec.  300.321 (see definition of ``Documentation and
data sets required. See Sec.  300.322 for IFTP application procedures
and permit regulations. The IFTP holder may only conduct those specific
activities stipulated by the IFTP. Preapproval from NMFS is required
for each shipment of frozen Dissostichus species.
(2) An AMLR may be imported into the United States if its harvest
has been authorized by a U.S.-issued individual permit or its
importation has been authorized by an IFTP and, in the case of frozen
Dissostichus species, preapproval issued under Sec.  300.114(a)(1).
AMLRs may not be released for entry into the United States unless
accompanied by the harvesting permit, the individual permit, or IFTP
and, in the case of frozen Dissostichus species, the preapproval
certification granted by NMFS to allow import. NMFS will only accept
electronic catch documents for toothfish imports.
(4) An IFTP or preapproval issued under this section does not
authorize the harvest or transshipment of any AMLR by or to a vessel of
(b) Application. Application forms for preapproval are available
from NMFS. With the exception of the U.S. Customs 7501 entry number, a
complete and accurate application must be received by NMFS for each
preapproval at least 15 working days before the anticipated date of the
first receipt, importation, or re-export. Dealers must supply the U.S.
Customs 7501 entry number at least three working days prior to a
Dissostichus species shipment's arrival.
(d) Issuance. NMFS may issue a preapproval if it determines that
the activity proposed by the dealer meets the requirements of the Act
and that the resources were not or will not be harvested in violation
of any CCAMLR conservation measure in force with respect to the United
States or in violation of any regulation in this subpart. No
preapproval will be issued for Dissostichusspecies without verifiable
documentation, to include VMS reports with vessel location and
messages, of the use of real-time C-VMS port-to-port by the vessel that
harvested such Dissostichus species, except for Dissostichus species
harvested during fishing trips that began prior to September 24, 2007.
(e) Duration. A preapproval is valid until the product is imported.
Each export or re-export document created by NOAA in the CDS is valid
only for that particular shipment.
(f) Transfer. A preapproval issued under this section is not
(g) * * * (1) Pending applications. Applicants for preapproval
under this section must report in writing to NMFS any change in the
information submitted in preapproval applications. The processing
period for the application may be extended as necessary to review and
(2) Issued preapprovals. Any entity issued a preapproval under this
section must report in writing to NMFS any changes in previously
submitted information. Any changes that would result in a change in the
receipt or importation authorized by the preapproval, such as
harvesting vessel or country of origin, type and quantity of the
resource to be received or imported, and Convention statistical subarea
from which the resource was harvested, must be proposed in writing to
NMFS and may not be undertaken unless authorized by NMFS through
issuance of a revised or new preapproval.
(h) Revision, suspension, or revocation. A preapproval issued under
this section may be revised, suspended, or revoked, based upon a
violation of the IFTP, the Act, or this subpart. Failure to report a
change in the information contained in a preapproval application voids
the application or preapproval. Title 15 CFR part 904 governs sanctions
(j) SVDCD. Preapprovals will not be issued for Dissostichus spp.
offered for sale or other disposition under a Specially Validated DCD.
8. In Sec.  300.117, revise paragraphs (b) and (r), and add paragraph
Sec.  300.117  Prohibitions.
(b) Import into, or export or re-export from, the United States any
AMLRs without applicable catch documentation as required by Sec.
300.107(c), without an IFTP as required by Sec.  300.114 (a)(1), or in
violation of the terms and conditions for such import, export or re-
export as specified on the IFTP.
(r) Without a valid first receiver permit issued under this
subpart, receive AMLRs from a vessel or receive AMLRs from a vessel
without a valid harvesting permit issued under this subpart.
(ii) Import into, or export or re-export from, the United States
any AMLRs harvest by a vessel of the United States
[[Page 81259]]
9. In Sec.  300.181:
a. Add a definition for ``Automated Commercial Environment (ACE)'' in
b. Revise the definition for ``CBP'';
c. Add a definition for ``International Fisheries Trade Permit (IFTP)
or trade permit'' in alphabetical order;
d. Revise the definition for ``Permit holder''; and
e. Add a definition for ``Required data set'', in alphabetical order.
Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) has the same meaning as that
term is defined in Sec.  300.321 of this part.
CBP means U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Department of
International Fisheries Trade Permit (IFTP) or trade permit means
the permit issued by NMFS under Sec.  300.322.
Permit holder, for purposes of this subpart, means, unless
otherwise specified, a person who is required to obtain an
International Fisheries Trade Permit (IFTP) under Sec.  300.322.
Required data set has the same meaning as Sec.  300.321 (see
definition of ``Documentation and data sets required'').
10. Section 300.182 is revised to read as follows:
Sec.  300.182  International Fisheries Trade Permit.
An importer, entering for consumption fish or fish products
regulated under this subpart from any ocean area into the United
States, or an exporter exporting or re-exporting such product, must
possess a valid International Fisheries Trade Permit (IFTP) issued
under Sec.  300.322.
11. In Sec.  300.183, revise introductory paragraph (a), and paragraphs
(a)(3), (b), (c), (d) and (e) to read as follows:
(a) Biweekly reports. Any person trading fish and fish products
regulated under this subpart and required to obtain a trade permit
under Sec.  300.322 must submit to NMFS, on forms supplied by NMFS, a
635.5(b)(2)(i)(B) of this title. The person required to obtain a trade
permit under Sec.  300.322 must retain, at his/her principal place of
business, a copy of the biweekly report which includes the required
information and is submitted under Sec.  635.5(b)(2)(i)(B) of this
title, for a period of 2 years from the date on which each report was
(b) Recordkeeping. Any person trading fish and fish products
regulated under this subpart and required to submit biweekly reports
under paragraph (a) of this section must retain, at his/her principal
place of business, a copy of each biweekly report and all supporting
records for a period of 2 years from the date on which each report was
trading fish and fish products regulated under this subpart and
required to obtain a trade permit under Sec.  300.322 is also subject
person to inspect any fish or fish products regulated under this
subpart, and inspect and copy any import export, and re-export
documentation and any reports required under this subpart, and the
records, in any form, on which the completed reports are based,
wherever they exist. Any agent of a person trading and required to
obtain a trade permit under Sec.  300.322, or anyone responsible for
importing, exporting, re-exporting, storing, packing, or selling fish
or fish products regulated under this subpart, shall be subject to the
person engaging in trading regardless of whether a trade permit has
been issued to that person.
12. In Sec.  300.185:
b. Remove paragraphs (a)(3) and (b)(3); and
c. Revise paragraphs (b)(2), (c)(2)(i) and (ii), and (c)(3) to read as
(2) Documentation and consignment document reporting requirements.
(i) All fish or fish products except for shark fins, regulated under
this subpart, imported into the Customs territory of the United States
or entered for consumption into a separate customs territory of a U.S.
insular possession, must, at the time of presenting entry documentation
for clearance by customs authorities (e.g., electronic filing via ACE
or other documentation required by the port director) be accompanied by
an original, complete, accurate, valid, approved and properly
validated, species-specific consignment document. An image of such
document and the required data set must be filed electronically with
CBP via ACE.
(ii) Bluefin tuna. (A) Imports which were re-exported from another
nation, must also be accompanied by an original, complete, accurate,
valid, approved, and properly validated, species-specific re-export
certificate. An image of such document, an image of the original import
document, and the required data set must be filed electronically with
(B) Bluefin tuna, imported into the Customs territory of the United
States or entered for consumption into the separate customs territory
of a U.S. insular possession, from a country requiring a BCD tag on all
such bluefin tuna available for sale, must be accompanied by the
appropriate BCD tag issued by that country, and said BCD tag must
(iii) Fish or fish products regulated under this subpart other than
[[Page 81260]]
tuna and shark fins. (A) Imports that were previously re-exported and
export, must also be accompanied by an original, complete, accurate,
valid, approved and properly validated species-specific re-export
(B) All other imports that have been previously re-exported from
another nation, should have the intermediate importers certification of
the original statistical document completed.
(iv) Consignment documents must be validated as specified in Sec.
(v) A permit holder may not accept an import without the completed
paragraphs (a)(2)(i) through (a)(2)(iv) of this section.
(vi) For fish or fish products, except shark fins, regulated under
provide correct and complete information, as requested by NMFS, on the
original consignment document that accompanied the consignment.
(2) Documentation and reporting requirements. A permit holder must
complete an original, approved, numbered, species-specific consignment
document issued to that permit holder by NMFS for each export
referenced under paragraph (b)(1) of this section, and electronically
file an image of such documentation and the required data set with CBP
via ACE. Such an individually numbered document is not transferable and
may be used only once by the permit holder to which it was issued to
report on a specific export consignment. A permit holder must provide
on the consignment document the correct information and exporter
certification. The consignment document must be validated, as specified
in Sec.  300.187, by NMFS, or another official authorized by NMFS. A
list of such officials may be obtained by contacting NMFS. A permit
holder requesting U.S. validation for exports should notify NMFS as
soon as possible after arrival of the vessel to avoid delays in
inspection and validation of the export consignment. A permit holder
must ensure that the original, approved, consignment document
accompanies the export of such products to their export destination.
(2) Documentation and filing requirements. (i) If a permit holder
re-exports a consignment of bluefin tuna, or subdivides or consolidates
a consignment of fish or fish products regulated under this subpart,
other than shark fins, that was previously entered for consumption as
described in paragraph (c)(1) of this section, the permit holder must
complete an original, approved, individually numbered, species-specific
re-export certificate issued to that permit holder by NMFS for each
such re-export consignment. Such an individually numbered document is
not transferable and may be used only once by the permit holder to
which it was issued to report on a specific re-export consignment. A
permit holder must provide on the re-export certificate the correct
information and re-exporter certification. The permit holder must also
attach the original consignment document that accompanied the import
consignment or a copy of that document, and must note on the top of
both the consignment documents and the re-export certificates the entry
number assigned by CBP authorities at the time of filing the entry
summary. An electronic image of these documents and the required data
set must be filed electronically with CBP via ACE at the time of
validation. An electronic image of the statistical document with the
completed intermediate importer's certification and the required data
set must be filed electronically with CBP via ACE at the time of re-
destination. For re-exports of untagged Atlantic bluefin tuna, the
permit holder must email, fax, or mail a copy of the completed
consignment document and re-export certificate to the ICCAT Secretariat
and the importing nation, at addresses designated by NMFS, to be
received by the ICCAT Secretariat and the importing nation, within five
days of export.
13. In Sec.  300.189, revise paragraphs (a), (b), (c), (m) and (n) to
(a) Falsify information required on an application for a permit
submitted under Sec.  300.322.
(b) Import as an entry for consumption, purchase, receive for
export, export, or re-export any fish or fish product regulated under
this subpart without a valid trade permit issued under Sec.  300.322.
(c) Fail to possess, and make available for inspection, a trade
permit at the permit holder's place of business, or alter any such
permit as specified in Sec.  300.322.
(m) Fail to electronically file via ACE a validated consignment
document and the required data set for imports at time of entry into
the Customs territory of the United States of fish or fish products
regulated under this subpart except shark fins, regardless of whether
the importer, exporter, or re-exporter holds a valid trade permit
issued pursuant to Sec.  300.322 or whether the fish products are
imported as an entry for consumption.
(n) Import or accept an imported consignment of fish or fish
products regulated under this subpart, except shark fins, without an
original, complete, accurate, approved, valid and properly validated,
species-specific consignment document and re-export certificate (if
applicable) with the required information and exporter's certification
14. Under part 300, add subpart R to read as follows:
Subpart R--International Trade Documentation and Tracking Programs.
300.320 Purpose and scope.
300.321 Definitions.
300.322 International Fisheries Trade Permit.
300.323 Reporting requirements.
300.324 Prohibitions.
[[Page 81261]]
Sec.  300.320  Purpose and scope.
the Atlantic Tunas Convention Act of 1975 (ATCA), the Magnuson-Stevens
Fishery Conservation and Management Act, the Tuna Conventions Act of
1950, and the Antarctic Marine Living Resources Convention Act of 1984.
These regulations implement the applicable recommendations of the
for the conservation and management of tuna and tuna-like species in
the Atlantic Ocean, the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC)
for the conservation and management of highly migratory fish resources
in the eastern Pacific Ocean, and the Commission for the Conservation
of Antarctic Marine Living Resources so far as they affect vessels and
persons subject to the jurisdiction of the United States. These
regulations are also issued under the Marine Mammal Protection Act of
1972, the Dolphin Protection Consumer Information Act and the Security
and Accountability For Every Port Act of 2006. The requirements in this
subpart may be incorporated by reference in other regulations under
Sec.  300.321  Definitions.
AMLR trade program means the program for monitoring trade in
Antarctic marine living resources including, inter alia, Dissostichus
species as set forth in subpart G of this part.
Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) means, for purposes of this
subpart, the Internet accessible system through which the trade
community reports imports and exports and through which the government
determines admissibility through use of both user generated and
automated transactional functions. ACE is maintained by Customs and
Border Protection (CBP), Department of Homeland Security (DHS), for the
collection and dissemination of trade data.
Catch and Statistical Document/Documentation means a document or
documentation accompanying regulated seafood imports, exports and re-
exports that is submitted by importers and exporters to document
compliance with TTVP, AMLR, and HMS ITP trade documentation programs as
described in Sec.  216.24(f) of this title, and subparts G and M of
Documentation and data sets required under this subpart refers to
documentation and data that must be submitted by an importer or
exporter at the time of, or in advance of, the import, export or re-
export of fish or fish products as required under this subpart, the
AMLR trade program, the HMS ITP, or the TTVP. ACE will specify the
required data sets to be submitted for specific programs and
Fish or fish products regulated under this subpart means species
and products containing species regulated under this subpart, the AMLR
trade program, the HMS ITP, or the TTVP.
HMS ITP means the Highly Migratory Species International Trade
Program which includes trade monitoring and/or reporting and
consignment documentation for trade of bluefin tuna, southern bluefin
tuna, frozen bigeye tuna, swordfish, and shark fins as described in
subpart M of this part.
Import has the same meaning as 16 U.S.C. 1802(22). Import includes,
but is not limited to, customs entry for consumption, withdrawal from
warehouse for consumption, or entry for consumption from a foreign
International Fisheries Trade Permit (or IFTP) means the permit
issued by NMFS under Sec.  300.222.
TTVP means the Tuna Tracking and Verification Program, which
regulates trade in certain fishery products as set forth in Sec.
216.24(f)(2) of this title.
Sec.  300.322  International Fisheries Trade Permit.
(a) General. Any person, which includes a resident agent for a
nonresident corporation (see 19 CFR 141.18), who imports into the
United States (for consumption or non-consumption), exports, or re-
exports fish or fish products regulated under this subpart from any
ocean area, must possess a valid International Fisheries Trade Permit
(IFTP) issued under this section. Fish or fish products regulated under
this subpart may not be imported into, or exported or re-exported from,
the United States unless the IFTP holder files electronically the
documentation and the data sets required under this subpart with U.S.
Customs and Border Protection (CBP) via ACE at the time of, or in
advance of, importation, exportation or re-exportation. If authorized
under other regulations under this title or other applicable laws and
regulations, a representative or agent of the IFTP holder may make the
(b) Application. A person must apply for an IFTP electronically via
a Web site designated by NMFS. The application must be submitted
electronically with the required permit fee payment, at least 30 days
before the date upon which the applicant wishes the permit to be made
(c) Issuance. (1) Except as provided in subpart D of 15 CFR part
904, NMFS will issue an IFTP within 30 days of receipt of a completed
application. NMFS will notify the applicant of any deficiency in the
application, including failure to provide information, documentation or
reports required under this subpart. If the applicant fails to correct
the deficiency within 30 days following the date of notification, the
(d) Duration. An IFTP issued under this section is valid for a
period of one year from the permit effective date.
(e) Alteration. Any IFTP that is substantially altered, erased, or
mutilated is invalid.
(f) Replacement. NMFS may issue replacement permits. An application
for a replacement permit is not considered a new application. An
appropriate fee, consistent with paragraph (j) of this section, may be
charged for issuance of a replacement permit.
(g) Transfer. An IFTP issued under this section is not transferable
or assignable; it is valid only for the permit holder to whom it is
(h) Inspection. The permit holder must keep the IFTP issued under
this section at his/her principal place of business. The IFTP must be
displayed for inspection upon request of any authorized officer, or any
employee of NMFS designated by NMFS for such purpose.
(i) Sanctions. The Assistant Administrator may suspend, revoke,
modify, or deny a permit issued or sought under this section.
Procedures governing permit sanctions and denials are found at subpart
D of 15 CFR part 904.
(j) Fees. NMFS will charge a fee to recover the administrative
expenses of permit issuance. The amount of the fee is calculated, at
least annually, in accordance with the procedures of the NOAA Finance
Handbook, available from NMFS, for determining the administrative costs
of each special product or service. The fee may not exceed such costs
and is specified on each application form. The appropriate fee must be
submitted via a Web site designated by NMFS at the time of application.
Failure to pay the fee will preclude issuance of the permit. Payment by
a commercial instrument later determined to be insufficiently funded
shall invalidate any permit.
(k) Change in application information. Within 15 days after any
change in the information contained in an application submitted under
this section, the permit holder must report the change to NMFS via a
Web site designated by NMFS. If a change in permit information is not
[[Page 81262]]
within 30 days, the permit is void as of the 30th day after such
(l) Renewal. Persons must apply annually for an IFTP issued under
this section. A renewal application must be submitted via a Web site
designated by NMFS, at least 15 days before the permit expiration date
to avoid a lapse in permitted status. NMFS will renew a permit provided
that: the application for the requested permit renewal is complete; all
documentation and reports required under this subpart and: the
Magnuson-Stevens Act, Atlantic Tuna Conventions Act, the Tuna
Conventions Act, the Marine Mammal Protection Act, the Dolphin Consumer
Protection Information Act, and the Antarctic Marine Living Resources
Act have been submitted, including those required under Sec. Sec.
216.24, 216.93, 300.114, 300.183, 300.185, 300.186, 300.187 and 635.5
of this title; and the applicant is not subject to a permit sanction or
denial under paragraph (i) of this section.
Sec.  300.323  Reporting requirements.
A person importing for consumption or non-consumption, exporting,
or re-exporting fish or fish products regulated under this subpart from
any ocean area must file all reports and documentation required under
the AMLR trade program, HMS ITP, and TTVP, and under other regulations
that incorporate by reference the requirements of this subpart.
Sec.  300.324  Prohibitions.
In addition to the prohibitions specified in Sec. Sec.  300.4,
300.117, 300.189, 600.725 and 635.71 of this title, it is unlawful for
any person subject to the jurisdiction of the United States to:
(a) violate any provision of this subpart, or any IFTP issued under
(b) Import fish or fish products regulated under this subpart
without a valid IFTP or without submitting complete and accurate
[FR Doc. 2015-32743 Filed 12-28-15; 8:45 am]