Extension of Import Restrictions on Maya Artifacts From the Peten Region, Guatemala

DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY

Customs Service

19 CFR Part 12

[T.D. 94-84]

RIN 1515-AB63

Extension of Import Restrictions on Maya Artifacts From the Peten

Region, Guatemala

AGENCY: Customs Service, Treasury.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This document amends the Customs Regulations to reflect the

extension of the import restrictions on Maya artifacts from the Peten

Region, Guatemala which were imposed by T.D. 91-34. The Deputy Director

of the United States Information Agency has determined that the

emergency conditions which originally warranted the imposition of

import restrictions still exist. Accordingly, the restrictions will

continue to be in effect for an additional three years, and the Customs

Regulations are being amended to indicate this extension.

EFFECTIVE DATE: November 2, 1994.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Legal Aspects: Donnette Rimmer,

Intellectual Property Rights Branch, (202) 482-6960.

Operational Aspects: Leo Wells, Office of Trade Operations (202)

927-0300.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

Pursuant to the provisions of the Convention on Cultural Property

Implementation Act, the Deputy Director of the United States

Information Agency (USIA), after consultation with the Secretaries of

State and Treasury, determined that Maya artifacts from the Peten

Region, Guatemala were in danger of pillage and looting, and that an

emergency condition existed which warranted the imposition of a

prohibition on the importation of such articles into the United States.

In T.D. 91-34, the Customs Service announced the imposition of import

restrictions and identified the types of articles covered by the

restrictions.

The Deputy Director of the USIA has considered the recommendations

of the Cultural Property Advisory Committee and determined that the

emergency conditions which warranted imposition of the initial

restrictions still exist and has decided to extend the import

restrictions for another three years. (See 59 FR 50038, September 30,

1994.)

Accordingly, Customs is amending Sec. 12.104g (19 CFR 12.104g) to

reflect the extension of the import restriction.

Regulatory Flexibility Act

Because no notice of proposed rulemaking is required, the

provisions of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.) do

not apply.

Executive Order 12866

This amendment does not meet the criteria for a ``significant

regulatory action'' as specified in E.O. 12866.

Inapplicability of Notice and Delayed Effective Date

Because this amendment reflects the extension of emergency import

restrictions on cultural property which is currently subject to pillage

and looting, pursuant to Sec. 553(b)(B) of the Administrative Procedure

Act, no notice of proposed rulemaking or public procedure is necessary.

For the same reason, a delayed effective date is both impracticable and

contrary to the public interest.

Drafting Information

The principal author of this amendment was Peter T. Lynch,

Regulations Branch, Office of Regulations and Rulings, U.S. Customs

Service. However, personnel from other offices participated in its

development.

List of Subjects in 19 CFR Part 12

Customs duties and inspections, Imports, Cultural Property

Amendment to the Regulations

Accordingly, Part 12 of the Customs Regulations (19 CFR Part 12) is

amended as set forth below:

PART 12--SPECIAL CLASSES OF MERCHANDISE

1. The general and specific authority citation for Part 12

continues to read as follows:

Authority: 5 U.S.C. 301, 19 U.S.C. 66, 1202 (General Note 17,

Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS)), 1624.

* * * * *

Sections 12.104-12.104i also issued under 19 U.S.C. 2612.

* * * * *

Sec. 12.104 [Amended]

2. Section 12.104g(b) is amended by adding, to the table,

``extended by 94-84'' immediately after the entry ``91-34'' in the

column headed ``T.D. No.'' adjacent to the entry for Guatemala.

Dated: October 21, 1994.

George J. Weise,

Commissioner of Customs.

Dennis M. O'Connell,

Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Treasury.

[FR Doc. 94-27148 Filed 11-1-94; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 4820-02-P