Addition of Belize to the List of Nations Entitled to Special Tonnage Tax Exemption

DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY

Customs Service

19 CFR Part 4

[T.D. 95-88]

Addition of Belize to the List of Nations Entitled to Special

Tonnage Tax Exemption

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

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: Pursuant to information provided by the Department of State,

the United States Customs Service has found that no discriminating

duties of tonnage or imposts are imposed or levied in the ports of

Belize upon vessels wholly belonging to citizens of the United States,

or upon the produce, manufactures, or merchandise imported in the same

from the United States or from any foreign country. Accordingly,

vessels of Belize are exempt from special tonnage taxes and light money

in ports of the United States. This document amends the Customs

Regulations by adding Belize to the list of nations whose vessels are

exempt from payment of any higher tonnage duties than are applicable to

vessels of the United States and from the payment of light money.

EFFECTIVE DATE: The exemption from special tonnage taxes and light

money for vessels registered in Belize became effective on March 7,

1995. This amendment is effective October 27, 1995.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Barbara E. Whiting, Entry and Carrier

Rulings Branch, (202) 482-7040.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

Generally, the United States imposes regular and special tonnage

taxes, and a duty of a specified amount per ton called ``light money''

on all foreign vessels which enter United States ports (46 U.S.C. App.

121, 128). However, vessels of a foreign nation may be exempted from

the payment of special tonnage taxes and light money upon presentation

of satisfactory proof that no discriminatory duties of tonnage or

impost are imposed by that foreign nation on U. S. vessels or their

cargoes (46 U.S.C. App. 141).

Section 4.22, Customs Regulations (19 CFR 4.22), lists those

nations whose vessels have been found to be exempt from the payment of

any higher tonnage duties than are applicable to vessels of the United

States and from the payment of light money. The authority to amend this

section of the Customs Regulations has been delegated to the Chief,

Regulations Branch.

Finding

On the basis of information received from the Department of State

regarding the absence of discriminating duties of tonnage or impost

imposed on U.S. vessels in the ports of Belize, the Customs Service has

determined that vessels of Belize are exempt from the payment of the

special tonnage tax and light money, effective March 7, 1995. The

Customs Regulations are amended accordingly.

Inapplicability of Public Notice and Delayed Effective Date

Requirements, the Regulatory Flexibility Act and Executive Order 12866

Because this amendment merely implements a statutory requirement

and confers a benefit upon the public, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(B),

notice and public procedure are unnecessary; further, for the same

reasons, good cause exists for dispensing with a delayed effective date

under 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(1) and (3). Since this document is not subject to

the notice and public procedure requirements of 5 U.S.C. 553, it is not

subject to the provisions of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C.

601 et seq.). This amendment does not meet the criteria for a

``significant regulatory action'' as specified in Executive Order

12866.

Drafting Information

The principal author of this document was Janet L. Johnson,

Regulations Branch, U. S. Customs Service. However, personnel from

other offices participated in its development.

List of Subjects in 19 CFR Part 4

Cargo vessels, Customs duties and inspection, Maritime carriers,

Vessels.

Amendment to the Regulations

Part 4, Customs Regulations (19 CFR part 4), is amended as set

forth below.

PART 4--VESSELS IN FOREIGN AND DOMESTIC TRADES

1. The general authority for Part 4 and relevant specific authority

continue to read as follows:

Authority: 5 U.S.C. 301; 19 U.S.C. 66, 1431, 1433, 1434, 1624;

46 U.S.C. App. 3, 91.

* * * * *

Section 4.22 also issued under 46 U.S.C. App. 121, 128, 141;

* * * * *

Sec. 4.22 [Amended]

2. Section 4.22 is amended by adding ``Belize'' in appropriate

alphabetical order.

Dated: October 23, 1995.

Harold M. Singer,

Chief, Regulations Branch.

[FR Doc. 95-26717 Filed 10-26-95; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 4820-02-P