International Trade Data System Project Office; Proposed Collection; Comment Request

DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY

International Trade Data System Project Office; Proposed

Collection; Comment Request

ACTION: Notice and request for comments.

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SUMMARY: The Department of the Treasury, as part of its continuing

effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, invites the general

public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment

on proposed and/or continuing information collections, as required by

the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13 (44 U.S.C.

3505(c)(2)(A)). Currently, the International Trade Data System Project

Office within the Department of the Treasury is soliciting comments

concerning the North American Trade Automation Prototype (NATAP).

DATES: Written comments should be received on or before January 31,

1997, to be assured of consideration.

ADDRESSES: Direct all written comments to The Department of the

Treasury, International Trade Data Systems Project Office, Attn.:

William Nolle, 1301 Constitution Ave., NW, ICC-3130, Washington, DC

20229, Telephone (202) 927-1826.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information or

copies of the instructions should be directed to The Department of the

Treasury, International Trade Data Systems Project Office, Attn.:

William Nolle, 1301 Constitution Ave., NW, ICC-3130, Washington, DC

20229, Telephone (202) 927-1826. Information concerning NATAP can also

be obtained at the following Web Site: www.itds.treas.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Title: North American Trade Automation Prototype (NATAP)

OMB Number: 1501-0162

Abstract: After extensive consultation with the trade community in

the three countries, the NAFTA Information Exchange and Automation

Working Group developed the North American Trade Automation Prototype

(NATAP). NATAP is a prototype developed by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico

to experiment with standardized data, advanced automation,

technologies, communications, and encryption designed to reduce costs

and improve trade among the three NAFTA countries. This is mandated by

Article 512 of the NAFTA. NATAP has been endorsed by the three

governments and their trade communities as a limited six month test to

be conducted at two US/Canada and four US/Mexico border locations.

After the six month prototype, NATAP will stop; the governments and

trade community will conduct joint and individual evaluations of the

concepts experienced in NATAP and will determine the next steps in the

development of improved North American trade processes.

In addition to the international aspects of North American trade,

the intent of the U.S. Treasury, International Trade Data System

Project Office is to demonstrate the integration of individual U.S.

federal agency trade procedures into a comprehensive international

trade process that includes the clearance and admissibility of goods,

drivers/crew, and conveyances for purposes of enforcement, revenue,

health and safety, etc.

Current Actions: The three governments have agreed to a six month

test for NATAP. However, given the nature of NATAP and the extensive

coordination of activities among the participating federal trade

agencies in three separate countries and the installation of technology

at all locations, involving federal, state/provincial, local, and

private interests the Working Group and the trade community have agreed

that the six month prototype period will begin for all six locations

after NATAP becomes operational at the last location. While NATAP may

be operational at the first location on November 1, 1996, the last

location may not be operational until March 1, 1997. Accordingly, the

official prototype period would not begin until March 1, 1997. Due to

these unforseen and unpredictable delays, the Department of Treasury is

requesting that this clearance be effective until December 21, 1997.

Volunteers have agreed to participate in NATAP in order to provide

traders with the opportunity to experiment with these advanced

technologies and procedures with minimal expense. Through their

evaluation of NATAP, they will have input into future trade processes

and requirements.

Type of Review: Extension.

Affected Public: Importers, exporters, customs house brokers,

carriers (truck and rail) who have volunteered to participate in NATAP.

[[Page 59923]]

Estimated Number of Respondents: There are approximately 120 U.S.

participants. Estimated number of respondents is 120.

Estimated Time per Respondents: Each response will not exceed 7

minutes.

Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 6,300 hours.

Request for Comments: Comments submitted in response to this notice

will be summarized and/or include in the request for OMB approval. All

comments will become a matter of public record.

Comments are invited on: (a) evaluate whether the proposed

collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of

the function of the agency, including whether the information and the

prototype will have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency's

estimate of the burden of the collection of information; (c) ways to

enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of this information to be

collected; (d) ways to minimize the burden of information on

respondents, including the use of automated collection techniques or

other forms of information technology; (e) estimates of capital start-

up costs and costs of operation, maintenance, and purchase of services

to provide information.

Dated: November 19, 1996.

William L. Nolle,

International Trade Analyst.

[FR Doc. 96-30014 Filed 11-22-96; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 4810-25-M