Foreign Trade Zone Application

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

International Trade Administration

Foreign Trade Zone Application

AGENCY: International Trade Administration, Import Administration,

Commerce.

ACTION: Proposed collection; comment request.

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SUMMARY: The Department of Commerce, as part of its continuing effort

to reduce paperwork and respondent burdens, invites the general public

and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on the

continuing information collections, as required by the Paperwork

Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13 (44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2) (A)).

DATES: Written comments must be submitted on or before April 20, 1998.

ADDRESSES: Direct all written comments to Linda Engelmeier,

Departmental Forms Clearance Officer, Department of Commerce, Room

5327, 14th & Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20230. Phone

number: (202) 482-3272.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Request for additional information or

copies of the information collection instructions should be directed

to: Kathleen A. Boyce, Foreign Trade Zones Staff, Room 3716, 14th &

Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20230; Phone number: (202) 482-

2862, and fax number: (202) 482-0002. The FTZ Application Guidelines,

as well as the Regulations, are available on-line at http://

www.ita.doc.gov/import__admin/records/ftzpage/ftzhome.htm.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Abstract

The Foreign Trade Zones Application is the vehicle by which

individual firms or organizations apply for foreign-trade zone (FTZ)

status, for subzone status, or for expansion of an existing zone. The

FTZ Act and Regulations require that an application with a description

of the proposed project be made to the FTZ Board (19 U.S.C. 81b and

81f; 15 CFR 400.24-26) before a license can be issued or a zone can be

expanded. The Act and Regulations require that applications contain

detailed information on facilities, financing, operational plans,

proposed manufacturing operations, need, and economic impact.

Manufacturing activity in zones, which is primarily conducted in

subzones can involve issues related to domestic industry and trade

policy impact. Such applications must include specific information on

the Customs-tariff related savings that result from zone procedures and

the economic consequences of permitting such savings. The FTZ Board

needs complete and accurate information on the proposed operation and

its economic effects because the Act and Regulations authorize the

Board to restrict or prohibit operations that are detrimental to the

public interest.

II. Method of Collection

U.S. firms or organizations submit applications to the Foreign-

Trade Zones Board.

III. Data

OMB Number: 0625-0139.

Form Number: N/A.

Type of Review: Regular Submission.

Affected Public: State, local, or tribal governments or not-for-

profit institutions applying for foreign trade zone status, for subzone

status, or for modification of existing status.

Estimated Number of Respondents: 100.

Estimated Time Per Response: 20 to 120 hours (depending on type of

application).

Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 9,314 hours.

Estimated Total Annual Costs: The estimated annual cost for this

collection is $864,442.00 ($249,402.00 for applicants and $615,040.00

for federal government).

IV. Request for Comments

Comments are invited on (a) whether the proposed collection of

information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of

the agency, including whether the information shall have practical

utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden

(including hours and costs) of the proposed collection of information;

(c)ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information

to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection

of information on respondents, including through the use of automated

collection techniques or forms of information technology.

Comments submitted in response to this notice will be summarized

and/or included in the request for OMB approval of this information

collection; they also will become a matter of public record.

Dated: February 11, 1998.

Linda Engelmeier,

Departmental Forms Clearance Officer, Office of Management and

Organization

[FR Doc. 98-4100 Filed 2-18-98; 8:45 a.m]

BILLING CODE: 3510-DS-P