05-787. Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request

DOC has submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for clearance the following proposal for collection of information under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13.

Bureau: International Trade Administration.

Title: Foreign-Trade Zone (FTZ) Application.

Agency Form Number: N/A.

OMB Number: 0625-0139.

Type of Request: Regular Submission.

Estimated Burden: 9,180 hours.

Estimated Number of Applicants: 145.

Est. Avg. Hours Per Application: 20-120 hours (depending on the type of application).

Needs and Uses: 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.

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.

Frequency: On occasion.

Respondent's Obligation: Required to obtain a license, voluntary.

OMB Desk Officer: David Rostker, [phone].

Copies of the above information collection proposal can be obtained by calling or writing Diana Hynek, Departmental Paperwork Clearance Officer, [phone], Department of Commerce, Room 6625, 14th and Constitution, NW., Washington, DC 20230. E-mail: [e-mail].

Written comments and recommendations for the proposed information collection should be sent via e-mail to [e-mail] or fax [phone], within 30 days of publication of this Federal Register notice.

Dated: January 10, 2005.

Madeleine Clayton,

Management Analyst, Office of the Chief Information Officer.