[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 208 (Friday, October 27, 1995)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 54939]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 95-26717]
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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.
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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
