[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 228 (Monday, November 25, 1996)]
[Notices]
[Pages 59922-59923]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-30014]
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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
