03-2587. Proposed Collection; Comment Request; Application and Approval To Manipulate, Examine, Sample, or Transfer Goods

AGENCY:

U.S. Customs, Department of the Treasury.

ACTION:

Notice and request for comments.

SUMMARY:

As part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, Customs invites the general public and other Federal agencies to comment on an information collection requirement concerning the Application and Approval to Manipulate, Examine, Sample, or Transfer Goods. This request for comment is being made pursuant to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13; 44 U.S.C. 3505(c)(2)).

DATES:

Written comments should be received on or before April 7, 2003, to be assured of consideration.

ADDRESSES:

Direct all written comments to Tracey Denning, U.S. Customs Service, Information Services Group, Room 3.2.C, 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20229.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Requests for additional information should be directed to U.S. Customs Service, Attn.: Tracey Denning, Room 3.2.C, 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20229, Tel. [phone].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Customs invites the general public and other Federal agencies to comment on proposed and/or continuing information collections pursuant to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13; 44 U.S.C. 3505(c)(2)). The comments should address: (1) Whether the 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 estimates of the burden of the collection of information; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; (d) ways to minimize the burden including the use of automated collection techniques or the use of other forms of information technology; and (e) the annual costs burden to respondents or record keepers from the collection of information (a total capital/startup costs and operations and maintenance costs). The comments that are submitted will be summarized and included in the Customs request for Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval. All comments will become a matter of public record. In this document Customs is soliciting comments concerning the following information collection:

Title: Application & Approval to Manipulate, Examine, Sample, or Transfer Goods.

OMB Number: 1515-0021.

Form Number: Customs Form 3499.

Abstract: Customs Form 3499 is prepared by importers or consignees as an application to request examination, sampling, or transfer of merchandise under Customs supervision. This form is also an application for the manipulation of merchandise in a bonded warehouse and abandonment or destruction of merchandise.

Current Actions: There are no changes to the information collection. This submission is being submitted to extend the expiration date.

Type of Review: Extension (without change).

Affected Public: Business or other for-profit institutions and individuals.

Estimated Number of Respondents: 137,400.

Estimated Time Per Respondent: 6 minutes.

Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 13,740.

Estimated Total Annualized Cost on the Public: $109,920.

Dated: January 27, 2003.

Tracey Denning,

Agency Clearance Officer, , Information Services Branch.