02-9542. Proposed Collection; Comment Request; Entry and Manifest of Merchandise Free of Duty

AGENCY:

Customs, Department of the Treasury.

ACTION:

Notice and request for comments.

SUMMARY:

The Department of the Treasury, 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 Entry and Manifest of Merchandise Free of Duty. 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 June 18, 2002, to be assured of consideration.

ADDRESSES:

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

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Requests for additional information should be directed to U.S. Customs Service, Attn.: Tracey Denning, 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW., Room 3.2C, 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) estimates of capital or start-up costs and costs of operations, maintenance, and purchase of services to provide information. 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: Entry and Manifest of Merchandise Free of Duty.

OMB Number: 1515-0051.

Form Number: Customs Form 7523.

Abstract: Customs Form 7523 is used by carriers and importers as a manifest for the entry of merchandise free of duty under certain condition and by Customs to authorize the entry of such merchandise. It is also used by carriers to show that the articles being imported are to be released to the importer or consignee.

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.

Estimated Number of Respondents: 4,950.

Estimated Time Per Respondent: 1 hour and 40 minutes.

Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 8,247.

Estimated Total Annualized Cost on the Public: $123,700.

Dated: April 15, 2002.

Tracey Denning,

Information Services Group.