CBP Seeks Comments on AGOA Textile Certificate of Origin
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has issued a notice which invites the general public and other Federal agencies to comment on an information collection requirement concerning the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) Textile Certificate of Origin.
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CBP explains that there are no changes being proposed for the AGOA Textile Certificate of Origin at this time. According to CBP sources, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approves information collections for a period of three years. After three years, the information collections must be renewed, which requires a solicitation of comments by the agency using it.
AGOA Certificate of Origin Required for Textile Duty Preference Provisions, Etc.
According to CBP, the AGOA Textile Certificate of Origin is required for the duty- and quota-free entry of certain textile and apparel articles from U.S. Trade Representative (USTR)-listed AGOA beneficiary countries.
The textile and apparel provisions for AGOA are found in 19 CFR 10.211-217, with the format of the AGOA Textile Certificate of Origin located at 19 CFR 10.214(b). According to 19 CFR 10.214(a), a certificate of origin certifies that a textile or apparel article being exported from an AGOA beneficiary country to the U.S. qualifies for the preferential treatment referred to in 19 CFR 10.211. Furthermore, the AGOA Textile Certificate of Origin must be prepared by the exporter in the beneficiary country. Subscribers should note that a copy of this certificate must be provided to the CBP port director upon request.
(See ITT's Online Archives or 02/02/01 news, 01020105, for BP summary of CBP's instructions on AGOA textile articles. See ITT's Online Archives or 04/07/03 news, 03040710, for BP summary of more recent CBP interim rule on AGOA textile and apparel trade benefits.)
CBP Seeks Comments Addressing Necessity of Information Collection, Etc.
In its notice requesting comments on this information collection, CBP states that comments should address the following:
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;
The accuracy of the agency's estimates of the burden of the collection of information;
Ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected;
Ways to minimize the burden including the use of automated collection techniques or the use of other forms of information technology; and
Estimates of capital or start-up costs and costs of operations, maintenance, and purchase of services to provide information.
-written comments should be received on or before February 17, 2004 to be assured of consideration
CBP contact - Tracey Denning (202) 927-1429
CBP notice (FR Pub 12/17/03) available athttp://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/17dec20030900/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2003/03-31150.htm