Prior to the commencement of the Quarterly Survey of Cross-Border Credit, Debit, and Charge Card Transactions (BE-150)form mailings, the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) shall provide on its Internet site prominent links to a complete set of finalized survey forms, including instructions and cover letters.
Inventory as of this Action
Requested
Previously Approved
03/31/2012
36 Months From Approved
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256
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This action would amend 15 CFR Part 801 to provide for the conduct of a new quarterly survey to collect data on purchases and cash advances or withdrawals made by U.S. cardholders while traveling abroad and by foreign cardholders while traveling in the United States
The proposed new information collection is necessary for improving the quality of the travel component of the international transactions accounts. The quality of the current statistics on international travel is limited by their reliance on traveler recall or, for U.S. travelers abroad, of forecasts of what the travelers expect to spend abroad. This survey will improve the quality of these important estimates by using data on credit, debit, and charge card transactions to form the core of the travel estimates. Because these data would be based on business records and would account for a large portion of travel expenditures, their use would greatly improve the accuracy of the travel estimates. This is a new survey, so the burden hours represent an increase.
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that the collection of information encompassed by this request complies with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR 1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding the proposed collection of information, that the certification covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.