Supporting Statement
Customs-Trade Partnership against Terrorism (C-TPAT)
1651-0077
A. Justification
Explain the circumstances that make the collection of information necessary. Identify any legal or administrative requirements that necessitate the collection. Attach a copy of the appropriate section of each statute and regulation mandating or authorizing the collection of information.
The Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) Program is designed to safeguard the world's trade industry from terrorists and smugglers by prescreening its participants. The C-TPAT Program applies to United States importers, customs brokers, consolidators, port and terminal operators, carriers and foreign manufacturers. Respondents apply to participate in C-TPAT using an on-line application at: http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/trade/cargo_security/ctpat/ctpat_application_material/
The information collected includes the applicant’s contact information and business information including the number of employees, the number of years in business, and a list of company officers. This collection of information was authorized by the SAFE Port Act (P.L.109-347).
2. Indicate how, by whom, and for what purpose the information is to be used. Except for a new collection, indicate the actual use the agency has made of the information received from the current collection.
The information collected is to be used by CBP officers to assist in the release of merchandise at certain high‑risk locations and to enhance CBP’s ability to assess the threat of certain commercial transactions more effectively.
3. Describe whether, and to what extent, the collection of information involves the use of automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology, e.g. permitting electronic submission of responses, and the basis for the decision for adopting this means of collection. Also describe any consideration of using information technology to reduce burden.
Applicants wishing to be considered for C-TPAT submit their information through an online application at: http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/trade/cargo_security/ctpat/ctpat_application_material/
Describe efforts to identify duplication. Show specifically why any similar information already available cannot be used or modified for use for the purposes described in Item 2 above.
This information is not duplicated in any other place or any other form.
5. If the collection of information impacts small businesses or other small entities, describe any methods used to minimize burden.
This information collection does not have an impact on small businesses or other small entities.
Describe consequences to Federal program or policy activities if the collection is not conducted or is conducted less frequently.
Failure to collect this information would result in CBP discontinuing the C-TPAT program which would have a negative impact on the trade community by increasing the processing time at ports of entries.
Explain any special circumstances.
This information is collected in a manner consistent with the guidelines of 5 CFR 1320.5(d)(2).
If applicable, provide a copy and identify the date and page number of publication in the Federal Register of the agency's notice, required by 5 CFR 1320.8(d), soliciting comments on the information collection prior to submission to OMB. Summarize public comments received in response to that notice and describe actions taken by the agency in response to these comments. Specifically address comments received on cost and hour burden.
Public comments were solicited through two Federal Register notices published on May 23, 2013 (Volume 78, Page 30934) on which no comments were received, and on July 25, 2013 (Volume 78, Page 44961) on which no comments have been received.
9. Explain any decision to provide any payment or gift to respondents, other than remuneration of contractors or grantees.
There is no offer of a monetary or material value for this information collection.
10. Describe any assurance of confidentiality provided to respondents and the basis for the assurance in statute, regulation, or agency policy.
A SORN entitled, Customs-Trade Partnership against Terrorism (C-TPAT) dated March 13, 2013 (Vol. 78, Page 15962) and a PIA, entitled, C-TPAT, dated February 14, 2013 will be included in the ICR. There are no assurances of confidentiality provided to the respondents of this information collection.
11. Provide additional justification for any questions of a sensitive nature, such as sexual behavior and attitudes, religious beliefs, and other matters that are commonly considered private. This justification should include the reasons why the agency considers the questions necessary, the specific uses to be made of the information, the explanation to be given to persons from whom the information is requested, and any steps to be taken to obtain their consent.
There are no questions of a sensitive nature.
12. Provide estimates of the hour burden of the collection of information.
INFORMATION COLLECTION |
TOTAL ANNUAL BURDEN HOURS |
NO. OF RESPONDENTS |
NO. OF RESPONSES PER RESPONDENT |
TOTAL RESPONSES |
TIME PER RESPONSE |
Application for C-TPAT
|
12,705 |
2,541 |
1 |
2,541 |
5 hours
|
Public Cost
The estimated cost to the respondents is $357,010. This is based on the estimated burden hours (12,705) multiplied (x) by the average hourly rate ($28.10).
13. Provide an estimate of the total annual cost burden to respondents or record keepers resulting from the collection of information.
There are no record keeping, capital, start-up or maintenance costs associated with this information collection.
14. Provide estimates of annualized cost to the Federal Government. Also provide a description of the method used to estimate cost, which should include quantification of hours, operational expenses (such as equipment overhead, printing, and support staff), and any other expense that would not have been incurred without this collection of information.
The estimated annual cost to the Federal Government associated with the review of these records is $370,414. This is based on the number of responses (2,541) that must be reviewed (x) the time to review and process each response (2.5 hours) = 6,352.5 hours (x) the average hourly rate ($58.31) = $370,414.
15. Explain the reasons for any program changes or adjustments reported in Items 12 or 13 of this Statement.
The burden hours were reduced from 32,500 hours to 12,705 hours based on updated estimates by CBP. There is no change to the C-TPAT application or to the information collected.
16. For collection of information whose results will be published, outline plans for tabulation, and publication.
This information collection will not be published for statistical purposes.
17. If seeking approval to not display the expiration date, explain the reasons that displaying the expiration date would be inappropriate.
CBP will display the expiration date for OMB approval of this information collection.
18. “Certification for Paperwork Reduction Act Submissions.”
CBP does not request an exception to the certification of this information collection.
No statistical methods were employed.
| File Type | application/msword |
| File Title | Supporting Statement |
| Author | Preferred Customer |
| Last Modified By | Authorized User |
| File Modified | 2013-08-12 |
| File Created | 2013-05-20 |