The information collected is used by
OFAC to implement its compliance and enforcement programs pursuant
to the Regulations, including with respect to whether all travel to
Cuba on direct flights from the United States is in accordance with
U.S. law. Specifically, the information may be requested by OFAC to
verify that travelers to Cuba on direct flights were licensed by
OFAC to engage in such travel and facilitate OFAC's addressing of
potential violations of the Regulations.
On January 16, 2015,
OFAC amended the Regulations to implement certain policy changes
announced by the President on December 17, 2014 to further engage
and empower the Cuban people. Among other changes, OFAC generally
authorized persons subject to U.S. jurisdiction to provide certain
travel and air carrier services in connection with travel to Cuba.
See 31 CFR § 515.572(a). In so doing, OFAC modified the information
collection requirements as currently approved by OMB (No.
1505-0168). In addition, OFAC generally authorized travel-related
transactions within the 12 existing travel categories in OFAC’s
regulations. As to information collection requirements, OFAC
previously required licensed TSPs to gather certain personal data
about authorized travelers and provide it to CSPs, which then
submitted this and certain additional information to OFAC. OFAC now
requires only that persons subject to U.S. jurisdiction providing
services authorized pursuant 31 CFR § 515.572 retain for at least
five years from the date of the transaction a certification from
each customer indicating the section of 31 CFR part 515 that
authorizes the person to travel to Cuba. In the case of a customer
traveling under a specific license, a copy of the license must be
maintained on file with the person subject to U.S. jurisdiction
providing services authorized pursuant to 31 CFR § 515.572. OFAC
anticipates that the general authorizations for providing travel
and carrier services in connection with travel to Cuba and for
individual travel will increase the number of travelers, but that
because OFAC has simplified its requirements, and no longer
requires regular reports to OFAC, the time burden of the
information collection has decreased both for each individual entry
and overall.
US Code:
22
USC 6021-91 Name of Law: Cuban Liberty and Democratic
Solidarity Act
US Code:
50 USC App. 1-44 Name of Law: Trading With the Enemy Act
On January 16, 2015, OFAC
amended the Regulations to implement certain policy changes
announced by the President on December 17, 2014 to further engage
and empower the Cuban people. Among other changes, OFAC generally
authorized persons subject to U.S. jurisdiction to provide certain
travel and air carrier services in connection with travel to Cuba.
See 31 CFR § 515.572(a). In so doing, OFAC modified the information
collection requirements as currently approved by OMB (No.
1505-0168). In addition, OFAC generally authorized travel-related
transactions within the 12 existing travel categories in OFAC's
regulations. As to information collection requirements, OFAC
previously required licensed TSPs to gather certain personal data
about authorized travelers and provide it to CSPs, which then
submitted this and certain additional information to OFAC. OFAC now
requires only that persons subject to U.S. jurisdiction providing
services authorized pursuant to 31 CFR § 515.572 retain for at
least five years from the date of the transaction a certification
from each customer indicating the section of 31 CFR part 515 that
authorizes the person to travel to Cuba. In the case of a customer
traveling under a specific license, a copy of the license must be
maintained on file with the person subject to U.S. jurisdiction
providing services authorized pursuant to 31 CFR § 515.572. OFAC
anticipates that the general authorizations for providing travel
and carrier services in connection with travel to Cuba and for
individual travel will increase the number of travelers, but that
because OFAC has simplified its requirements, and no longer
requires regular reports to OFAC, the time burden of the
information collection has decreased both for each individual entry
and overall. The increase of 750,000 respondents and a reduction of
16,666 burden hours is attributed this program change. A total of
16,667 burden hours is requested.
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.