At the time of importation, or during field audits, the information collected under this recordkeeping requirement is used by CBP and TTB personnel to ensure that: (1) Persons engaged in business as importers are operating under the permit required by Federal law to engage in such operations; (2) applicable taxes are paid; (3) commodities released from customs custody without payment of tax for transfer in bond are eligible for such release, are sent to eligible bonded facilities, and are not diverted; and (4) labels applied to containers of imported alcohol beverages comply with FAA Act requirements. Also, the letterhead applications and notices approved under this information collection are necessary to ensure that an importerâs proposed alternative method will provide equal protection to the revenue and will not pose a burden to TTB in administrating 27 CFR parts 26 and 27. These letterhead applications and notices help to protect the revenue. This information collection is being amended to include the information submitted electronically by importers using the International Trade Data System (ITDS). In cases where the TTB regulations require importers to keep records supporting the data submitted via ITDS, such records are maintained by the regulated industry members at their business premises and may be inspected by TTB personnel. The regulated industry members may keep the required records in paper or electronic formats at their discretion.
The International Trade Data System (ITDS) is an interagency program to establish an electronic âsingle windowâ through which importers and exporters may submit electronically the data required by Federal government agencies for clearing imports or exports. Section 405 of the Security and Accountability for Every Port Act of 2006 (SAFE Port Act) (Pub. L. 109â347) mandates participation in ITDS by all agencies that require documentation for clearing or licensing the importation and exportation of cargo. Currently, importers and exporters that are regulated by multiple agencies or that import or export commodities regulated by multiple agencies must submit data to those agencies through various channels, often in paper form. Through the implementation of ITDS, data will be entered into the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE), operated by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and then made available to each government agency. To implement the SAFE Port Act, TTB is issuing a final rule titled âAmendments to Streamline Importation of Distilled Spirits, Wine, Beer, Malt Beverages, Tobacco Products, Processed Tobacco, and Cigarette Papers and Tubes and Facilitate Use of the International Trade Data System, which will amend the TTB regulations governing the importation of distilled spirits, wine, beer and malt beverages, tobacco products, processed tobacco, and cigarette papers and tubes. The amendments are intended to clarify and streamline import procedures, and support the implementation of ITDS and the filing of import information electronically in conjunction with an electronic import filing with CBP. The amendments include providing the option for importers to file import-related data electronically when filing entry or entry summary data electronically with CBP, as an alternative to the current TTB requirements that importers submit paper documents to CBP upon importation. Under the final rule, the information collection approval for many of these electronic submissions will be placed under this OMB control number 1513â0064, Importer's Records and Reports (TTB REC 5170/1). These amendments will result in an increase in the number of respondents, responses, and annual burden hours for this information collection.
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.
1513-0064 Supporting Statement Ver. 2 (ITDS final rule ).docx
Importer's Records and Reports (TTB REC 5170/1)