[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 191 (Friday, October 2, 1998)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 52967-52968]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-26417]
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DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY
Customs Service
19 CFR Part 4
[T.D. 98-79]
Removal of Brazil From the List of Nations Entitled to Reciprocal
Exemption From the Payment of Special Tonnage Taxes
AGENCY: U.S. Customs Service, Department of the Treasury.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: This document amends the Customs Regulations by removing
Brazil from the list of nations whose vessels are entitled to
reciprocal exemption from the payment of special tonnage taxes and
light money. The Department of State has informed Customs that Brazil
has implemented a law that discriminates against U.S. vessels in its
preferential tax treatment of cargoes carried on certain specially-
registered Brazilian vessels; thus, Brazil no longer qualifies for the
exemption. Accordingly, Customs is withdrawing the exemption privileges
formerly granted Brazil.
EFFECTIVE DATE: This amendment is effective, and the reciprocal
privileges extended to all Brazilian-registered vessels are withdrawn,
as of October 2, 1998.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Gerry O'Brien, Entry Procedures and
Carrier Rulings Branch, (202-927-2320).
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
Generally, the United States imposes regular and special tonnage
taxes, and a duty of a specified amount per ton denominated ``light
money'', on all foreign vessels which enter U.S. ports (46 U.S.C. App.
121 and 128).
Vessels of a foreign nation, however, may be exempted from the
payment of such special tonnage taxes and light money upon presentation
of satisfactory proof that no discriminatory duties of tonnage or
impost are imposed by that foreign nation on U.S. vessels or their
cargoes (46 U.S.C. App. 141).
The list of nations whose vessels have been found to be
reciprocally exempt from the payment of any higher tonnage duties than
are applicable to vessels of the U.S. and from the payment of light
money is found at Sec. 4.22, Customs Regulations (19 CFR 4.22). Nations
granted these commercial privileges that subsequently impose
discriminatory duties are subject to retaliatory suspension of the
exemption from payment of special tonnage tax and light money (46
U.S.C. App. 141).
Brazil is currently listed among the nations exempt from the
payment of such special tonnage taxes and light money.
The Department of State, however, has informed Customs that Brazil
implemented a new tax law, effective as of July 30, 1998, that
discriminates against U.S. vessels and the vessels of other countries
in its preferential tax treatment of cargoes carried by certain
specially-registered Brazilian vessels. Specifically, the law
establishes a second commercial shipping register whereby the dutiable
value of imported merchandise carried by Brazilian vessels so
registered does not include freight charges. However, identical imports
carried by U.S. vessels or the vessels of other countries are subject
to duty on the freight charges as well as the value of the merchandise.
Because this circumstance violates the reciprocal nature of the
exemption privilege granted, Brazil no longer qualifies for the
exemption.
As a result, the Department of State, in accordance with 46 U.S.C.
App. 141 and Executive Order 10289 of September 17, 1951 (16 FR 9499, 3
CFR 1949-1953 Comp. p. 787, as amended, see 3 U.S.C.A. 301 note), has
recommended to the Secretary of the Treasury, through Customs, that
Brazil be removed from the list of nations found at Sec. 4.22.
Finding
The Customs Service has determined that the vessels of Brazil are
no longer exempt from the payment of special tonnage taxes and light
money, effective as of October 2, 1998, and that Sec. 4.22 of the
Customs Regulations should be amended accordingly. The authority to
amend this section of the Customs Regulations has been delegated to the
Chief, Regulations Branch.
In Applicability of Public Notice and Comment and Delayed Effective
Date Requirements, the Regulatory Flexibility Act and Executive
Order 12866
Because this amendment concerns a foreign affairs function of the
United States, merely implements a statutory mandate, and involves a
matter in which the general public has no significant interest,
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553, notice and public procedure thereon are
considered unnecessary; further, for the same reason, good cause exists
for dispensing with a delayed effective date under 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3).
Since this document is not subject to the notice and public procedure
requirements of 5 U.S.C. 553, it is not subject to the provisions of
the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.). Nor does the
amendment meet the criteria for a ``significant regulatory action''
under E.O. 12866.
List of Subjects in 19 CFR Part 4
Cargo vessels, Customs duties and inspection, Entry, Maritime
carriers, Vessels.
Amendment to the Regulations
Part 4, Customs Regulations (19 CFR part 4), is amended as set
forth below.
[[Page 52968]]
PART 4--VESSELS IN FOREIGN AND DOMESTIC TRADES
1. The general authority citation for part 4 and the specific
authority citation for Sec. 4.22 continue to read as follows:
Authority: 5 U.S.C. 301; 19 U.S.C. 66, 1431, 1433, 1434, 1624;
46 U.S.C. App. 3, 91.
* * * * *
Section 4.22 also issued under 46 U.S.C. App. 121, 128, 141;
* * * * *
Sec. 4.22 [Amended]
2. Section 4.22 is amended by removing ``Brazil'' from the list of
nations entitled to exemption from special tonnage taxes and light
money.
Dated: September 29, 1998.
Harold M. Singer,
Chief, Regulations Branch
[FR Doc. 98-26417 Filed 10-1-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4820-02-P