[Federal Register: June 4, 1999 (Volume 64, Number 107)] [Proposed Rules] [Page 29975-29976] From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov] [DOCID:fr04jn99-11] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY Customs Service 19 CFR PARTS 4 AND 159 RIN 1515-AC30 Foreign Repairs to American Vessels AGENCY: Customs Service, Department of the Treasury. ACTION: Proposed rule; extension of comment period. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: This document provides an additional 30 days for interested members of the public to submit comments on proposed amendments to the Customs Regulations concerning foreign repairs to American vessels. The proposed amendments would revise the regulations regarding the declaration, entry, assessment of duty and processing of petitions for relief from duty for vessels of the United States that undergo foreign shipyard operations. The proposed amendments to the vessel repair regulations are intended to accurately reflect current statutory law, as well as legal and policy determinations made as a result of judicial decisions and administrative enforcement experience. DATES: Comments must be received on or before July 21, 1999. ADDRESSES: Comments may be addressed to the Regulations Branch, U.S. Customs Service, 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW., 3rd Floor, Washington D.C. 20229. All comments submitted will be available for public inspection in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552), Sec. 1.4, Treasury Department Regulations (31 CFR 1.4), and Sec. 103.11(b), Customs Regulations (19 [[Page 29976]] CFR 103.11(b)), between 9:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. on normal business days at the above address. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Larry L. Burton, Office of Regulations and Rulings, 202-927-1287. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background Customs published a document in the Federal Register (64 FR 19508) on April 21, 1999, inviting the public to comment on proposed amendments to its regulations concerning foreign repairs to American vessels. Specifically, the proposed amendments would revise the Customs Regulations regarding the declaration, entry, assessment of duty and processing of petitions for relief from duty for vessels of the United States that undergo foreign shipyard operations. The proposed amendments to the vessel repair regulations are intended to accurately reflect current statutory law, as well as legal and policy determinations made as a result of judicial decisions and administrative enforcement experience. Comments on the proposed rule were due on or before June 21, 1999. However, a request has been made on behalf of a large shipping concern to extend the period of time for comments on the proposed rule for an additional 30 days (until July 21, 1999). The additional time is requested so that a thorough and meaningful comment may be prepared, in light of the fact that the proposal involves a major revision of the vessel repair regulations. Customs has concluded under the circumstances that this request has merit. Accordingly, the period of time for the submission of public comments on the proposed rule is being extended as requested. Dated: June 1, 1999. Stuart P. Seidel, Assistant Commissioner, Office of Regulations and Rulings. [FR Doc. 99-14167 Filed 6-3-99; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4820-02-P