Overview
Title
Agency Information Collection Activities: Cargo Manifest/Declaration, Stow Plan, Container Status Messages and Importer Security Filing
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The Department of Homeland Security wants people to tell them what they think about some important paperwork they need for checking stuff going in and out of the country. They want to know if the papers are really needed and if they could be easier to fill out.
Summary AI
The Department of Homeland Security, through U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), is seeking public comments on extending a collection of information related to cargo documentation. This includes various forms and electronic submissions concerning cargo manifest and declarations, importer security filings, and more, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act. The agency encourages comments by February 10, 2021, focusing on the necessity, accuracy, and methods to ease the burden of these requirements. The information will aid CBP in managing imports and exports securely and efficiently.
Abstract
The Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Customs and Border Protection will be submitting the following information collection request to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA). The information collection is published in the Federal Register to obtain comments from the public and affected agencies.
Keywords AI
Sources
AnalysisAI
The Federal Register document, titled "Agency Information Collection Activities: Cargo Manifest/Declaration, Stow Plan, Container Status Messages and Importer Security Filing," involves the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), part of the Department of Homeland Security, seeking public comments on continuing a set of information collection activities. This request relates to various documentation and electronic submissions required under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. It seeks to ensure that procedural activities concerning cargo imports and exports are managed securely and efficiently.
General Overview
The CBP invites public feedback on extending the use of several forms and processes related to cargo manifests and declarations, importer security filings, and other essential procedures related to import and export activities. These processes are part of efforts to streamline how cargo information is managed across different modes of transportation, such as air, rail, and sea. The document sets a deadline for comments by February 10, 2021, signaling an intention to review and possibly adjust the procedures based on the feedback received.
Key Issues and Concerns
Several issues stand out in this document. Firstly, the complexity of the language used, especially related to the various forms and procedures, might present challenges for individuals without a specialized background. Clear communication is vital, particularly when seeking public opinion.
Additionally, while the document calls for extending existing collections of information, it does not make transparent the motivations or benefits of these extensions. This omission may lead to public skepticism about the necessity of such a renewal.
Perhaps most concerning is the estimated annual burden, which is particularly high for the Importer Security Filing, at 17,739,000 hours. This figure raises questions about the efficiency of the process and whether revisions are necessary to reduce potential waste.
The document also leaves readers questioning how public feedback will be incorporated into the decision-making and whether the process will be transparent and inclusive of stakeholder input.
Public Impact
These collection activities directly affect businesses involved in importing and exporting goods, which are required to comply with these documentation requirements. The efficiency, accuracy, and utility of such processes significantly impact how smoothly and securely goods can be brought into or sent out of the United States.
For the general public, ensuring smooth operations in imports and exports can affect product availability and pricing due to the efficiency or bottlenecks in logistics and customs processes.
Stakeholder Impact
Businesses, especially those in logistics, shipping, and trade, stand to be most affected by these procedures. On the one hand, improvements to processes could lead to smoother operations and fewer delays, thereby enhancing efficiency and potentially reducing costs. On the other hand, if these information collection requirements remain challenging or burdensome, they might lead to increased operational costs and administrative requirements.
For policymakers and regulatory bodies, the feedback might offer insights into potential areas for process enhancement or reduction of redundancy, improving overall efficiency.
In summary, while the document is procedural and technical, its implications are broad-reaching, affecting various aspects of trade and business operations. However, the lack of clarity on a few significant points suggests improvements might be necessary to make these processes transparent and efficient for everyone involved.
Issues
• The document contains complex language, particularly in the section detailing various forms and procedures, which may be difficult for the general public to understand.
• The document does not explicitly describe the purpose or anticipated benefits of extending the existing information collection, which may lead to questions about its necessity.
• The estimated annual burden hours for certain collections, notably the Importer Security Filing, are extremely high, totaling 17,739,000 hours. It may be beneficial to review this estimate for potential wastefulness or inefficiencies.
• There's a lack of clarity on how the feedback from the public comments will be integrated into the final decision-making process, which may lead to concerns about transparency and stakeholder involvement.
• There is no detailed breakdown of the costs associated with these information collection activities, which could be an area of potential wastefulness or favoritism if not scrutinized.