FR 2025-07869

General Summary of the Document

The document is an official notice from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), a part of the Department of Homeland Security. It announces the approval of Intertek USA, Inc., a company based in Kapolei, Hawaii, as a commercial gauger. This approval, effective from August 2, 2023, allows Intertek to measure petroleum and certain petroleum products for customs purposes for a period of three years. A triennial inspection is scheduled for August 2026 to review their operations. Stakeholders and those interested in employing Intertek for gauging services can contact the CBP for verification or additional details.

Significant Issues or Concerns

A few concerns arise from the details outlined in the document. First, there is no information detailing the process or criteria used to approve Intertek USA, Inc. as a gauger. This lack of transparency might lead to questions or skepticism regarding the fairness of the selection process.

Second, the document does not specify the exact nature of the services Intertek is approved to perform, apart from a general reference to gauging procedures. This vagueness might lead to confusion for parties looking to engage Intertek for specific gauging needs.

Additionally, all contact information for inquiries is centralized with one individual, Dr. Eugene Bondoc. If this individual becomes unavailable, there might be a lack of alternative contacts, potentially causing delays in communication.

Impact on the Public Broadly

For the general public, particularly those engaged in industries related to petroleum products, this announcement signifies that Intertek USA, Inc. is a trusted entity by CBP for gauging services. As such, companies can rely on Intertek for accurate and compliant measurements, which is crucial for customs and trade operations involving petroleum products.

However, the lack of transparency regarding the approval process might cause some unease or distrust among the public, as there is insufficient information about how the company was deemed qualified.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

For Intertek USA, Inc., this approval is a significant endorsement from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, potentially expanding their business opportunities and enhancing their reputation in the industry. Being a CBP-approved gauger also likely reassures their current and future clients of their credibility and accuracy.

For other companies in the same industry, the notice serves as a benchmark for the requirements and standards needed to achieve approval as a commercial gauger. However, without detailed criteria being disclosed, it might be challenging for competitors to understand the necessary qualifications or improvements needed to seek similar approval.

Lastly, CBP's stakeholders, including importers and exporters dealing with petroleum products, benefit by having an additional approved service provider to facilitate smooth customs operations, though they may share concerns about the transparency and criteria of the gauging approval process.