[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 243 (Wednesday, December 18, 2013)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 76529-76533]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-30075]
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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
U.S. Customs and Border Protection
DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY
19 CFR Part 148
[CBP Dec. 13-19; USCBP-2012-0008]
RIN 1515-AD76
Members of a Family for Purpose of Filing CBP Family Declaration
AGENCY: U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Department of Homeland
Security; Department of the Treasury.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: This final rule affects persons eligible to file a single
customs declaration. The final rule expands the definitions of family
members residing in one household. As a result of this expansion, more
U.S. returning resident and non-resident visitor families will be
eligible to file a single customs declaration, and correspondingly,
more U.S. returning resident family members may group their personal
duty exemptions.
DATES: Effective January 17, 2014.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sophie Galvan, Program Manager,
Trusted Traveler Programs, Office of Field Operations, (202) 344-2292.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
On March 27, 2012, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
published a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) in the Federal
Register (77 FR 18143) proposing to amend title 19 of the Code of
Federal Regulations (19 CFR) regarding U.S. returning residents who are
eligible to file a single customs declaration for members of a family
residing in one household and traveling together upon arrival in the
United States. The amendments proposed in the NPRM would expand the
definition of ``members of a family residing in one household'' for
purposes of allowing a responsible family member to make a joint
declaration, either oral or written, for articles acquired abroad for
all members of a family residing in one household and traveling
together on their return to the United States.
The NPRM proposed to expand the relationships included in the
definition of ``members of a family residing in one household'' and to
refer to the additions as ``domestic relationships.'' As proposed in
the NPRM, ``domestic relationships'' would include foster children,
stepchildren, half-siblings, legal wards, other dependents, and
individuals with an in loco parentis or guardianship relationship
within the definition of ``members of a family residing in one
household.'' ``Domestic relationships'' would also include two adult
individuals in a committed relationship wherein the partners share
financial assets and obligations, and are not married to, or a partner
of, anyone else, including, but not limited to, long-time companions,
and couples in civil unions or domestic partnerships. The proposed term
``domestic relationship'' would not extend to roommates or other
cohabitants not otherwise meeting the above definition. Additionally,
the proposed changes would not alter the residency requirements that,
in order to file a family declaration, members of a family residing in
one household must have lived together in one household at their last
permanent residence and intend to live together in one household after
their arrival in the United States. The NPRM also proposed to remove
outdated references to ``resident servants'' of a family and state
instead that individuals employed by the household but not related by
blood, marriage, domestic relationship, or adoption cannot be included
in the family declaration.
Finally, the NPRM proposed to remove the phrase ``regardless of
age'' where it currently appears in the introductory text of Sec. Sec.
148.34(b) and 148.103(b), because it would not be consistent with the
proposed definition of ``domestic relationships.''
CBP solicited comments on the proposed rulemaking.
[[Page 76530]]
Discussion of Comments
Twenty-three commenters responded to the solicitation of public
comment in the proposed rule. Twenty-two of those comments were
favorable, noting in particular that the proposed amendments would
reduce passenger processing time and create less paperwork for people
who are traveling together as a family. Several of the commenters
included additional suggestions. The one comment that was opposed to
the proposal was submitted anonymously and stated that ``this needs to
stay as is, don't add to or change it.'' Since the proposed definition
more accurately reflects family relationships among members of the
traveling public, CBP is not persuaded by this comment. A description
of the comments received, together with CBP's responses, is set forth
below.
Overall
Comment
The vast majority of commenters supported CBP's effort to broaden
the definition of members of a family residing in one household to more
accurately reflect relationships among members of the public who are
traveling together as a family, to reduce passenger processing time,
and to create less paperwork for people who are traveling together as a
family. Many commenters shared their own personal experiences upon
their return to the United States and outlined what they perceived to
be inconsistent and sometimes rude behavior by CBP officers. These
commenters expressed their expectation that when the rule becomes
final, CBP would apply the proposed definition consistently at all
ports of entry.
CBP Response
CBP is encouraged that members of the public are receptive to the
proposal to expand the definition of members of a family residing in
one household. Expanding the definition beyond the current criteria of
``by blood, marriage, and adoption,'' would facilitate travel for
families and would reduce the paperwork burden on both the traveling
public and the government. As is further discussed in a response to a
comment below, CBP plans to raise public awareness and train CBP staff
to promote the consistent application of this new definition once it is
final.
Children of Domestic Partners
Comment
One commenter suggested that the regulations should clearly
identify children of domestic partners as being within the definition
of ``members of a family residing in one household.''
CBP Response
Biological and adopted children of a domestic partner meet the
criteria of being ``related by blood'' or ``by adoption'' of paragraph
(b)(1) of Sec. 148.34 (19 CFR 148.34(b)(1)). The revised definition
was expanded to also include foster children, stepchildren, half-
siblings, legal wards, and other dependents, and individuals with an in
loco parentis or guardianship relationship.
Shared Financial Assets and Obligations
Comment
Three commenters noted that the proposed language appears to
exclude some family members who should fall within the definition of
``domestic relationship.'' For instance, one commenter questioned
whether the proposed definition would exclude a family member who does
not work outside of the house because that family member would not
``share financial assets and obligations.''
One commenter was concerned that the sharing of financial assets
may be interpreted too narrowly by CBP Officers. This commenter
recommended that the requirement of ``wherein the partners share
financial assets and obligations'' in the definition of ``domestic
relationship'' be revised to read, ``wherein the partners are
financially interdependent'' because a partner who does not work
outside the home may not be contributing to or ``sharing financial
assets,'' but he or she is financially interdependent with the salary-
earning partner.
One commenter suggested amending the definition to read as follows:
``Two adults who are in a committed relationship including, but not
limited to, long-time companions, and couples in civil unions, or
domestic partnerships, wherein the partners are financially
interdependent, and are not married to, or a partner of anyone else.''
Some commenters recommended that CBP not define ``members of a
family'' by their finances at all.
CBP Response
The regulations at issue address the ability of returning U.S.
residents to group the exemptions for articles acquired abroad to which
the several members of the family may be entitled. Therefore, the issue
of finances is relevant to the definition. CBP interprets the phrase
``wherein the partners share financial assets and obligations'' to
include situations where one partner does not work outside the home.
Nevertheless, upon consideration of this comment, CBP agrees that the
term, ``financially interdependent'' is clearer, and CBP will adopt
this suggestion.
Definition of Resident
Comment
Some commenters expressed concern whether the definition of
``resident'' as used by CBP in this context is the same as ``permanent
resident'' as used in the immigration law context. Another commenter
expressed the view that the definitions of ``resident'' and ``non-
resident'' are not clear and should be further explained in the
regulations.
CBP Response
The term ``resident'' for purposes of this regulation is not the
same as ``lawful permanent resident'' in immigration law. For customs
purposes, pursuant to 19 CFR 148.2, persons arriving from foreign
countries are divided into two categories: (1) Residents of the United
States returning from abroad and (2) all other persons (i.e.,
visitors). In describing further how a returning resident is described
for customs purposes, paragraph (b) of Sec. 148.2 provides, in
pertinent part, that citizens of the United States or persons who have
formerly resided in the United States (including American citizens who
are residents of American Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern
Mariana Islands, or the Virgin Islands of the United States) will be
deemed residents of the United States returning from abroad within the
meaning of ``residents'' as used in Chapter 98, Subchapter IV,
Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (19 U.S.C. 1202), in
the absence of evidence that they have established a home elsewhere.
For example, U.S. lawful permanent residents returning from abroad, who
satisfy the definition of ``members of a family residing in one
household,'' also may file a joint CBP declaration and aggregate their
duty exemptions.
Paragraph (c) of Sec. 148.2 provides that, ``[a]ny person arriving
in the United States who is not a resident of the United States or who,
though a resident of the United States, is not returning from abroad,
shall be treated for the purpose of these regulations as a
nonresident.''
Married Women's Status and Gender Language
Comment
Two commenters recommend that 19 CFR 148.2(b) be amended to remove
[[Page 76531]]
outdated language. Section 148.2(b) states, in part, ``For this
purpose, the residence of a wife shall be deemed to be that of her
husband unless satisfactory evidence is presented that the wife has
established a separate residence elsewhere.'' One commenter proposed
that CBP eliminate this sentence and the following sentence on
children's residence or revise it to be gender neutral and encompass
the revised definition of members of a family residing in one
household.
CBP Response
CBP agrees. In the regulatory text, CBP is removing the outdated
sentence regarding the residence of the wife because a woman can claim
her own individual personal exemption. CBP is also revising the
sentence on a child's residence to make it gender neutral.
Non-Resident Visitors
Comment
Two commenters recommend that the regulations be further amended to
permit visitors entering the United States to complete a single CBP
Form 6059-B in accordance with the expanded definition of family.
CBP Response
In the NPRM, CBP proposed to revise the definition of the phrase
``members of a family residing in one household.'' That phrase is used
in 19 CFR 148.34(b) and 148.103(b), which relate to the family grouping
of exemptions for articles acquired abroad to which only returning
residents are eligible.
All individuals entering the United States must declare all
articles acquired abroad to CBP at the port of first arrival in the
United States. Returning residents and nonresidents arriving in the
United States must make a declaration, either oral or written, of the
merchandise they are importing and must pay duty on the merchandise
unless specifically exempted by law. See 19 U.S.C. 1202 (General Note
3(i), Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS)). Unless
an oral declaration is accepted, a person arriving in the United States
must complete a written declaration on CBP Form 6059-B and present the
form to the CBP officer at inspection. Section 148.14 of title 19 CFR
is the regulatory section applicable to all international travelers
presenting themselves at a port of entry. That section uses the phrase
``family group residing in one household.'' The term ``family group
residing in one household'' is not currently defined in statute or
regulation. In light of the comments CBP has received and for
consistency and clarity, CBP will amend Sec. 148.14 to explicitly
define the phrase ``family group residing in one household'' to mean
persons who are related by blood, marriage, domestic relationship (as
defined in Sec. 148.34(c)), or adoption.
Accordingly, visitors entering the U.S. who meet the expanded
definition of family group residing in one household may file a single
CBP Form 6059-B, but they do not get the benefit of any duty
aggregation, or any other benefits which are only provided to residents
of the United States.
Binational Families
Comment
One commenter raised questions regarding ``binational families''
(families where one family member is a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent
resident and another is a non-immigrant) and the fact that the current
form does not indicate that families must have the same U.S.
immigration status in order to submit the form jointly.
CBP Response
As indicated before, the declaration requirement is controlled by
the customs regulations which are in title 19 of the Code of Federal
Regulations (CFR); this regulation does not concern the immigration
status of the traveler which would be controlled by the regulations in
title 8 of the CFR. The proposed changes do not alter the residency
requirements that, in order to file a family declaration, members of a
family residing in one household must have lived together in one
household at their last permanent residence in the United States and
intend to live together in one household after their arrival in the
United States. Therefore, if one family member resides in the United
States and another resides abroad, even if they are traveling together,
they are not eligible to file a joint customs declaration. In this
instance, the returning resident would be entitled to the personal duty
exemption of $800 for articles acquired abroad (and not the family
grouping of duty aggregation of $1,600) while the non-resident family
member would be entitled to the duty exemptions allowed for visitors.
Published Guidance & Training
Comment
Two commenters recommend that CBP publish guidance for the public
and train employees on the meaning of ``residence'' and ``permanent
residence.'' Two commenters suggested that CBP include the new
definition of ``domestic relationship'' on the instructions for CBP
Form 6059-B and in the FAQ section of CBP Form 6059-B posted on the CBP
Web site. A commenter expressed the need for training on the new
regulations in order for them to be implemented properly and
recommended that instruction on the proposed changes be part of the
regularly scheduled training of all CBP officers.
CBP Response
CBP understands the need to make clear to the traveling public who
is included in the expanded definition of family to facilitate the
completion of customs declarations. After this rule is published, CBP
plans to update the travel section of the CBP Web site including the
FAQ section on CBP Form 6059-B itself which is also found on the CBP
Web site. CBP's public affairs materials will also be updated to
reflect the expanded definition of the terms ``members of a family
residing in one household'' and a ``family group residing in one
household.'' The Office of Field Operations (OFO) and the Office of
Public Affairs plan to do outreach to trade groups and airline
associations so that the public is made aware of the changes. For CBP
officers and OFO staff, a roll out of memoranda, musters, and updates
of CBP Officer Basic Training Academy training will be implemented upon
final rule publication.
While CBP will not be amending CBP Form 6059-B (OMB Control Number
1651-0009) at this time, the form is scheduled to expire in February
2014. CBP will solicit comments during the renewal process on whether
the form should be revised to improve clarity of the form or to reduce
the number of questions listed on the form. CBP will also evaluate
whether oral declarations could be used more often than written
declarations. More discussion regarding the information collection
associated with this regulation can be found later in the document in
the section ``Paperwork Reduction Act''.
Conclusion
After review of the comments and further consideration, CBP has
decided to adopt as final, with the changes discussed above in the
preamble and with additional non-substantive editorial changes, the
proposed rule published in the Federal Register (77 FR 18143) on March
27, 2012.
Executive Order 12866 and Executive Order 13563
Executive Orders 12866 and 13563 direct agencies to assess the
costs and benefits of available regulatory alternatives and, if
regulation is
[[Page 76532]]
necessary, to select regulatory approaches that maximize net benefits
(including potential economic, environmental, public health and safety
effects, distributive impacts, and equity). Executive Order 13563
emphasizes the importance of quantifying both costs and benefits, of
reducing costs, of harmonizing rules, and of promoting flexibility.
This rule has been designated a ``significant regulatory action''
although not economically significant, under section 3(f) of Executive
Order 12866. Accordingly, the Office of Management and Budget has
reviewed this rule.
Regulatory Flexibility Act
The Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.) requires
Federal agencies to examine the impact a rule will have on small
entities. A small entity may be: a small business (defined as any
independently owned and operated business not dominant in its field
that qualifies as a small business under the Small Business Act); a
small not-for-profit organization; or a small governmental jurisdiction
(locality with fewer than 50,000 people). Because this rule directly
regulates individuals and families, and these are not considered small
entities, CBP certifies under 5 U.S.C. 605(b) that the amendments will
not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small
entities.
Paperwork Reduction Act
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C.
3507), an agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not
required to respond to, a collection of information unless the
collection of information displays a valid control number assigned by
Office of Management and Budget (OMB). The information collected under
19 CFR part 148 is included under OMB control number 1651-0009. There
are no new collections of information required by this document and CBP
is not modifying the form at this time. The number of responses related
to the completion of the CBP Form 6059-B (customs declaration) for OMB
control number 1651-0009 by members of the public traveling by air and
sea is currently 105,606,000. This number has been updated below to
reflect an estimated decrease of 1,100,000 customs declarations
completed as a result of this rule:
Estimated Number of Respondents (Travelers): 104,506,000.
Estimated Time per Response: 4 minutes.
Estimated Total Responses: 104,506,000.
Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 7,001,902.
The customs declaration (CBP Form 6059-B) is due to expire on
February 28, 2014. CBP will determine whether the form should be
significantly revised, or whether there can be an expanded use of oral
declarations instead of written declarations to further reduce the
paperwork burden on the traveler. CBP plans to publish a 60-day Federal
Register Notice and a 30-day Federal Register Notice to solicit
comments from the public on CBP Form 6059-B prior to its expiration.
CBP Form 6059-B and instructions can be seen on the following Web site:
http://cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/vacation/sample_declaration_form.xml.
Signing Authority
This document is being issued in accordance with 19 CFR 0.1(a)(1).
List of Subjects in 19 CFR Part 148
Customs duties and inspection, Declarations, Taxes.
Amendments to the CBP Regulations
For the reasons set forth above, part 148 of the CBP regulations
(19 CFR part 148) is amended as set forth below.
PART 148--PERSONAL DECLARATIONS AND EXEMPTIONS
0
1. The general authority for part 148 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 19 U.S.C. 66, 1496, 1498, 1624. The provisions of
this part, except for subpart C, are also issued under 19 U.S.C.
1202 (General Note 3(i), Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United
States);
* * * * *
0
2. In Sec. 148.2,
0
a. Paragraphs (a) through (d) are amended by removing the word,
``shall'' wherever it appears, and adding in its place the word,
``will''; and
0
b. Paragraph (b) is further amended by removing the last two sentences
and adding a new last sentence.
The addition reads as follows:
Sec. 148.2 Residence status of arriving persons.
* * * * *
(b) * * * The residence of a minor child will be presumed to be the
residence of the child's parents.
* * * * *
0
3. Section 148.14 is amended by removing the last sentence and adding
two sentences to read as follows:
Sec. 148.14 Family declarations.
* * * ``A family group residing in one household'' means persons
who are related by blood, marriage, domestic relationship (as defined
in Sec. 148.34(c)), or adoption. Individuals who are employed by the
household but not related by blood, marriage, domestic relationship, or
adoption will not be included in the family declaration.
0
4. In Sec. 148.34:
0
a. Paragraph (a) is amended by revising the last sentence;
0
b. Paragraph (b) is revised; and
0
c. Paragraph (c) is added.
The additions and revisions read as follows:
Sec. 148.34 Family grouping of exemptions for articles acquired
abroad.
(a) * * * No exemptions allowable to individuals employed by the
household and accompanying the family but not related by blood,
marriage, domestic relationship, or adoption will be included in the
family grouping.
(b) Members of a family residing in one household. ``Members of a
family residing in one household'' includes all persons who:
(1) Are related by blood, marriage, domestic relationship, or
adoption;
(2) Lived together in one household at their last permanent
residence; and
(3) Intend to live in one household after their arrival in the
United States.
(c) Domestic relationship. As used in paragraph (b)(1) of this
section, the term ``domestic relationship'' includes foster children,
stepchildren, half-siblings, legal wards, other dependents, individuals
with an in loco parentis or guardianship relationship, and two adults
who are in a committed relationship including, but not limited to,
long-time companions, and couples in civil unions, or domestic
partnerships, wherein the partners are financially interdependent, and
are not married to, or a partner of, anyone else. The term ``domestic
relationship'' does not extend to roommates or other cohabitants not
otherwise meeting this definition.
0
5. In Sec. 148.103, paragraph (b) is revised to read as follows:
Sec. 148.103 Family grouping of allowances.
* * * * *
(b) Members of a family residing in one household. ``Members of a
family residing in one household'' includes all persons who:
(1) Are related by blood, marriage, domestic relationship (as
defined in Sec. 148.34(c)), or adoption;
(2) Lived together in one household at their last permanent
residence; and
[[Page 76533]]
(3) Intend to live in one household after their arrival in the
United States.
Thomas S. Winkowski,
Acting Commissioner, U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Approved: December 13, 2013.
Timothy E. Skud,
Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Treasury.
[FR Doc. 2013-30075 Filed 12-17-13; 8:45 am]
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