Commerce Department Seeks Comments on Emergency Relief Supplies Duty Waiver Procedures

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On January 21, 2026, the Department of Commerce published a notice in the Federal Register. The notice concerns an information collection under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.

The public is invited to submit comments. These comments are related to the process of importing supplies for emergency relief work without paying antidumping and countervailing duties.

The regulations at 19 CFR 358.101 through 358.104 allow both for-profit and non-profit groups to import supplies such as food, clothing, and medical items. These must be used in emergency relief work.

There are no changes planned to the current rules. However, the Department seeks input to evaluate the process and its impact on those providing information.

Each request must be submitted in writing. Three copies are needed. The request should be sent to:

Secretary of Commerce
Enforcement and Compliance
Central Records Unit, Room B-8024
U.S. Department of Commerce
1401 Constitution Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20230

The information collection has the following details:

  • OMB Control Number: 0625-0256
  • Form Numbers: None
  • Type of Review: Regular submission, extension of a current collection
  • Affected Public: For-profit and not-for-profit organizations
  • Estimated Time per Response: 15 minutes
  • Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 15
  • Estimated Total Annual Cost to Public: $450
  • Legal Authority: 19 U.S.C. 1318(a)

The Department seeks public comments to:

  • Assess the necessity and usefulness of the information collected.
  • Review the accuracy of the estimated time and cost burden.
  • Explore ways to improve data quality and clarity.
  • Reduce the burden on respondents, including through technology.

All comments must be received by March 23, 2026. Comments may be submitted by mail or by email. The emails should be addressed to:

[email protected]
[email protected]

Use the subject line: “OMB Control Number 0625-0256”.

Do not include confidential or sensitive information in the comments. All comments will become a matter of public record. Personal identifying information may be made public and cannot be guaranteed to be withheld.

For questions or more information, contact:

Enforcement and Compliance Office of Communications
International Trade Administration
U.S. Department of Commerce
14th and Constitution Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20230
Phone: 202-482-1413
Email: [email protected]

The notice was signed by Sheleen Dumas, Departmental PRA Compliance Officer, Office of the Under Secretary for Economic Affairs, Commerce Department.

Federal Register Document Number: 2026-01041
Filed January 20, 2026
Billing Code: 3510-DS-P


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