[Federal Register: May 16, 1994]
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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
Foreign-Trade Zones Board
[Docket 17-94]
Foreign-Trade Zone 84--Houston, TX; Application for Subzone
Status Microwave Networks, Inc. (Microwave Radios)
An application has been submitted to the Foreign-Trade Zones Board
(the Board) by the Port of Houston Authority, grantee of FTZ 84,
requesting special-purpose subzone status for the microwave radio
manufacturing plant of Microwave Networks, Inc. (MNI), located in
Houston, Texas. The application was submitted pursuant to the
provisions of the Foreign-Trade Zones Act, as amended (19 U.S.C. 81a-
81u), and the regulations of the Board (15 CFR Part 400). It was
formally filed on April 29, 1994.
The MNI plant is located at 10795 Rockley Road, in Harris County,
Houston, Texas. The facility (3.5 acres, 240 employees) is used to
manufacture microwave radios for use in cellular and other wireless
communication networks (duty rates: 2.4% to 6%). Foreign-origin
materials used in the manufacturing process (some 70% of total)
include: Electronic transformers, multiplexors, antennnas,
transmitters/receivers, capacitors, resistors, printed circuits,
diodes, transistors, integrated circuits, insulated wire, coaxial
cable, flexible RF waveguide and waveguide parts (duty rates: duty-free
to 10%). The application indicates that privileged foreign status (19
CFR 146.41) would be elected on all foreign merchandise admitted to the
subzone.
Zone procedures would exempt MNI from Customs duty payments on the
foreign materials used in export production (90% of output). On
domestic sales, MNI would be able to defer Customs duty payments until
the finished products leave the plant. Foreign materials and finished
products held for export would be eligible for an exemption from
certain state and local ad valorem taxes. The application indicates
that the savings from zone procedures would help improve MNI's
international competitiveness.
In accordance with the Board's regulations, a member of the FTZ
Staff has been appointed examiner to investigate the application and
report to the Board.
Public comment on the application is invited from interested
parties. Submissions (original and three copies) shall be addressed to
the Board's Executive Secretary at the address below. The closing
period for their receipt is July 15, 1994. Rebuttal comments in
response to material submitted during the foregoing period may be
submitted during the subsequent 15-day period August 1, 1994.
A copy of the application and the accompanying exhibits will be
available for public inspection at each of the following locations:
U.S. Department of Commerce District Office #1 Allen Center, 500
Dallas, Suite 1160 Houston, TX 77002.
Office of the Executive Secretary Foreign-Trade Zones Board U.S.
Department of Commerce, Room 3716,14th Street & Constitution Avenue
NW., Washington, DC 20230.
Dated: May 9, 1994.
John J. Da Ponte, Jr.,
Executive Secretary.
[FR Doc. 94-11868 Filed 5-13-94; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-DS-P