Federal Register #2026-17323

Request for Public Comment and Duty-Free Entry of Advanced Scientific Instruments for Research

This notice from the Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security covers two main topics: - Request for public comment on information collection related to Directive Allocation Orders under the Defense Priorities and Allocations System (DPAS) for recoverable critical minerals and materials - Seeks feedback from businesses and organizations on the utility, accuracy, and burden of the information collection process - No procurement of products or services is involved in this portion - Multiple U.S. universities and research institutions have applied for duty-free entry of advanced scientific instruments for research purposes - Instruments include electron microscopes, laser systems, NMR spectrometers, radar systems, and other specialized research equipment - Notable OEMs and brands identified include JEOL, Thermo Scientific, Bruker, Gatan, and Zantiks - Each instrument is requested in a quantity of one, with specific models such as the JEOL F200 STEM, Bruker Avance NEO 400 MHz NMR, and Thermo Scientific FEI Talos F200i - The equipment is intended for advanced scientific research and includes unique items like high-field MRI systems, femtosecond lasers, and distributed acoustic sensing interrogators - No direct procurement or solicitation for purchase is being conducted by the government; the notice relates to duty-free entry applications and information collection feedback

Description

The Department of Commerce invites public and federal agency comments on the information collection related to the DPAS Directive Allocation Order and additional requirements for recoverable critical minerals and materials. This collection supports compliance with the Defense Priorities and Allocations System regulation following a Presidential Determination on recoverable critical minerals and materials. The notice allows for 60 days of public comment on the OMB approved emergency collection for the Temporary Final Rule issued on August 6, 2026. The information collection is electronic and voluntary, targeting business or other for-profit organizations.

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