ANNOUNCEMENT: On December 5, 2008, the U.S. Department of Commerce issued a Federal Register Notice (Vol. 73, No. 235) which described plans to implement a cost recovery program to support the operation of the U.S.-European Union (EU) Safe Harbor Framework. Interested parties could submit their comments on the proposed program by close of business December 16, 2008.

Effective March 1, 2009, the Safe Harbor cost recovery program will be in force for organizations that wish to self-certify their compliance to the U.S.-EU Safe Harbor Framework. The fee for new registrants to Safe Harbor is $200.00.

Effective with all reaffirmations due on or after April 1, 2009, currently self-certified organizations will also be required to remit a $100.00 annual fee for recertifying their adherence to the U.S.-EU Safe Harbor Framework.

Payment Method: Fees may be remitted by credit card, corporate check, money order, or certified check.

Payment by credit card is available online via the “Certification Form / Safe Harbor Login” link located under the right navigation bar (“Main Topics”) of the Safe Harbor home page.

Checks should be made out to: U.S. Department of Commerce. Payments should be sent to:

U.S. Department of Commerce
U.S.-EU Safe Harbor Framework
1401 Constitution Avenue, N.W.
Room 2003
Washington, D. C. 20230
ATTN: Damon C. Greer

Because of internal mail delivery delays due to security inspections, we strongly advise that applicants submit their checks via a recognized courier service such as Federal Express or UPS. In addition, we also recommend that an electronic copy of the remittance be sent via email to: safe.harbor@mail.doc.gov.

Alternatively, a facsimile copy may be sent to: 202-482-5522. The subject line on both modes of transmission should state: USEU Safe Harbor New Certification Fee for [your company name here]. This notice will facilitate prompt review of pending applications. Recertification payments should be made in the same manner with the subject line stating: USEU Safe Harbor Recertification Fee for [your company name here].

New Applicants’ Registration Fee: $200.00 (one-time only)

Current Safe Harbor member Re-Certification Fee: $100.00 (payable annually on or before anniversary date of joining Safe Harbor)

These fees are used to administer Safe Harbor and are not refundable. Payment of the fee does not guarantee self-certification to Safe Harbor.