(a) To rely on Exemption 4 as basis for nondisclosure, the submitter must explain why the information is confidential information. To do this, the submitter must give the bureau a detailed written statement. This statement must include a specific and detailed discussion of why the information is a trade secret or, if the information is not a trade secret, the following three categories must be addressed (unless the bureau informs the submitter that a response to one of the first two categories will not be necessary):
- (1) Whether the submitter provided the information voluntarily and, if so, how disclosure will impair the Government's ability to obtain similar information in the future and/or how the information fits into a category of information that the submitter does not customarily release to the public;
- (2) Whether the Government required the information to be submitted, and if so, how disclosure will impair the Government's ability to obtain similar information in the future and/or how substantial competitive or other business harm would likely result from disclosure; and
- (3) A certification that the information is confidential, has not been disclosed to the public by the submitter, and is not routinely available to the public from other sources.
- (b) If not already provided, the submitter must include a daytime telephone number, an email and mailing address, and a fax number (if available).
[77 FR 76902, Dec. 31, 2012, as amended at 81 FR 11129, Mar. 3, 2016]