(a) Notice.

(1) The port director shall promptly notify the applicant in writing of the decision to approve or deny the application to establish an express consignment carrier or hub facility or to suspend or revoke operating privileges at an existing facility.

(2) The notice shall specifically state the grounds for denial or for the proposed suspension or revocation.

(b) Appeal. The express consignment entity may file a written notice of appeal seeking review of the denial or proposed suspension or revocation within 30 days after notification.

(c) Recommendation. The port director shall consider the allegations and responses in the appeal unless, in the case of a suspension or revocation, the express consignment entity requests a hearing. The appeal along with the port director's recommendation shall be forwarded to the Commissioner of Customs or his designee for a final administrative decision.

(d) Hearing. In the case of a proposed suspension or revocation, a hearing may be requested within 30 days after notification. If a hearing is requested, it shall be held before a hearing officer appointed by the Commissioner of Customs or his designee within 30 days following the express consignment entity's request. The entity shall be notified of the time and place of the hearing at least 5 days prior thereto. The express consignment entity may be represented by counsel at such hearing, and all evidence and testimony of witnesses in such proceedings, including substantiation of the allegations and the responses thereto shall be presented, with the right of cross-examination to both parties. A stenographic record of any such proceeding shall be made and a copy thereof shall be delivered to the express consignment entity. At the conclusion of the hearing, all papers and the stenographic record of the hearing shall promptly be transmitted to the Commissioner of Customs or his designee together with a recommendation for final action. The express consignment entity may submit in writing additional views or arguments to the Commissioner or his designee following a hearing on the basis of the stenographic record, within 10 days after delivery to it of a copy of such record. The Commissioner or his designee shall thereafter render the decision in writing, stating the reasons therefor. Such decision shall be served on the express consignment entity, and shall be considered the final administrative action.