[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 151 (Friday, August 6, 1999)]
[Notices]
[Pages 42961-42962]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-20321]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMISSION
Probable Effect of Certain Modifications to the North American
Free Trade Agreement Rules of Origin
AGENCY: United States International Trade Commission.
ACTION: Request for written submissions.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
EFFECTIVE DATE: July 28, 1999.
SUMMARY: The Commission received a request from the United States Trade
Representative (USTR) on August 2, 1999, to provide probable effects
advice on proposed modifications to the North American Free Trade
Agreement (NAFTA) rules of origin. The United States, Canada, and
Mexico negotiated these modifications. The Commission's confidential
advice on the probable effects will be submitted to the USTR on
September 10, 1999.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Information may be obtained from David
Lundy, Office of Industries (202-205-3439); and on legal aspects, from
William Gearhart, Office of the General Counsel (202-205-3091). The
media should contact Margaret O'Laughlin, Office of Public Affairs
(202-205-1819). Hearing impaired individuals are advised that
information on this matter can be obtained by contacting the TDD
terminal (202-205-1810).
Background
Chapter 4 of the NAFTA, which entered into force on January 1,
1994, contains the rules of origin for application of the tariff
provisions of the NAFTA to trade in goods. Section 202(q) of the North
American Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act (the Act) authorizes
the President, subject to the consultation and layover requirements of
section 103 of the Act, to proclaim such modifications to the rules as
may from time to time be agreed to by the NAFTA countries. One of the
requirements set out in section 103 of the Act is that the President
obtain advice from the United States International Trade Commission.
The Commission was requested by the USTR, in a letter received on
August 2, 1999, to provide advice on the probable effect on U.S. trade
and domestic industries of the proposed modifications to the rules of
origin. The modifications include changes to Annexes 401 and 403.1,
which are part of chapter 4 of the NAFTA. The letter requested that the
advice be forwarded to the USTR by September 10, 1999. A list of the
proposed modifications, compiled by the Commission in consultation with
the U.S. Department of Treasury, is
[[Page 42962]]
available from the Office of the Secretary of the Commission or by
accessing the electronic version of this notice at the Commission's
World Wide Web site (http://www.usitc.gov). A complete copy of Annexes
401 and 403.1 incorporating the modifications is also available from
the Office of the Secretary or the Web site.
Written Submissions
No public hearing is being scheduled in connection with these
proposed modifications. However, interested parties are invited to
submit written statements (original and 14 copies) concerning any
economic effects of the modifications. Commercial or financial
information that a submitter desires the Commission to treat as
confidential must be submitted on separate sheets of paper, each
clearly marked ``Confidential Business Information'' at the top. All
submissions requesting confidential treatment must conform with the
requirements of Sec. 201.6 of the Commission's Rules of Practice and
Procedure (19 CFR 201.6). All written submissions, except for
confidential business information, will be made available in the Office
of the Secretary of the Commission for inspection by interested
parties. To be assured of consideration by the Commission, written
statements relating to the Commission's report should be submitted to
the Commission at the earliest practical date and must be received no
later than the close of business on August 31, 1999. All submissions
should be addressed to the Secretary, United States International Trade
Commission, 500 E Street SW, Washington, DC 20436. Persons with
mobility impairments who will need special assistance in gaining access
to the Commission should contact the Office of the Secretary at 202-
205-2000.
Issued: August 2, 1999.
By order of the Commission.
Donna R. Koehnke,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. 99-20321 Filed 8-5-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7020-02-P
