01-19786. 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:

August 2, 2001.

SUMMARY:

The Commission received a request from the United States Trade Representative (USTR) on August 1, 2001, to provide advice on the probable effect on U.S. trade under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and on domestic industries on certain modifications to the rules of origin in NAFTA Annex 401.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:

Information may be obtained from David Lundy, Office of Industries (202-205-3439, or [e-mail]); 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). General information concerning the Commission may also be obtained by accessing its Internet server (http://www.usitc.gov). The public record for this investigation may be viewed on the Commission's electronic docket (EDIS-ON-LINE) at http://dockets.usitc.gov/​eol/​public.

Background: According to the USTR's letter, U.S. negotiators have recently reached agreement in principle with representatives of the governments of Canada and Mexico on proposed modifications to Annex 401 of the NAFTA. Chapter 4 and Annexes 401 and 403 of the NAFTA contain 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 USTR requested that the Commission provide advice on the probable effect on U.S. trade under NAFTA and domestic industries as a result of five groups of proposed modifications to Annex 401. A list of the proposed modifications is available from the Office of the Secretary to the Commission or by accessing the electronic version of this notice at the Commission's Internet site (http://www.usitc.gov). The current U.S. rules of origin can be found in general note 12 of the 2001 U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule (see “General Notes” link at http://dataweb.usitc.gov/​scripts/​tariff/​toc.html). As requested, the Commission will forward its confidential advice to the USTR by September 14, 2001.

Written Submissions: No public hearing is being scheduled in connection with preparing this advice. 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 section 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 to the Commission for inspection by interested parties. To be ensured 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 30, 2001. 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, 2001.

By order of the Commission.

Donna R. Koehnke,

Secretary.