[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 109 (Wednesday, June 7, 1995)]
[Notices]
[Page 30099]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 95-13903]



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INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMISSION

[Investigation 332-363]


Chemicals and Chemical Products: Probable Effect of Certain 
Modifications to North American Free Trade Agreement Rules of Origin 
Pertaining to Such Products

AGENCY: International Trade Commission.

ACTION: Institution of investigation and scheduling of public hearing.

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EFFECTIVE DATE: May 31, 1995.

SUMMARY: Following receipt on May 5, 1995, of a request from the United 
States Trade Representative (USTR), the Commission instituted 
investigation No. 332-363, Chemicals and Chemical Products: Probable 
Effect of Certain Modifications to North American Free Trade Agreement 
Rules of Origin Pertaining to Such Products, under section 332(g) of 
the Tariff Act of 1930 (19 U.S.C. 1332(g)).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Information on industry sectors may be 
obtained from Edmund Cappuccilli, Office of Industries (202-205-3368) 
or Elizabeth Nesbitt, Office of Industries (202-205-3355); 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 on (202-205-1810).

BACKGROUND: Chapter 4 and Annex 401 of the North American Free Trade 
Agreement (NAFTA), which entered into force on January 1, 1994, contain 
the rules of origin for application of the tariff provisions of the 
Agreement to trade in goods.
    Section 202(q) of the North American Free Trade Agreement 
Implementation 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 is that the President obtain advice, regarding any proposed 
modification in the Rules contained in Annex 401, from the United 
States International Trade Commission.
    In its report the Commission will, as requested by the USTR in his 
letter of May 5, 1995, seek to provide advice on the probable effect of 
the proposed revised rules of origin attached to the letter. As 
requested, the Commission will seek to provide such advice by September 
5, 1995. Copies of the proposed revised rules, which cover the goods 
described in Chapters 28 through 38 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule 
of the United States, will be available from the Office of the 
Secretary at the Commission or from the Commission's Internet web 
server (http://www.usitc.gov).

PUBLIC HEARING: A public hearing in connection with the investigation 
will be held at the U.S. International Trade Commission Building, 500 E 
Street SW, Washington, DC, beginning at 9:30 a.m. on July 11, 1995. All 
persons shall have the right to appear, by counsel or in person, to 
present information and to be heard. Requests to appear at the public 
hearing should be filed with the Secretary, United States International 
Trade Commission, 500 E Street SW, Washington, DC, 20436, no later than 
5:15 p.m. on June 28, 1995. Any prehearing briefs (original and 14 
copies) should be filed not later than 5:15 p.m., June 28, 1995; the 
deadline for filing post-hearing briefs or statements is 5:15 p.m., 
July 18, 1995. In the event that, as of the close of business on June 
28, 1995, no witnesses are scheduled to appear at the hearing, the 
hearing will be cancelled. Any person interested in attending the 
hearing as an observer or non-participant may call the Secretary to the 
Commission (202-205-2000) after June 28, 1995, to determine whether the 
hearing will be held.

WRITTEN SUBMISSIONS: In lieu of or in addition to participating in the 
hearing, interested parties are invited to submit written statements 
concerning the matters to be addressed by the Commission in its report 
on this investigation. 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 Sec. 201.6 of the Commission's Rules of Practice and Procedure 
(19 C.F.R. 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 should be received no later than the close 
of business on July 18, 1995. 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: May 31, 1995.

    By order of the Commission.
Donna R. Koehnke,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. 95-13903 Filed 6-6-95; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7020-02-P