[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 173 (Thursday, September 7, 1995)]
[Notices]
[Pages 46626-46627]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 95-22233]



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INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMISSION
[Investigation 332-364]


Certain Miscellaneous Products; Probable Effect of Certain 
Modifications to the North American Free Trade Agreement Rules of 
Origin

AGENCY: United States International Trade Commission.

ACTION: Addition to scope of investigation and request for written 
submissions.

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EFFECTIVE DATE: September 1, 1995.

SUMMARY: In response to a request from the United States Trade 
Representative (USTR), the Commission has expanded the scope of its 
investigation No. 332-364, Certain Miscellaneous Products: Probable 
Effect of Certain Modifications to the North American Free Trade 
Agreement Rules of Origin, to include probable effects advice on a 
second list of proposed modifications to the North American Free Trade 
Agreement (NAFTA) rules of origin. The Commission's confidential 
report, which will contain advice on two lists of proposed 
modifications, will be submitted to the USTR on September 29, 1995.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: Information may be obtained from David Lundy, 
Office of Industries (202-205-3439) or Donita Marakovits, Office of 
Industries (202-205-3430); 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 and Annex 401 of the NAFTA, which entered into force on 
January 1, 1994, 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 regarding 
any proposed modification in the Rules contained in Annex 401 of the 
Act from the United States International Trade Commission.
    The Commission was requested by the USTR, in his letter received on 
July 17, 

[[Page 46627]]
1995, to provide advice on the probable effect of the proposed 
modifications to the rules of origin that were attached to the letter. 
The Commission instituted investigation No. 332-364, Certain 
Miscellaneous Products: Probable Effect of Certain Modifications to the 
North American Free Trade Agreement Rules of Origin, under section 
332(g) of the Tariff Act of 1930 (19 U.S.C. 1332(g)). The letter 
requested that the advice be forwarded to the USTR by September 15, 
1995.
    The Commission received a second letter from the USTR on August 31, 
1995 requesting similar advice on a second set of proposed 
modifications, which was included as an attachment to the letter. The 
Commission will provide advice in response to both letters in one 
confidential report, which will be forwarded to the USTR by September 
29, 1995. Copies of both sets of proposed modifications, which cover 
certain goods described in Chapters 1 through 97 of the Harmonized 
Tariff Schedule of the United States, are available from the Office of 
the Secretary at the Commission or from the Commission's Internet 
server (http://www.usitc.gov or ftp://ftp.usitc.gov).

Written Submissions

    No public hearing is being scheduled in connection with the second 
set of proposed modifications. However, interested parties are invited 
to submit written statements (original and 14 copies) 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 September 
20, 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: September 1, 1995.

    By order of the Commission.
Donna R. Koehnke,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. 95-22233 Filed 9-6-95; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7020-02-P