[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 2 (Monday, January 5, 1998)] [Notices] [Page 282] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 97-34235] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- OFFICE OF THE UNITED STATES TRADE REPRESENTATIVE Implementation of Tariff-Rate Quota for Imports of Beef AGENCY: Office of the United States Trade Representative. ACTION: Notice. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The Office of the United States Trade Representative, (USTR) is providing notice that USTR has determined that New Zealand, pursuant ot its request, is a participating country for purposes of the export certification program for imports of beef under the tariff-rate quota. DATES: The action is effective January 1, 1998. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Suzanne Early, Senior Policy Advisory for Agricultural Affairs, Office of the United States Trade Representative, 600 17th Street NW, Washington, DC 20508; telephone: (202) 395-9615. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The United States maintains a tariff-rate quota on imports of beef as part of its implementation of the Marrakesh Agreement Establishing the World Trade Organization. The in-quota quantity of that tariff-rate quota is allocated in part among a number of countries. As part of the administration of that tariff-rate quota, USTR provided, in 15 CFR part 2012, for the use of export certificates with respect to imports of beef from countries that have an allocation of the in-quota quantity. The export certificates apply only to those countries that USTR determines are participating countries for purposes of 15 CFR part 2012. On December 19, 1997, USTR received a request and the necessary supporting information from the government of New Zealand to be considered as a participating country for purposes of the export certification program. Accordingly, USTR has determined that, effective January 1, 1998, New Zealand is a participating country for purposes of 15 CFR part 2012. As a result, effective on or after January 1, 1998, imports of beef from New Zealand will need to be accompanied by an export certificate in order to qualify for the in-quota tariff rate. Imports exported prior to January 1, 1998, including exports currently warehoused, will not require a certificate. In order for the export certificate to be valid, it has to be used in the calendar year for which it is in effect. Charlene Barshefsky, United States Trade Representative. [FR Doc. 97-34235 Filed 12-31-97; 9:11 am] BILLING CODE 3190-01-M