[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]


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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.

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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