[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 151 (Friday, August 6, 1999)]
[Notices]
[Pages 42961-42962]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-20321]


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INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMISSION


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.

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EFFECTIVE DATE: July 28, 1999.

SUMMARY: The Commission received a request from the United States Trade 
Representative (USTR) on August 2, 1999, to provide probable effects 
advice on proposed modifications to the North American Free Trade 
Agreement (NAFTA) rules of origin. The United States, Canada, and 
Mexico negotiated these modifications. The Commission's confidential 
advice on the probable effects will be submitted to the USTR on 
September 10, 1999.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Information may be obtained from David 
Lundy, Office of Industries (202-205-3439); 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 of the NAFTA, which entered into force on January 1, 
1994, contains 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 Commission was requested by the USTR, in a letter received on 
August 2, 1999, to provide advice on the probable effect on U.S. trade 
and domestic industries of the proposed modifications to the rules of 
origin. The modifications include changes to Annexes 401 and 403.1, 
which are part of chapter 4 of the NAFTA. The letter requested that the 
advice be forwarded to the USTR by September 10, 1999. A list of the 
proposed modifications, compiled by the Commission in consultation with 
the U.S. Department of Treasury, is

[[Page 42962]]

available from the Office of the Secretary of the Commission or by 
accessing the electronic version of this notice at the Commission's 
World Wide Web site (http://www.usitc.gov). A complete copy of Annexes 
401 and 403.1 incorporating the modifications is also available from 
the Office of the Secretary or the Web site.

Written Submissions

    No public hearing is being scheduled in connection with these 
proposed modifications. 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 Sec. 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 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 must be received no 
later than the close of business on August 31, 1999. 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, 1999.

By order of the Commission.
Donna R. Koehnke,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. 99-20321 Filed 8-5-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7020-02-P