[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 152 (Tuesday, August 7, 2001)]
[Notices]
[Pages 41268-41269]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-19786]


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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: August 2, 2001.
SUMMARY: The Commission received a request from the United States Trade 
Representative (USTR) on August 1, 2001, to provide advice on the 
probable effect on U.S. trade under the North American Free Trade 
Agreement (NAFTA) and on domestic industries on certain modifications 
to the rules of origin in NAFTA Annex 401.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: Information may be obtained from David Lundy, 
Office of Industries (202-205-3439, or [email protected]); and on legal 
aspects, from William Gearhart, Office of the General Counsel (202-205-
3091). The media should contact Margaret

[[Page 41269]]

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). General information 
concerning the Commission may also be obtained by accessing its 
Internet server (http://www.usitc.gov). The public record for this 
investigation may be viewed on the Commission's electronic docket 
(EDIS-ON-LINE) at http://dockets.usitc.gov/eol/public.
    Background: According to the USTR's letter, U.S. negotiators have 
recently reached agreement in principle with representatives of the 
governments of Canada and Mexico on proposed modifications to Annex 401 
of the NAFTA. Chapter 4 and Annexes 401 and 403 of the NAFTA 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 
from the United States International Trade Commission.
    The USTR requested that the Commission provide advice on the 
probable effect on U.S. trade under NAFTA and domestic industries as a 
result of five groups of proposed modifications to Annex 401. A list of 
the proposed modifications is available from the Office of the 
Secretary to the Commission or by accessing the electronic version of 
this notice at the Commission's Internet site (http://www.usitc.gov). 
The current U.S. rules of origin can be found in general note 12 of the 
2001 U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule (see ``General Notes'' link at 
http://dataweb.usitc.gov/scripts/tariff/toc.html). As requested, the 
Commission will forward its confidential advice to the USTR by 
September 14, 2001.
    Written Submissions: No public hearing is being scheduled in 
connection with preparing this advice. 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 section 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 to the Commission for inspection by interested 
parties. To be ensured 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 30, 2001. 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, 2001.

    By order of the Commission.

Donna R. Koehnke,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. 01-19786 Filed 8-6-01; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7020-02-P