[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 193 (Thursday, October 4, 2001)]
[Notices]
[Pages 50680-50681]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-24929]


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INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMISSION


Probable Effect of Certain Modifications to the North American 
Free Trade Agreement Rules of Origin (Phase 2)

AGENCY: United States International Trade Commission.

[[Page 50681]]


ACTION: Request for written submissions.

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EFFECTIVE DATE: September 28, 2001.
SUMMARY: The Commission received a request from the United States Trade 
Representative (USTR) on September 28, 2001, to provide advice on the 
probable effect on U.S. trade under the North American Free Trade 
Agreement (NAFTA), total U.S. trade, and on domestic producers of 
certain modifications to the rules of origin in NAFTA Annexes 401 and 
403. The USTR request states that most of these modifications are 
technical changes that will conform the NAFTA rules of origin to 
corresponding changes in the HTS due to revisions in Harmonized System 
nomenclature that are scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2002.

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 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. Advice on a previous set of modifications 
(Phase 1) was provided to the USTR on September 14, 2001 and a public 
version of this report is available on the Commission's Internet 
server.

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, total U.S. trade, and on 
domestic producers of the affected articles as a result of 311 proposed 
modifications to the rules of origin in NAFTA Annexes 401 and 403. 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, 
http://dataweb.usitc.gov/scripts/tariff/toc.html).
    The USTR request states that most of the modifications are 
technical changes that will conform the NAFTA rules of origin to 
corresponding changes in the HTS due to revisions in Harmonized System 
nomenclature that are scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2002.
    As requested, the Commission will forward its advice to the USTR by 
October 24, 2001, and will release a public version of its advice as 
soon as possible thereafter.

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 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 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 October 18, 
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: October 1, 2001.

    By order of the Commission.
Donna R. Koehnke,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. 01-24929 Filed 10-3-01; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7020-02-P