[Federal Register: August 6, 1999 (Volume 64, Number 151)] [Notices] [Page 42961-42962] From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov] [DOCID:fr06au99-85] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 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. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 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