CITA Requests Comments on Petition to Modify NAFTA Rules of Origin for Woven Fabrics Containing Filament Yarns of Viscose Rayon
The Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements (CITA) has issued a notice requesting public comments by July 2, 2004 on a petition it received from the government of Mexico requesting a modification of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) rules of origin, which are set out in Annex 401 to the NAFTA, for woven fabrics of artificial filament yarns containing filament yarns of viscose rayon.
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Mexico Alleges Subject Yarns Are Not Commercially Available in Timely Manner
According to CITA, Mexico has alleged that filament yarns of viscose rayon, classified under HTS 5403, cannot be supplied by the North American industry in commercial quantities in a timely manner, and has requested that the governments of Canada and the U.S. consult to consider whether the NAFTA rule of origin for woven fabrics of artificial filament yarn, classified under HTS 5408, should be modified to allow the use of non-North American filament yarns of viscose rayon.
CITA explains that the President may proclaim a modification to the NAFTA rules of origin only after, among other things, reaching an agreement with the other NAFTA countries on the modification.
CITA states that it is seeking comments in particular on whether the subject yarns can be supplied by the domestic industry in commercial quantities in a timely manner. If a comment alleges that the subject yarns can be supplied by the domestic industry in commercial quantities in a timely manner, CITA will closely review any supporting documentation, such as a signed statement by a manufacturer of the subject yarn stating that it produces the subject yarn, including the quantities that can be supplied and the time necessary to fill an order, as well as any relevant information regarding past production.
CITA contact - Martin Walsh (202) 482-2818
CITA notice (FR Pub 06/02/04) available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/14mar20010800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2004/pdf/04-12547.pdf