ITA Issues ANPR Seeking Suggestions On Whether to Extend and/or Improve Its Steel Import Monitoring and Analysis System
The International Trade Administration (ITA) has issued an advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPR) seeking suggestions on whether to extend the Steel Import Monitoring and Analysis (SIMA) system and whether, and if so how, to improve SIMA, while minimizing any impediments to international commerce.
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(On December 31, 2002, the ITA published a final rule that established SIMA in connection with the implementation of Section 201 steel safeguard measures imposed in March 2002. On December 4, 2003, President Bush issued Proclamation 7741 that terminated those Section 201 steel safeguard measures, but directed the Secretary of Commerce to continue SIMA until the earlier of March 21, 2005 or such time as the Secretary of Commerce establishes a replacement program. On December 9, 2003, the ITA announced that although the Section 201 steel safeguard measures had been terminated, SIMA would continue. See ITT's Online Archives or 12/10/03 news, 03121015, for most recent BP summary on SIMA.)
The ITA is soliciting comments from the public on the need to continue the current system beyond its current March 21, 2005 expiration date, if the Secretary of Commerce does not establish a replacement program prior to that date. According to the ITA, comments are also being requested on whether to introduce possible enhancements to SIMA and the ITA states that it would particularly appreciate comments on the issues of product coverage, timing of license applications, and possible modifications to the Import Monitor.
The ITA states that further information on SIMA may be obtained by viewing the system at http://ia.ita.doc.gov/steel/license/ and interested persons are encouraged to test the system. According to the ITA, assistance and a temporary user code may be obtained by contacting the steel licensing team at (202) 482-2105.
- written comments & electronic files must be received on/before 5:00 p.m. EDST on September 24, 2004
| ITA contacts - | Kelly Parkhill (202) 482-3791 and Julie Al-Saadawi (202) 482-1930 |
ITA notice (FR Pub 08/25/04, D/N 040305083-4083-01) available at
http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/06jun20041800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2004/pdf/04-19490.pdf.