U.S.-Mexico Regulatory Council Sets 6 Goals to Improve NAFTA Trade
On March 3, 2011, the White House announced that the U.S. and Mexico have finalized the Terms of Reference for the High-Level Regulatory Cooperation Council, which the two countries agreed to establish in May 2010.
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(The Council is to identify areas of mutual interest for regulatory cooperation, with a focus on improving intra-North American commerce and enhancing the competitiveness of North American producers. The U.S. has a similar Council with Canada.)
Plan to Make Regulations More Compatible, Improve Customs Procedures, Etc.
The finalized Terms of Reference set out six major goals:
- Making regulations more compatible and simple;
- Increasing regulatory transparency;
- Promoting public participation;
- Improving the analysis of regulations;
- Linking regulatory cooperation to improved border-crossing and customs procedures; and
- Increasing technical cooperation.
Will Next Create Plan to Implement Goals
As follow-up, the Council will create a Work Plan to implement these goals. Both governments will be reviewing the Council's progress on a regular basis.
Also Announced Path Forward for Resolving Trucking Dispute
Note that on March 3, 2011, the U.S. and Mexico also announced that they had found a path forward for resolving the cross-border long-haul trucking dispute which would establish a reciprocal, phased in program, involve lifting Mexico’s retaliatory tariffs in two stages, etc. (See ITT’s Online Archives or 03/04/11 news, 11030429, for BP summary.
(See ITT’s Online Archives or 03/03/11 news, 11030307, for BP summary of the International Trade Administration seeking input on regulatory differences in N. America that impede imports, which is related to the council’s efforts.)