ITC Asks for Comments in Investigation of Changes to NAFTA Rules of Origin
The International Trade Commission is asking for comments by June 4 on its newly-launched investigation into possible changes to NAFTA rules of origin. The USTR requested the investigation in a letter dated March 11 (see 13031524). The changes were agreed upon in April 2012 by the NAFTA Free Trade Commission, which comprises representatives of the U.S., Canadian, and Mexican governments.
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The nearly year-long delay between the NAFTA commission meeting and the request for ITC investigation results from slight changes to the agreed amendments to the rules of origin after internal talks in Mexico and Canada, said a USTR spokeswoman.
Although changes would be made throughout the NAFTA rules of origin, chemicals under Section VI of the HTS would be particularly affected. Major changes would also be made to chapters 84 and 85, as well as chapter 90. The ITC said it intends to submit its report to the USTR by Nov. 12.
The USTR request letter, with a full list of proposed changes to the NAFTA rules of origin, is available (here).