Office of the United States Trade Representative 2008 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

WTO Dispute Settlement Proceeding Regarding United States-Antidumping Measures on Polyethylene Retail Carrier Bags From Thailand
Document Number: E8-31172
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-12-31
Agency: Office of the United States Trade Representative, Trade Representative, Office of United States, Executive Office of the President
The Office of the United States Trade Representative (``USTR'') is providing notice that on November 26, 2008, Thailand requested consultations with the United States under the Marrakesh Agreement Establishing the World Trade Organization (``WTO Agreement'') concerning certain issues relating to the imposition of antidumping measures on polyethylene retail carrier bags from Thailand. That request may be found at https://www.wto.org contained in a document designated as WT/DS383/1. USTR invites written comments from the public concerning the issues raised in this dispute.
WTO Dispute Settlement Proceeding Regarding United States-Anti-Dumping Administrative Reviews and Other Measures Related to Imports of Certain Orange Juice From Brazil
Document Number: E8-31171
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-12-31
Agency: Office of the United States Trade Representative, Trade Representative, Office of United States, Executive Office of the President
The Office of the United States Trade Representative (``USTR'') is providing notice that on November 27, 2008, Brazil requested consultations with the United States under the Marrakesh Agreement Establishing the World Trade Organization (``WTO Agreement'') concerning the antidumping duty administrative review on certain orange juice from Brazil (Department of Commerce Case No. A-351-840) and various U.S. laws, regulations, administrative procedures, practices, and methodologies. That request may be found at www.wto.org contained in a document designated as WT/DS382/1. USTR invites written comments from the public concerning the issues raised in this dispute.
WTO Dispute Settlement Proceeding Regarding United States-Definitive Anti-Dumping and Countervailing Duties on Certain Products From China
Document Number: E8-31170
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-12-31
Agency: Office of the United States Trade Representative, Trade Representative, Office of United States, Executive Office of the President
The Office of the United States Trade Representative (``USTR'') is providing notice that on December 9, 2008, the People's Republic of China (``China'') requested the establishment of a dispute settlement panel under the Marrakesh Agreement Establishing the World Trade Organization (``WTO Agreement'') concerning final anti-dumping and countervailing duty determinations and orders by the Department of Commerce on imports of the following products from China: Circular Welded Carbon Quality Steel Pipe (Investigations A-570-910 and C-570- 911); Certain New Pneumatic Off-the-Road Tires (Investigations A-570- 912 and C-570-913); Light-Walled Rectangular Pipe and Tube (Investigations A-570-914 and C-570-915); and Laminated Woven Sacks (Investigations A-570-916 and C-570-917). That request may be found at www.wto.org contained in a document designated as WT/DS379/2. USTR invites written comments from the public concerning the issues raised in this dispute.
Determination of Trade Surplus in Certain Sugar and Syrup Goods and Sugar Containing Products of Chile, Morocco, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua; Correction
Document Number: E8-30507
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-12-23
Agency: Office of the United States Trade Representative, Trade Representative, Office of United States, Executive Office of the President
The Office of the United States Trade Representative published a document in the Federal Register of December 5, 2008 concerning the determination of the trade surplus in certain sugar and syrup goods and sugar containing products of Chile, Morocco, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. The document contained incorrect data.
Determination of Trade Surplus in Certain Sugar and Syrup Goods and Sugar Containing Products of Chile, Morocco, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua
Document Number: E8-28857
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-12-05
Agency: Office of the United States Trade Representative, Trade Representative, Office of United States, Executive Office of the President
In accordance with relevant provisions of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS), the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) is providing notice of its determination of the trade surplus in certain sugar and syrup goods and sugar-containing products of Chile, Morocco, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. As described below, the level of a country's trade surplus in these goods relates to the quantity of sugar and syrup goods and sugar-containing products for which the United States grants preferential tariff treatment under (i) the United StatesChile Free Trade Agreement (Chile FTA), in the case of Chile; (ii) the United StatesMorocco Free Trade Agreement (Morocco FTA), in the case of Morocco; and (iii) the Dominican RepublicCentral AmericaUnited States Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR), in the case of the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua.
Request for Comments Concerning Compliance With Telecommunications Trade Agreements
Document Number: E8-27909
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-11-25
Agency: Office of the United States Trade Representative, Trade Representative, Office of United States, Executive Office of the President
Pursuant to section 1377 of the Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act of 1988 (19 U.S.C. 3106) (``section 1377''), the Office of the United States Trade Representative (``USTR'') is reviewing and requests comments on: The operation, effectiveness, and implementation of and compliance with the following agreements regarding telecommunications products and services of the United States: the World Trade Organization (``WTO'') General Agreement on Trade in Services; the North American Free Trade Agreement (``NAFTA''); U.S. free trade agreements (``FTAs'') with Australia, Bahrain, Chile, Morocco, and Singapore; the Dominican Republic-Central America-United States Free Trade Agreement (``CAFTA-DR''); and any other FTA or telecommunications trade agreement coming into force on or before January 1, 2009. The USTR will conclude the review by March 31, 2009.
WTO Dispute Settlement Proceeding Regarding United States-Measures Concerning the Importation, Marketing and Sale of Tuna and Tuna Products
Document Number: E8-27658
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-11-20
Agency: Office of the United States Trade Representative, Trade Representative, Office of United States, Executive Office of the President
The Office of the United States Trade Representative (``USTR'') is providing notice that on October 24, 2008, Mexico requested consultations with the United States under the Marrakesh Agreement Establishing the World Trade Organization (``WTO Agreement'') concerning U.S. limitations on the use of a dolphin-safe label for tuna and tuna products. That request may be found at https://www.wto.org contained in a document designated as WT/DS381/1. USTR invites written comments from the public concerning the issues raised in this dispute.
Notice of Meeting of the Industry Trade Advisory Committee on Small and Minority Business (ITAC-11)
Document Number: E8-27652
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-11-20
Agency: Office of the United States Trade Representative, Trade Representative, Office of United States, Executive Office of the President
The Industry Trade Advisory Committee on Small and Minority Business (ITAC-11) will hold a meeting on Monday, December 8, 2008, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The meeting will be closed to the public from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and opened to the public from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
North American Free Trade Agreement; Invitation for Applications for Inclusion on the Chapter 19 Roster
Document Number: E8-27231
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-11-17
Agency: Office of the United States Trade Representative, Trade Representative, Office of United States, Executive Office of the President
Chapter 19 of the North American Free Trade Agreement (``NAFTA'') provides for the establishment of a roster of individuals to serve on binational panels convened to review final determinations in antidumping or countervailing duty (``AD/CVD'') proceedings and amendments to AD/CVD statutes of a NAFTA Party. The United States annually renews its selections for the Chapter 19 roster. Applications are invited from eligible individuals wishing to be included on the roster for the period April 1, 2009, through March 31, 2010.
WTO Dispute Settlement Proceeding Regarding United States-Definitive Anti-Dumping and Countervailing Duties on Certain Products From China
Document Number: E8-26978
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-11-13
Agency: Office of the United States Trade Representative, Trade Representative, Office of United States, Executive Office of the President
The Office of the United States Trade Representative (``USTR'') is providing notice that on September 19, 2008, the People's Republic of China (``China'') requested consultations with the United States under the Marrakesh Agreement Establishing the World Trade Organization (``WTO Agreement'') concerning final anti-dumping and countervailing duty determinations and orders by the Department of Commerce on imports of the following products from China: Circular Welded Carbon Quality Steel Pipe (Investigations A-570-910 and C-570- 911); Certain New Pneumatic Off-the-Road Tires (Investigations A-570- 912 and C-570-913); Light-Walled Rectangular Pipe and Tube (Investigations A-570-914 and C-570-915); and Laminated Woven Sacks (Investigations A-570-916 and C-570-917). That request may be found at www.wto.org contained in a document designated as WT/DS379/1. USTR invites written comments from the public concerning the issues raised in this dispute.
Andean Trade Preference Act (ATPA), as Amended: Notice Regarding the 2008 Annual Review
Document Number: E8-26546
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-11-06
Agency: Office of the United States Trade Representative, Trade Representative, Office of United States, Executive Office of the President
With respect to the Annual Review under the ATPA, the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) received no new petitions in August-September 2008 to review certain practices in a beneficiary developing country to determine whether such country is in compliance with the ATPA eligibility criteria. USTR received updates to two petitions that are currently under review and a request to withdraw a petition that was under review. This notice specifies the status of the petitions filed in prior years that have remained under review. This notice does not relate to the Bolivia-specific review initiated on October 1, 2008 (73 FR 57158).
Review of Action Taken in Connection With WTO Dispute Settlement Proceedings on the European Communities' Measures Concerning Meat and Meat Products
Document Number: E8-26545
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-11-06
Agency: Office of the United States Trade Representative, Trade Representative, Office of United States, Executive Office of the President
The interagency section 301 Committee is soliciting written comments on possible modifications to the action taken by the United States Trade Representative (``Trade Representative'') in connection with the World Trade Organization (``WTO'') authorization in the EC- Beef Hormones dispute to the United States to suspend concessions and related obligations with respect to the European Communities (``EC''). The EC-Beef Hormones dispute concerned the EC's ban on the import of U.S. meat and meat products produced from animals treated with any of six hormones for growth promotion purposes. Annex I to this notice contains a list of EC products with respect to which the United States is currently imposing increased rates of duty (100 percent ad valorem) pursuant to the WTO's authorization. Annex II to this notice contains a list of potential alternative products under consideration for the imposition of increased duties. Comments are requested with respect to (i) whether products listed in Annex I should be removed from the list or remain on the list (and if a product remains on the list, whether the currently applied rate of duty should be increased), (ii) whether products listed in Annex II should be included on a revised list and be subjected to increased rates of duty, and (iii) the products of which member States of the EC should be subjected to increased rates of duty.
Revised Fiscal Year 2008 Tariff-Rate Quota Allocations for Refined Sugar-Re-allocation of Refined Sugar Previously Assigned to Mexico
Document Number: E8-25937
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-10-30
Agency: Office of the United States Trade Representative, Trade Representative, Office of United States, Executive Office of the President
The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) is providing notice of a revision in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2008 Tariff-Rate Quota (TRQ) allocation for imported refined sugar for the period August 13 through December 31, 2008. The USTR is re-allocating the portion of the increase in the refined sugar TRQ initially allocated to Mexico on August 13, 2008 to the global portion of the refined sugar TRQ, subject to certain conditions.
Generalized System of Preferences (GSP): Notice Regarding the 2008 Annual Product Review: Competitive Need Limitations (CNL) Warning List and the Filing of Petitions Requesting CNL Waivers
Document Number: E8-24593
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-10-16
Agency: Office of the United States Trade Representative, Trade Representative, Office of United States, Executive Office of the President
This notice is to inform the public of the availability of eight-month 2008 import statistics and to announce that the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) will not be publishing a ``warning list'' of products that may exceed statutory competitive need limitations (CNLs), pertinent to the 2008 GSP Annual Review. Each interested party is responsible for conducting its own review of 2008 import data with regard to the possible application of GSP CNLs and submitting a petition to waive the CNLs if necessary. This information can be found on the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) Web site (https://dataweb.usitc.gov). The deadline for submission of petitions requesting CNL waivers for consideration in the 2008 GSP Annual Review is 5 p.m., Thursday, November 13, 2008. The list of petitions for CNL waivers accepted for review will be announced in the Federal Register at a later date.
Andean Trade Preference Act (ATPA), as Amended: Notice Regarding Eligibility of Bolivia
Document Number: E8-23136
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-10-01
Agency: Office of the United States Trade Representative, Trade Representative, Office of United States, Executive Office of the President
This notice announces the President's proposed action to suspend Bolivia's designation as a beneficiary country under the Andean Trade Preference Act (ATPA), as amended, and the Andean Trade Promotion and Drug Eradication Act of 2002 (ATPDEA), based on the Bolivian government's failure to meet the programs' counternarcotics cooperation criteria. The President has directed the U.S. Trade Representative to publish this notice and, in accordance with the statute, the U.S. Trade Representative seeks public comment and will hold a public hearing on the proposed action. Comments must be submitted in accordance with the requirements set forth below.
Generalized System of Preferences (GSP): Initiation of a Review To Consider the Designation of the Republic of Kosovo as a Beneficiary Developing Country Under the GSP
Document Number: E8-22103
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-09-22
Agency: Office of the United States Trade Representative, Trade Representative, Office of United States, Executive Office of the President
This notice announces the initiation of a review to consider designating the Republic of Kosovo as a beneficiary developing country (BDC) for purposes of the GSP program, and solicits public comments on whether Kosovo meets certain eligibility criteria for designation as a BDC. Comments are due by Friday, October 17, 2008, and must be submitted in accordance with the requirements set out below.
WTO Dispute Settlement Proceeding Regarding European Communities-Tariff Treatment of Certain Information Technology Products
Document Number: E8-22101
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-09-22
Agency: Office of the United States Trade Representative, Trade Representative, Office of United States, Executive Office of the President
The Office of the United States Trade Representative (``USTR'') is providing notice that on August 18, 2008, in accordance with the World Trade Organization (``WTO'') Understanding on Rules and Procedures Governing the Settlement of Disputes (``DSU''), the United States, jointly with Japan and the Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu, requested the establishment of a dispute settlement panel regarding the tariff treatment accorded by the European Communities (``EC'') and its member States to set-top boxes with a communication function, flat panel displays, and certain multifunctional digital machines. That request may be found at www.wto.org contained in a document designated as WT/DS375/8. USTR invites written comments from the public concerning the issues raised in this dispute.
Fiscal Year 2009 Tariff-Rate Quota Allocations for Raw Cane Sugar, Refined and Specialty Sugar, and Sugar-Containing Products
Document Number: E8-22095
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-09-22
Agency: Office of the United States Trade Representative, Trade Representative, Office of United States, Executive Office of the President
The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) is providing notice of country-by-country allocations of the FY 2009 in- quota quantity of the tariff-rate quota for imported raw cane sugar, refined and specialty sugar, and sugar-containing products.
Request for Public Comments on Annual Review of Country Eligibility for Benefits Under the African Growth and Opportunity Act
Document Number: E8-22044
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-09-22
Agency: Office of the United States Trade Representative, Trade Representative, Office of United States, Executive Office of the President
The African Growth and Opportunity Act Implementation Subcommittee of the Trade Policy Staff Committee (the ``Subcommittee'') is requesting written public comments for the annual review of the eligibility of sub-Saharan African countries to receive the benefits of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). The Subcommittee will consider these comments in developing recommendations on AGOA country eligibility for the President. Comments received related to the child labor criteria may also be considered by the Secretary of Labor for the preparation of the Department of Labor's report on child labor as required under section 412(c) of the Trade and Development Act of 2000. This notice identifies the eligibility criteria that must be considered under AGOA, and lists those sub-Saharan African countries that are currently eligible for the benefits of the AGOA, and those that are currently ineligible for such benefits.
Generalized System of Preferences (GSP): Notice Regarding the 2008 Annual Review for Acceptance of Product and Country Practices Petitions
Document Number: E8-21341
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-09-12
Agency: Office of the United States Trade Representative, Trade Representative, Office of United States, Executive Office of the President
The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) received petitions in connection with the 2008 GSP Annual Review to modify the list of products that are eligible for duty-free treatment under the GSP program and to modify the GSP status of certain GSP beneficiary developing countries because of country practices. This notice announces the product petitions, other than those requesting competitive need limitation (CNL) waivers, and country practice petitions accepted in previous GSP annual reviews that continue to be under review in the 2008 GSP Annual Review, and sets forth the schedule for comment and public hearings on these petitions, for requesting participation in the hearings, and for submitting pre-hearing and post- hearing briefs. The list of accepted petitions is available at: https:// www.ustr.gov/Trade_Development/Preference_Programs/GSP/Sectio n_ Index.html. [2008 Annual review].
Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA): Notice of Public Meeting
Document Number: E8-20572
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-09-05
Agency: Office of the United States Trade Representative, Trade Representative, Office of United States, Executive Office of the President
The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR), together with key trading partners, is negotiating an Anti- Counterfeiting Trade Agreement with the objective of strengthening international cooperation, enforcement practices, and participants' legal frameworks to address counterfeiting and piracy. As part of this effort, USTR, together with the U.S. Department of Commerce, is organizing a public meeting to consult with interested parties on the initiative. The purposes of the meeting will be to inform stakeholders about ACTA and to receive comments from stakeholders about their views regarding this initiative. Interested parties should review the section on requirements for participation below.
Notice of Meeting of the Industry Trade Advisory Committee on Small and Minority Business (ITAC-11)
Document Number: E8-19283
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-08-20
Agency: Office of the United States Trade Representative, Trade Representative, Office of United States, Executive Office of the President
The Industry Trade Advisory Committee on Small and Minority Business (ITAC-11) will hold a meeting on Monday, September 15, 2008, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The meeting will be closed to the public from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and opened to the public from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Andean Trade Preference Act (ATPA); Notice Regarding the 2008 Annual Review
Document Number: E8-18861
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-08-14
Agency: Office of the United States Trade Representative, Trade Representative, Office of United States, Executive Office of the President
This notice announces the 2008 Annual Review of the Andean Trade Preference Act (ATPA). Under this process petitions may be filed calling for the limitation, withdrawal or suspension of ATPA or ATPDEA benefits by presenting evidence that the eligibility criteria of the program are not being met. USTR will publish a list of petitions filed in response to this announcement in the Federal Register.
Revised Fiscal Year 2008 Tariff-Rate Quota Allocations for Refined Sugar
Document Number: E8-18769
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-08-13
Agency: Office of the United States Trade Representative
The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) is providing notice of additional country-by-country allocations of the in-quota quantity of the tariff-rate quotas for imported refined sugar for the period August 14, 2008 through December 31, 2008 (FY 2008).
Fiscal Year 2008 Tariff-Rate Quota Allocations of Raw Cane Sugar, Refined and Specialty Sugar, and Sugar-Containing Products; Correction
Document Number: E8-18520
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-08-12
Agency: Office of the United States Trade Representative, Trade Representative, Office of United States, Executive Office of the President
The Office of the United States Trade Representative published a document in the Federal Register of August 24, 2007 concerning Fiscal Year 2008 Tariff-Rate Quota allocations of raw cane sugar, refined and specialty sugar, and sugar-containing products. The document contained incorrect data.
Notice of Effective Dates
Document Number: E8-18216
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-08-07
Agency: Office of the United States Trade Representative, Trade Representative, Office of United States, Executive Office of the President
In Proclamation 8213 of December 20, 2007, as modified by Proclamation 8272 of June 30, 2008, the President modified the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (the ``HTS'') to implement (1) an amendment to the Dominican Republic-Central America- United States Free Trade Agreement (``CAFTA-DR'') and (2) a rule of origin under the CAFTA-DR with respect to certain woven apparel. The proclamations provide for each set of modifications to enter into effect on a date that the United States Trade Representative (the ``USTR'') announces in the Federal Register and to apply to goods that are entered, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after that date. This Notice announces that the effective date for both sets of modifications is August 15, 2008.
Request for Comments and Notice of Public Hearing Concerning China's Compliance With WTO Commitments
Document Number: E8-17574
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-07-31
Agency: Office of the United States Trade Representative, Trade Representative, Office of United States, Executive Office of the President
The interagency Trade Policy Staff Committee (TPSC) will convene a public hearing and seek public comment to assist the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) in the preparation of its annual report to the Congress on China's compliance with the commitments made in connection with its accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO).
Request for Public Comment With Respect to the Annual National Trade Estimate Report on Foreign Trade Barriers
Document Number: E8-17573
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-07-31
Agency: Office of the United States Trade Representative, Trade Representative, Office of United States, Executive Office of the President
Pursuant to section 303 of the Trade and Tariff Act of 1984, as amended, USTR is required to publish annually the National Trade Estimate Report on Foreign Trade Barriers (NTE). With this notice, the Trade Policy Staff Committee (TPSC) is requesting interested parties to assist it in identifying significant barriers to U.S. exports of goods, services and overseas direct investment for inclusion in the NTE. Particularly important are impediments materially affecting the actual and potential financial performance of an industry sector. The TPSC invites written comments that provide views relevant to the issues to be examined in preparing the NTE.
Special 301 Out-of-Cycle Review of Taiwan: Request for Public Comment
Document Number: E8-16636
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-07-21
Agency: Office of the United States Trade Representative, Trade Representative, Office of United States, Executive Office of the President
Section 182 of the Trade Act of 1974 (Trade Act) (19 U.S.C. 2242), requires the United States Trade Representative (USTR) to identify trading partners that deny adequate and effective protection of intellectual property rights or deny fair and equitable market access to U.S. persons who rely on intellectual property protection. (Section 182 is commonly referred to as the ``Special 301'' provisions of the Trade Act.) In addition, the USTR is required to determine which of these trading partners should be identified as Priority Foreign Countries. Acts, policies or practices that are the basis of a trading partner's identification as a Priority Foreign Country are normally the subject of an investigation under the Section 301 provisions of the Trade Act. On April 25, 2008, USTR announced the results of the 2008 Special 301 Review and stated that an Out-of-Cycle Review of Taiwan would be conducted this year. Pursuant to this Out-of-Cycle Review, USTR requests written submissions from the public concerning acts, policies, and practices regarding the adequacy and effectiveness of intellectual property protection and enforcement in Taiwan.
Generalized System of Preferences (GSP): Notice of the Results of the 2007 Annual Product and Country Practices Reviews
Document Number: E8-15156
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-07-03
Agency: Office of the United States Trade Representative, Trade Representative, Office of United States, Executive Office of the President
This notice announces: (1) The disposition of the product petitions accepted for review in the 2007 GSP Annual Product Review; (2) the results of the 2007 de minimis Waiver and Redesignation Reviews; (3) the results of the 2007 Competitive Need Limitation (CNL) Waiver Revocation Review; and (4) the results of the 2007 Country Practices Review.
Freedom of Information Act
Document Number: E8-14034
Type: Rule
Date: 2008-06-20
Agency: Executive Office of the President, Office of the United States Trade Representative, Trade Representative, Office of United States
The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) is issuing a final rule to update its Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) regulations. USTR last made changes to its FOIA regulations in 1975. Since that time the information relating to USTR has changed and there have been several changes to the FOIA, which needed to be reflected in the regulations.
Generalized System of Preferences (GSP): Initiation of a Review To Consider the Designation of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam as a Beneficiary Developing Country Under the GSP
Document Number: E8-14017
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-06-20
Agency: Office of the United States Trade Representative, Trade Representative, Office of United States, Executive Office of the President
This notice announces the initiation of a review to consider designating the Socialist Republic of Vietnam as a beneficiary developing country (BDC) for purposes of the GSP program, and solicits public comments on whether Vietnam meets certain eligibility criteria for designation as a BDC. Comments are due by Monday, August 4, 2008, and must be submitted in accordance with the requirements set out below.
WTO Dispute Settlement Proceeding Regarding Measures Related to Zeroing and Sunset Reviews
Document Number: E8-13518
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-06-17
Agency: Office of the United States Trade Representative, Trade Representative, Office of United States, Executive Office of the President
The Office of the United States Trade Representative (``USTR'') is providing notice that pursuant to a request of Japan, the Dispute Settlement Body (``DSB'') of the World Trade Organization (``WTO'') has established a compliance panel under the Marrakesh Agreement Establishing the World Trade Organization (``WTO Agreement'') concerning the dispute United StatesMeasures Relating to Zeroing and Sunset Reviews; Recourse to Article 21.5 of the DSU by Japan. That request may be found at https://www.wto.org contained in a document designated as WT/DS322/27. USTR invites written comments from the public concerning the issues raised in this dispute.
WTO Dispute Settlement Proceeding Regarding European Communities-Tariff Treatment of Certain Information Technology Products
Document Number: E8-13502
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-06-17
Agency: Office of the United States Trade Representative, Trade Representative, Office of United States, Executive Office of the President
The Office of the United States Trade Representative (``USTR'') is providing notice that on May 28, 2008, in accordance with the World Trade Organization (``WTO'') Understanding on Rules and Procedures Governing the Settlement of Disputes (``DSU''), the United States requested consultations with the European Communities (``EC'') and its member States regarding the tariff treatment accorded to set- top boxes with a communication function, flat panel displays, ``input or output units,'' and facsimile machines. That request may be found at https://www.wto.org contained in a document designated as WT/DS375/1. USTR invites written comments from the public concerning the issues raised in this dispute.
Notice of Meeting of the Industry Trade Advisory Committee on Small and Minority Business (ITAC-11)
Document Number: E8-12322
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-06-03
Agency: Office of the United States Trade Representative, Trade Representative, Office of United States, Executive Office of the President
The Industry Trade Advisory Committee on Small and Minority Business (ITAC-11) will hold a meeting on Monday, June 9, 2008, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The meeting will be closed to the public from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and opened to the public from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Generalized System of Preferences (GSP): Notice Regarding the Initiation of the 2008 Annual GSP Product and Country Eligibility Practices Review and Deadlines for Filing Petitions
Document Number: E8-10917
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-05-15
Agency: Office of the United States Trade Representative, Trade Representative, Office of United States, Executive Office of the President
This notice announces that the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) will receive petitions in 2008 to modify the list of products that are eligible for duty-free treatment under the GSP program and to modify the GSP status of certain GSP beneficiary developing countries because of country practices. This notice further determines that the deadline for submission of product petitions, other than those requesting competitive need limitation (CNL) waivers, and country practice petitions for the 2008 Annual GSP Product and Country Eligibility Practices Review is 5 p.m., Wednesday, June 18, 2008. The deadline for submission of product petitions requesting CNL waivers is 5 p.m., Thursday, November 13, 2008. The list of product petitions and country practice petitions accepted for review will be announced in the Federal Register at later dates.
Implementation of Textile Safeguard Measure Under the Dominican Republic-Central America-United States Free Trade Agreement
Document Number: E8-10350
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-05-09
Agency: Office of the United States Trade Representative
Pursuant to Proclamation 8228 of March 28, 2008 (73 Fed. Reg. 18,141 (2008)), the United States Trade Representative (USTR) is providing notice of a modification to the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS) to reflect a textile safeguard measure under the Dominican RepublicCentral AmericaUnited States Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR or the Agreement).
Notice With Respect To List of Countries Denying Fair Market Opportunities for Government-Funded Airport Construction Projects
Document Number: E8-9222
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-04-28
Agency: Office of the United States Trade Representative, Trade Representative, Office of United States, Executive Office of the President
Pursuant to section 533 of the Airport and Airway Improvement Act of 1982, as amended (49 U.S.C. 50104), the United States Trade Representative (USTR) has determined not to include any countries on the list of countries that deny fair market opportunities for U.S. products, suppliers, or bidders in foreign government-funded airport construction projects.
Determinations Under the African Growth and Opportunity Act
Document Number: E8-9150
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-04-28
Agency: Office of the United States Trade Representative, Trade Representative, Office of United States, Executive Office of the President
The United States Trade Representative (USTR) has determined that The Gambia has adopted an effective visa system and related procedures to prevent unlawful transshipment and the use of counterfeit documents in connection with shipments of textile and apparel articles and has implemented and follows, or is making substantial progress toward implementing and following, the customs procedures required by the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). Therefore, imports of eligible products from The Gambia qualify for the textile and apparel benefits provided under the AGOA.
Generalized System of Preferences (GSP): Re-initiation of a Review to Consider the Designation of the Republic of Azerbaijan as a Beneficiary Developing Country Under the GSP
Document Number: E8-7702
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-04-11
Agency: Office of the United States Trade Representative, Trade Representative, Office of United States, Executive Office of the President
This notice announces the re-initiation of a review to consider designating the Republic of Azerbaijan as a beneficiary developing country (BDC) for purposes of the GSP program, and solicits public comment relating to the designation. Comments are due by Wednesday April 30, 2008, in accordance with the requirements for submissions, explained below.
WTO Dispute Settlement Proceeding Regarding China-Measures Affecting Financial Information Services and Foreign Financial Information Suppliers
Document Number: E8-5885
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-03-24
Agency: Office of the United States Trade Representative, Trade Representative, Office of United States, Executive Office of the President
The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) is providing notice that on March 3, 2008, in accordance with the Marrakesh Agreement Establishing the World Trade Organization (WTO Agreement), the United States requested consultations with China regarding restrictions and requirements China imposes on financial information services and service suppliers. That request may be found at https://www.wto.org contained in a document designated as WT/DS373/1. USTR invites written comments from the public concerning the issues raised in this dispute.
Generalized System of Preferences (GSP): Notice Regarding Extension of Deadline To Receive Comments on the Child Labor Review in the Production of Certain GSP-Eligible Hand-Loomed Carpets
Document Number: E8-3925
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-02-29
Agency: Office of the United States Trade Representative, Trade Representative, Office of United States, Executive Office of the President
On January 18, 2008, a public notice was published in the Federal Register on pages 3495-3496 requesting public comments by February 15, 2008, on whether each beneficiary country exporting certain hand-loomed carpets is taking steps to eliminate the worst forms of child labor, including the use of bonded child labor, in the production of certain carpets imported under the U.S. GSP program. The GSP Subcommittee of the Trade Policy Staff Committee has decided to extend the deadline to March 14, 2008, for receipt of public comments for this review.
Generalized System of Preferences (GSP): Import Statistics Relating to Competitive Need Limitations (CNLs); Invitation for Public Comment on CNL Waivers Subject to Potential Revocation Based on New Statutory Thresholds, Possible De Minimis Waivers, and Product Redesignations
Document Number: E8-3805
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-02-28
Agency: Office of the United States Trade Representative, Trade Representative, Office of United States, Executive Office of the President
This notice is to inform the public of the availability of full 2007 calendar year import statistics relating to competitive need limitations (CNLs) under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) program. Public comments are invited and must be submitted by 5 p.m., Friday, March 21, 2008, to FR0441@USTR.EOP.GOV regarding the potential revocation of CNL waivers that meet the new statutory thresholds set forth by section 503(d)(4)(B)(ii) of the Trade Act of 1974 (19 U.S.C. 2463(d)(4)(B)(ii)), as amended by Public Law 109-432. Additionally, public comments are invited and must be submitted by 5 p.m., Friday, March 28, 2008, to FR0618@USTR.EOP.GOV regarding possible de minimis CNL waivers with respect to particular articles and possible redesignations under the GSP program of articles currently not eligible for GSP benefits because they previously exceeded the CNLs.
Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA): Request for Public Comments
Document Number: E8-2944
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-02-15
Agency: Office of the United States Trade Representative, Trade Representative, Office of United States, Executive Office of the President
The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) seeks to negotiate an anti-counterfeiting trade agreement to strengthen international cooperation, enforcement practices, and participants' legal frameworks to address counterfeiting and piracy. USTR requests written comments from the public concerning specific matters that should be the focus of such an agreement.
Freedom of Information Act
Document Number: E8-2254
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2008-02-14
Agency: Executive Office of the President, Office of the United States Trade Representative, Trade Representative, Office of United States
The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) is issuing a proposed rule to update its Freedom of Information Act regulations. USTR's last made changes to its FOIA regulations in 1975. Since that time the information relating to USTR has changed and there have been several changes to the Freedom of Information Act, which needed to be reflected in the regulations.
Generalized System of Preferences (GSP): Notice Regarding the Acceptance of Competitive Need Limitation Waiver Petitions for the 2007 Annual Review
Document Number: E8-1524
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-01-29
Agency: Office of the United States Trade Representative, Trade Representative, Office of United States, Executive Office of the President
The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) received petitions in connection with the 2007 GSP Annual Review to waive the competitive need limitations (CNLs) on imports of certain products that are eligible for duty-free treatment under the GSP program. This notice announces those petitions that are accepted for further review. This notice also sets forth the schedule for comment and public hearings on these petitions, for requesting participation in the hearings, and submitting pre-hearing and post-hearing briefs, and for commenting on the USITC report on probable economic effects. The list of accepted petitions to waive CNLs is available at: https:// www.ustr.gov/Trade Development/Preference Programs/GSP/GSP 2007 Annual Review/Section Index.html [2007 GSP Review, List of CNL Waiver Petitions Accepted in the 2007 GSP Annual Review]
WTO Dispute Settlement Proceedings Regarding Measures of the European Communities Affecting the Approval and Marketing of Biotech Products
Document Number: E8-1143
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-01-24
Agency: Office of the United States Trade Representative, Trade Representative, Office of United States, Executive Office of the President
The Office of the United States Trade Representative (``USTR'') is providing notice that on January 17, 2008, the United States submitted to the World Trade Organization (``WTO'') a request for authorization to suspend WTO concessions and other obligations with respect to the European Communities (``EC'') in an amount equal to the level of nullification and impairment resulting from EC non-compliance with the WTO recommendations and rulings. Under a sequencing agreement with the EC, that request will be referred to arbitration and the arbitration will be suspended while the United States and EC continue to try to resolve this dispute and related matters. To prepare for the possibility that the arbitration is resumed and the WTO Dispute Settlement Body (``DSB'') authorizes the United States to suspend WTO concessions with respect to the EC, USTR is inviting written comments on action that USTR should take to exercise such an authorization. In particular, USTR seeks written comments with respect to the specific products of the EC or EC member States, and/or with respect to the specific member States of the EC, that should be subject to a suspension of WTO concessions, such as through increases of rates of duty above current rates.
Generalized System of Preferences (GSP): Notice Regarding the Initiation of Child Labor Review in the Production of Certain GSP-Eligible Hand-Loomed or Hand-Hooked Carpets
Document Number: E8-905
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-01-18
Agency: Office of the United States Trade Representative, Trade Representative, Office of United States, Executive Office of the President
The 2004 Miscellaneous Trade and Technical Corrections Act (H.R. 1047) (the ``2004 Act''), as approved by Congress, authorized the President to designate seven tariff lines relating to carpets (5702.51.20 (now 5702.50.20), 5702.91.30, 5702.92.00 (now 5702.92.10), 5702.99.10 (now 5702.99.05), 5703.10.00 (now 5703.10.20), 5703.20.10, and 5703.30.00 (now 5703.30.20)) as eligible for duty-free treatment under the GSP program. These tariff lines cover certain hand-loomed or hand-hooked carpets and other textile floor coverings made of wool, cotton, fine animal hair, or man-made textile materials. Pursuant to the authorization in the 2004 Act, the President designated these seven tariff lines as eligible for duty-free treatment under the GSP program. The GSP Subcommittee of the Trade Policy Staff Committee (TPSC) is conducting a triennial review of whether each beneficiary country is taking steps to eliminate the worst forms of child labor, including the use of bonded child labor, in the production of such carpets imported under the U.S. GSP program. If sufficient steps are not underway, the TPSC will recommend to the President changes in GSP coverage that would eliminate from duty-free treatment under the GSP program those carpets found to be made with the worst forms of child labor.
Special 301: Identification of Countries Under Section 182 of the Trade Act of 1974: Request for Public Comment
Document Number: E8-678
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-01-16
Agency: Office of the United States Trade Representative
Section 182 of the Trade Act of 1974 (Trade Act) (19 U.S.C. 2242) requires the United States Trade Representative (USTR) to identify countries that deny adequate and effective protection of intellectual property rights or deny fair and equitable market access to U.S. persons who rely on intellectual property protection. (Section 182 is commonly referred to as the ``Special 301'' provisions of the Trade Act.) In addition, the USTR is required to determine which of these countries should be identified as Priority Foreign Countries. Acts, policies, or practices that are the basis of a country's identification as a Priority Foreign Country are normally the subject of an investigation under the section 301 provisions of the Trade Act. Section 182 of the Trade Act contains a special rule for the identification of actions by Canada affecting United States cultural industries. USTR requests written submissions from the public concerning foreign countries' acts, policies, and practices that are relevant to the decision whether particular trading partners should be identified under section 182 of the Trade Act.
Andean Trade Preference Act (ATPA), as Amended: Notice Regarding the 2007 Annual Review
Document Number: E8-307
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-01-11
Agency: Office of the United States Trade Representative, Trade Representative, Office of United States, Executive Office of the President
The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) received one petition in September 2007 to review certain practices in a beneficiary developing country to determine whether such country is in compliance with the ATPA eligibility criteria. This notice specifies the results of the review of that petition as well as the status of the petitions filed in prior years that have remained under review.
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