WTO Dispute Settlement Proceeding Regarding China-Measures Affecting Imports of Automobile Parts, 59543-59544 [E6-16694]
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Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 195 / Tuesday, October 10, 2006 / Notices
2155(g)(2)). If the submitter believes that
information or advice may qualify as
such, the submitter—
(1) Must clearly so designate the
information or advice;
(2) Must clearly mark the material as
‘‘SUBMITTED IN CONFIDENCE’’ at the
top and bottom of the cover page and
each succeeding page; and
(3) Is encouraged to provide a nonconfidential summary of the
information or advice.
Pursuant to section 127(e) of the
URAA (19 U.S.C. 3537(e)), USTR will
maintain a file on this dispute
settlement proceeding, accessible to the
public, in the USTR Reading Room,
which is located at 1724 F Street, NW.,
Washington, DC 20508. The public file
will include non-confidential comments
received by USTR from the public with
respect to the dispute; if a dispute
settlement panel is convened or in the
event of an appeal from such a panel,
the U.S. submissions, the submissions,
or non-confidential summaries of
submissions, received from other
participants in the dispute; the report of
the panel and, if applicable, the report
of the Appellate Body. An appointment
to review the public file (Docket No.
WT/DS–343, Thailand Shrimp Zeroing/
Bond Dispute) may be made by calling
the USTR Reading Room at (202) 395–
6186. The USTR Reading Room is open
to the public from 9:30 a.m. to noon and
1 p.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through
Friday.
Daniel E. Brinza,
Assistant United States Trade Representative,
for Monitoring and Enforcement.
[FR Doc. E6–16692 Filed 10–6–06; 8:45 am]
parts’’). That request may be found at
https://www.wto.org contained in a
document designated as WT/DS340/8.
USTR invites written comments from
the public concerning the issues raised
in this dispute.
DATES: Although USTR will accept any
comments received during the course of
the dispute, comments should be
submitted on or before November 30,
2006 to be assured of timely
consideration by USTR.
ADDRESSES: Comments should be
submitted (i) Electronically, to
FR0615@ustr.eop.gov, with ‘‘China Auto
Parts (DS340)’’ in the subject line, or (ii)
by fax, to Sandy McKinzy at (202) 395–
3640, with a confirmation copy sent
electronically to the electronic mail
address above, in accordance with the
requirements for submission set out
below.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jim
Kelleher, Associate General Counsel,
Office of the United States Trade
Representative, 600 17th Street, NW.,
Washington, DC 20508, (202) 395–3858.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Pursuant
to section 127(b) of the Uruguay Round
Agreements Act (URAA) (19 U.S.C.
3537(b)(1)), USTR is providing notice
that the United States has requested the
establishment of a WTO dispute
settlement panel pursuant to the WTO
Understanding on Rules and Procedures
Governing the Settlement of Disputes
(‘‘DSU’’). Such panel, which would hold
its meetings in Geneva, Switzerland,
would be expected to issue a report on
its findings and recommendations
within nine months after it is
established.
jlentini on PROD1PC65 with NOTICES
BILLING CODE 3190–W7–P
Major Issues Raised by the United
States
China’s regulations on imported auto
OFFICE OF THE UNITED STATES
parts appear to penalize manufacturers
TRADE REPRESENTATIVE
for using imported auto parts in the
[Docket No. WTO/DS–340]
manufacture of vehicles in China.
Although China bound its tariffs for
WTO Dispute Settlement Proceeding
Regarding China—Measures Affecting auto parts at rates significantly lower
than its tariff bindings for complete
Imports of Automobile Parts
vehicles, China assesses a charge on
AGENCY: Office of the United States
imported auto parts equal to the tariff on
Trade Representative.
complete vehicles, if the imported parts
are incorporated into a vehicle that
ACTION: Notice; request for comments.
contains imported parts in excess of
SUMMARY: The Office of the United
specified thresholds.
States Trade Representative (USTR) is
USTR believes that China’s
providing notice that on September 15,
regulations are inconsistent with
2006, in accordance with the Marrakesh China’s obligations under:
(1) Article III:2 of the General
Agreement Establishing the World Trade
Agreement on Tariffs and Trade 1994
Organization (‘‘WTO Agreement’’), the
(‘‘GATT 1994’’), by imposing a charge
United States requested the
on imported auto parts but not on
establishment of a dispute settlement
domestic auto parts, and otherwise
panel regarding China’s treatment of
applying internal charges so as to afford
imported motor vehicle parts,
protection to domestic production;
components, and accessories (‘‘auto
VerDate Aug<31>2005
16:42 Oct 06, 2006
Jkt 211001
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Frm 00118
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
59543
(2) Article III:4 of the GATT 1994, by
treating imported auto parts less
favorably than like domestic auto parts
by imposing additional administrative
burdens and additional charges upon
manufacturers that use imported parts
in excess of specified thresholds,
thereby affecting the internal sale,
offering for sale, purchase,
transportation, distribution, or use of
imported auto parts;
(3) Article III:5 of the GATT 1994, by
requiring that a specified amount or
proportion of the auto parts assembled
into a complete motor vehicle be
supplied from domestic sources, and
otherwise applying internal quantitative
regulations so as to afford protection to
domestic production;
(4) Article 2.1 and paragraphs 1(a) and
2(a) of Annex 1 of the Agreement on
Trade-Related Investment Measures
(‘‘TRIMs Agreement’’), by requiring
motor vehicle manufacturers in China to
purchase or use domestic auto parts in
order to obtain advantages such as the
avoidance of administrative burdens
and the payment of additional charges
and by imposing restrictions which
generally restrict the importation by a
manufacturer of auto parts used in or
related to its local production;
(5) Article II:1(a) and (b) of the GATT
1994, by according imported auto parts
less favorable treatment than that
provided for in its Schedule of
Concessions and Commitments annexed
to the GATT 1994 and imposing charges
in excess of those set forth and provided
therein;
USTR also considers that China’s
regulations are inconsistent with
China’s obligations under: Article 3 of
the Agreement on Subsidies and
Countervailing Measures, Article XI of
the GATT 1994, and Parts I.1.2 and I.1.7
of the Protocol on the Accession of the
People’s Republic of China, including
paragraphs 93 and 203 of the Working
Party Report.
Public Comment: Requirements for
Submissions
Interested persons are invited to
submit written comments concerning
the issues raised in the dispute.
Comments should be submitted (i)
Electronically, to FR0615@ustr.eop.gov,
with ‘‘China Auto Parts (DS340)’’ in the
subject line, or (ii) by fax, to Sandy
McKinzy at (202) 395–3640, with a
confirmation copy sent electronically to
the electronic mail address above.
USTR encourages the submission of
documents in Adobe PDF format as
attachments to an electronic mail.
Interested persons who make
submissions by electronic mail should
not provide separate cover letters;
E:\FR\FM\10OCN1.SGM
10OCN1
jlentini on PROD1PC65 with NOTICES
59544
Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 195 / Tuesday, October 10, 2006 / Notices
information that might appear in a cover
letter should be included in the
submission itself. Similarly, to the
extent possible, any attachments to the
submission should be included in the
same file as the submission itself, and
not as separate files.
Comments must be in English. A
person requesting that information
contained in a comment submitted by
that person be treated as confidential
business information must certify that
such information is business
confidential and would not customarily
be released to the public by the
commenter. Confidential business
information must be clearly designated
as such and ‘‘BUSINESS
CONFIDENTIAL’’ must be marked at the
top and bottom of the cover page and
each succeeding page. Persons who
submit confidential business
information are encouraged to also
provide a non-confidential summary of
the information.
Information or advice contained in a
comment submitted, other than business
confidential information, may be
determined by USTR to be confidential
in accordance with section 135(g)(2) of
the Trade Act of 1974 (19 U.S.C.
2155(g)(2)). If the submitter believes that
information or advice may qualify as
such, the submitter—
(1) Must clearly so designate the
information or advice;
(2) Must clearly mark the material as
‘‘SUBMITTED IN CONFIDENCE’’ at the
top and bottom of the cover page and
each succeeding page; and
(3) Is encouraged to provide a nonconfidential summary of the
information or advice.
Pursuant to section 127(e) of the
URAA (19 U.S.C. 3537(e)), USTR will
maintain a file on this dispute
settlement proceeding, accessible to the
public, in the USTR Reading Room,
which is located at 1724 F Street, NW.,
Washington, DC 20508. The public file
will include non-confidential comments
received by USTR from the public with
respect to the dispute; if a dispute
settlement panel is convened or in the
event of an appeal from such a panel,
the U.S. submissions, the submissions,
or non-confidential summaries of
submissions, received from other
participants in the dispute; the report of
the panel and, if applicable, the report
of the Appellate Body. The USTR
Reading Room is open to the public, by
appointment only, from 10 a.m. to noon
and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through
Friday. An appointment to review the
public file (Docket WTO/DS–340, China
Auto Parts Dispute) may be made by
VerDate Aug<31>2005
16:42 Oct 06, 2006
Jkt 211001
calling the USTR Reading Room at (202)
395–6186.
Daniel E. Brinza,
Assistant United States Trade Representative
for Monitoring and Enforcement.
[FR Doc. E6–16694 Filed 10–6–06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3190–W7–P
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE
COMMISSION
Proposed Collection; Comment
Request
Upon written request, copies available
from: Securities and Exchange
Commission, Office of Filings and
Information Services, Washington, DC
20549.
Extension:
Form N–6; SEC File No. 270–446; OMB
Control No. 3235–0503.
Notice is hereby given that pursuant
to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995
(44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.) the Securities
and Exchange Commission
(‘‘Commission’’) is soliciting comments
on the collections of information
summarized below. The Commission
plans to submit these existing
collections of information to the Office
of Management and Budget (‘‘OMB’’) for
extension and approval.
The title for the collection of
information is ‘‘Form N–6 (17 CFR
239.17c and 274.11d) under the
Securities Act of 1933 (15 U.S.C. 77a et
seq.) and under the Investment
Company Act of 1940 (15 U.S.C. 80a–1
et seq.) registration statement of separate
accounts organized as unit investment
trusts that offer variable life insurance
policies.’’ Form N–6 is the form used by
insurance company separate accounts
organized as unit investment trusts that
offer variable life insurance contracts to
register as investment companies under
the Investment Company Act of 1940
and/or to register their securities under
the Securities Act of 1933. The primary
purpose of the registration process is to
provide disclosure of financial and
other information to investors and
potential investors for the purpose of
evaluating an investment in a security.
Form N–6 also permits separate
accounts organized as unit investment
trusts that offer variable life insurance
contracts to provide investors with a
prospectus containing information
required in a registration statement prior
to the sale or at the time of confirmation
of delivery of securities. The form also
may be used by the Commission in its
regulatory review, inspection, and
policy-making roles.
PO 00000
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Sfmt 4703
The Commission estimates that there
are approximately 241 separate accounts
registered as unit investment trusts and
offering variable life insurance policies
that file registration statements on Form
N–6. The Commission estimates that
there are 32 initial registration
statements on Form N–6 filed annually.
The Commission estimates that
approximately 641 registration
statements (609 post-effective
amendments plus 32 initial registration
statements) are filed on Form N–6
annually. The Commission estimates
that the hour burden for preparing and
filing a post-effective amendment on
Form N–6 is 67.5 hours. The total
annual hour burden for preparing and
filing post-effective amendments is
41,107.5 hours (609 post-effective
amendments annually times 67.5 hours
per amendment). The estimated hour
burden for preparing and filing an
initial registration statement on Form
N–6 is 770.25 hours. The estimated
annual hour burden for preparing and
filing initial registration statements is
24,648 hours (32 initial registration
statements annually times 770.25 hours
per registration statement). The
frequency of response is annual. The
total annual hour burden for Form N–
6, therefore, is estimated to be 65,755.5
hours (41,107.5 hours for post-effective
amendments plus 24,648 hours for
initial registration statements).
The information collection
requirements imposed by Form N–6 are
mandatory. Responses to the collection
of information will not be kept
confidential. An agency may not
conduct or sponsor, and a person is not
required to respond to a collection of
information unless it displays a
currently valid control number.
Written comments are invited on: (a)
Whether the proposed collection of
information is necessary for the proper
performance of the functions of the
agency, including whether the
information will have practical utility;
(b) the accuracy of the agency’s estimate
of the burden of the collection of
information; (c) ways to enhance the
quality, utility, and clarity of the
information collected; and (d) ways to
minimize the burden of the collection of
information on respondents, including
through the use of automated collection
techniques or other forms of information
technology. Consideration will be given
to comments and suggestions submitted
in writing within 60 days of this
publication.
Please direct your written comments
to R. Corey Booth, Director/Chief
Information Officer, Securities and
Exchange Commission, C/O Shirley
Martinson 6432 General Green Way,
E:\FR\FM\10OCN1.SGM
10OCN1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 195 (Tuesday, October 10, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Pages 59543-59544]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-16694]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
OFFICE OF THE UNITED STATES TRADE REPRESENTATIVE
[Docket No. WTO/DS-340]
WTO Dispute Settlement Proceeding Regarding China--Measures
Affecting Imports of Automobile Parts
AGENCY: Office of the United States Trade Representative.
ACTION: Notice; request for comments.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) is
providing notice that on September 15, 2006, in accordance with the
Marrakesh Agreement Establishing the World Trade Organization (``WTO
Agreement''), the United States requested the establishment of a
dispute settlement panel regarding China's treatment of imported motor
vehicle parts, components, and accessories (``auto parts''). That
request may be found at https://www.wto.org contained in a document
designated as WT/DS340/8. USTR invites written comments from the public
concerning the issues raised in this dispute.
DATES: Although USTR will accept any comments received during the
course of the dispute, comments should be submitted on or before
November 30, 2006 to be assured of timely consideration by USTR.
ADDRESSES: Comments should be submitted (i) Electronically, to
FR0615@ustr.eop.gov, with ``China Auto Parts (DS340)'' in the subject
line, or (ii) by fax, to Sandy McKinzy at (202) 395-3640, with a
confirmation copy sent electronically to the electronic mail address
above, in accordance with the requirements for submission set out
below.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jim Kelleher, Associate General
Counsel, Office of the United States Trade Representative, 600 17th
Street, NW., Washington, DC 20508, (202) 395-3858.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Pursuant to section 127(b) of the Uruguay
Round Agreements Act (URAA) (19 U.S.C. 3537(b)(1)), USTR is providing
notice that the United States has requested the establishment of a WTO
dispute settlement panel pursuant to the WTO Understanding on Rules and
Procedures Governing the Settlement of Disputes (``DSU''). Such panel,
which would hold its meetings in Geneva, Switzerland, would be expected
to issue a report on its findings and recommendations within nine
months after it is established.
Major Issues Raised by the United States
China's regulations on imported auto parts appear to penalize
manufacturers for using imported auto parts in the manufacture of
vehicles in China. Although China bound its tariffs for auto parts at
rates significantly lower than its tariff bindings for complete
vehicles, China assesses a charge on imported auto parts equal to the
tariff on complete vehicles, if the imported parts are incorporated
into a vehicle that contains imported parts in excess of specified
thresholds.
USTR believes that China's regulations are inconsistent with
China's obligations under:
(1) Article III:2 of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade
1994 (``GATT 1994''), by imposing a charge on imported auto parts but
not on domestic auto parts, and otherwise applying internal charges so
as to afford protection to domestic production;
(2) Article III:4 of the GATT 1994, by treating imported auto parts
less favorably than like domestic auto parts by imposing additional
administrative burdens and additional charges upon manufacturers that
use imported parts in excess of specified thresholds, thereby affecting
the internal sale, offering for sale, purchase, transportation,
distribution, or use of imported auto parts;
(3) Article III:5 of the GATT 1994, by requiring that a specified
amount or proportion of the auto parts assembled into a complete motor
vehicle be supplied from domestic sources, and otherwise applying
internal quantitative regulations so as to afford protection to
domestic production;
(4) Article 2.1 and paragraphs 1(a) and 2(a) of Annex 1 of the
Agreement on Trade-Related Investment Measures (``TRIMs Agreement''),
by requiring motor vehicle manufacturers in China to purchase or use
domestic auto parts in order to obtain advantages such as the avoidance
of administrative burdens and the payment of additional charges and by
imposing restrictions which generally restrict the importation by a
manufacturer of auto parts used in or related to its local production;
(5) Article II:1(a) and (b) of the GATT 1994, by according imported
auto parts less favorable treatment than that provided for in its
Schedule of Concessions and Commitments annexed to the GATT 1994 and
imposing charges in excess of those set forth and provided therein;
USTR also considers that China's regulations are inconsistent with
China's obligations under: Article 3 of the Agreement on Subsidies and
Countervailing Measures, Article XI of the GATT 1994, and Parts I.1.2
and I.1.7 of the Protocol on the Accession of the People's Republic of
China, including paragraphs 93 and 203 of the Working Party Report.
Public Comment: Requirements for Submissions
Interested persons are invited to submit written comments
concerning the issues raised in the dispute. Comments should be
submitted (i) Electronically, to FR0615@ustr.eop.gov, with ``China Auto
Parts (DS340)'' in the subject line, or (ii) by fax, to Sandy McKinzy
at (202) 395-3640, with a confirmation copy sent electronically to the
electronic mail address above.
USTR encourages the submission of documents in Adobe PDF format as
attachments to an electronic mail. Interested persons who make
submissions by electronic mail should not provide separate cover
letters;
[[Page 59544]]
information that might appear in a cover letter should be included in
the submission itself. Similarly, to the extent possible, any
attachments to the submission should be included in the same file as
the submission itself, and not as separate files.
Comments must be in English. A person requesting that information
contained in a comment submitted by that person be treated as
confidential business information must certify that such information is
business confidential and would not customarily be released to the
public by the commenter. Confidential business information must be
clearly designated as such and ``BUSINESS CONFIDENTIAL'' must be marked
at the top and bottom of the cover page and each succeeding page.
Persons who submit confidential business information are encouraged to
also provide a non-confidential summary of the information.
Information or advice contained in a comment submitted, other than
business confidential information, may be determined by USTR to be
confidential in accordance with section 135(g)(2) of the Trade Act of
1974 (19 U.S.C. 2155(g)(2)). If the submitter believes that information
or advice may qualify as such, the submitter--
(1) Must clearly so designate the information or advice;
(2) Must clearly mark the material as ``SUBMITTED IN CONFIDENCE''
at the top and bottom of the cover page and each succeeding page; and
(3) Is encouraged to provide a non-confidential summary of the
information or advice.
Pursuant to section 127(e) of the URAA (19 U.S.C. 3537(e)), USTR
will maintain a file on this dispute settlement proceeding, accessible
to the public, in the USTR Reading Room, which is located at 1724 F
Street, NW., Washington, DC 20508. The public file will include non-
confidential comments received by USTR from the public with respect to
the dispute; if a dispute settlement panel is convened or in the event
of an appeal from such a panel, the U.S. submissions, the submissions,
or non-confidential summaries of submissions, received from other
participants in the dispute; the report of the panel and, if
applicable, the report of the Appellate Body. The USTR Reading Room is
open to the public, by appointment only, from 10 a.m. to noon and 1
p.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. An appointment to review the
public file (Docket WTO/DS-340, China Auto Parts Dispute) may be made
by calling the USTR Reading Room at (202) 395-6186.
Daniel E. Brinza,
Assistant United States Trade Representative for Monitoring and
Enforcement.
[FR Doc. E6-16694 Filed 10-6-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3190-W7-P
