Certain Yarns and Fabrics FY 2009: Effect of Modification of U.S.-Singapore Free Trade Agreement Rules of Origin, 8107-8109 [E9-3804]

Download as PDF jlentini on PROD1PC65 with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 34 / Monday, February 23, 2009 / Notices what if any enforcement measures are appropriate. 2. For purposes of the enforcement proceeding so instituted, the following are parties to the proceeding: Complainants: INEOS Fluor Holdings Ltd., The Heath, Runcorn, Cheshire, WA74QX, United Kingdom; INEOS Fluor Ltd., The Heath, Runcorn, Cheshire, WA74QX, United Kingdom; INEOS Fluor Americas L.L.C., 4990 B IC1 Road, St. Gabriel, LA 70776. Respondent: Sinochem Environmental Protection Chemicals (Taicang) Co. Ltd., South Binjiang Road, Petrochemical Industrial Section, Taicang Port Development Zone, Taicang, Jiangsu 215433, China. A Commission investigative attorney to be designated by the Director, Office of Unfair Import Investigations. 3. The formal enforcement proceeding is hereby certified to the chief ALJ, Chief Judge Paul J. Luckern, who shall designate a presiding ALJ for this proceeding for issuance of an enforcement initial determination (‘‘EID’’). The presiding ALJ is directed to set a target date for completion of these proceedings within forty-five (45) days of institution in accordance with 19 CFR 210.51(a). 4. The presiding ALJ, in his discretion, may conduct any proceedings he deems necessary, including issuing a protective order, holding hearings, taking evidence, and ordering discovery consistent with Commission rules to issue his EID. The EID will rule on the question of whether Sinochem (Taicang) has violated the September 11, 2008 consent order issued in the above-captioned investigation. All defenses not barred by claim preclusion may be raised in this proceeding. The presiding ALJ shall also recommend to the Commission what enforcement measures are appropriate if Sinochem (Taicang) is found to violate the Commission’s consent order. The presiding ALJ, in his discretion, may also conduct any proceedings he deems necessary, including taking evidence and ordering discovery, to issue his recommendations on appropriate enforcement measures. 5. Petitions for review of the EID may be filed within fourteen (14) days of service of the EID. Responses to any petitions for review may be filed within seven (7) days of service of any petitions for review. 6. Notwithstanding Commission Rule 210.75(b)(3), the EID shall become the Commission’s final determination sixty (60) days after service of the EID, unless VerDate Nov<24>2008 16:31 Feb 20, 2009 Jkt 217001 the Commission orders review or changes the deadline for determining whether to review it. 7. The Secretary shall: (a) Docket INEOS’s complaint for a formal enforcement proceeding; (b) Serve a copy of INEOS’s ‘‘Complaint to Enforce Consent Order Pursuant to Commission Rule 210.75’’ on the proposed respondent and advise Sinochem (Taicang) of the provisions of Commission Rule 210.75 concerning responses to a request for a formal enforcement proceeding; (c) Serve a copy of this order upon each party to the formal enforcement proceeding; (d) Publish notice of this order in the Federal Register. By Order of the Commission. Issued: February 18, 2009. Marilyn R. Abbott, Secretary to the Commission. [FR Doc. E9–3803 Filed 2–20–09; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 7020–02–P INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMISSION [Investigation No. Singapore FTA–103–22] Certain Yarns and Fabrics FY 2009: Effect of Modification of U.S.Singapore Free Trade Agreement Rules of Origin AGENCY: United States International Trade Commission. ACTION: Institution of investigation. SUMMARY: Following receipt of a request on January 28, 2009, from the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) under authority delegated by the President and pursuant to section 103 of the United States-Singapore Free Trade Agreement (USSFTA) Implementation Act, the U.S. International Trade Commission (Commission) instituted investigation No. Singapore FTA–103– 22, Certain Yarns and Fabrics FY 2009: Effect of Modification of U.S.-Singapore Free Trade Agreement Rules of Origin. DATES: May 19, 2009: Deadline for filing all written submissions. On or before August 28, 2009: Transmittal of report to the USTR. ADDRESSES: All Commission offices, including the Commission’s hearing rooms, are located in the United States International Trade Commission Building, 500 E Street, SW., Washington, DC. All written submissions should be addressed to the Secretary, United States International Trade Commission, 500 E Street, SW., Washington, DC 20436. The public record for this investigation may be PO 00000 Frm 00056 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 8107 viewed on the Commission’s electronic docket (EDIS) at https://www.usitc.gov/ secretary/edis.htm. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Project Leaders Jackie Jones (202–205– 3466 or jackie.jones@usitc.gov) or Laura V. Rodriguez (202–205–3499 or laura.rodriguez@usitc.gov) for information specific to this investigation. For information on the legal aspects of this investigation, contact William Gearhart of the Commission’s Office of the General Counsel (202–205–3091 or william.gearhart@usitc.gov). The media should contact Margaret O’Laughlin, Office of External Relations (202–205– 1819 or margaret.olaughlin@usitc.gov). Hearing-impaired individuals may obtain information on this matter by contacting the Commission’s TDD terminal at 202–205–1810. General information concerning the Commission may also be obtained by accessing its Internet server (https://www.usitc.gov). Persons with mobility impairments who will need special assistance in gaining access to the Commission should contact the Office of the Secretary at 202–205–2000. Background: Chapter 3 and Annex 3A of the U.S.-Singapore FTA set out rules of origin for textiles and apparel for applying the tariff provisions of the USSFTA. These rules are reflected in General Note 25 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS). According to the request letter from USTR, U.S. negotiators have recently reached agreement in principle with representatives of the Government of Singapore to modify the USSFTA rules of origin for certain yarns and fabrics because it has been determined that producers in the United States and Singapore are not able to manufacture these products in commercial quantities in a timely manner. The products covered by this request are listed in the appendix that follows. Section 203(o)(2)(B)(i) of the United States-Singapore Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act (the Act) authorizes the President, subject to the consultation and layover requirements of section 103 of the Act, to proclaim such modifications to the rules of origin as are necessary to implement an agreement with Singapore pursuant to Article 3.18.4(c) of the Agreement. One of the requirements set out in section 103 of the Act is that the President obtain advice regarding the proposed action from the Commission. The request letter asks that the Commission provide advice on the probable effect of the proposed modification of the USSFTA rules of origin described above E:\FR\FM\23FEN1.SGM 23FEN1 jlentini on PROD1PC65 with NOTICES 8108 Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 34 / Monday, February 23, 2009 / Notices on U.S. trade under the USSFTA, on total U.S. trade, and on domestic producers of the affected articles. The USTR asked that the Commission submit its advice to USTR by August 28, 2009, and that the Commission shortly thereafter issue a public version of the report with any confidential business information deleted. Additional information concerning the articles and the proposed modifications can be obtained by accessing the electronic version of this investigation notice at the Commission Internet site (https://www.usitc.gov). The USTR request letter may be obtained at https://www.usitc.gov/ind_econ_ana/ research_ana/Ongoing_Inv/documents/ 103reqlwt.pdf. The current USSFTA rules of origin applicable to U.S. imports can be found in general note 25 of the HTS (see ‘‘General Notes’’ link at https://www.usitc.gov/tata/hts/ bychapter/index.htm). Written Submissions: No public hearing is planned. However, interested parties are invited to submit written submissions concerning this investigation. All written submissions should be addressed to the Secretary at the earliest possible date, and should be received not later than 5:15 p.m., May 19, 2009. All written submissions must conform to the provisions of section 201.8 of the Commission’s Rules of Practice and Procedure (19 CFR 201.8). Section 201.8 requires that a signed original (or a copy so designated) and fourteen (14) copies of each document be filed. In the event that confidential treatment of a document is requested, at least four (4) additional copies must be filed, in which the confidential information must be deleted (see the following paragraph for further information regarding confidential business information). The Commission’s rules authorize filing submissions with the Secretary by facsimile or electronic means only to the extent permitted by section 201.8 of the rules (see Handbook for Electronic Filing Procedures, https://www.usitc.gov/ secretary/fed_reg_notices/rules/ documents/ handbook_on_electronic_filing.pdf). Persons with questions regarding electronic filing should contact the Secretary (202–205–2000). Any submissions that contain confidential business information must also conform to the requirements of section 201.6 of the Commission’s Rules of Practice and Procedure (19 CFR 201.6). Section 201.6 of the rules requires that the cover of the document and the individual pages be clearly marked as to whether they are the Aconfidential@ or Anon-confidential@ VerDate Nov<24>2008 16:31 Feb 20, 2009 Jkt 217001 version, and that the confidential business information is clearly identified by means of brackets. All written submissions, except for confidential business information, will be made available for inspection by interested parties. The Commission may include some or all of the confidential business information submitted in the course of this investigation in the report it sends to the USTR and the President. As requested by the USTR, the Commission will publish a public version of the report. However, in the public version, the Commission will not publish confidential business information in a manner that would reveal the operations of the firm supplying the information. By order of the Commission. Issued: February 17, 2009. Marilyn R. Abbott, Secretary to the Commission. Appendix Proposals Under Paragraph 4 of Article 3.18 of the U.S.-Singapore Free Trade Agreement (USSFTA) The products covered by this request are: (1) Certain viscose rayon filament yarns, of the specifications detailed below, classified in subheading 5403.10.60 1 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS), for use in apparel articles; Specifications: 1. Viscose Filament Yarn; DTEX 166/40 Bright Centrifugal; Tenacity, cN/tex, min.—142.0; Elongation at rupture, %— 18.0–24.0; Elongation at rupture variation factory, % max.—8.1; Twist direction—S. 2. Viscose Filament Yarn; DTEX 330/60 Bright Centrifugal; Tenacity, cN/tex, min.—142.0; Elongation at rupture, %— 18.0–24.0; Elongation at rupture variation factor, % max.—8.1; Twist direction—S. (2) Certain fabrics, classified in subheading 5210.11 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS), not of square construction, containing more than 70 warp ends and filling picks per square centimeter, of average yarn number exceeding 70 metric, used in the production of women’s and girls’ blouses; (3) Certain combed compact yarns, of wool or fine animal hair, classified in subheadings 5107.10, 5107.20, or 5108.20 of (HTSUS), for use in apparel articles; (4) 100 percent cotton yarn-dyed woven flannel fabrics, made from 14 through 41 NM single ring-spun yarns, classified in 5208.43.00 of the (HTSUS), of construction 2 X 1 twill weave, weighing 200 grams per square meter or less, for use in apparel articles excluding gloves; (5) Certain woven, 100 percent cotton, flannel fabrics, of the specifications detailed 1 Singapore’s original request indicated that the HTS product classification for this product was 5403.41.0000. The U.S. and Singapore have subsequently agreed that the correct product classification is 5403.10.60. PO 00000 Frm 00057 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 below, classified in the indicated subheadings of the (HTSUS), for use in shirts, trousers, nightwear, robes, dressing gowns, and woven underwear: Specifications: Fabric 1 HTS Subheading: 5208.42.30.00 Fiber Content: 100% Cotton Weight: 152.6 g/m 2 Width: 150 centimeters cuttable Thread Count: 24.4 warp ends per centimeter; 15.7 filling picks per centimeter; total: 40.1 threads per square centimeter Yarn Number: Warp: 40.6 metric, ring spun; filling: 20.3 metric, open end spun; overall average yarn number: 39.4 metric Finish: Of yarns of different colors; napped on both sides, sanforized Fabric 2 HTS Subheading: 5209.41.60.40 Fiber Content: 100% Cotton Weight: 251 g/m 2 Width: 160 centimeters cuttable Thread Count: 22.8 warp ends per centimeter; 17.3 filling picks per centimeter; total: 40.1 threads per square centimeter Yarn Number: Warp: 40.6 metric, ring spun; filling: 8.46 metric, open end spun; overall average yarn number: 24.1 metric Finish: Of yarns of different colors; napped on both sides, sanforized Fabric 3 HTS Subheading: 5209.41.60.40 Fiber Content: 100% Cotton Weight: 251 g/m 2 Width: 160 centimeters cuttable Thread Count: 20.1 warp ends per centimeter; 16.5 filling picks per centimeter; total: 36.6 threads per square centimeter Yarn Number: Warp: 27.07 metric, ring spun; filling: 10.16 metric, open end spun; overall average yarn number: 23.3 metric Finish: Of yarns of different colors; napped on both sides, sanforized (6) Certain woven, 100 percent cotton, flannel fabrics, of the specifications detailed below, classified in the indicated subheadings of the (HTSUS), for use in shirts, trousers, nightwear, robes, dressing gowns, and woven underwear: Specifications: Fabric 1: HTS Subheading: 5208.32.30.40 Fiber Content: 100% Cotton Weight: 152.6 g/m 2 Width: 150 centimeters cuttable Thread Count: 24.4 warp ends per centimeter; 15.7 filling picks per centimeter; total: 40.1 threads per square centimeter Yarn Number: Warp: 40.6 metric, ring spun; filling: 20.3 metric, open end spun; overall average yarn number: 39.4 metric Finish: (Piece) dyed; napped on both sides, sanforized Fabric 2: HTS Subheading: 5209.31.60.50 Fiber Content: 100% Cotton Weight: 251 g/m 2 Width: 160 centimeters cuttable Thread Count: 22.8 warp ends per centimeter; 15 filling picks per centimeter; total: 37.8 threads per square centimeter Yarn Number: Warp: 40.6 metric, ring spun; filling: 8.46 metric, open end spun; overall average yarn number: 24.1 metric E:\FR\FM\23FEN1.SGM 23FEN1 jlentini on PROD1PC65 with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 34 / Monday, February 23, 2009 / Notices Finish: (Piece) dyed; napped on both sides, sanforized Fabric 3: HTS Subheading: 5209.31.60.50 Fiber Content: 100% Cotton Weight: 203 g/m 2 Width: 150 centimeters cuttable Thread Count: 20.5 warp ends per centimeter; 17.3 filling picks per centimeter; total: 37.8 threads per square centimeter Yarn Number: Warp: 40.6 metric, ring spun; filling: 13.5 metric, open end spun; overall average yarn number: 27.9 metric Finish: (Piece) dyed; napped on both sides, sanforized Fabric 4: HTS Subheading: 5209.31.60.50 Fiber Content: 100% Cotton Weight: 291.5 g/m 2 Width: 160 centimeters cuttable Thread Count: 23.2 warp ends per centimeter; 15 filling picks per centimeter; total: 38.2 threads per square centimeter Yarn Number: Warp: 27.07 metric, ring spun; filling: 8.46 metric, open end spun; overall average yarn number: 20.1 metric Finish: (Piece) dyed; napped on both sides, sanforized Fabric 5: HTS Subheading: 5209.31.60.50 Fiber Content: 100% Cotton Weight: 291.5 g/m 2 Width: 160 centimeters cuttable Thread Count: 26.8 warp ends per centimeter; 16.5 filling picks per centimeter; total: 43.3 threads per square centimeter Yarn Number: Warp: 25.46 metric, ring spun; filling: 10.16 metric, open end spun; overall average yarn number: 23.8 metric Finish: (Piece) dyed; napped on both sides, sanforized Fabric 6: HTS Subheading: 5209.31.60.50 Fiber Content: 100% Cotton Weight: 254 g/m 2 Width: 160 centimeters cuttable Thread Count: 20 warp ends per centimeter; 14.5 filling picks per centimeter; total: 34.5 threads per square centimeter Yarn Number: Warp: 28.8 metric, ring spun; filling: 8.46 metric, open end spun; overall average yarn number: 20.1 metric Finish: (Piece) dyed; napped on both sides, sanforized Fabric 7: HTS Subheading: 5209.41.60.40 Fiber Content: 100% Cotton Weight: 251 g/m 2 Width: 160 centimeters cuttable Thread Count: 22.8 warp ends per centimeter; 15 filling picks per centimeter; total: 37.8 threads per square centimeter Yarn Number: Warp: 40.6 metric, ring spun; filling: 8.46 metric, open end spun; overall average yarn number: 24.1 metric Finish: Gingham check or plaid of yarns of different colors; napped on both sides, sanforized Fabric 8: Style 4245 HTS Subheading: 5209.41.60.40 Fiber Content: 100% Cotton Weight: 251 g/m 2 Width: 160 centimeters cuttable Thread Count: 19.7 warp ends per centimeter; 11.8 filling picks per centimeter; total: 31.5 threads per square centimeter VerDate Nov<24>2008 16:31 Feb 20, 2009 Jkt 217001 Yarn Number: Warp: 20.3 metric, ring spun; filling: 8.46 metric, open end spun; overall average yarn number: 20.1 metric Finish: Plaid of yarns of different colors; napped on both sides, sanforized (7) Certain woven, 100 percent cotton, napped fabrics, of the specifications detailed below, classified in subheading 5209.31.60.50 of the (HTSUS), for use in shirts, trousers, nightwear, robes, dressing gowns, and woven underwear: Specifications: Fabric 1 HTS Subheading: 5209.31.60.50 Fiber Content: 100% Cotton Weight: 291.5 g/m 2 Width: 160 centimeters cuttable Thread Count: 24.41 warp ends per centimeter; 16.53 filling picks per centimeter; total: 40.94 threads per square centimeter Yarn Number: Warp: 25.4 metric, ring spun; filling: 10.16 metric, open end spun; overall average yarn number: 14.04 metric Finish: (Piece) dyed; napped on both sides, sanforized Fabric 2 HTS Subheading: 5209.31.60.50 Fiber Content: 100% Cotton Weight: 305 g/m 2 Width: 160 centimeters cuttable Thread Count: 24.41 warp ends per centimeter; 18.11 filling picks per centimeter; total: 42.52 threads per square centimeter Yarn Number: Warp: 25.4 metric, ring spun; filling: 10.16 metric, open end spun; overall average yarn number: 13.95 metric Finish: (Piece) dyed; napped on both sides, sanforized (8) Certain woven, 100 percent cotton, double-napped flannel fabric, of specifications detailed below, classified in HTSUS subheading 5209.31.6050, for use in shirts, trousers, nightwear, robes, dressing gowns, and woven underwear: Specifications: HTS Subheading: 5209.31.6050 Fiber Content: 100% Cotton Weight: 203 g/m 2 Width: 150 centimeters cuttable Thread Count: 21 warp ends per centimeter; 18 filling picks per centimeter; total: 39 threads per square centimeter Yarn Number: Warp: 40.6 metric, ring spun; filling: 13.54 metric, open end spun; overall average yarn number: 19.2 metric Finish: (Piece) dyed; napped on both sides, sanforized [FR Doc. E9–3804 Filed 2–20–09; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 7020–02–P DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE Notice of Lodging of Consent Decree Pursuant to the Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act (‘‘CERCLA’’) Notice is hereby given that on February 11, 2009, a proposed Consent Decree in United States v. Bristol Myers Squibb Company, et al., CIV No. 09-cv- PO 00000 Frm 00058 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 8109 0161 (N.D.N.Y.) was lodged with the United States District Court for the Northern District of New York. The proposed Consent Decree is between the United States on behalf of the United States Environmental Protection Agency (‘‘EPA’’) and BristolMyers Squibb Company, General Electric Company, International Business Machines Corporation, and Pass & Seymour, Inc. (Settling Defendants). The proposed Consent Decree resolves claims against the Settling Defendants under Sections 106, 107, and 113 of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act, as amended (‘‘CERCLA’’), 42 U.S.C. 9606, 9607, 9613 related to the Solvent Savers Superfund Site in Lincklaen, Chenango County, New York. Under the proposed Consent Decree, the Settling Defendants agree to design, construct and operate groundwater remedies for the Site, estimated to cost $9.9 million, and a soil remedy including treatment of VOC’s and PCBs for an estimated $4.9 million, and to pay EPA’s future oversight costs. In return, the Decree provides the Settling Defendants with a covenant not to sue under CERCLA §§ 106 and 107(a) for the performance and costs of this work and for oversight costs. The Department of Justice will receive for a period of thirty (30) days from the date of this publication comments relating to the Consent Decree. Comments should be addressed to the Assistant Attorney General, Environment and Natural Resources Division, and either e-mailed to pubcomment-ees.enrd@usdoj.gov or mailed to P.O. Box 7611, U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, DC 20044–7611, and should refer to United States v. Bristol Myers Squibb Company, (N.D.N.Y.) No. 09-cv-0161, D.J. Ref. 90– 11–3–704/1. The Consent Decree may be examined at the Office of the United States Attorney, Northen District of New York, Suite 900, 100 S. Clinton St., Syracuse, NY 13261–7198 and at the Environmental Protection Agency, Region 2, Office of Regional Counsel, 290 Broadway, New York, New York 10007–1866. During the public comment period, the Consent Decree, may also be examined on the following Department of Justice Web site, https:// www.usdoj.gov/enrd/ Consent_Decrees.html. A copy of the Consent Decree may also be obtained by mail from the Consent Decree Library, P.O. Box 7611, U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, DC 20044–7611 or by faxing or e-mailing a request to Tonia Fleetwood (tonia.fleetwood@usdoj.gov), fax no. (202) 514–0097, phone E:\FR\FM\23FEN1.SGM 23FEN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 34 (Monday, February 23, 2009)]
[Notices]
[Pages 8107-8109]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-3804]


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INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMISSION

[Investigation No. Singapore FTA-103-22]


Certain Yarns and Fabrics FY 2009: Effect of Modification of 
U.S.-Singapore Free Trade Agreement Rules of Origin

AGENCY: United States International Trade Commission.

ACTION: Institution of investigation.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: Following receipt of a request on January 28, 2009, from the 
Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) under authority 
delegated by the President and pursuant to section 103 of the United 
States-Singapore Free Trade Agreement (USSFTA) Implementation Act, the 
U.S. International Trade Commission (Commission) instituted 
investigation No. Singapore FTA-103-22, Certain Yarns and Fabrics FY 
2009: Effect of Modification of U.S.-Singapore Free Trade Agreement 
Rules of Origin.

DATES: May 19, 2009: Deadline for filing all written submissions.
    On or before August 28, 2009: Transmittal of report to the USTR.

ADDRESSES: All Commission offices, including the Commission's hearing 
rooms, are located in the United States International Trade Commission 
Building, 500 E Street, SW., Washington, DC. All written submissions 
should be addressed to the Secretary, United States International Trade 
Commission, 500 E Street, SW., Washington, DC 20436. The public record 
for this investigation may be viewed on the Commission's electronic 
docket (EDIS) at https://www.usitc.gov/secretary/edis.htm.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Project Leaders Jackie Jones (202-205-
3466 or jackie.jones@usitc.gov) or Laura V. Rodriguez (202-205-3499 or 
laura.rodriguez@usitc.gov) for information specific to this 
investigation. For information on the legal aspects of this 
investigation, contact William Gearhart of the Commission's Office of 
the General Counsel (202-205-3091 or william.gearhart@usitc.gov). The 
media should contact Margaret O'Laughlin, Office of External Relations 
(202-205-1819 or margaret.olaughlin@usitc.gov). Hearing-impaired 
individuals may obtain information on this matter by contacting the 
Commission's TDD terminal at 202-205-1810. General information 
concerning the Commission may also be obtained by accessing its 
Internet server (https://www.usitc.gov). Persons with mobility 
impairments who will need special assistance in gaining access to the 
Commission should contact the Office of the Secretary at 202-205-2000.
    Background: Chapter 3 and Annex 3-A of the U.S.-Singapore FTA set 
out rules of origin for textiles and apparel for applying the tariff 
provisions of the USSFTA. These rules are reflected in General Note 25 
of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS). According to the request 
letter from USTR, U.S. negotiators have recently reached agreement in 
principle with representatives of the Government of Singapore to modify 
the USSFTA rules of origin for certain yarns and fabrics because it has 
been determined that producers in the United States and Singapore are 
not able to manufacture these products in commercial quantities in a 
timely manner. The products covered by this request are listed in the 
appendix that follows.
    Section 203(o)(2)(B)(i) of the United States-Singapore Free Trade 
Agreement Implementation Act (the Act) authorizes the President, 
subject to the consultation and layover requirements of section 103 of 
the Act, to proclaim such modifications to the rules of origin as are 
necessary to implement an agreement with Singapore pursuant to Article 
3.18.4(c) of the Agreement. One of the requirements set out in section 
103 of the Act is that the President obtain advice regarding the 
proposed action from the Commission. The request letter asks that the 
Commission provide advice on the probable effect of the proposed 
modification of the USSFTA rules of origin described above

[[Page 8108]]

on U.S. trade under the USSFTA, on total U.S. trade, and on domestic 
producers of the affected articles. The USTR asked that the Commission 
submit its advice to USTR by August 28, 2009, and that the Commission 
shortly thereafter issue a public version of the report with any 
confidential business information deleted.
    Additional information concerning the articles and the proposed 
modifications can be obtained by accessing the electronic version of 
this investigation notice at the Commission Internet site (https://
www.usitc.gov). The USTR request letter may be obtained at https://
www.usitc.gov/ind_econ_ana/research_ana/Ongoing_Inv/documents/
103reqlwt.pdf. The current USSFTA rules of origin applicable to U.S. 
imports can be found in general note 25 of the HTS (see ``General 
Notes'' link at https://www.usitc.gov/tata/hts/bychapter/index.htm).
    Written Submissions: No public hearing is planned. However, 
interested parties are invited to submit written submissions concerning 
this investigation. All written submissions should be addressed to the 
Secretary at the earliest possible date, and should be received not 
later than 5:15 p.m., May 19, 2009. All written submissions must 
conform to the provisions of section 201.8 of the Commission's Rules of 
Practice and Procedure (19 CFR 201.8). Section 201.8 requires that a 
signed original (or a copy so designated) and fourteen (14) copies of 
each document be filed. In the event that confidential treatment of a 
document is requested, at least four (4) additional copies must be 
filed, in which the confidential information must be deleted (see the 
following paragraph for further information regarding confidential 
business information). The Commission's rules authorize filing 
submissions with the Secretary by facsimile or electronic means only to 
the extent permitted by section 201.8 of the rules (see Handbook for 
Electronic Filing Procedures, https://www.usitc.gov/secretary/fed_reg_
notices/rules/documents/handbook_on_electronic_filing.pdf). Persons 
with questions regarding electronic filing should contact the Secretary 
(202-205-2000).
    Any submissions that contain confidential business information must 
also conform to the requirements of section 201.6 of the Commission's 
Rules of Practice and Procedure (19 CFR 201.6). Section 201.6 of the 
rules requires that the cover of the document and the individual pages 
be clearly marked as to whether they are the Aconfidential@ or Anon-
confidential@ version, and that the confidential business information 
is clearly identified by means of brackets. All written submissions, 
except for confidential business information, will be made available 
for inspection by interested parties.
    The Commission may include some or all of the confidential business 
information submitted in the course of this investigation in the report 
it sends to the USTR and the President. As requested by the USTR, the 
Commission will publish a public version of the report. However, in the 
public version, the Commission will not publish confidential business 
information in a manner that would reveal the operations of the firm 
supplying the information.

    By order of the Commission.

    Issued: February 17, 2009.
Marilyn R. Abbott,
Secretary to the Commission.

Appendix

Proposals Under Paragraph 4 of Article 3.18 of the U.S.-Singapore Free 
Trade Agreement (USSFTA)

    The products covered by this request are:
    (1) Certain viscose rayon filament yarns, of the specifications 
detailed below, classified in subheading 5403.10.60 \1\ of the 
Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS), for use in 
apparel articles;
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ Singapore's original request indicated that the HTS product 
classification for this product was 5403.41.0000. The U.S. and 
Singapore have subsequently agreed that the correct product 
classification is 5403.10.60.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Specifications:

1. Viscose Filament Yarn; DTEX 166/40 Bright Centrifugal; Tenacity, 
cN/tex, min.--142.0; Elongation at rupture, %--18.0-24.0; Elongation 
at rupture variation factory, % max.--8.1; Twist direction--S.
2. Viscose Filament Yarn; DTEX 330/60 Bright Centrifugal; Tenacity, 
cN/tex, min.--142.0; Elongation at rupture, %--18.0-24.0; Elongation 
at rupture variation factor, % max.--8.1; Twist direction--S.

    (2) Certain fabrics, classified in subheading 5210.11 of the 
Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS), not of 
square construction, containing more than 70 warp ends and filling 
picks per square centimeter, of average yarn number exceeding 70 
metric, used in the production of women's and girls' blouses;
    (3) Certain combed compact yarns, of wool or fine animal hair, 
classified in subheadings 5107.10, 5107.20, or 5108.20 of (HTSUS), 
for use in apparel articles;
    (4) 100 percent cotton yarn-dyed woven flannel fabrics, made 
from 14 through 41 NM single ring-spun yarns, classified in 
5208.43.00 of the (HTSUS), of construction 2 X 1 twill weave, 
weighing 200 grams per square meter or less, for use in apparel 
articles excluding gloves;
    (5) Certain woven, 100 percent cotton, flannel fabrics, of the 
specifications detailed below, classified in the indicated 
subheadings of the (HTSUS), for use in shirts, trousers, nightwear, 
robes, dressing gowns, and woven underwear:
    Specifications:

    Fabric 1
    HTS Subheading: 5208.42.30.00
    Fiber Content: 100% Cotton
    Weight: 152.6 g/m \2\
    Width: 150 centimeters cuttable
    Thread Count: 24.4 warp ends per centimeter; 15.7 filling picks 
per centimeter; total: 40.1 threads per square centimeter
    Yarn Number: Warp: 40.6 metric, ring spun; filling: 20.3 metric, 
open end spun; overall average yarn number: 39.4 metric
    Finish: Of yarns of different colors; napped on both sides, 
sanforized

    Fabric 2
    HTS Subheading: 5209.41.60.40
    Fiber Content: 100% Cotton
    Weight: 251 g/m \2\
    Width: 160 centimeters cuttable
    Thread Count: 22.8 warp ends per centimeter; 17.3 filling picks 
per centimeter; total: 40.1 threads per square centimeter
    Yarn Number: Warp: 40.6 metric, ring spun; filling: 8.46 metric, 
open end spun; overall average yarn number: 24.1 metric
    Finish: Of yarns of different colors; napped on both sides, 
sanforized

    Fabric 3
    HTS Subheading: 5209.41.60.40
    Fiber Content: 100% Cotton
    Weight: 251 g/m \2\
    Width: 160 centimeters cuttable
    Thread Count: 20.1 warp ends per centimeter; 16.5 filling picks 
per centimeter; total: 36.6 threads per square centimeter
    Yarn Number: Warp: 27.07 metric, ring spun; filling: 10.16 
metric, open end spun; overall average yarn number: 23.3 metric
    Finish: Of yarns of different colors; napped on both sides, 
sanforized
    (6) Certain woven, 100 percent cotton, flannel fabrics, of the 
specifications detailed below, classified in the indicated 
subheadings of the (HTSUS), for use in shirts, trousers, nightwear, 
robes, dressing gowns, and woven underwear:
    Specifications:

    Fabric 1:
    HTS Subheading: 5208.32.30.40
    Fiber Content: 100% Cotton
    Weight: 152.6 g/m \2\
    Width: 150 centimeters cuttable
    Thread Count: 24.4 warp ends per centimeter; 15.7 filling picks 
per centimeter; total: 40.1 threads per square centimeter
    Yarn Number: Warp: 40.6 metric, ring spun; filling: 20.3 metric, 
open end spun; overall average yarn number: 39.4 metric
    Finish: (Piece) dyed; napped on both sides, sanforized

    Fabric 2:
    HTS Subheading: 5209.31.60.50
    Fiber Content: 100% Cotton
    Weight: 251 g/m \2\
    Width: 160 centimeters cuttable
    Thread Count: 22.8 warp ends per centimeter; 15 filling picks 
per centimeter; total: 37.8 threads per square centimeter
    Yarn Number: Warp: 40.6 metric, ring spun; filling: 8.46 metric, 
open end spun; overall average yarn number: 24.1 metric

[[Page 8109]]

    Finish: (Piece) dyed; napped on both sides, sanforized

    Fabric 3:
    HTS Subheading: 5209.31.60.50
    Fiber Content: 100% Cotton
    Weight: 203 g/m \2\
    Width: 150 centimeters cuttable
    Thread Count: 20.5 warp ends per centimeter; 17.3 filling picks 
per centimeter; total: 37.8 threads per square centimeter
    Yarn Number: Warp: 40.6 metric, ring spun; filling: 13.5 metric, 
open end spun; overall average yarn number: 27.9 metric
    Finish: (Piece) dyed; napped on both sides, sanforized

    Fabric 4:
    HTS Subheading: 5209.31.60.50
    Fiber Content: 100% Cotton
    Weight: 291.5 g/m \2\
    Width: 160 centimeters cuttable
    Thread Count: 23.2 warp ends per centimeter; 15 filling picks 
per centimeter; total: 38.2 threads per square centimeter
    Yarn Number: Warp: 27.07 metric, ring spun; filling: 8.46 
metric, open end spun; overall average yarn number: 20.1 metric
    Finish: (Piece) dyed; napped on both sides, sanforized

    Fabric 5:
    HTS Subheading: 5209.31.60.50
    Fiber Content: 100% Cotton
    Weight: 291.5 g/m \2\
    Width: 160 centimeters cuttable
    Thread Count: 26.8 warp ends per centimeter; 16.5 filling picks 
per centimeter; total: 43.3 threads per square centimeter
    Yarn Number: Warp: 25.46 metric, ring spun; filling: 10.16 
metric, open end spun; overall average yarn number: 23.8 metric
    Finish: (Piece) dyed; napped on both sides, sanforized

    Fabric 6:
    HTS Subheading: 5209.31.60.50
    Fiber Content: 100% Cotton
    Weight: 254 g/m \2\
    Width: 160 centimeters cuttable
    Thread Count: 20 warp ends per centimeter; 14.5 filling picks 
per centimeter; total: 34.5 threads per square centimeter
    Yarn Number: Warp: 28.8 metric, ring spun; filling: 8.46 metric, 
open end spun; overall average yarn number: 20.1 metric
    Finish: (Piece) dyed; napped on both sides, sanforized

    Fabric 7:
    HTS Subheading: 5209.41.60.40
    Fiber Content: 100% Cotton
    Weight: 251 g/m \2\
    Width: 160 centimeters cuttable
    Thread Count: 22.8 warp ends per centimeter; 15 filling picks 
per centimeter; total: 37.8 threads per square centimeter
    Yarn Number: Warp: 40.6 metric, ring spun; filling: 8.46 metric, 
open end spun; overall average yarn number: 24.1 metric
    Finish: Gingham check or plaid of yarns of different colors; 
napped on both sides, sanforized

    Fabric 8: Style 4245
    HTS Subheading: 5209.41.60.40
    Fiber Content: 100% Cotton
    Weight: 251 g/m \2\
    Width: 160 centimeters cuttable
    Thread Count: 19.7 warp ends per centimeter; 11.8 filling picks 
per centimeter; total: 31.5 threads per square centimeter
    Yarn Number: Warp: 20.3 metric, ring spun; filling: 8.46 metric, 
open end spun; overall average yarn number: 20.1 metric
    Finish: Plaid of yarns of different colors; napped on both 
sides, sanforized

    (7) Certain woven, 100 percent cotton, napped fabrics, of the 
specifications detailed below, classified in subheading 
5209.31.60.50 of the (HTSUS), for use in shirts, trousers, 
nightwear, robes, dressing gowns, and woven underwear:
    Specifications:

    Fabric 1
    HTS Subheading: 5209.31.60.50
    Fiber Content: 100% Cotton
    Weight: 291.5 g/m \2\
    Width: 160 centimeters cuttable
    Thread Count: 24.41 warp ends per centimeter; 16.53 filling 
picks per centimeter; total: 40.94 threads per square centimeter
    Yarn Number: Warp: 25.4 metric, ring spun; filling: 10.16 
metric, open end spun; overall average yarn number: 14.04 metric
    Finish: (Piece) dyed; napped on both sides, sanforized

    Fabric 2
    HTS Subheading: 5209.31.60.50
    Fiber Content: 100% Cotton
    Weight: 305 g/m \2\
    Width: 160 centimeters cuttable
    Thread Count: 24.41 warp ends per centimeter; 18.11 filling 
picks per centimeter; total: 42.52 threads per square centimeter
    Yarn Number: Warp: 25.4 metric, ring spun; filling: 10.16 
metric, open end spun; overall average yarn number: 13.95 metric
    Finish: (Piece) dyed; napped on both sides, sanforized

    (8) Certain woven, 100 percent cotton, double-napped flannel 
fabric, of specifications detailed below, classified in HTSUS 
subheading 5209.31.6050, for use in shirts, trousers, nightwear, 
robes, dressing gowns, and woven underwear:
    Specifications:

    HTS Subheading: 5209.31.6050
    Fiber Content: 100% Cotton
    Weight: 203 g/m \2\
    Width: 150 centimeters cuttable
    Thread Count: 21 warp ends per centimeter; 18 filling picks per 
centimeter; total: 39 threads per square centimeter
    Yarn Number: Warp: 40.6 metric, ring spun; filling: 13.54 
metric, open end spun; overall average yarn number: 19.2 metric
    Finish: (Piece) dyed; napped on both sides, sanforized

[FR Doc. E9-3804 Filed 2-20-09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7020-02-P
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