Rules of Origin Applicable to Imported Merchandise

Zusammenfassung

This document proposes to amend the Customs Regulations to set forth uniform rules governing the determination of the country of origin of imported merchandise. These rules would codify existing principles used for determining when under the customs laws an article ``is wholly the growth, product or manufacture'' of a country or when an article is ``a new and different article'' [or article of commerce] as a result of a manufacturing process in a given country. The proposed rules are intended to codify the present country of origin rules in order to provide rules that are more objective and transparent and thereby to provide greater certainty and predictability for both the trade community and the Customs Service in making country of origin determinations required under existing laws and regulations.