WTO Consultations Regarding “United States-Rules of Origin for Textiles and Apparel Products”

摘要

The Office of the United States Trade Representative ("USTR") is providing notice that on January 11, 2002, India requested consultations with the United States under the Understanding on Rules and Procedures Governing the Settlement of Disputes ("DSU"), the General Agreement Regarding Tariffs and Trade 1994 ("GATT 1994"), and the Agreement on Rules of Origin ("ROO Agreement") regarding the rules of origin for textiles and apparel products set out in Section 334 of Uruguay Round Agreements Act and Section 405 of the Trade and Development Act of 2000, and implementing legislation. The European Communities ("EC") and Bangladesh subsequently requested to join the consultations as third parties. India alleges that Section 334 and its modification, Section 405, are inconsistent with certain obligations of the United States under the ROO Agreement. Pursuant to Article 4.3 of the DSU, such consultations are to take place within a period of 30 days from the date of the request, or within a period otherwise mutually agreed between the United States and the requesting parties. Consultations were held on February 7, 2002, and may be followed by subsequent consultations. USTR invites written c