Implementation of Tariff-Rate Quota for Imports of Beef

AGENCY:

Office of the United States Trade Representative.

ACTION:

Notice.

SUMMARY:

The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) is providing notice that USTR has determined that New Zealand, pursuant to its request, is a participating country for purposes of the export certification program for imports of beef under the tariff-rate quota.

DATES:

The action is effective January 1, 2001.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Suchada Langley, Senior Economist for Agricultural Affairs, Office of the United States Trade Representative, 600 17th Street NW., Washington, DC 20508; telephone: (202) 395-6127.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

The United States maintains a tariff-rate quota on imports of beef as part of its implementation of the Marrakesh Agreement Establishing the World Trade Organization. The in-quota quantity of that tariff-rate quota is allocated in part among a number of countries. As part of the administration of that tariff-rate quota, USTR provided, in 15 CFR part 2012, for the use of export certificates with respect to imports of beef from countries that have an allocation of the in-quota quantity. The export certificates apply only to those countries that USTR determines are participating countries for purposes of 15 CFR part 2012.

On September 26, 2000, USTR received a request and the necessary supporting information from the government of New Zealand to be considered as a participating country for purposes of the export certification program. Accordingly, USTR has determined that, effective January 1, 2001, New Zealand is a participating country for purposes of 15 CFR part 2012. As a result, effective on and after January 1, 2001, imports of beef from New Zealand will need to be accompanied by an export certificate in order to qualify for the in-quota tariff rate. However, imports exported from New Zealand prior to January 1, 2001, including exports currently warehoused, will not require an export certificate. In order for the export certificate to be valid, it has to be used in the calendar year for which it is in effect.