International Trade Law News

The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) today published a notice in the Federal Register seeking proposals on changes to the international Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System (Harmonized System), including the rules of interpretation, section and chapter notes and the texts of the headings and subheadings. The comments are being requested in order to ensure that the Harmonized System reflects changes in technology and trade patterns. The submitted comments will be reviewed by the ITC staff for potential submission to the World Customs Organization (WCO). Specifically, the ITC is seeking proposals on the following: Deletion of HS headings or subheadings with low trade volume; identification of new products important in international trade; and simplification of the Harmonized Tariff Schedules, e.g., by the elimination of classification provisions which are difficult to administer. Comments must be submitted to the ITC by October 14, 2005.