ExecutiveOrdersEO
Proc 7641ProclamationG.W. Bush · R Quiet signal

Proclamation 7641

To Modify Rules of Origin Under the North American Free Trade Agreement

President George W. Bush issued Proclamation 7641 to modify the rules of origin under NAFTA in the Harmonized Tariff Schedule. The modifications take effect January 1, 2003 for Canadian goods and on a future date to be announced by the U.S. Trade Representative for Mexican goods.

Federal Register Open PDF 68 FR 3163

Impact dates

  1. USTR to announce effective date for Mexican goods modifications in Federal Register

  2. Effective date for Canadian goods modifications

Key directives

  • Modify general note 12 to the Harmonized Tariff Schedule as provided in the Annex
  • Supersede inconsistent provisions of previous proclamations and Executive Orders
  • Apply modifications to Canadian goods entered or withdrawn from warehouse on or after January 1, 2003
  • Apply modifications to Mexican goods on or after date to be announced by USTR in Federal Register

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

  • Proclamation issued January 17, 2003
  • Canadian goods modifications effective January 1, 2003 (retroactive effective date)

Near term (90d)

  • USTR to announce effective date for Mexican goods modifications in Federal Register

Long term

  • Ongoing application of modified rules of origin for NAFTA trade

Risks & tensions

  • Split effective dates for Canada and Mexico create implementation complexity
  • USTR discretionary timing for Mexican goods introduces uncertainty for cross-border supply chains
  • Retroactive January 1, 2003 effective date for Canada despite January 17, 2003 signing may create compliance gaps
Proclamation 7641: To Modify Rules of Origin Under the North American Free Trade Agreement · Executive Orders