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Exchange of notes: Craig Emerson MP to The Hon Ron Kirk [PDF 35 KB]
The Honorable Ron Kirk
United States Trade Representative
Office of the United States Trade Representative
Washington, D.C. 20508
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Dear Ron Kirk
I have the honour to refer to the Australia-United States Free Trade Agreement (the Agreement), done at Washington D.C. on 18 May 2004, and to negotiations held in 2008 between officials of our Governments concerning the desirability of amending the rules of origin for Tariff Classifications 5501 - 5511 concerning yarns made of mixed synthetic staple fibres contained in Annex 4-A of the Agreement.
Following these negotiations, and the conclusion of Australia's necessary internal requirements, I have the honour to propose that in accordance with Article 23.3 of Chapter 23 of the Agreement, this letter, together with a letter in reply from you accepting this proposal, shall constitute an agreement in writing to amend the Agreement by making adjustments as follows:
Existing Product Specific Rules (PSR) for 5501-5511, contained in Annex 4-A (Textile or Apparel Specific Rules of Origin), shall be deleted and replaced by three (3) new PSRs as follows:
| 5501.10 - 5510.30 | A change to subheading 5501.10 through 5510.30 from any other chapter, except from heading 5201 through 5203 or 5401 through 5405. |
| 5510.90 | A change to subheading 5510.90 from subheading 5504.10, or from any other chapter, except from heading 5201 through 5203 or 5401 through 5405. |
| 5511 | A change to heading 5511 from any other chapter, except from heading 5201 through 5203 or 5401 through 5405. |
If you accept my proposal to amend Product Specific Rules (PSR) for 5501-5511 contained in Annex 4-A (Textile or Apparel Specific Rules of Origin) of the Agreement referred to above, I have the further honour to propose that the Amendment shall enter into force on 1 June 2012.
Accept the renewed assurances of my highest consideration.
Yours sincerely
The Hon. Dr Craig Emerson MP
Minister for Trade and Competitiveness
8 MAY 2012