RECYCLED COMPONENTS CONSIDERED FOR NAFTA TREATMENT

RECYCLED COMPONENTS CONSIDERED FOR NAFTA TREATMENT    U.S. Customs, now part of the newly formed Bureau of Customs and Border Protection, has proposed to include recycled and recovered components for treatment under the North American Free Trade Agreement.
   NAFTA, which was enacted by the United States in 1993 to help eliminate trade barriers between the United States, Canada and Mexico, does not explicitly address how recycled components may qualify.
   The proposed rule would grant recycled components imported by the United States from Canada and Mexico NAFTA treatment if the materials satisfy the agreement’s rule of origin and if the rule of origin does not include a “regional value content” requirement.
   Customs said the proposed rule would help “promote economic activity and the protection of the environment in North America, both of which are goals of NAFTA.”
   The industry has until May 12 to comment on the proposed regulation. For more information, contact Edward M. Leigh of Customs’ Office of Regulations and Rulings at (202) 572-8827.