On December 30, 2019, the Office of the US Trade Representative (USTR) published in the Federal Register a notice and request for comments [Docket Number USTR-2019-0024] regarding the possible extension for up to 12 months of particular exclusions granted in March 2019. Effective July 6, 2018, the USTR imposed additional duties on goods of China with an annual trade value of approximately $34 billion as part of the action in the Section 301 investigation of China’s acts, policies, and practices related to technology transfer, intellectual property, and innovation. USTR initiated the exclusion process in July 2018 and granted multiple sets of exclusions. The second set of exclusions was granted in March 2019, and the exclusions are scheduled to expire on March 25, 2020. USTR has decided to consider a possible extension for up to 12 months of particular exclusions granted in March 2019. The Office of the USTR invites public comment on whether to extend particular exclusions. See the notice for criteria to be considered.
The docket (USTR-2019-0024) will open for submitting comments on the possible extension of particular exclusions on January 15, 2020 at 12:01 am ET. To be assured of consideration, written comments should be submitted by February 15, 2020 at 11:59 pm ET. USTR strongly encourages that commenters complete Form A (which will be posted on USTR’s website by the time the docket opens) and submit the completed Form A to the electronic docket. In addition to submitting Form A, commenters who are importers and/or purchasers of the products covered by the exclusion also should complete Form B (which will be posted on USTR’s website by the time the docket opens) and submit it, along with a copy of their completed Form A, via email. Both forms are also attached to the Federal Register notice. Completed form As will be posted to the docket but Form Bs contain business confidential information and will not be posted.
