Mexico Invites Public Comment on Proposed Amendments to Rules of Origin Provisions of Numerous Free Trade Agreements Signed By Mexico

All Free Trade Agreements (FTA’s) executed by Mexico provide the mechanics for determining the origin of multiple products through compliance with Specific Rules of Origin (SRO). These SRO’s are determined by the parties as part of the execution of any FTA, and over long periods of time often remain unchanged, typically until dynamics in the market or supply chain change in the region comprising the countries signing such FTA’s. The FTA’s executed by Mexico foresee groups or technical committees that work in an integrated fashion, staffed by the authorities of each Party. The groups or committees have the capacity to submit proposals to amend the SRO’s of a particular FTA, primarily on products that could benefit, or sectors that could grow, based on certain amendments of such SRO’s. On September 8, 2009, the Mexican Department of Economy published a notice inviting all individuals or entities who are manufacturers of products to file comments and suggest amendments to the SRO’s of the following FTA’s: (i) Exhibit 401 of the North American Free Trade Agreement; (ii) Exhibit 6-03 of the FTA between México, Colombia and Venezuela (currently excluding Venezuela); (iii) Exhibit to Article 5-03 of the FTA between the Mexico and Bolivia; (iv) Exhibit 4-03 of the FTA between the México and Chile; (v) Appendix II of Exhibit III of the European Union – Mexico FTA; (vi) Exhibit to Article 3-03 of the México – Israel FTA; (vii) Appendix 2 of Exhibit I of the FTA between the European Free Trade Association and México; (viii) Exhibit 4-03 of the México – Uruguay FTA; (ix) and Exhibit 4 referred to in Chapter 4 in the Agreement for the Strengthening of the Economic Association between México and Japan. Suggestions for amendments to SRO’s must be filed in writing within 45 days after September 8, 2009. CCN’s International Trade practice group is available to provide assistance in preparing comments to the proposed SRO’s, or any other support required in regard to the proposed new SRO’s.