Proposed Amendments to the NAFTA Rules of Origin

The Department of Finance is seeking views from interested parties regarding proposed amendments to the NAFTA Rules of Origin. As well, the Department invites new requests for the further liberalization of the rules of origin.

The proposed changes to the NAFTA rules of origin would liberalize or simplify the rules of origin applicable to several product categories, including fish and crustaceans, herbs and spices, certain food preparations, petroleum, chemical products, leather, certain apparel, aluminium, diesel engines, gas turbines and parts, valves, electric transformers, primary cells and batteries, telephonics, televisions, locomotives and parts, medical appliances and parts and other instruments.

The proposals were developed to respond to requests from producers seeking more liberal NAFTA rules of origin or to align the NAFTA rules of origin with more liberal rules of origin under other free trade agreements that each NAFTA country has negotiated subsequent to the NAFTA.

Pursuant to the goal to adapt to changes in sourcing and production methods as established under the Security and Prosperity Partnership of North America (SPP), work continues on proposals to liberalize additional NAFTA rules of origin.

Note that comments should be received no later than September 6, 2006. For a detailed list of the proposed amendments and information on submitting comments please see the Canada Gazette Notice (pages 8 to 26).