The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) will hold an off-camera public hearing from 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM EST on January 7, 2020 regarding the proposed action to be taken under Section 301 in response to France’s Digital Services Tax (DST).
The hearing will take place at the U.S. International Trade Commission, 500 E. Street SW, Washington, DC 20436.
The French DST law imposes a 3% tax on annual revenues generated by some companies that provide certain digital services to, or aimed at, French users. The tax applies only to companies with annual revenues from the covered services of at least €750 million globally and €25 million in France. The services covered are ones where U.S. firms are global leaders.
USTR initiated the investigation of France’s Digital Services Tax on July 10, 2019, under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974. The Federal Register notice regarding the investigation, comment process, and public hearing can be viewed here.
On December 2, 2019, USTR determined that France’s Digital Services Tax is unreasonable or discriminatory and burdens or restricts U.S. commerce. USTR proposed action in the form of additional duties of up to 100 percent on certain products of France. The Federal Register notice regarding the determination and proposed action to France’s Digital Services Tax can be viewed here.
Click here to view the witness list.
NOTE: Media and attendees should note that the hearing is on the record but off-camera; no cameras or video recording will be allowed in the hearing room. A full transcript of the hearing will be posted on USTR.gov and the public docket. Please contact media@ustr.eop.gov with questions or for more information on media arrangements.
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