---
kind: "section"
citation: "19 U.S.C. § 2541"
title: "19"
title_heading: "Customs Duties"
number: "2541"
heading: "Functions of Trade Representative"
release: "119-102"
date: "2026-07-12"
url: "https://uscodex.org/usc/19/2541"
units:
  - "Chapter 13 — Trade Agreements Act of 1979"
  - "Subchapter II — Technical Barriers to Trade (standards)"
  - "Part B — Functions of Federal Agencies"
---

# §2541. Functions of Trade Representative

- (a) **In general—** The [Trade Representative](/usc/19/1677.md?p=32) shall coordinate the consideration of international trade policy issues that arise as a result of, and shall develop international trade policy as it relates to, the implementation of this subchapter.
- (b) **Negotiating functions—** The [Trade Representative](/usc/19/1677.md?p=32) has responsibility for coordinating [United States](/usc/19/1683.md?p=9) discussions and negotiations with foreign [countries](/usc/19/1677.md?p=3) for the purpose of establishing mutual arrangements with respect to [standards](/usc/19/2576b.md?p=5)-related activities. In carrying out this responsibility, the [Trade Representative](/usc/19/1677.md?p=32) shall inform and consult with any Federal [agency](/usc/19/2578b.md?p=a-1) having expertise in the matters under discussion and negotiation.
- (c) **Cross reference—** For provisions of law regarding general authority of the [Trade Representative](/usc/19/1677.md?p=32) with respect to trade [agreements](/usc/19/2518.md?p=1), see [section 2171 of this title](/usc/19/2171.md).

## Source credit

(Pub. L. 96–39, title IV, § 411, July 26, 1979, 93 Stat. 243; Pub. L. 103–182, title III, § 351(b)(2), Dec. 8, 1993, 107 Stat. 2122; Pub. L. 104–295, § 21(b)(1), (2), Oct. 11, 1996, 110 Stat. 3529, 3530.)

## Notes

### Editorial Notes

### Amendments

1996—Pub. L. 104–295, § 21(b)(1), amended directory language of Pub. L. 103–182, § 351(b)(2). See 1993 Amendment notes below.

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 104–295, § 21(b)(2), substituted “Trade Representative” for “Special Representatives”.

1993—Pub. L. 103–182, § 351(b)(2)(B), as amended by Pub. L. 104–295, § 21(b)(1), substituted “Trade Representative” for “Special Representative” in section catchline.

Subsecs. (a), (b). Pub. L. 103–182, § 351(b)(2)(A), as amended by Pub. L. 104–295, § 21(b)(1), substituted “Trade Representative” for “Special Representative” wherever appearing.