Government Seeks Comments Regarding Foreign Intellectual Property Violations

One December 29, 2014, the Office of the United States Trade Representative published in the Federal Register (79 FR 78133) Request for written submissions from the public and announcement of public hearing.

SUMMARY: Section 182 of the Trade Act of 1974 (Trade Act) (19 U.S.C. 2242) requires the United States Trade Representative (Trade Representative) to identify countries that deny adequate and effective protection of intellectual property rights ("IPR") or deny fair and equitable market access to U.S. persons who rely on intellectual property protection. The provisions of Section 182 are commonly referred to as the ``Special 301'' provisions of the Trade Act. The Trade Act requires the Trade Representative to determine which, if any, of these countries to identify as Priority Foreign Countries. Acts, policies, or practices that are the basis of a country's identification as a Priority Foreign Country can be subject to the procedures set out in sections 301-305 of the Trade Act.

In addition, the Office of the United States Trade Representative ("USTR") has created a ``Priority Watch List'' and ``Watch List'' to assist the Administration in pursuing the goals of the Special 301 provisions. Placement of a trading partner on the Priority Watch List or Watch List indicates that particular problems exist in that country with respect to IPR protection, enforcement, or market access for persons that rely on intellectual property protection. Trading partners placed on the Priority Watch List are the focus of increased bilateral attention concerning the problem areas.

USTR is hereby requesting written submissions from the public concerning foreign countries that deny adequate and effective protection of intellectual property rights or deny fair and equitable market access to U.S. persons who rely on intellectual property protection. USTR requests that interested parties provide the information described below in the ``Public Comments'' section, and identify whether a particular trading partner should be named as a Priority Foreign Country under Section 182 of the Trade Act or placed on the Priority Watch List or Watch List. Foreign governments that have been identified in previous Special 301 Reports or that are nominated for review in 2015 are considered interested parties, and are invited to respond to this request for public submissions. Interested parties, including foreign governments, wishing to submit information to be considered during the review or testify at the public hearing must adhere to the procedures and deadlines set forth below.

Dates/Deadlines: The schedule and deadlines for the 2015 Special 301 review are as follows:

Friday, February 6, 2015--Deadline for interested parties, except foreign governments, to submit written comments, notice of intent to testify at the Special 301 Public Hearing, and hearing statements.

Friday, February 13, 2015--Deadline for foreign governments to submit written comments, notice of intent to testify at the Special 301 Public Hearing, and, although not mandatory, any prepared hearing statements.

Tuesday, February 24, 2015--Public Hearing--The Special 301 Subcommittee will hold a Public Hearing for interested parties, including representatives of foreign governments, at the offices of the International Trade Commission.

Friday, February 27, 2015_Deadline for submitting post-hearing written comments. Interested parties may provide written comments after the hearing. To ensure consideration, comments must be received no later than Friday, February 27, 2015.

On or about April 30, 2015--USTR will publish the 2015 Special 301 Report within 30 days of the publication of the National Trade Estimate ("NTE") Report.

EPA Isues New Regulations Regarding Certain Textile Dyes

On December 29, 2014, the Environmental Protection Agency published in the Federal Register (79 FR 77891 Benzidine-Based Chemical Substances; Di-n-pentyl Phthalate (DnPP); and Alkanes, C12-13, Chloro; Significant New Use Rule.

EPA is concerned about potential carcinogenic effects on workers and consumers from the manufacture, processing, or use of these substances. Consumers exposed via dermal exposure to consumer products containing the benzidine-based chemical substances are a particular concern because enzymes present in the human body and in bacteria on the skin aid in the reduction of these chemical substances to the benzidine unit, an established human carcinogen. The main consumer products that could result in dermal exposure if containing these chemical substances include textiles and leather products because they are in prolonged contact with human skin.

Certain 100% Polyester Composite Laminated Fabric Added to DR-CAFTA Short Supply List

The Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements ("CITA") has determined that certain 100% polyester composite laminated fabric, as specified below, is not available in commercial quantities in a timely manner in the CAFTA-DR countries. The product will be added to the list in Annex 3.25 ("Short Supply List") of the CAFTA-DR Agreement in unrestricted quantities.

On November 18, 2014, the Chairman of CITA received a request for a Commercial Availability determination from Sandler, Travis and Rosenberg, P.A. on behalf of VF Corp. for certain 100% polyester composite laminated fabric, as specified below.

Specifications: Certain 100% Polyester Composite Laminated Fabric
Fabric Type: Composite fabric consisting of a 3-layered fleece/shell construction, woven outer layer and brushed inner layer, bonded with a PU membrane
HTS: 6001.22
Woven Face Fabric:
Fiber Content: 100% Polyester
Yarn Size (single ply, warp and filling):
Textured polyester: 323.0 to 343.0 decitex/144 F (31.0 to 29.0 Nm/144 F) (291 to 309 denier/144 F)
Thread Count: 57-61 warp ends per inch by 55-59 filling picks per inch; 22-24 warp ends per centimeter by 21-23 filling picks per centimeter
Weave type: Plain weave
Weight: 156.8 g/m\2\ to 204.8 g/m\2\ (4.6 to 6.0 oz./yd\2\)
Finish: Woven face--piece dyed and/or printed; Woven back--piece dyed
Circular Double Knit Fleece Back Pile Fabric:
Fiber content: 100% polyester
Yarn Size (single ply): 81.0 to 86.0 decitex (73.0 to 78.0 Denier) (124.0 to 116.0 Nm)
Weave type: circular double knit looped pile
Weight: 157.1 to 173.2 g/m\2\ (4.6 to 5.1 oz./yd\2\)
Finish: Knit face--piece dyed; Knit back--piece dyed
Composite fabric:
Weight: 355.3 to 405.4 g/m\2\ (10.5 to 12.0 oz./yd\2\)
Width: 130 cm wide (51.18 inches)
Finish: Full contact bonding
Properties:
Windproof: ASTM D737--Initial <= 1.0 cfm--3x Wash <= 1.0 cfm
Durable Water Resistant: AATCC 22--Initial >= 90 Points--10x Wash >= 70 Points
High Light Fastness: AATCC 16 Opt 3--Class 3.0 @ 40 Hours AFU
Low Range Hydrostatic: JIS1092-Initial 20,000 mm--3x Wash 20,000 mm;
AATCC127-Initial 20,000 mm-3x Wash 20,000 mm
Water Vapour Permeability: JIS 1099--Initial 20,000 g/m\2\/24hr-3x Wash 20,000 g/m\2\/24hr
Water Vapour Transmission: ASTM E96 B--Initial 500 g/m\2\/24hr-3x Wash 500 g/m\2\/24hr

Remarks: Ranges above allow for a variance of up to five percent for fabric weight, thread count and three percent for yarn size.

Note: The yarn size designations describe a range of yarn specifications for yarn before knitting, dyeing and finishing of the fabric. They are intended as specifications to be followed by the mill in sourcing yarn used to produce the fabric.

Dyeing, finishing and knitting can alter the characteristic of the yarn as it appears in the finished fabric. This specification therefore includes yarns appearing in the finished fabric as finer or coarser than the designated yarn sizes provided that the variation occurs after processing of the greige yarn and production of the fabric. The specifications for the fabric apply to the fabric itself prior to cutting and sewing of the finished garment. Such processing may alter the measurements.

Counterfeit Designer Merchandise Seized by CBP

Operation ‘Bad Gifts’ was conducted at the John F. Kennedy International Mail Facility from December 2nd through December 4th, 2014. Customs and Border Protection ("CBP") officers, technicians, Import Specialists and International Trade Specialists assigned to the CBP Mobile Intellectual Property Enforcement Team, all participated in the operation.

CBP officers and Import Specialists made 203 seizures of counterfeit sneakers, handbags, watches and sunglasses with Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Michael Kors, Chanel and Coach trademarks in violation of federal anti-counterfeiting laws... ...READ MORE HERE

Foreign Agriculture Service Seeks Comments Regarding Wool Trust Fund

On December 24, 2014, the Department of Agriculture Foreign Agricultural Service published in the Federal Register (79 FR 77443) Notice of Request for Approval of a New Information Collection. Comments on this notice must be received by February 23, 2015 to be assured of consideration.

This information collection is required for affidavits submitted to FAS for claims against the Agriculture Wool Apparel Manufacturers Trust Fund. Claimants of the Agriculture Wool Apparel Manufacturers Trust Fund will be required to submit electronically a notarized affidavit and information pertaining to the production of worsted wool suits, suittype jackets, or trousers for boys and men; or the weaving of wool yarn, wool fiber, or wool top to request a distribution from the Agriculture Wool Apparel Manufacturers Trust Fund electronically to FAS and will be available on the FAS Web site under the Agriculture Wool Apparel Manufacturers Trust Fund section.

EPA Introduces New Restrictions on Certain Textile Dyes

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is issuing a Significant New Use Rule, also known as a SNUR, under the Toxic Substances Control Act ("TSCA"). This SNUR requires manufacturers (including importers) and processors of nine benzidene-based chemical substances used in textiles, paints and inks to notify EPA at least 90 days before starting or resuming new uses of these chemicals in any products, except for use certain limited laboratory uses. This notification allows EPA the opportunity to evaluate the intended use and, if necessary, to prohibit or limit that activity.

This SNUR amends a preexisting SNUR by adding the following nine chemical substances:

1. 1,3-Naphthalenedisulfonic acid, 7-hydroxy-8-[2-[4'-[2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)diazenyl][1,1'- biphenyl]-4-yl]diazenyl]-
2. 1,3,6-Naphthalenetrisulfonic acid, 8-hydroxy-7-[2-[4'-[2-(2-hydroxy-1-naphthalenyl)diazenyl][1,1'-biphenyl]-4-yl]diazenyl]-, lithium salt (1:3)
3. 2,7-Naphthalenedisulfonic acid, 5-amino-3- [2-[4'-[2-(7-amino-1-hydroxy-3-sulfo-2- naphthalenyl)diazenyl][1,1'-biphenyl]-4- yl]diazenyl]-4-hydroxy-, sodium salt (1:2)
4. 2,7-Naphthalenedisulfonic acid, 4-amino-5-hydroxy-3-[2-[4'-[2-[2-hydroxy-4-[(2- methylphenyl)amino] phenyl]diazenyl][1,1'- biphenyl]-4-yl]diazenyl]-6-(2- phenyldiazenyl)-
5. 2,7-Naphthalenedisulfonic acid, 4-amino-5- hydroxy [[[(substituted phenylamino)] substituted phenylazo] diphenyl]azo-, phenylazo-, disodium salt. (generic name)
6. 4-(Substituted naphthalenyl)azo diphenylyl azo-substituted carbopolycycle azo benzenesulfonic acid, sodium salt. (generic name)
7. 4-(Substituted phenyl)azo biphenylyl azo- substituted carbopolycycloazo benzenesulfonic acid, sodium salt. (generic name)
8. 4-(Substituted phenyl)azo biphenylyl azo - substituted carbopolycycle azo benzenesulfonic acid, sodium salt. (generic name)
9. Phenylazoaminohydroxynaphthalenylazobiphenylazo substituted benzene sodium sulfonate. (generic name)

To read more from the EPA CLICK HERE.

BRP Recalls Ski-Doo and Can-Am Kids’ Hoodies Due to Strangulation Hazard

This recall involves 14 styles of Ski-Doo or Can-Am kids’ hooded sweatshirts for boys and girls. They were sold in kids’ sizes 2 through 12. The hoodies are cotton/polyester blend.

There is a drawstring in the hood of the garment. Colors include raspberry, yellow, heather, charcoal gray and black. “Ski Doo” or “Can-Am” is printed on the front. Recalled style numbers include: 286485, 453215, 453265, 453320, 453321, 453375, 453376, 453464, 453618, 453658, 453660, 453661, 453707 and 453708. The style numbers indicating the different graphic treatments are printed on the white care label that is sewn into the neck and side of the garment.

Units: About 3,100 in the U.S. and 5,100 in Canada

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Remedy: Consumers should immediately take the hoodie away from kids and remove the drawstring from the sweatshirt to eliminate the hazard or return it to an authorized BRP dealer for a full refund.

Sold at: BRP authorized dealerships nationwide and in the BRP online stores at www.can-am.brp.com and www.ski-doo.com from April 2007 through December 2014 for between $40 and $65.

Distributor(s): BRP U.S. Inc., of Sturtevant, Wis.

Manufactured in China

Catching Up

This week I will focus on issued patents.  Below is a summary of selected patents that have been recently issued in textile related classification codes:

Method and device for yarn braking especially at renewal of spinning in a working position of an air jet spinning machine:  The method and corresponding yarn braking device comprising a vacuum tube into which the end of the yarn is sucked in before commencement of braking. At drawing off from the vacuum tube, the yarn is braked between the braking surfaces of a stationary brake friction member and a moving brake friction member.  Patent:  8726624.  Inventor:  Stephan and Burysek.  Assignee:  Maschinenfabrik Rieter Ag.

Apparel with inflatable neck cushion:  A neck supporting piece of apparel, such as a scarf, which includes an inflatable bladder in a neck portion and a tube coupled to the bladder and extending downward to a port easily accessible by the user while wearing the apparel in order to inflate and deflate the bladder.  The bladder serves as a neck cushion or pillow. While the neck portion may be configured to go behind the user's neck, the apparel also may include a connector to join the apparel together in front of the user, helping to keep the cushion formed around the user's neck. In addition, the scarf may include pockets at a position generally where the user's hands would lie when sitting or standing, such that tensioning the scarf with the user's arms may increase the cushioning effect of the pillow.  Patent:  8726421.  Inventor:  Alvarez.  Not Assigned.

Protective garments having elastomeric gaskets along margins to inhibit ingress of potentially harmful materials:  For emergency rescue workers, a protective trousers and a protective coat are provided with elastomeric gaskets, such as neoprene gaskets, one of which lines an inside surface of each leg of the protective trousers and is adapted to be snugly stretched around a protective boot.  Another lines an inside surface of each arm of the protective coat and is snugly stretched around a protective glove.  Another of which lines an inside surface and is snugly stretched around the protective trousers.  Patent:  8726415.  Inventor:  Grilliot and Grilliot.  Assignee:  Morning Pride Manufacturing LLC.

Legging which enhances the appearance of a user's leg:  A leg covering enhances aesthetic appearance of disproportionate musculature and provides a natural look for medical prosthetics. The leg covering comprises a padding fixed to the leg covering, where the padding further comprises a contoured shape, such that the padding can be affixed on a user's leg. The padding comprises three layers and a contoured shape in order to model curvature of a natural calf muscle and to provide the lifelike and appealing appearance.  Patent:  8726422.  Inventor:  Pirela and Pirela-Cruz.  Not assigned.

Lab coat article and method:  A lab coat with left and right lapels having outside edges which are stitched to the body of the lab coat and can be used by a medical professional while wearing a stethoscope so that the stethoscope does not interfere with the lapels. Patent:  8716416.  Inventor:  Roblejo.  Not assigned.

Brassiere with inflation /deflation assembly:  A brassiere with breast cups including at least one inflatable air envelope which receives air from at least one air pump.  Patent:  8727830.  Inventor:  Fleeton.  Assignee: 

Adjustable glove:  A glove for use by a soccer goalie includes several adjustment mechanisms, such as straps. The straps allow the glove to be adjusted for fit, such as by manipulating the width of the glove across the palm or the size of the wrist opening. Additionally, the glove includes a pull tab that allows the wearer to adjust the position of the fingers of the hand within the glove quickly so that the webs of the fingers remain in contact with the inside of the glove at the bases of the finger stalls.  Patent:  8726418.  Inventor:  DeBlasis and Smith.  Assignee:  Nike, Inc.

Textile digital band and fabricating method thereof:  A textile digital band which is capable of providing a high-speed communication path with surrounding computing devices that can be easily and conveniently attached to conventional garments. The band comprises a plurality of warps and a plurality of wefts formed lel to each other in the second direction perpendicular to the first direction, wherein the warp includes at least one digital yarn through which electrical currents can flow.  Patent:  8728959.  Inventor:  Chung, et.al.  Assignee:  Korea Institute of Industrial Technology.

Method of making a knit apparel with a tie dyed appearance and an apparel made by the method:  A knit apparel is made using a decorating pattern that is generated to give the apparel the appearance of tie dyed apparel. The decorating pattern includes a main element, a secondary element and intermediate zones have the same color but gradually lighter shades as the main element.  Patent:  8726701.  Inventor:  Habert.  Assignee:  The Moret Group.

Compositions and methods for providing a benefit:  Compositions and methods useful for color rejuvenation and/or color maintenance for fabrics are disclosed. The disclosed compositions contain at least one cationic polymer. The methods include providing the disclosed compositions in combination with a source of anionic surfactant. Unit dose and multi-compartment systems are also disclosed.  Patent:  8728172.  Inventor:  Corona, et.al.  Assignee:  The Procter & Gamble Company

Circular knitting machine for men's socks, of the type with needles on the dial:  A single cylinder circular knitting machine for men's socks with needles on the dial, which form radial seats for the sliding of the dial needles. The beam has a discharge groove on the working side, which the transfer spring of the dial needle faces, which limits the raising of the needle.  Patent:  8726699.  Inventor:  Lonati, et.al.  Assignee:  Santoni S.P.A.

Jim Carson is a principal of RB Consulting, Inc. and a registered patent agent.  He has over 30 years of experience across multiple industries including the biotechnology, textile, computer, telecommunications, and energy sectors.  RB Consulting, Inc. specializes in providing management, prototyping, and regulatory services to small and start-up businesses.  He can be reached via email at James.Carson.Jr@gmail.com or by phone at (803) 792-2183.

Wet Processing of Textiles with Spandex: Best Practices Conference

The American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists ("AATCC") will conduct a conference titled Wet Processing of Textiles with Spandex: Best Practices on February 11-12, 2015 at the Textile Technology Center on the Kimbrell Campus of Gaston College located at 7220 Wilkinson Blvd. in Belmont, NC. The program will address “best processing practices” and cover wet processing of the major fibers with spandex, fabric innovation, the importance of spandex blends in apparel, physical and colorfastness testing, retailer/brand perspectives and an open discussion on “real world” challenges of processing

As an added bonus attendees will tour the Textile Technology Center and learn how the center partners with industry for training, testing and product development.

Complete program details and registration information can be found on AATCC’s website.

Register by January 27 to take advantage of the early bird discount.

Reminder, Removal of Certain Ring Spun Single Yarns of Micro Modal Fibers from CAFTA Annex 3.25 – effective January 15, 2015

On July 18, 2014, the Committee on the Implementation of Textile Agreements published a notice in the Federal Register of its approval of a Request to Remove certain ring spun single yarns, of English number 30 and higher, or 0.9 denier or finer micro modal fibers, classified in subheading 5510.11.0000 of the HTSUS, from Annex 3.25 ("Short Supply List"). In accordance with the commercial availability provision of the CAFTA and CITA’s procedures, as of January 15, 2015, entries of apparel or fabrics containing the subject yarns will not be eligible for duty-free treatment.

Gildan Applies for FTZ Relating to Yarn Production

On December 18, 2014, the Foreign Trade Zone Board published in the Federal Register (79 FR 75532) Foreign-Trade Zone (FTZ) 57--Charlotte, North Carolina Notification of Proposed Export Production Activity Gildan Yarns, LLC (Cotton, Cotton/Polyester Yarns) Salisbury, North Carolina

The Charlotte Regional Partnership, Inc., grantee of FTZ 57, submitted a notification of proposed export production activity to the FTZ Board on behalf of Gildan Yarns, LLC (Gildan), located in Salisbury, North Carolina. The notification conforming to the requirements of the regulations of the FTZ Board (15 CFR 400.22) was received on December 8, 2014.

The Gildan facility is located within Site 19 of FTZ 57. The activity at the facility would involve the production of spun cotton and cotton/polyester yarns for export (no shipments for U.S. consumption would occur). Pursuant to 15 CFR 400.14(b), FTZ activity would be limited to the specific foreign-status materials and components and specific finished products described in the submitted notification (as described below) and subsequently authorized by the FTZ Board.

Production under FTZ procedures could exempt Gildan from customs duty payments on the foreign status material used in export production. The sole foreign-origin material to be used in the export production is polyester staple fiber (duty rate: 4.3%). Customs duties also could possibly be deferred or reduced on foreign status production equipment or the foreign material scrapped or destroyed under U.S. Customs and Border Protection procedures.

Public comment is invited from interested parties. Submissions shall be addressed to the FTZ Board's Executive Secretary at the address below. The closing period for their receipt is January 27, 2015.

Customs Post Two Job Openings

U.S. Customs and Border Protection ("CBP") has announced two Senior Executive Service ("SES") opportunities within CBP’s Office of International Trade ("OT").

1. Executive Director, Automated Commercial Environment ("ACE") Business Office and

2. Executive Director, Regulations and Rulings ("RR").

These job announcements, with additional details are now posted on USAJobs and have a closing date of January 9, 2015.

The Executive Director, ACE Business Office is responsible for leading the planning and development of automated systems at CBP that will be used by the U.S. Government and trading community. These automated systems are instrumental in allowing CBP to achieve its strategic goals and objectives related to the enforcement, analysis, and trade policy requirements of CBP, other Government agencies, and the private sector. They will be the principal representative and consultant for the ACE Program at interagency and international meetings and will be responsible for communicating to all stakeholders the benefits and impact of the ACE Program. You may view the announcement on USAJOBS at https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/389116300.

The Executive Director, Regulations and Rulings, is responsible for developing and implementing regulations and rules to enforce laws enacted by Congress. Regulations and Rulings provides administrative decisions on appeals to penalties or sanctions imposed as a result of violations of customs laws or regulations. They are responsible for directing key programs related to Regulations and Disclosure Law, Commercial Trade and Facilitation, and Border Security and Trade Compliance. Additional responsibilities include the oversight of the development of agency guidelines and procedures for administering laws and regulations pertaining to the importation of goods and merchandise into the commerce of the United States. They will also be responsible for the development of a national approach for achieving informed compliance with importers, brokers, and others engaged in international trade. You may view the announcement on USAJOBS at https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/388895400.

The Manufacturing and International Trade Report

On December 18, 2014, the U.S. Census Bureau released the 2012 Manufacturing and International Trade Report ("MITR"). This new annual report contains manufacturing data on the value of product shipments. The data are published on a North American Industry Classification System ("NAICS") basis from the 2012 Economic Census Industry Series. The MITR also includes official U.S. export and import merchandise trade statistics.

NAICS Based Product Code	Description	Value of Product Shipments	Total Export Value of Goods	Domestic Export Value of Goods	General Import Value of Goods	Consumption Import Value of Goods
313110	Fiber, yarn, and thread mill products	7,675,093	2,109,582	2,076,517	770,508	769,976
3131101	Yarns, spun, carded, cotton	2,100,729	1,028,532	1,026,185	90,113	89,979
3131103	Yarns, spun, combed, cotton	228,086	297,659	296,670	69,777	69,777
3131105	Yarns, spun, rayon, acetate, and lyocell	35,311	N	N	N	N
3131107	Yarns, spun, noncellulosic fiber and other natural fibers	1,795,759	482,855	468,423	371,191	371,138
3131109	Yarns, wool, including new, reused, and reprocessed	119,637	8,598	8,207	77,364	77,363
313110B	Scouring and combing mill products	D	12,990	11,709	47,469	47,469
313110D	Yarns, novelty and plied, excluding wool, not spun or thrown at the same establishment	126,015	N	N	N	N
313110F	Yarns, thrown, filament, excluding textured (report yarns that are both thrown and textured as texture yarns)	408,620	N	N	N	N
313110H	Yarns, textured, crimped, and bulked, filament, including stretch, made from purchased filament yarn	2,465,713	N	N	N	N
313110J	Yarns, filament, commission receipts for throwing, texturing, or winding	48,763	N	N	N	N
313110L	Thread mills	205,540	123,575	116,955	55,635	55,635
313110W	Fiber, yarn, and thread mill products, nsk, total	D	N	N	N	N
313110X	Undistributed fiber, yarn, and thread mill products	N	155,373	148,368	58,958	58,614
313210	Broadwoven fabric mill products	4,198,705	2,074,003	1,910,693	3,111,639	3,116,296
3132101	Broadwoven fabrics, cotton, plain weave (excluding pile), gray goods	139,799	14,629	12,519	54,546	54,546
3132103	Broadwoven fabrics, cotton, twill weave (excluding pile), gray goods	283,466	6,679	6,161	20,147	20,147
3132105	Broadwoven fabrics, cotton, all other weaves (excluding plain, twill, or pile), gray goods	99,126	N	N	25,322	25,322
3132107	Broadwoven fabrics, cotton, pile, gray goods	D	N	N	N	N
3132109	Broadwoven fabrics, cotton, finished in weaving mills	231,640	562,204	526,670	624,184	623,272
313210D	Fabricated textile products, made in weaving mills	176,827	N	N	38,311	38,496
313210E	Broadwoven fabrics, manmade fiber, 85 percent or more filament yarns (chiefly rayon, acetate, and/or lyocell), gray goods	93,023	N	N	2,411	2,411
313210G	Broadwoven fabrics, manmade fiber, 85 percent or more filament yarns (excluding rayon, acetate, and lyocell), gray goods	952,583	N	N	N	N
313210H	Broadwoven fabrics, manmade fiber, plain weave (excluding pile), 85 percent or more spun yarns (excluding wool blends), gray goods	319,035	N	N	2,202	2,202
313210J	Broadwoven fabrics, manmade fiber, twill weave (excluding pile), 85 percent or more spun yarns (excluding wool blends), gray goods	187,367	N	N	1,531	1,531
313210L	Broadwoven fabrics, manmade fiber, all other weaves (excluding plain, twill, and pile), 85 percent or more spun yarn (excluding wool blends), gray goods	151,792	N	N	N	N
313210M	Broadwoven fabrics, manmade and natural fibers, combinations of spun and filament yarns, each less than 85 percent of total fiber content (excluding wool blends), gray goods	160,812	1,669	1,640	44,201	44,201
313210N	Broadwoven fabrics, manmade and natural fibers, including silk (excluding cotton), all other weaves (including pile), gray goods	52,998	3,605	3,187	1,457	1,457
313210P	Broadwoven fabrics, manmade and natural fibers, including silk (excluding cotton and wool), finished in weaving mills	1,110,127	168,351	143,039	122,237	120,545
313210T	Broadwoven fabrics, wool, gray goods	59,726	N	N	N	N
313210U	Broadwoven fabrics, including felts, wool, finished in weaving mills	14,649	N	N	N	N
313210W	Broadwoven fabric mill products, nsk, total	D	N	N	N	N
313210X	Undistributed broadwoven fabric mill products	N	1,316,866	1,217,476	2,175,091	2,182,166
313220	Narrow fabric mill and Schiffli machine embroidery products	960,279	822,397	744,244	821,645	820,536
3132201	Narrow fabrics (12 inches or less in width), woven	606,421	478,032	447,424	410,115	410,305
3132203	Narrow fabrics (12 inches or less in width), braided	202,945	47,912	44,905	21,951	21,950
3132205	Covered rubber thread, made in narrow fabric mills	D	17,032	16,460	10,458	10,216
3132207	Schiffli machine embroideries	61,969	N	N	N	N
313220W	Narrow fabric mill and Schiffli machine embroidery products, nsk, total	D	N	N	N	N
313220X	Undistributed narrow fabric mill and schiffli machine embroidery products	N	279,421	235,455	379,121	378,064
313230	Nonwoven fabric mill products	7,761,420	2,065,180	1,958,385	1,019,021	1,016,291
3132301	Nonwoven fabrics	6,010,259	1,798,738	1,755,628	957,850	955,138
3132303	Fabricated nonwoven products	1,243,394	169,675	107,668	5,233	5,233
3132305	Pressed, punched, or needled felts (excluding hats)	367,577	96,767	95,089	55,938	55,921
313230W	Nonwoven fabric mill products, nsk, total	140,190	N	N	N	N
313240	Knit fabric mill products	1,453,766	1,063,382	1,019,614	1,004,900	997,859
3132401	Weft (circular) knit fabrics, greige goods (excluding hosiery)	133,507	N	N	N	N
3132403	Weft (circular) knit fabrics, knit and finished in the same establishment (excluding hosiery)	565,688	N	N	N	N
3132405	Weft (circular) knit fabrics, nonapparel type, knitting only or knitting and finishing (excluding hosiery) on contract or commission	32,338	N	N	N	N
3132407	Warp knit fabrics, greige goods	135,546	N	N	N	N
3132409	Warp knit fabrics, knit and finished in same establishment	440,575	N	N	N	N
313240B	Lace and net goods, all leavers and Nottingham lace machine products, including bobbinets and barmen laces (excluding raschel lace machine products and burned-out laces)	29,962	30,687	28,105	39,499	39,179
313240D	Warp knit fabrics, lace and net goods, contract and commission receipts for knitting only or knitting and finishing	34,301	N	N	N	N
313240F	Other nonapparel warp knit end products (including knitted towels and washcloths), excluding fabrics, lace, and net goods	15,922	N	N	N	N
313240W	Knit fabric mill products, nsk, total	65,927	N	N	N	N
313240X	Undistributed knit fabric mill products	N	1,032,695	991,509	965,401	958,681
313310	Textile and fabric finishing mill products	4,998,799	N	N	N	N
3133101	Broadwoven fabrics, cotton, finished in finishing mills	747,843	N	N	N	N
3133103	Broadwoven fabrics, cotton, print cloth, job or commission finishing	426,332	N	N	N	N
3133105	Broadwoven fabrics, manmade and natural fibers, including silk (excluding cotton and wool), finished in finishing mills	1,041,411	N	N	N	N
3133107	Broadwoven fabrics, job or commission finishing, all other fabrics (excluding cotton), including combinations of spun yarn and filament, and blends	501,821	N	N	N	N
3133109	Broadwoven fabrics, finished, wool (including felts), not finished in weaving mills	38,496	N	N	N	N
313310B	Finished fabrics (excluding broadwoven) and other finished textiles	1,764,444	N	N	N	N
313310W	Textile and fabric finishing mill products, nsk, total	478,452	N	N	N	N
313320	Fabric coating mill products	2,582,017	1,178,658	1,091,562	1,047,346	1,046,201
3133201	Vinyl coated fabrics, including expanded vinyl coated	615,413	186,805	161,020	367,740	366,438
3133204	Rubber coated fabrics, garment and footwear	240,508	235,537	218,607	190,982	191,001
3133205	Coated or laminated fabrics and coated yarns, including impregnated fabrics	1,644,781	408,978	375,818	310,617	310,204
313320W	Fabric coating mill products, nsk, total	81,315	N	N	N	N
313320X	Undistributed fabric coating mill products	N	347,339	336,117	178,007	178,558
314110	Carpet and rug mill products	8,965,216	1,105,563	1,056,914	2,042,290	2,030,290
3141101	Carpet and rugs, woven, made or finished at this plant	382,899	76,815	62,473	514,709	509,947
3141103	Carpet and rugs, tufted	8,095,955	917,601	896,672	989,228	981,659
3141105	Other carpet, rugs, and mats	302,452	111,147	97,769	516,818	517,132
314110W	Carpet and rug mill products, nsk, total	183,910	N	N	N	N
314110X	Undistributed carpet and rug mill products	N	N	N	21,535	21,551
314120	Curtain and linen mill products	3,433,658	733,116	576,149	10,067,377	10,025,896
3141201	Curtains and draperies	714,990	120,094	108,240	652,152	650,186
3141203	Bedspreads, made from purchased materials	104,625	13,552	11,992	73,172	73,543
3141205	Sheets and pillowcases, made from purchased materials	261,432	46,487	25,818	2,372,604	2,363,869
3141207	Towels and washcloths, made from purchased materials	40,142	48,695	33,599	1,987,732	1,973,754
3141209	Other household furnishings, made from purchased materials	2,079,598	280,614	231,563	3,368,168	3,356,821
314120W	Curtain and linen mill products, nsk, total	232,871	N	N	N	N
314120X	Undistributed curtain and linen mill products	N	223,674	164,936	1,613,549	1,607,722
314910	Textile bag and canvas mill products	2,636,050	200,993	176,107	1,783,169	1,775,649
3149101	Textile bags	467,364	89,306	76,370	1,204,825	1,200,505
3149105	Canvas and related products	2,084,965	106,831	95,760	554,228	551,109
314910W	Textile bag and canvas mill products, nsk, total	83,721	N	N	N	N
314910X	Undistributed textile bag and canvas mill products	N	4,856	3,977	24,116	24,035
314994	Rope, cordage, twine, tire cord, and tire fabric mill products	2,091,243	379,280	353,786	1,168,819	1,166,391
3149941	Cordage and twine, hard fiber	73,217	12,353	10,682	67,500	67,500
3149943	Cordage and twine, soft fiber, excluding cotton	605,885	164,758	150,190	430,299	427,888
3149945	Cordage and twine, cotton	16,121	N	N	20,666	20,653
3149947	Tire cord and tire fabrics	1,371,900	191,714	183,435	633,302	633,297
314994W	Rope, cordage, twine, tire cord, and tire fabric mill products, nsk, total	24,120	N	N	N	N
314994X	Undistributed rope, cordage, twine, tire cord, and tire fabric mill products	N	10,455	9,479	17,052	17,053
314999	All other miscellaneous textile product mill products	4,258,247	749,570	618,204	2,880,487	2,865,318
3149991	Recovered fibers, processed mill waste and related products	134,127	24,831	24,446	58,706	58,707
3149993	Paddings and upholstery filling, batting, and wadding (excluding foam rubber and plastics)	316,445	120,144	110,116	160,704	159,957
3149996	Embroideries (excluding Schiffli machine products) and embroidery contractors	852,106	8,768	5,992	125,031	125,020
3149997	Trimmings and findings, excluding automobile and apparel	26,004	23,051	21,943	32,216	32,216
3149998	All other miscellaneous fabricated textile products	2,422,941	572,775	455,707	2,503,829	2,489,418
314999W	All other miscellaneous textile product mill products, nsk, total	506,624	N	N	N	N
315110	Hosiery and sock mill products	1,096,058	259,286	209,382	2,081,450	2,080,329
3151101	Sheer hosiery, women's, misses', and girls', finished, full-length, knee-length, and below the knee (excluding socks)	72,465	N	N	N	N
3151103	Sheer pantyhose, including tights, women's, misses', and girls', finished, all needles	208,711	77,287	65,634	258,930	258,928
3151105	Sheer hosiery, excluding socks, women's, misses', and girls', shipped in the greige	14,369	N	N	N	N
3151107	Hosiery and socks, men's, finished, sizes 10 and up (excluding sheer)	381,218	N	N	N	N
3151109	Hosiery and socks, all other types, finished (excluding sheer)	290,968	N	N	80,158	80,160
315110B	Socks and hosiery, excluding sheer, shipped in the greige	91,482	N	N	N	N
315110W	Hosiery and sock mill products, nsk, total	36,845	N	N	N	N
315110X	Undistributed hosiery and sock mill products	N	181,999	143,748	1,742,362	1,741,241
315190	Other apparel knitting mill products	365,087	144,237	102,051	658,542	656,834
3151901	Sweaters, men's and boys', made in knitting mills	12,583	N	N	N	N
3151903	Sweaters, women's, girls', and infants', made in knitting mills	81,618	N	N	N	N
3151905	Shirts, dress and sport (including polo, tank tops, sweat and t-shirts and unisex sweatshirts and t-shirts), knit, men's and boys', made in knitting mills	117,993	N	N	N	N
3151907	Shirts and blouses (including polo, tank tops, sweat and t-shirts), knit, women's, girls', and infants', made in knitting mills	56,829	N	N	N	N
3151909	Outerwear (excluding sweaters, shirts and blouses), knit, made in knitting mills	1,008	N	N	N	N
315190B	Contract receipts for knitting only or knitting and finishing knitting mill apparel products, excluding underwear and nightwear	13,202	N	N	N	N
315190D	Gloves and mittens, made in knitting mills	20,786	N	N	N	N
315190F	Apparel products (excluding outerwear, gloves and mittens, underwear, and nightwear), other types (hats, mufflers, scarves, etc.), made in knitting mills	19,988	144,237	102,051	658,542	656,834
315190H	Underwear, nightwear, and robes, men's and boys', knit, made in knitting mills	D	N	N	N	N
315190J	Underwear and nightwear and robes, women's, girls', and infants', knit, made in knitting mills	1,039	N	N	N	N
315190W	Other apparel knitting mill products, nsk, total	D	N	N	N	N
315210	Cut and sew apparel contractors	2,152,212	N	N	N	N
3152101	Contract receipts for men's and boys' (including unisex) tailored suits, coats, jackets, and vests	111,362	N	N	N	N
3152103	Contract receipts for men's and boys' (including unisex) shirts, excluding work shirts	65,147	N	N	N	N
3152105	Contract receipts for men's and boys' underwear and nightwear, including robes	21,511	N	N	N	N
3152107	Contract receipts for men's and boys' (including unisex) sweaters; pants; jeans; shorts; sweatpants; swimwear; service apparel; nontailored coats, jackets, and vests; work apparel; and other outerwear	311,057	N	N	N	N
3152109	Contract receipts for men's and boys', fur goods, leather- and sheep-lined apparel, team sport uniforms, costumes, vestments, hats, gloves, mittens, and all other apparel and apparel accessories	54,283	N	N	N	N
315210B	Contract receipts for women's, misses', girls', and infants' shirts and blouses	329,105	N	N	N	N
315210D	Contract receipts for women's, girls', and infants' dresses	183,470	N	N	N	N
315210F	Contract receipts for women's, girls', and infants' skirts, tailored suits, coats, jackets, and vests	62,858	N	N	N	N
315210H	Contract receipts for women's, girls', and infants' nontailored coats, jackets, and vests; pants; shorts; swimwear; sweaters; other outerwear; jeans; sweatpants; coveralls; and ski and work apparel	227,250	N	N	N	N
315210J	Contract receipts for women's, girls', and infants' underwear and nightwear, including robes and foundation garments	20,682	N	N	N	N
315210L	Contract receipts for women's, girls', and infants' fur goods, leather- and sheep-lined apparel, team sport uniforms, costumes, vestments, hats, gloves, and all other apparel and apparel accessories	45,215	N	N	N	N
315210W	Cut and sew apparel contractors, nsk, total	720,272	N	N	N	N
315220	Men's and boys' cut and sew apparel	1,527,322	1,609,562	833,789	28,066,386	27,966,720
3152201	Men's and boys' nightwear, robes, and knit underwear, made from purchased fabrics	116,870	94,759	47,591	2,429,384	2,425,379
3152203	Men's and boys' tailored suits, including dress uniforms (firefighter, military, police, etc.), made from purchased fabrics	182,156	60,846	52,181	603,293	600,194
3152205	Men's and boys' tailored overcoats, topcoats, car and suburban coats (including water-repellent), made from purchased fabrics	14,685	N	N	N	N
3152207	Men's and boys' tailored dress and sport coats and vests, made from purchased fabrics	47,664	17,914	9,480	705,938	704,372
3152209	Men's and boys' (including unisex) knit dress and sport shirts (including polo shirts, tank tops, sweatshirts, and t-shirts), made from purchased fabrics	240,204	182,534	91,366	8,225,173	8,208,802
315220B	Men's and boys' woven dress and sport shirts, made from purchased fabrics	125,817	42,277	21,088	3,475,280	3,463,249
315220D	Men's and boys' separate dress and sport trousers, pants, and slacks (excluding jeans, jean-cut casual slacks, workpants, and sweatpants), made from purchased fabrics	84,715	N	N	3,331,720	3,310,691
315220F	Men's and boys' jeans and jean-cut casual slacks, made from purchased fabrics	49,244	N	N	2,166,353	2,150,745
315220H	Men's and boys' work shirts, made from purchased fabrics	49,924	N	N	N	N
315220J	Men's and boys' workpants (excluding jeans), work jackets, coveralls, overalls, jumpsuits, and washable service apparel, including nondisposable hospital patient wear, made from purchased fabrics	250,261	13,791	9,469	323,887	323,114
315220L	Men's and boys' nontailored coats, jackets, and vests, including down- and feather-filled (excluding ski apparel and work jackets), made from purchased fabrics	278,531	N	N	190,286	189,707
315220N	Men's and boys' shorts (including dress and athletic) and swimwear, made from purchased fabrics	16,084	57,647	28,539	2,146,675	2,132,983
315220P	Men's and boys' sweaters, sweater vests, sweatpants, jogging and warm-up suits, playsuits, beachwear (excluding swimsuits), and ski apparel, made from purchased fabrics	8,405	264,639	121,306	483,982	482,818
315220W	Men's and boys' cut and sew apparel, nsk, total	62,762	N	N	N	N
315220X	Undistributed men's and boys' cut and sew apparel	N	875,156	452,770	3,984,415	3,974,667
315240	Women's, girls', and infants' cut and sew apparel	3,651,973	2,296,427	1,391,161	43,613,636	43,492,410
3152401	Women's and girls' underwear, excluding foundation garments, made from purchased fabrics	39,405	102,075	44,212	1,532,784	1,527,003
3152403	Women's and girls' nightwear, excluding robes or dressing gowns intended to sell separately, made from purchased fabrics	11,844	27,088	9,715	1,040,224	1,037,472
3152405	Women's and girls' brassieres, bra-lettes, and bandeaux, made from purchased fabrics	7,985	122,437	50,262	2,072,714	2,062,860
3152407	Women's and girls' corsets (excluding surgical), girdles, and combinations, made from purchased fabrics	D	21,872	9,933	128,721	128,759
3152409	Women's and girls' robes and dressing gowns, made from purchased fabrics	1,706	3,203	2,037	80,971	79,108
315240B	Women's and girls' knit shirts and blouses (including polo shirts, cowl neck shirts, tank tops, sweatshirts, and t-shirts), made from purchased fabrics (excluding screen printing)	797,384	305,617	166,149	11,206,410	11,187,630
315240D	Women's and girls' woven shirts and blouses, made from purchased fabrics (excluding screen printing)	229,226	132,489	95,461	2,961,606	2,955,492
315240F	Women's and girls' dresses, made from purchased fabrics	871,902	351,332	238,841	4,654,486	4,646,021
315240G	Women's and girls' tailored coats and capes, including water-repellent (excluding fur, leather, down- and feather-filled), made from purchased fabrics	6,785	N	N	N	N
315240H	Women's and girls' tailored suits and pantsuits, including dress uniforms (firefighter, military, police, etc), made from purchased fabrics	65,064	18,897	15,071	98,288	98,251
315240J	Women's and girls' skirts, made from purchased fabrics	60,929	43,212	26,835	1,218,830	1,215,964
315240K	Women's and girls' tailored jackets and vests, excluding fur and leather, made from purchased fabrics	10,895	42,985	27,808	806,099	804,210
315240L	Women's and girls' sweaters, including sweater vests, made from purchased fabrics	40,082	36,345	21,121	1,417,339	1,415,179
315240M	Women's and girls' shorts, including tennis skirts, made from purchased fabrics	34,825	15,855	9,220	1,432,044	1,427,827
315240N	Women's and girls' slacks, jeans, and jean-cut casual slacks (excluding sweatpants), made from purchased fabrics	575,669	255,061	169,455	2,955,668	2,952,642
315240P	Women's and girls' sweatpants, bodysuits and bodyshirts, jogging and warm-up suits, playsuits, rompers, and beachwear (excluding swimwear), made from purchased fabrics	68,953	6,988	2,052	120,653	120,341
315240R	Women's and girls' swimwear, made from purchased fabrics	234,250	51,745	27,465	757,076	746,456
315240T	Women's and girls' nontailored coats, jackets, and vests (including water-repellent, down- and feather-filled, and ski apparel), made from purchased fabrics	30,229	2,688	2,172	1,254,337	1,250,225
315240U	Women's and girls' washable service apparel (including nondisposable hospital patient wear, coveralls, overalls, and jumpsuits), made from purchased fabrics	21,168	3,139	2,761	97,699	97,577
315240V	Infants' apparel, made from purchased fabrics	76,157	72,197	46,206	2,237,286	2,235,417
315240W	Women's, girls', and infants' cut and sew apparel, nsk, total	D	N	N	N	N
315240X	Undistributed women's, girls', and infants' cut and sew apparel	N	681,203	424,385	7,540,401	7,503,977
315280	Other cut and sew apparel	829,727	326,489	268,468	2,023,406	2,006,058
3152801	Fur apparel, accessories, and trimmings (coats, capes, jackets, neck pieces, fur linings, etc.) made from purchased materials	35,460	24,376	18,855	164,449	163,488
3152803	Leather and sheep-lined apparel	49,553	145,316	111,323	471,345	467,977
3152805	Team sport uniforms, men's and boys', made from purchased fabrics	97,644	N	N	10,464	10,464
3152807	Team sport uniforms, women's and girls', made from purchased fabrics	52,549	N	N	10,221	10,221
3152809	Vestments and costumes, made from purchased materials	506,666	N	N	N	N
315280A	Apparel, plastic or rubber (50% or greater), including raincoats and rubber pants (excluding wet suits), made from purchased materials	39,056	156,796	138,291	1,366,927	1,353,908
315280W	Other cut and sew apparel, nsk, total	48,799	N	N	N	N
315990	Apparel accessories and other apparel	858,212	532,798	376,194	4,816,449	4,798,949
3159901	Hats and caps (fabric, straw, and felt), men's and boys'	86,281	25,077	16,837	6,569	6,569
3159903	Hats and caps (fabric, straw, and felt), women's, girls', and infants'	12,918	N	N	46,535	46,463
3159905	Hat bodies and fabric caps, excluding hat bodies finished into hats in the same establishment	103,001	651	300	18,811	18,582
3159907	Gloves and mittens	94,271	106,263	52,717	1,209,641	1,206,264
3159909	Men's and boys' neckwear, made from purchased materials	130,933	17,758	9,903	247,057	244,055
315990A	Neckwear (scarves, dickies, etc.), women's and girls', made from purchased materials	2,411	N	N	N	N
315990C	Leather belts, made from purchased materials	64,135	31,210	18,061	480,187	479,236
315990D	Apparel accessories (including aprons, bibs, rainhats, and shower and bathing caps), plastic or rubber (50 percent or greater), from purchased materials	15,718	8,682	5,609	34,988	34,958
315990E	Apparel accessories, all other types (non-leather belts, hose supporters, handkerchiefs, apparel findings, etc.), made from purchased materials	251,375	111,234	94,350	440,295	439,518
315990W	Apparel accessories and other apparel, nsk, total	97,169	N	N	N	N
315990X	Undistributed apparel accessories and other apparel	N	231,922	178,418	2,332,366	2,323,303

Federal Business Opportunities, Thursday, December 18, 2014

Recently posted federal business opportunities.

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Title:             Shirts and hats to be embroidered
Agency:            Department of Labor
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Title:             84--Request for Information (RFI) - Military Free Fall (MFF) Heated Gloves and Vests
Agency:            Department of the Army
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Title:             83--Mattress encasements
Agency:            Department of the Army
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             83--CLOTH,PARACHUTE
Agency:            Defense Logistics Agency
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Title:             CLOTH, LAMINATED, VINYL-NYLON
Agency:            Defense Logistics Agency
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             Touchscreen Leather Gloves
Agency:            Department of the Navy
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Title:             84--PARKA,WET WEATHER
Agency:            Defense Logistics Agency
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             FN1400-15 FELT
Agency:            Department of Justice
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Title:             CR-360 Parachute
Agency:            Department of the Interior
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Title:             84--BOOTS,SAFETY,MEN'S
Agency:            Defense Logistics Agency
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Title:             CMAOUFLAGE TROUSER
Agency:            Defense Logistics Agency
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             ACU/OEF-CP Sun Hat; NWU Boonie Cover
Agency:            Defense Logistics Agency
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             83--WEBBING,TEXTILE
Agency:            Defense Logistics Agency
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Clients of Agathon Associates and subscribers to Agathon Associates' Trade Advisor Service can find links to the full solicitations at www.agathonassociates.com/textile-pri/berry/fbo.htm. You will need to enter your username and password. If you do not know your username and password email David Trumbull at david@agathonassociates.com.

Kiddie Korral Recalls Girls Hoodies with Ponies Due to Strangulation Hazard

This recall involves Kiddie Korral girl’s pink hooded sweatshirts with red ponies and a drawstring through the hood. The zippered front hoodies have two front pockets, are made of 100% polyester and were sold in sizes 2 through 12. A label sewn into the garment’s neck seam reads “Kiddie Korral” and a label sewn into the side seam has RN#117026 and style number 327.

Units: About 2,300

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Remedy: Consumers should immediately take the hoodies from children and remove the drawstring to eliminate the hazard. Consumers can return the hoodies to the place of purchase for a full refund.

Sold at Children’s boutiques, gift shops and other specialty retail stores nationwide from December 2012 through November 2014 for about $25.

Distributor: Kiddie Korral, Dallas, TX

Manufactured in China.

Customs Proposes Modifying Erroneous Ruling Letters that Denied FTA Benefits to Qualifying Merchandise

U.S. Customs and Border Protection ("CBP") has proposed the modification of three ruling letters and proposed revocation of any treatment relating to the eligibility of certain garments for preferential tariff treatment under the Dominican Republic-Central America United States Free Trade Agreement ("DR-CAFTA"), the United States-Peru Trade Promotion Agreement ("PETPA") or the United States-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement ("CTPA").

Comments must be received on or before January 16, 2015. If you were denied duty-free benefits due to errors of the sort made in these Rulings, you should advise CBP by the end of the comment period. Agathon Associates can assist you in determining whether you can apply to CBP for relief.

In each of the three rulings being modified, the CBP National Import Specialist appears to have made a fundamental error in reading the tariff-shift rules of the free trade agreements.

Ruling N251778, dated April 16, 2014, relates to The tariff classification and status under the United States-Peru Trade Promotion Agreement Implementation Act ("Peru TPAIA"), and the Dominican Republic-Central America-United States Free Trade Agreement ("DR-CAFTA"), of a woman’s garment from Peru or Guatemala. The applicable subheading for the item is 6110.30.3059, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States ("HTSUS").

As related to a determination under the PTPAIA, the garment is made of a rayon knit fabric classified in heading 6006 and a polyester woven fabric classified at 5513. All operations are done in Peru or the U.S. with the exception that the rayon fibers (classified at 5504 or 5507) and polyester fibers (classified at 5503) are manufactured in India or Asia. The rayon knit fabric is the component that determines the tariff classification of the garment. The PTPAIA rule of origin for fabric of heading 6006 excludes a change from any heading in Chapter 55, therefore the fabric is not originating under the PTPAIA and the garment is also not originating under the rule (GN 32(b)(iii)) for "goods produced exclusively from originating materials." However there is another rule under which the garments do originate because they "undergo an applicable change in tariff classification" (GN 32(b)(ii)(A).

For goods classified in heading 6110, the tariff-shift rule requires: A change to headings 6105 through 6111 from any other chapter, except from headings 5106 through 5113, 5204 through 5212, 5307 through 5308, 5310 through 5311, 5401 through 5402, subheading 5403.20, 5403.33 through 5403.39, 5403.42 through 5403.49, headings 5404 through 5408, 5508 through 5516 or 6001 through 6006, provided that the good is cut or knit to shape, or both and sewn or otherwise assembled in the territory of Peru, the United States, or both.

The National Import Specialist ruled that:

"The rayon fabric classified in heading 6006 does not meet the terms of the tariff shift. Therefore, the goods would not be entitled to a free rate of duty under the Peru TPAIA."

The National Import Specialist ruled similarly with regard to DR-CAFTA where the facts were the same, replacing Guatemala for Peru throughout.

The importer requested reconsideration and CBP, upon reconsideration, stated, "A review of the tariff shift rules ... reveals that a change to heading 6110 from the non-originating rayon and polyester fibers ... is allowed. Therefore, the garment meets the tariff shift rules."

When CBP finds that a ruling is erroneous, it searches their database for others that may have the same error. In this case CBP found two more where the same National Import Specialist made the same mistake.

Ruling N242940, dated July 10, 2013, also involves a knitted fabric that was non-originating due to foreign rayon fiber (in this case, from Australia) used in the production of knit garments which were under a yarn-forward (not fiber-forward) rule of origin in the PTPAIA.

Ruling N248184, dated December 13, 2013, involved a knitted fabric that was non-originating due to polyamide filament yarns from Mexico used in the production of brassieres in Columbia. This was the most egregious error, as it is well known in the trade that in the U.S.-Columbia Trade Promotion Agreement the rule of origin for brassieres (as it is in most of the other free trade agreements) is "single transformation," meaning they merely need be cut and sewn in Columbia without regard to the origin of the fabric or yarn.

Comments must be received on or before January 16, 2015. If you were denied duty-free benefits due to errors of the sort made in these Rulings, you should advise CBP by the end of the comment period. Agathon Associates can assist you in determining whether you can apply to CBP for relief.

The proposed modifications may be read in Customs Bulletin Vol. 48, No. 50. (beginning on page 24)

2015 Quota for Haiti Value-Added Program Published

On December 15, 2014, the U.S. Department of Commerce published in the Federal RegisterLimitation of Duty-Free Imports of Apparel Articles Assembled in Haiti Under the Haitian Hemispheric Opportunity Through Partnership for Encouragement Act ("HOPE").

HOPE provides for duty-free treatment for certain apparel articles imported directly from Haiti. One of the preferences under HOPE is known as the ``value-added'' program, which requires that apparel meet a minimum threshold percentage of value added in Haiti, the United States, and/or certain beneficiary countries. The program is subject to a quantitative limitation, which is calculated as a percentage of total apparel imports into the United States for each 12-month annual period. For the annual period from December 20, 2014 through December 19, 2015, the quantity of imports eligible for preferential treatment under the value-added program is 332,915,916 square meters equivalent.

Madagascar Okay'd for AGOA Textile and Apparel Benefits

On December 15, 2014, the Office of the United States Trade Representative published in the Federal Register (79 FR 74156) Determinations under the African Growth and Opportunity Act

SUMMARY: The United States Trade Representative ("USTR") has determined that Guinea and Madagascar have each adopted effective visa systems and related procedures to prevent unlawful transshipment of textile and apparel articles and the use of counterfeit documents in connection with the shipment of such articles and has implemented and follows, or is making substantial progress toward implementing and following, the customs procedures required by the African Growth and Opportunity Act ("AGOA"). Therefore, as specified in this notice, imports of eligible products from Guinea and Madagascar qualify for the textile and apparel benefits provided for under AGOA.

DATES: Effective Date: December 15, 2014.

Two Carbon Fiber Foreign Trade Zones Approved for Export Only

On December 15, 2014, the FTZ Board published notice in the Federal Register (79 FR 74063) Restricted Approval for Production Authority, Foreign-Trade Zone 143, Mitsubishi Rayon Carbon Fiber and Composites, Inc., Subzone 143D (Carbon Fiber); Sacramento, California, and Foreign-Trade Zone 83, Toray Carbon Fibers America, Inc. (Carbon Fiber); Decatur, Alabama.

Federal Business Opportunities, Thursday, December 11. 2014

Recently posted federal business opportunities.

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Title:             Coverall, Fuel Handler
Agency:            Defense Logistics Agency
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Title:             84--DARK NAVY WOOL HATS (BALL CAPS)
Agency:            Department of the Navy
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Title:             84--INSIGNIA,GRADE,ENLISTED,CAP
Agency:            Defense Logistics Agency
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Title:             84--HSL Cord
Agency:            Department of the Navy
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Title:             Deployment Gear
Agency:            Department of the Air Force
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Title:             Shirts and hats to be embroidered
Agency:            Department of Labor
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Title:             84--Military uniform Patches and insignia
Agency:            Department of the Army
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Title:             Field Gear
Agency:            Department of the Navy
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Title:             84--GLOVES,CHEMICAL AND
Agency:            Defense Logistics Agency
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Clients of Agathon Associates and subscribers to Agathon Associates' Trade Advisor Service can find links to the full solicitations at www.agathonassociates.com/textile-pri/berry/fbo.htm. You will need to enter your username and password. If you do not know your username and password email David Trumbull at david@agathonassociates.com.

New York City to Invest $35 Million in Fashion Incubator in Brooklyn

New York City officials last week revealed plans to invest $3.5 million in a new fashion epicenter called the Manufacturing Innovation Hub for Apparel, Textiles & Wearable Tech. ...... READ MORE.

Businessman Charged With Evading $5.6M In Customs Duties On Footwear Imported From China

On December 4, 2014, a federal grand jury returned a 27-count indictment against Thomas Romeo, 51, of Sacramento, charging him with a scheme to defraud the United States by evading customs duties owed by his Citrus Heights import business, United States Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner announced. Romeo is charged with conspiracy to defraud the United States, four counts of wire fraud, 11 counts of entry of falsely classified goods, and 11 counts of entry of goods by means of a false statement.

Romeo owned and operated Romeo & Juliette Inc., a company that imported footwear manufactured in China and distributed under the brand names BearPaw and Attix. According to the indictment, from at least 1994 through 2011, Romeo engaged in a scheme to avoid paying the full amount of duty owed on the shoes by having employees and others create false invoices that substantially undervalued the footwear that was being imported, sometimes at 50 percent of the actual value and other times even less. Romeo had his employees submit the false invoices to U.S. Customs for purposes of calculating the customs duties and fees Romeo & Juliette was required to pay. Romeo allegedly avoided paying approximately $5.6 million in customs duties legally owed to the United States.

According to the indictment, during the course of the investigation, Romeo submitted to federal agents a false document that attempted to justify the lower duty that Romeo & Juliette paid to the United States. He also instructed employees to make false statements to federal investigators about the value of the footwear that was imported.

This case is the product of an investigation by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s ("ICE") Homeland Security Investigations ("HSI"). Assistant United States Attorney Todd A. Pickles is prosecuting the case.

If convicted, Romeo faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine or twice the loss or gain caused by the fraud on the wire fraud counts. The maximum statutory prison term is five years on the conspiracy count and two years for causing the entry of goods falsely classified and causing the entry of goods by false statements. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

BACKGROUND

Under Section 484 of the Tariff Act, as amended (19 U.S.C. 1484), the importer of record is responsible for using reasonable care to enter, classify and determine the value of imported merchandise and to provide any other information necessary to enable U.S. Customs and Border Protection to properly assess duties, collect accurate statistics, and determine whether other applicable legal requirements, if any, have been met. An importer of record’s failure to exercise reasonable care could delay release of the merchandise and, in some cases, could result in the imposition of penalties. Classification and valuation of textiles, apparel, and footwear requires detail knowledge of thousands of U.S. Customs regulations. David Trumbull, Principal of Agathon Associates, is a licensed and insured Customs Broker with 20-years experience in international trade and can assist you with questions of classification and valuation.

U.S. Government to Close for Both Christmas Day and December 26th

On December 5, 2014, President Obama signed an Executive Order designating Friday, December 26, 2014 as a Federal holiday.

While we're on the topic of Federal holidays, here's the list for 2015:

• Thursday, January 1 New Year’s Day,

• Monday, January 19 Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.,

• Monday, February 16 Washington’s Birthday,

• Monday, May 25 Memorial Day,

• Friday, July 3 Independence Day,

• Monday, September 7 Labor Day,

• Monday, October 12 Columbus Day,

• November 11 Veterans Day,

• November 26 Thanksgiving Day, and

• December 25 Christmas Day.

On those days Federal, State, and local government offices will be closed. In the United States most private business also close on most the Federal holidays (you may find some private business open on the Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr., Washington's Birthday, Columbus Day, and Veterans Day).

Catching Up

Selection device for the shed-forming device of a weaving machine:  A design for a new jacquard head with a lower latency time which allows for faster operation.  Patent:  8720492.  Inventor:  Vanderjeugt, et.al.  Assignee:  Michel Van De Wiele Nv

Garment with compartments:  A garment having compartments for holding objects. Some compartments are operable to permit waste to pass out of the compartments. Others are attached to the garment on the thigh or other location to permit access where a standard hip pocket would be blocked by a toolbelt. Others have apertures in addition to the normal hip pocket opening which may permit access to the pocket where the opening to the hip pocket would be blocked by a toolbelt. The garment may be used by a worker, such as a carpenter, with knee pads in compartments in a knee area of the garment, the compartments having apertures operable to permit sawdust and other waste to empty from the compartment. Additionally, a thigh pocket may have a cover preventing waste from entering the pocket, and can provide storage where a hip pocket would be blocked by a toolbelt or rendered inaccessible by kneeling. Patent:  8719966.  Inventor:  Grozdev.  Not assigned.

Anti-slip foot assembly:  An anti-slip foot assembly for a strut is disclosed. An embodiment of the anti-slip assembly includes a heel pad adapted to resist normal forces applied by the strut, a plurality of independently flexible toes adapted to resist the lateral forces that tend to cause slipping. A foot assembly with retractable cleat system is also disclosed.  Patent:  8720459.  Inventor:  Moulton.  Assignee:  RW Truland, I, LLC

Base fabric for air bag, method of producing the same and air bag:  A base fabric for an air bag is provided which is light-weight, flexible, superior in stowability, air shieldability, heat resistance and flame retardancy, further superior in the adhesion to resin with reduced stitch dislocation and fray. The air bag base fabric comprises a synthetic fiber fabric at least one surface of which is coated with resin. The resin is present also over at least 85% of the total area of an intertwined portion interface as a warp-weft crossing portion of the synthetic fiber fabric.  Patent:  8722550.  Inventor:  Yamada, et.al.  Assignee:  Seiren Co.  Ltd.

Protective garment with thermal liner having varying moisture attraction:  A protective garment including an outer shell, a thermal barrier having a thermal protection performance of at least about twenty, and a moisture barrier positioned between the outer shell and the thermal barrier. The thermal barrier includes an outer layer, an inner layer, and an intermediate layer positioned between the outer and inner layers. The outer layer is positioned adjacent to the moisture barrier, and moisture is more attracted to the intermediate layer than to the outer layer.  Patent:  8719969.  Inventor:  Curtis.  Assignee:  Lion Apparel, Inc.

Machine and method for the combined mechanical and heat treatment of fabrics, especially knitted fabrics:  A machine and a method for treating fabrics, comprise in combination a step of inducing substantially vertical vibrations in a quantity of fabric in the form of a substantially compact mass and a simultaneous step of drying the rest of the fabric in opened-out form.  The idea is that the vibrations relax the fabric as it dries.  Patent:  8720020.  Inventor:  Biancalani and Ravagli.  Assignee:  Biancalani, S.R.L.

Self-adjusting shapewear garment:  The present invention relates generally to a garment made from a stretchable fabric with a high yield strain and low hysteresis so that the garment is capable of stretching to comfortably fit and provide support for the unique shapes and curves of wearers within a single size group and across multiple size groups. More specifically, the claimed invention relates to shapewear. A shapewear garment constructed in accordance with the present invention could be made in a first standard size and comfortably flex and self-adjust to fit wearers across sizes extra-small (XS), small (S), and medium (M); and in a second standard size and comfortable flex and self-adjust to fit wearers across sizes large (L), extra-large (XL), and double extra-large (XXL); and the garment would retain its original dimensions when the force exerted on the garment by the wearer's body is removed.  Patent:  8721388.  Inventor:  Quaranta.  Assignee:  Maidenform

Apparel incorporating a protective element:  An article of apparel may include may include a garment portion and at least one protective element. The garment portion and the protective element have a configuration that forms a gap, separation, or pleat structure through, for example, folding or overlapping of a textile element of the garment portion. The gap, separation, or pleat structure may permit the protective element to move independent of other portions of the apparel, thereby enhancing a range of movement of the individual and the overall comfort of the apparel.  Patent:  8719965.  Inventor:  Turner and Grogro Assignee:  Nike, Inc.

Waterproof vapor-permeable shoe:  A waterproof vapor-permeable shoe, including an upper and a sole with a region which is diffusely perforated with through holes in the direction of a walking surface.  Patent:  8720083.  Inventor:  Moretti.  Assignee:  Geox S.P.A.

Flame retardant composition and textile material comprising the same:  A flame retardant composition comprises a phosphorous-containing polymer. The phosphorous-containing polymer can be produced by first reacting a phosphonium compound and a nitrogen-containing compound to produce a precondensate compound and then reacting the precondensate compound with a cross-linking composition. The resulting phosphorous-containing intermediate polymer can then be oxidized to convert at least a portion of the phosphorous atoms in the polymer to a pentavalent state. A textile material comprises a textile substrate and a phosphorous-containing polymer, such as that described above.  Patent:  8719962.  Inventor:  Mayernik, et.al.  Assignee:  Milliken & Company.

Jim Carson is a principal of RB Consulting, Inc. and a registered patent agent.  He has over 30 years of experience across multiple industries including the biotechnology, textile, computer, telecommunications, and energy sectors.  RB Consulting, Inc. specializes in providing management, prototyping, and regulatory services to small and start-up businesses.  He can be reached via email at James.Carson.Jr@gmail.com or by phone at (803) 792-2183.