Children’s Nightgowns Recalled by Saro Trading Due to Violation of Federal Flammability Standard

Recall Details

Units: About 7,800

Description: This recall involves five styles of children’s nightgowns manufactured by Saro Trading. The 100% white cotton nightgowns have “Taleen” printed on the neck label. These nightgowns are embroidered with either eyelet trimming, ribbons on the chest, or buttons on the center front of the garment.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported

Remedy: Consumers should immediately take the recalled nightgowns away from children and contact the firm for instructions on receiving a full refund.

Sold at Francie Hargrove Interior Designs, Georges Girls Luxe Sleep and Nichols stores nationwide, and online at http://www.sarostore.com/ and http://fennco.com/en/ from February 2012 through April 2016 for $25.

Importer: Saro Trading Company of Burbank, Calif.

Manufactured in China.

Two Upholstered Furniture FTZ Applications Filed

Two upholstered furniture manufacturers are seeking to use Foreign Trade Zone procedures to save money on import duties. For an initial free consultation on how FTZ procedures may benefit your company, contact David Trumbull at david@agathonassociates.com.

On June 30, 2016, the Foreign Trade Zone Board published in the Federal Register (81 FR 42649) Foreign-Trade Zone 158--Tupelo, Mississippi; Notification of Proposed Production Activity; Southern Motion, Inc.; Subzone 158G (Upholstered Furniture); Pontotoc and Baldwyn, Mississippi.

The Greater Mississippi Foreign-Trade Zone, Inc., grantee of FTZ 158, submitted a notification of proposed production activity to the FTZ Board on behalf of Southern Motion, Inc. (SMI), for its facilities in Pontotoc and Baldwyn, Mississippi. The notification conforming to the requirements of the regulations of the FTZ Board (15 CFR 400.22) was received on June 17, 2016.

SMI currently has authority to conduct cut-and-sew activity using certain foreign micro-denier suede upholstery fabrics to produce upholstered furniture and related parts (upholstery cover sets) on a restricted basis (see B-45-2014, 79 FR 64167, October 28, 2014). SMI's authority allows for the production of upholstered furniture (chairs, seats, sofas, sleep sofas, and sectionals) for a five-year period, with a scope of authority that only provided FTZ savings on a limited quantity (6.0 million square yards per year) of foreign origin, micro-denier suede upholstery fabric finished with a hot caustic soda solution process (i.e., authorized fabrics). All foreign upholstery fabrics other than micro-denier suede finished with a hot caustic soda solution process (i.e., unauthorized fabrics) used in SMI's production within Subzone 158G are subject to full customs duties.

The current request seeks to add new foreign-status components and certain polyurethane-type fabrics to the scope of authority. Pursuant to 15 CFR 400.14(b), additional FTZ authority 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 SMI from customs duty payments on the foreign-status fabrics and components used in export production. On its domestic sales, SMI would be able to apply the finished upholstery cover set (i.e., furniture part) or finished furniture duty rate (free) for the previously authorized fabrics and the additional fabrics and components (indicated below). Customs duties also could possibly be deferred or reduced on foreign-status production equipment.

The components sourced from abroad include: Linear actuators and motors; transformers; power adaptors; handset controllers; power cables; and, Y-cables (duty rate ranges from 1.6% to 2.8%). The expanded scope of authority to admit foreign-status fabrics to Subzone 158G would only involve polyurethane fabrics backed with ground leather (5903.20.2500) and wet coagulation process 100 percent polyurethane coated fabrics (5903.20.2500), as detailed in the notification (duty rate: 7.5%). All other foreign, unauthorized upholstery fabrics used in the production activity would continue to be admitted to the zone in domestic (duty paid) status.

On June 30, 2016, the Foreign Trade Zone Board published in the Federal Register (81 FR 42648) Foreign-Trade Zone 158-Tupelo, Mississippi; Notification of Proposed Production Activity; Bauhaus Furniture Group, LLC; H.M. Richards Company, Inc.; Lane Home Furniture; Morgan Fabrics Corporation (Upholstered Furniture)

The Greater Mississippi Foreign-Trade Zone, Inc., grantee of FTZ 158, submitted a notification of proposed production activity to the FTZ Board on behalf of Bauhaus Furniture Group, LLC (Bauhaus), H.M. Richards Company, Inc. (HMRI), Lane Home Furniture (Lane), and Morgan Fabrics Corporation (Morgan) within FTZ 158 in the greater Tupelo, Mississippi, area. The notification conforming to the requirements of the regulations of the FTZ Board (15 CFR 400.22) was received on June 17, 2016.

Bauhaus, HMRI, Lane, and Morgan currently have authority to conduct cut-and-sew activity using certain foreign micro-denier suede upholstery fabrics to produce upholstered furniture and related parts (upholstery cover sets) on a restricted basis (see B-29-2013, B-21-2013, B-28-2013, 78 FR 49254-49255, August 13, 2013; and, Board Order 1877, 78 FR 5773, January 28, 2013). The companies' authority allows for the production of upholstered furniture (chairs, seats, sofas, sleep sofas, and sectionals) with scopes of authority that only provide FTZ savings on a limited quantity of foreign origin, micro-denier suede upholstery fabric finished with a hot caustic soda solution process (i.e., authorized fabrics). All foreign upholstery fabrics other than micro-denier suede finished with a hot caustic soda solution process (i.e., unauthorized fabrics) used in Bauhaus, HMRI, Lane, and Morgan's production within FTZ 158 are subject to full customs duties.

The current request seeks to add certain polyurethane-type fabrics to the scope of authority. Pursuant to 15 CFR 400.14(b), additional FTZ authority 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 Bauhaus, HMRI, Lane, and Morgan from customs duty payments on the foreign-status fabrics used in export production. On domestic sales, Bauhaus, HMRI, Lane, and Morgan would be able to apply the finished upholstery cover set (i.e., furniture part) or finished furniture duty rate (free) for the previously authorized fabrics and the additional fabrics (indicated below). Customs duties also could possibly be deferred or reduced on foreign-status production equipment.

The expanded scope of authority to admit foreign-status fabrics to FTZ 158 in nonprivileged foreign status (19 CFR 146.42) would only involve polyurethane fabrics backed with ground leather (5903.20.2500) and wet coagulation process 100 percent polyurethane coated fabrics (5903.20.2500), as detailed in the notification (duty rate: 7.5%). All other foreign, unauthorized upholstery fabrics used in the companies' production activity would continue to be admitted to the zone in domestic (duty paid) status.

American Flock Association Announces 9th Triennial Flock School

The American Flock Association announced that its 9th triennial FLOCK SCHOOL covering materials, technologies and processing will take place August 3-5 on the University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth campus.

The entire flocking process will be covered, from choice of flock, substrate and adhesive to coating and application techniques, as well as drying, curing and post treatments. Breakout sessions will address specific needs of the attendees.

Instructors are all seasoned veterans from the flocking industry.

This program is ideal for all levels of employees – from line operators to plant managers. It is perfect for sales, technical, marketing and management personnel. This is a perfect chance to get a total overview of the flocking industry.

Further details are available at www.locking.org.

LVMH-owned Loro Piana is retracing the steps of its cashmere from Beijing to Paris with a 37-day automotive race.

Multiple prize winning Italian rally champions, Giorgio Schön and Pierre Tonetti, will put all of their driving experience to test at the sixth edition of the Bejing-Paris automobile race. On board a 1971 Alfa Romeo Giulia Super, this historic car challenge retraces the Loro Piana cashmere route. The duo will have an unusual travel companion: a small saddle bag containing tufts of the 2015 harvest that will be awarded with “The Loro Piana Cashmere of the Year 2016” prize.

Covering over 14,000 km of rugged terrain, the Loro Piana team, equipped with cashmere Storm System® Roadster Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance® and the iconic Roadster Villa D’Este jackets, will complete this riveting, action packed course in 37 days. They will venture beyond the Great Wall of China through the Gobi Desert and the wilderness of Mongolia, then cross the Siberian steppe, leaving the Ural Mountains behind them. The route will continue through Russia, passing north of Moscow, Belarus, and finally through Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, Italy, Switzerland, eventually ending in France.

The route has a strong symbolic significance for Loro Piana, as it traces the same journey of our cashmere, from its place of origin in China and Mongolia, then across several continents, before it finally arrives in Europe, where the cashmere is transformed into yarns, fabrics, and an array of finished products of indisputable excellence, beauty, and luxury. Kilometer after kilometer the course showcases the culture, history, and experience of our products.

Follow the Loro Piana team live.

Extension of Deadline and Public Meeting for CAFTA-DR Commercial Availability Determination

Extension of Deadline and Public Meeting for CAFTA-DR Commercial Availability Determination: Certain Two-ply Polyester Yarn -

The Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements ("CITA") finds that it does not have sufficient information on the record of the above noted proceeding to make its determination on the commercial availability of the subject yarn. As a result, CITA hereby extends its deadline to publish a determination by 14 U.S. business days, or August 3, 2016.

To collect more information on the record, CITA will hold a public meeting with interested entities on July 6, 2016, in room 1412 at the Department of Commerce, 1401 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington DC, 20230.

The request was filed by Sandler, Travis & Rosenberg on behald of Polartec. It covers certain two-ply polyester yarn aod the following specifications:

Date Received	06/01/2016
Responses with Offer to Supply	06/15/2016
Rebuttal to Responses with Offer to Supply	06/21/2016
Projected Completion Date	07/14/2016
Company Name	ST&R for Polartec
Product	Certain 2-Ply Polyester Yarn HTSUS: 5402.33.60 Fiber Content: 100% Polyester (60-66% Cationic, 34-40% Disperse) Number of Plies: 2 Yarn Size: 122 Metric (73.8 denier/82 decitex) to 103 Metric (87 denier/97 decitex) Filaments: 144 total Yarn Properties: False Twist Textured – Mechanical process by which POY material(s) are heated, drawn, twisted/untwisted, and heat set in order to add bulk and comfort characteristics. 3.12 to 3.45 Break force/Tenacity (CN) (ISO 2062) 30.68 to 33.92% Elongation (ISO 2062) 7.5 to 8.5% Crimp contraction (ASTM D4031) 8.0 to 8.8% Shrinkage (ASTM D2259) 154 to 170 Interlace per meter (manual count in 10 cm section - extrapolated to 1 m) 2.5 to 2.7% Oil pick up (ASTM D2257) 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 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 yarn apply to the yarn itself prior to cutting, sewing and finishing of a finished garment. Such processing may alter the measurements.

The Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements (CITA) finds that it does not have sufficient information on the record of the above noted proceeding to make its determination on the commercial availability of the subject yarn. As a result, CITA hereby extends its deadline to publish a determination by 14 U.S. business days, or August 3, 2016.

T-TIP is Dead

With the UK vote to leave the EU, T-TIP, the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership is dead. The US may someday have free trade with Europe, but not, at least not directly, as a result of the project launched in the spring of 2013.

President Obama’s threat that the UK would step to the “back of the queue” if it leaves the EU fails to take into account that the UK leaving the EU means that the EU must also step to the back of the queue. With calls in other EU members for similar referenda, the US can’t be sure who the EU is, and until this settles down, you can't negotiate with an unknown entity. Further, the negotiations to date included the UK, which means that concessions were made, on both sides, to address UK-specific issues. Now those issues don’t matter, and that means the whole, or nearly the whole, negotiation must start over from scratch. Three to five years from now, when T-TIP can be restarted, so much time shall have passed that stakeholder input will need to be re-solicited, as new trade patterns will have developed around TPP (assuming it passes), other trade deals, and the general tendency of business to evolve. T-TIP is dead. The US and EU may do a free trade agreement in the future. They may even call it T-TIP. But it won’t be the conclusion of the current T-TIP; it will be a de novo negotiation, which will benefit from the current T-TIP only as an imperfect and out-of-date road map.

That's my opinion. --David Trumbull

Claremont Flock Uses Foreign Trade Zone to Keep Manufacturing Jobs in the U.S.A.

David Trumbull, the licensed customs broker the Shahs hired to assist them with the application process, said the import tax on raw materials coming into the U.S. has created an incentive for companies to manufacture abroad.

"What Claremont Flock is doing is keeping jobs in the U.S. and, in doing so, are having to pay a 7.5 percent duty on imports, whereas someone else can bring in that same thing as a finished product with no rate of duty," said Trumbull.

Read the rest of the story at www.sentinelandenterprise.com/news/ci_30061499/leominsters

Dept. of Defense Contracts Awarded

Eagle Industries, Virginia Beach, Virginia, was awarded a $49,049,500 modification (0001) to contract W91CRB-16-D-0019 for Ballistic Combat Shirts for the Soldier Protection System Torso and Extremity Protection, with an estimated completion date of June 24, 2019. Funding and work location will be determined with each order. Army Contracting Command, Aberdeen, Maryland, is the contracting activity.

American Apparel Inc., Selma, Alabama, has been awarded a maximum $16,719,102 modification (P00139) exercising the fourth one-year option period of a one-year base contract (SPM1C1-12-D-1039) with four one-year option periods for various types of uniform trousers. This is a firm-fixed-price, indefinite-quantity contract. Locations of performance are Alabama and Mississippi, with a June 27, 2017, performance completion date. Using military services are Army, Navy and Marine Corps. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2016 through fiscal 2017 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

American Apparel Inc., Selma, Alabama, has been awarded a maximum $16,069,122 modification (P00139) exercising the fourth one-year option period of a one-year base contract (SPM1C1-12-D-1038) with four one-year option periods for various types of uniform blouses. This is a firm-fixed-price, indefinite-quantity contract. Locations of performance are Alabama and Mississippi, with a June 27, 2017, performance completion date. Using military services are Army, Navy and Marine Corps. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2016 through fiscal 2017 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Dept. of Defense Contracts Awarded

Airborne Systems North America, Pennsauken, New Jersey, was awarded a $99,000,000 firm-fixed-price contract to purchase the RA-1 Advanced Ram air parachute system (RA-1) and spare parts, with an estimated completion date of April 12, 2016. Bids were solicited via the Internet with one received. Funding and work location will be determined with each order. Army Contracting Command, Natick, Massachusetts, is the contracting activity (W911QY-16-D-0051).

Mahaffey Tent & Awning Co. Inc., Memphis, Tennessee, was awarded an $8,712,812 firm-fixed-price contract with options for Joint Readiness Training Center rotational life support services. Bids were solicited via the Internet with six received. Work will be performed at Ft. Polk, Louisiana, with an estimated completion date of May 31, 2021. Army Contracting Command, Ft. Bragg, North Carolina, is the contracting activity (W912P8-16-D-0009).

Free Webinar: ACE and Textiles

Free Webinar: ACE and Textiles
NEW DATE: Tuesday, June 28, 2016 at 3:00 pm EDT

This webinar will be co-hosted by OTEXA and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Please join us to learn more about the ongoing transition from CBP's legacy systems and paper import/export filings to the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE), as well as specific impacts on the textile and apparel industries. OTEXA representatives will also discuss ACE's impact on filings under OTEXA’s Haiti and Dominican Republic Earned Import Allowance Programs (EIAPs).

There is no charge to participate, but advance registration is required.

Should you have any questions, please contact Laurie Mease.

Proposed Chile FTA Exception from Yarn Forward Rule for Certain Filament Rayon

The United States International Trade Commission ("USITC") is seeking input on a new investigation concerning proposed modifications to the United States-Chile Free Trade Agreement ("FTA") rules of origin.

The investigation, Probable Economic Effect of Certain Modifications to the U.S.-Chile FTA Rules of Origin, was requested by the U.S. Trade Representative ("USTR") in a letter received on May 24, 2016. The letter included an attachment detailing the articles affected by the proposed modifications. The request covers woven fabric of artificial filament yarns.

As requested by the USTR, the USITC, an independent, nonpartisan, factfinding federal agency, will provide advice on the probable economic effect of the proposed U.S.-Chile FTA rules of origin modifications on U.S. trade under the Agreement, total U.S. trade, and on domestic producers of the affected articles.

The USITC expects to submit its advice to the USTR by August 24, 2016. A public version of the report, with all confidential business information deleted, will be released as soon as possible thereafter.

The USITC is seeking input for its new investigation from all interested parties and requests that the information focus on the articles for which the USITC is requested to provide information and advice. The USITC will not hold a public hearing in connection with the investigation; however, the USITC welcomes written submissions for the record. Written submissions should be addressed to the Secretary, U.S. International Trade Commission, 500 E Street SW, Washington, DC 20436 and should be submitted at the earliest practical date but no later than 5:15 p.m. on July 11, 2016.

The change would allow non-originating rayon yarn (subheadings 5403.10, 5403.31, 5403.32, and 5403.41 Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States ("HTSUS") in the production of woven fabric containing 85 percent or more by weight of artificial filament in the case of fabric that is dyed (5408.22 HTSUS) or is of yarns of different colors (5408.23 HTSUS).

Clients of Agathon Associates and subscribers to Agathon Associates' Trade Advisor Service can learn more abut the U.S.-Chile FTA at www.agathonassociates.com/textile-pri/chile/fta.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.

Navy Shoe Contract Awarded

Wolverine World Wide Inc., Rockford, Michigan, has been awarded a $10,339,075 modification (P00009) exercising the first one-year option period of a one-year base contract (SPE1C1-15-D-1067) with four one-year option periods for men's and women's leather dress shoes. This is a firm-fixed-price contract. Location of performance is Michigan, with a June 9, 2017, performance completion date. Using service is Navy. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2016 through 2017 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Proposed Miscellaneous Tariff Bill Petition System

On June 10, 2016, the United States International Trade Commission ("Commission") issued a notice for publication in the Federal Register which requested public comment on its proposed Miscellaneous Tariff Bill Petition System forms. The FR notice can be viewed here.

The public may submit comments regarding the draft forms within 60 days, or through August 16, 2016. Comments should be submitted via the Commission's electronic docket (EDIS) found at https://edis.usitc.gov. All submissions should be addressed to the Secretary and must conform to the provisions of section 201.8 of the Commission's Rules of Practice and Procedure (19 CFR 201.8). Section 201.8 and the Commission's Handbook on Filing Procedures require that interested parties file documents electronically on or before the filing deadline. Persons with questions regarding electronic filing should contact the Office of the Secretary, Docket Services Division (202-205-1802).

Comments are invited on (1) whether the proposed collection of information is necessary; (2) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden (including hours and cost) of the proposed collection of information; (3) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (4) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information, including through the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology.

For more information please contact Jennifer Rohrbach, MTB Program Manager, Office of Operations (jennifer.rohrbach@usitc.gov or 202-205-2088) or Philip Stone, Office of Industries MTB Coordinator (philip.stone@usitc.gov or 202-205-3424).

Forms for Comment:

•  Intake Form (PDF)

•  Comment Form (PDF)

Other information:

•  FR Notice (PDF)

•  American Manufacturing Competitiveness Act of 2016 (PDF)

Public comments submitted to the Commission will be made available on this web page. Please return to this page regularly to review submitted comments.

AMERICAN TEXTILE HISTORY MUSEUM SEEKS TO CLOSE

AMERICAN TEXTILE HISTORY MUSEUM SEEKS TO CLOSE
Board votes to file for dissolution after exhaustive search for alternative options

Lowell, MA – June 14, 2016—Despite its best efforts to identify a viable and sustainable future for the American Textile History Museum, the ATHM Board of Trustees has voted to seek approval from the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office and Supreme Judicial Court to dissolve the Museum’s 501(c)(3) and permanently close its doors.

“This was an extremely difficult decision for all involved and certainly not the outcome we had hoped and worked for,” said ATHM Board Chair Matthew Coggins. “However, the Board recognizes that serious operational challenges, financial shortfalls, and other circumstances make it impossible to ethically and responsibly dedicate further financial assets to attempt to keep our doors open.” Exhausted alternatives

Operating at a significant deficit for the past two decades, the Museum has been continuously drawing on shrinking reserves to balance the budget. Over the past seven months, the Board has gathered and analyzed extensive data in consultation with the Nonprofit Finance Fund and Laura Roberts Consulting, but has been unable to identify a viable and sustainable business model that would allow ATHM to continue. A fundraising feasibility study indicates that the Museum would likely be unable to raise sufficient funds to adequately support future operations.

Next steps and protection of the collection
All ATHM exhibits are now closed to the public; all programs and classes are closed as of June 30, 2016. In Massachusetts, a public charity can voluntarily dissolve only with the close involvement of the Attorney General’s Office and the approval of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court. ATHM has begun that process. Protecting and preserving the Museum’s priceless collection of American artifacts is the priority of the ATHM Board, which is working closely with the Attorney General’s Office to ensure the collection’s long-term stewardship in the coming months.

Continued need for support
ATHM is continuing to gratefully accept funding from individuals, corporations, and foundations to support the thousands of curatorial hours necessary to ensure the proper care of collections as they are prepared to be transferred to other organizations that can provide faithful and long-term stewardship, according to ATHM Interim Executive Director Todd Smith. “We are asking that all who share a love of and concern for America’s history and heritage help us preserve and protect the Museum’s unparalleled collection of American artifacts.”

“Look at all the good we’ve done”
Christopher Rogers, a member of the ATHM Board of Advisors and the grandson of Caroline Stevens Rogers—who founded ATHM in 1960—said that the closure of ATHM will be a sad day, but that his grandmother was a big believer in change when change is needed. “She’d be the first to cry for a minute for the loss, but then say, ‘It’s been incredible. Look at all the good we’ve done.’”

###

About ATHM
Founded in 1960 and affiliated with the Smithsonian Institution, the American Textile History Museum (ATHM) in Lowell, Massachusetts, has been an unparalleled resource of knowledge about an industry that helped define the course of this country—and continues to shape our world today. With a mission to tell America’s story through the art, science, and history of textiles, ATHM houses the most significant integrated textile history collection in North America, with thousands of books, manuscripts, and images; millions of textile samples, flat textiles, and articles of clothing; as well as hundreds of textile-making tools and machines. The Osborne Library alone contains more than 90,000 books, manuscripts, postcards, trade literature, images, and periodicals. The Chace Catalogue provides online access to the artifact collections at www.athm.org. In addition to its core exhibit, the Museum offered rotating special exhibits, family-friendly interactive centers, events, lectures, classes, and workshops. Learn more at www.athm.org.

USITC Releases Seventh Annual Report on U.S. Textile and Apparel Imports from China

On June 13, 2016, the United States International Trade Commission ("USITC") released USITC Publication 4616, Investigation No. 332-501 Textile and Apparel Imports from China: Statistical Reports Annual Compilation 2015

Clients of Agathon Associates and subscribers to Agathon Associates' Trade Advisor Service can find more information about China at www.agathonassociates.com/textile-pri/china/index.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.

Important Note to Agathon Associates Clients

I’ll be out of the office with limited access to email and phone Tuesday through Friday. I’ll be working, but there may be a delay in responding to your emails. If you need to call, use my mobile number 617-285-6004.

David Trumbull
Licensed Customs Broker (Lic. #30179)
david@agathonassociates.com
617-237-6008
617-285-6004 mobile
Agathon Associates
6 Beacon Street, Suite 715, Boston MA 02108

Upholstered Furniture Company Okay'd for Foreign Trade Zone

On June 10, 2016, the Foreign Trade Zone Board published in the Federal Register (81 FR 37570) Subzone 230D; Authorization of Limited Production Activity; Klaussner Furniture Industries, Inc. (Upholstered Furniture); Asheboro and Candor, North Carolina.

On January 5, 2016, Klaussner Furniture Industries, Inc., operator of Subzone 230D, submitted a notification of proposed production activity to the Foreign Trade-Zones (FTZ) Board for its facilities within Subzone 230D, in Asheboro and Candor, North Carolina.

KFI has enjoyed authority to conduct cut-and-sew activity using certain foreign micro-denier suede upholstery fabrics to produce upholstered furniture and related parts (upholstery cover sets) on a restricted basis. Board Order 1745 authorized the production of upholstered furniture (sofas, sleep sofas, and recliners) for a five-year period, with a scope of authority that only provides FTZ savings on a limited quantity (5.79 million square yards per year) of foreign origin, micro-denier suede upholstery fabric finished with a hot caustic soda solution process (i.e., authorized fabrics). All foreign upholstery fabrics other than micro-denier suede finished with a hot caustic soda solution process (i.e., unauthorized fabrics) used in KFI's production within Subzone 230D are subject to full customs duties.

The request approved today extends KFI's existing FTZ authority indefinitely (with no increase in the company's annual quantitative limit of 5.79 million square yards) and adds foreign-status leather and certain polyurethane-type fabrics to the scope of authority. KFI also requested that the authority under Board Order 1745 be revised by modifying Condition #2 to allow KFI to admit unauthorized fabrics to Subzone 230D in privileged foreign status (19 CFR 146.41), which would preclude any change in customs classification through transformation under FTZ procedures. Pursuant to 15 CFR 400.14(b), additional FTZ authority 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 exempts KFI from customs duty payments on the foreign-status fabrics used in export production. On its domestic sales, KFI would be able to apply the finished upholstery cover set (i.e., furniture part) or finished furniture duty rate (free) for the authorized fabrics and the additional fabrics. Customs duties also could possibly be deferred or reduced on foreign-status production equipment.

Upholstery fabric maker STI and thread manufacturer American & Efird supported KFI's application.

Navy Clothing Contract Awarded

M&M Manufacturing LLC, Lajas, Puerto Rico, has been awarded a maximum $25,400,632 modification (P00121) exercising the second one-year option period of a one-year base contract (SPE1C1-14-D-1048) with four one-year option periods for Navy working uniform blouses and trousers. This is a firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract. Location of performance is Puerto Rico with a June 15, 2017, performance completion date. Using military service is Navy. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2016 through fiscal 2017 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Increase of Haiti HOPE knit apparel TPL from 70 million SMEs to 200 million SMEs for the annual period from October 1, 2015 to September 30, 2016

In accordance with the Haiti HELP legislation, because imports under the knit apparel TPL exceeded 52 million SMEs during the month of May 2016, the applicable quota level for the 2015/2016 annual period is automatically increased to 200 million SMEs. The quota level for the new annual period, from October 1, 2016 to September 30, 2017, will be 70 million SMEs until such time as imports reach or exceed 52 million SMEs.

Clients of Agathon Associates and subscribers to Agathon Associates' Trade Advisor Service can find more information about trade preferences for Haiti www.agathonassociates.com/textile-pri/haiti/trade.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.

Woolrich has been awarded a $186,150 Army contract for wool melton fabric.

Woolrich has been awarded a $186,150 Army contract for wool melton fabric.

Customs Proposed Changed Classification of Yarn with Higher Duty

In NY N200641, CBP classified the yarn called “Hooked Zpagetti” in subheading 5607.90.900, HTSUS, which provides for “Twine, cordage, ropes and cables, whether or not plaited or braided and whether or not impregnated, coated, covered or sheathed with rubber, or plastics: Other: Other.” It is now CBP’s opinion that the goods are properly classified in subheading 5606.00.0010, HTSUSA (Annotated), which provides for loop wale-yarn.

Similarly, in NY N244143 CBP classified Hoooked Zpagetti yarn sold as part of a craft kit in subheading 5607.90.9000, HTSUSA. It is now CBP’s opinion that the craft kit, with the yarn imparting the kit’s essential character, is also properly classified in subheading 5606.00.0010, HTSUSA.

The practical result will be an increase in the rate of duty from 6.3% to 8%. The importer is Orchard Yarn of Carlstadt, New Jersey.

Pursuant to 19 U.S.C. 1625(c)(1), CBP intends to revoke NY N200641, and modify NY N244143, as regards the Style Hoooked Zpagetti yarn and craft kit, and any other ruling not specifically identified in order to reflect the proper classification of the merchandise pursuant to the analysis set forth in Headquarters Ruling (HQ) H249752. Additionally, pursuant to 19 U.S.C. 1625(c)(2), CBP intends to revoke any treatment previously accorded by CBP to substantially identical transactions. Before taking this action, CBP will give consideration to any written comments received on or before July 8, 2016.

Top Nine Export Markets for Technical Textiles

On May 25, 2016, U.S. Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade Stefan M. Selig released 19 Top Markets Reports to provide U.S. exporters with the latest sector-specific export opportunities, including technical textiles.

The 2016 Technical Textiles Top Markets Report, produced by the U.S. Department of Commerce's International Trade Administration ("ITA"), forecasts global demand for U.S. technical textile products to increase 4 percent annually through 2017. Innovation and new technology coupled with trade relationships developed under existing and future free trade agreements will drive this increase in demand.

The Top Markets Report examines historical data from 2008 through 2015 plus forecasts demand for 2016 and 2017, and ranks 70 markets for overall technical textile exports. This study of the U.S. technical textiles market is intended to provide an analysis of the competitive landscape, including developing trends and key regions where U.S. producers could find new and continued opportunities for their products.

In addition to examining historical and future global demand for U.S. technical textile products, this Top Markets Report identifies nine key foreign markets where U.S. producers could see growth and opportunities to expand their market.

1. Brazil,
2. Canada,
3. China,
4. India,
5. Korea,
6. Mexico,
7. Singapore,
8. Taiwan, and
9. Vietnam.

Clients of Agathon Associates and subscribers to Agathon Associates' Trade Advisor Service can more at www.agathonassociates.com/textile-pri/technical-textiles/index.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.

DR-CAFTA Short Supply Request Filed Relating to Certain 2-Ply Polyester Yarn

Date Received	06/01/2016
Responses with Offer to Supply	06/15/2016
Rebuttal to Responses with Offer to Supply	06/21/2016
Projected Completion Date	07/14/2016
Company Name	ST&R for Polartec
Product	Certain 2-Ply Polyester Yarn HTSUS: 5402.33.60 Fiber Content: 100% Polyester (60-66% Cationic, 34-40% Disperse) Number of Plies: 2 Yarn Size: 122 Metric (73.8 denier/82 decitex) to 103 Metric (87 denier/97 decitex) Filaments: 144 total Yarn Properties: False Twist Textured – Mechanical process by which POY material(s) are heated, drawn, twisted/untwisted, and heat set in order to add bulk and comfort characteristics. 3.12 to 3.45 Break force/Tenacity (CN) (ISO 2062) 30.68 to 33.92% Elongation (ISO 2062) 7.5 to 8.5% Crimp contraction (ASTM D4031) 8.0 to 8.8% Shrinkage (ASTM D2259) 154 to 170 Interlace per meter (manual count in 10 cm section - extrapolated to 1 m) 2.5 to 2.7% Oil pick up (ASTM D2257) 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 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 yarn apply to the yarn itself prior to cutting, sewing and finishing of a finished garment. Such processing may alter the measurements.
Quantity Requested
Fabric, Fiber, or Yarn?	Yarn
Contact	Dybczak- Maria
File Number	202.2016.06.01.Yarn.ST&RforPolartec

LandForces 2016 Australia Asia Indo‐Pacific

AMENITIES: The Office of Texties and Apparel (OTEXA) of the U.S. Department of Commerce will feature a Sample Booth at the Show. Included in the package is the promotion of your products and samples at the show, the collection of leads that will be sent to each company in a spreadsheet after the Show and the opportunity for pre‐, concurrent, and post‐show publicity for your company. OTEXA Sample Booth U.S.A. Pavilion

LOCATION: Adelaide Convention Centre, Adelaide, Australia

LAND FORCES 2016 is Australia’s premier land defence exhibition and a leading land defence forum for Australia, Asia and the Indo‐Pacific region. LAND FORCES 2016 will be the perfect occasion for you to connect with the land defence community. Take the opportunity to engage, communicate, network and learn with unprecedented access to Australian and international companies, government officials and technology experts.

EXHIBITORS: Land Forces 2014 was a rich environment for the defence and industry professionals as 464 exhibitors from 22 countries showcased goods and services to more than 10,450 visitors from Australia and the Asia Indo‐Pacific. Exhibitors included companies from Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, India, Israel, Italy, Malaysia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Singapore, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, United Kingdom and the United States.

The Australian Army is undergoing its largest transformation in the last 50 years. As they look towards modernization, the industry reports that the Australian Army is seeking to drive innovation and effectiveness by identifying and developing technologies to enhance the fighting capabilities of frontline soldiers and tactical units. This transformation makes exhibiting at Land Forces 2016 an opportune way to showcase your brand and technical products while forming relationships with the land defence community. COST: $950 for 4‐5 samples not to exceed 20 yards or four book samples, company literature and business cards. Shipment of samples to and from Land Forces 2016 is the responsibility of the participant.

For questions please call Mary Lynn Landgraf at 202-482-7909 or email her at Mary-Lynn.Landgraf@trade.gov.

U.S.A. Pavilion Sample Booth at Offshore Northern Seas

U.S Department of Commerce, Office of Textiles & Apparel (OTEXA) Show Description: Offshore Northern Seas (ONS) is a biennial event, alternating with Offshore Europe. ONS 2016 is the next edition of the event and will add to over 40 years of exhibiting the advancements in the international oil and gas industry. ONS is one of the key industry exhibitions and conferences for offshore oil and gas industry. ONS provides a platform for the presentation of the political, innovation, economic and technological issues involving the international oil and gas industry. In recent years, Offshore Northern Seas has incorporated broader energy issues while maintaining its focus on the petroleum industry.

Why Should You Exhibit: This event gives you an inside look into new technologies and affords you the opportunity to showcase your advanced protective clothing to key players in the global oil and gas industry.

U.S.A. Pavilion Sample Booth

Register Now! Limited Space!

Date: 29 August -1 September 2016

Location: Stavanger Forum, Norway

Visitors: 91,862 visitors were in attendance in 2014. Over 100 nationalities represented as there were over 31,000 international visitors. Of the visitors, 59% were line managers and above. 200 members of the press were also in attendance. Exhibitors: 1,392 exhibitors from 39 countries were represented at ONS 2014. 50% were international exhibitors with 23 being national pavilions. Of these exhibitors, 74% acquired new contacts.

Amenities: The Office of Textiles and Apparel (OTEXA) of the U.S. Department of Commerce will feature a sample booth at the show. Included in the package is the promotion of your products and samples at the show, the collection of leads that will be sent to each company in a spreadsheet after the Show and the opportunity for pre-, concurrent, and post-show publicity for your company.

Cost: $950 for 4-5 samples not to exceed 20 yards or four book samples, company literature and business cards. Shipment of samples to and from ONS 2016 is the responsibility of the participant.

For questions please call Mary Lynn Landgraf at 202-482-7909 or email her at Mary-Lynn.Landgraf@trade.gov.

Army Duffel Bag Contract Awarded

Aurora Industries LLC, Camuy, Puerto Rico, has been awarded a maximum $47,338,830 firm-fixed-price contract for duffel bags. This is a two-year contract with no option years. This was a competitive acquisition with two responses received. Location of performance is Puerto Rico, with a May 30, 2018, performance completion date. Using service is Army. Types of appropriation are fiscal 2016 through fiscal 2018 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (SPE1C1-16-D-1055).

Army Boot Contract Awarded

McRae Industries Inc., Mount Gilead, North Carolina, has been awarded a maximum $15,104,919 modification (P00115) exercising the fourth one-year option period of a one-year base contract (SPM1C1-12-D-1057) with four one-year option periods for safety boots. This is a firm-fixed-price contract. Location of performance is North Carolina, with a May 31, 2017, performance completion date. Using military service is Army. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2016 through fiscal 2017 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

American Wool Council Unveils New American Wool Logo

The American Wool Council has adopted a new look that brings the industry's image up to par with the products being created everyday with this innovative, sustainable fiber.

A division of the American Sheep Industry Association, the American Wool Council developed a new logo after months of consultation with the Sterling-Rice Group of Boulder, Colo. American wool is vigorous enough to support the U.S. military on the frontlines of battle, yet elegant enough to grace red carpets and magazine covers.

From the most comfortable socks imaginable to outdoor apparel capable of standing up to the toughest conditions, modern-day American wool is an all-natural product that can even be worn next to the skin. It was imperative to develop a logo that captured such strength and refinement in one recognizable mark.

"It's vital for the wool industry that consumers recognize the value of American wool," said ASI Director of Wool Marketing Rita Kourlis Samuelson. "When you look at wool and its values, you come back to a natural, premium product that performs at a high level in a variety of circumstances. It can be sophisticated and beautiful, but it can also be innovative and dynamic. American wool is known for its unparalleled loft and versatility. The benefits of wool simply can't be matched by any other natural fiber."

The American wool logo will be featured on product tags, as well as in advertising to the international wool trade community. The logo will also appear in promotions for wool consumers. The American Wool Council will offer two logos, one for products made in America and one for products made elsewhere using American wool. Soon to come is a new consumer-oriented website at AmericanWool.org.

"The American spirit is alive in the fiber, fleece and fabric of natural American Wool," states an international advertisement featuring the new logo. "This is where happy, healthy sheep are raised to thrive in vast, open ranchlands. It's where bold shepherds and ranchers are genuine stewards of the earth - constantly seeking sustainable ways to ensure the future of this invaluable industry. This is America, where innovation is celebrated, tradition is respected and high performance reigns."

Hollander Sleep Products Recalls Mattress Pads Due to Violation of Federal Flammability Standard; Sold Exclusively at Bed Bath & Beyond

Recall Details

Units: About 4,700

Description: This recall involves all sizes of Wamsutta Dream Zone cotton 800 thread count mattress pads, manufactured from August 2015 through January 2016. Hollander Sleep Products, style number 266BB and the manufacture date are printed on a label on a side of the mattress pad.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported

Remedy" Consumers should immediately stop using the mattress pads and contact Hollander Sleep Products for postage paid shipping label and instructions on returning the product for a full refund.

Sold exclusively at Bed, Bath & Beyond stores nationwide and online at www.bedbathandbeyond.com from August 2015 through January 2016 for between $110 and $170.

Manufacturer(s): Hollander Sleep Products LLC, of Boca Raton, Fla.

Manufactured in U.S.

CPSC Official to Meet with Apparel and Footwear Association

On June 8th, Jim Joholske, Office of Import Surveillance, Consumer Product Safety Commission ("CPSC"), is schedule to attend a meeting of the American Apparel and Footwear Association ("AAFA") to provide an update on CPSC’s alpha efiling pilot to collect targeting/enforcement data.