2017 National Trade Estimate Report on Foreign Trade Barriers

On March 31, 2017, the Office of the United States Trade Representative published "2017 National Trade Estimate Report – Major Developments"

Among the notable changes in the last year in U.S. export market:

AFRICA

KENYA

• Import Restrictions: In June 2016, Kenya doubled the ad valorem duty rate on used clothing to 35 percent, or $0.40/kg, whichever is higher. It did so as a first step to implement a March 2016 decision by the East African Community (EAC) governments to eliminate imports of used clothing and footwear within three years. According to the Secondary Materials and Recycled Textiles Association, a U.S. industry association, shutting this market would negatively impact U.S. exports representing thousands of U.S. jobs.

WESTERN HEMISPHERE

CANADA

• Canada Increases Foreign Investment Review Threshold: On November 1, 2016, Canada announced that the threshold for review for foreign investment will be raised to C$1 billion in 2017, two years sooner than originally planned.
• United States Requests WTO Consultations on Wine Sales Policies in British Columbia: In January 2017, the United States initiated WTO dispute settlement regarding the sale of wine in British Columbia grocery stores. These measures allow only British Columbia wines to be sold on grocery store shelves and appear to breach Canada’s WTO national treatment commitments.

COLOMBIA

• Distilled Spirits: On December 19, 2016, Colombia adopted a law reforming tax treatment of distilled spirits and federal oversight of provincial-level alcohol monopolies. The new law, effective January 1, 2017, replaces the previous tax structure (which appeared to result in lower tax rates on spirits produced locally) with a more neutral combination of a “specific tax” based on alcohol content and an ad valorem tax on the retail price. The law also includes provisions that are aimed at disciplining discriminatory practices of the provincial-level alcohol monopolies.
• Mobile Phone Import and Export Decree: In December 2016, the trade ministry published a decree reversing a prohibition on imports of mobile devices and parts via mail or express delivery, with some limitations, and allows more flexibility with respect to the documentary requirements for the export of used phones, e.g., for servicing and repair, or recycling and safe disposal of electronic waste. In a prior decree issued in October 2015, Colombia’s trade ministry limited the import and export of smart phones and their parts. Additionally, the decree prohibited all imports and exports of mobile devices and parts via mail or express delivery, and travelers entering Colombia were limited to carrying no more than three devices as personal items.

ECUADOR

• Liberalization measures:
• Ecuador began easing tariff surcharges in January 2016, with a commitment to fully eliminate the surcharges by June 2017.
• Ecuador eliminated automobile and cellular telephone import quotas beginning on January 1, 2017.
• On August 16, 2016, the Ecuadorian Institute of Intellectual Property (IEPI) issued Resolution 001-2016-CD-IEPI, which lowered exorbitant fees for registration and maintenance of patents, in line with international practice.

HONDURAS

• Honduras Commits to Strengthen Protection and Enforcement of Intellectual Property: Honduras implemented a Work Plan, finalized in early 2016, to improve the protection and enforcement of intellectual property in Honduras. The plan addresses the need for more effective administrative and criminal enforcement against intellectual property violations, including by combatting cable and satellite signal piracy. The United States worked closely with Honduras to support and monitor its efforts.

MEXICO

• Major Reforms in Energy and Telecommunications:
• In 2016, regulations were completed to implement the law passed in 2013 making sweeping reforms in Mexico’s energy sector, paving the way for new investment by U.S. companies in deep and ultra-deep water exploration. Energy reform legislation opened Mexico’s oil and gas sector to private participation for the first time since 1938 and allows greater private investment in power generation.
• In the telecommunications sector, reform legislation adopted in 2013-2014 addressed longstanding market access barriers, such as limitations on foreign investment in broadcasting, and sought to eliminate the dominance of near monopolistic companies in the wireless, fixed telephony, and broadcasting markets. By 2016, increased competition had led to declining consumer prices and improved quality of service in the wireless sector, and a U.S. firm had become Mexico’s third largest carrier and announced plans for significant expansion.

CHINA

• Excess Capacity: Chinese government industrial policies and financial support in manufacturing sectors like steel and aluminum have contributed to massive excess capacity in China, with the resulting over-production and increased exports distorting global markets and hurting U.S. producers and workers in both the U.S. market and third country markets where U.S. exports compete with Chinese exports. This excess capacity has led to lower global prices and a glut of supply that undermine the viability of even the most competitive manufacturers. While China has begun to take steps to address steel excess capacity, these steps have been inadequate to date, and even fewer efforts have been taken by China in aluminum and other sectors.
• Cybersecurity Regime: U.S. and global concerns have heightened over a series of Chinese cybersecurity measures that would impose severe restrictions on a wide range of U.S. and other foreign information and communications technology (ICT) products and services with an apparent long-term goal of replacing foreign ICT products and services with Chinese-made ICT products and services in China’s market. Concerns center on requirements in sectors that China deems “critical” that ICT equipment and other ICT products and services be “secure and controllable” and that certain cross-border data flows would be restricted. While China has made some bilateral commitments in response to particular concerns raised by the United States, China continues to move forward with its cybersecurity regime and problems continue to arise.
• Forced Technology Transfer: China uses a range of measures to engineer the transfer of foreign technology to China. For example, China denies certain financial or regulatory incentives to companies that do not own their intellectual property (IP) in China, do not conduct large amounts of R&D in China, and/or do not manufacture products in China. China also reportedly conditions foreign investment approvals on technology transfers to Chinese entities; mandates adverse licensing terms on foreign IP licensors; uses the anti-monopoly laws to extract technology on unreasonable terms; and subsidizes acquisitions of foreign high-technology firms to bring technology to the Chinese parent companies. Additionally, structural gaps and inconsistencies in intellectual property rights protection and enforcement allow Chinese entities to appropriate foreign IP. For example, misappropriation of trade secrets allegedly for the benefit of Chinese companies has occurred both within China and outside of China.
• Online Piracy: Online piracy continues on a large scale in China, affecting a wide range of industries, including those involved in distributing legitimate music, motion pictures, books and journals, software, and video games.
• Agricultural Biotechnology: Overall delays in China’s approval process for agricultural products derived from biotechnology worsened in 2016, creating increased uncertainty among traders and resulting in adverse trade impact, particularly for U.S. exports of corn. In addition, the asynchrony between China’s product approvals and the product approvals made by other countries widened. China has made repeated bilateral commitments to work with the United States and to improve its approval process, without demonstrable progress. Currently, eight products of importance to U.S. export interests are awaiting biotechnology approval in China.
• Beef: China’s longstanding import ban on U.S. beef creates a significant trade barrier that appears to lack scientific justification and consistency with international standards. Even though the United States is internationally recognized by the World Organization on Animal Health (OIE) as one of the safest producers of beef and has “negligible risk” status, China has banned imports of U.S. beef since 2003, and it is seeking to impose onerous requirements on future imports of U.S. beef, including full traceability of the cow from birth farm to slaughter facility.
• Electronic Payment Services: U.S. suppliers of electronic payment services (EPS) remain blocked from operating in China’s market. Even though the United States won a WTO dispute in 2012 confirming China’s obligation to permit foreign suppliers to provide EPS for domestic currency payment card transactions, no foreign supplier has obtained a license to enable them to commence these operations in China.

SOUTH AND CENTRAL ASIA

INDIA

• Intellectual Property Rights: India remained on the Priority Watch List in the 2016 Special 301 Report because of concerns regarding weak protection and enforcement of intellectual property rights (IPR). Despite engagement and progress on discreet IPR issues of the past year, India has yet to undertake the meaningful reforms necessary to achieve India's innovation and investment goals. Overall, the incremental positive steps forward were far overshadowed by intransigence on longstanding IPR concerns and alarming new developments.
• Localized Safety Testing Requirements: For certain ICT products, the Indian government mandates that manufacturers register their products with laboratories affiliated or certified by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), even if the products are already certified by internationally recognized laboratories. India has expanded the list of ICT products subject to testing. The ICT industry is facing significant delays in product registration due to lack of Indian government testing capacity, a cumbersome registration process, and tens of millions of dollars in additional compliance costs, which includes factory-level as well as component-level testing.
• Wholesale Labeling: India agreed to no longer require an importer's name and address to be sewn onto bulk packaging, a requirement that increased costs and delays for U.S. exporters.

KAZAKHSTAN

• Lowered Tariffs: On January 1, 2016, Kazakhstan lowered tariff rates on certain food products, automobiles, airplanes, railway wagons, lumber, alcoholic beverages, pharmaceuticals, freezers, and jewelry in order to implement its WTO tariff commitments to lower 3,512 tariff rates to an average of 6.1 percent by 2020.

SOUTHEAST ASIA

VIETNAM

• Electronic Payment Services: In 2016, to promote the development of a local electronic payments industry, the Vietnamese Government issued Circular 19, mandating all credit and debit transactions be processed through a national switch starting in 2018, which will hinder competitiveness of foreign payment suppliers.

INDONESIA

• Restrictions on Agricultural Imports: Indonesia administers trade-restrictive import licensing requirements that have impeded imports of horticultural products, animals, and animal products. In December 2016, the WTO issued the dispute settlement panel report, finding for the United States and co-complainant New Zealand on 18 out of 18 claims that Indonesia is applying import restrictions and prohibitions that are inconsistent with WTO rules. In February 2017, Indonesia appealed the ruling.
• Restrictions on Imports of Mobile Technology: Indonesia imposes burdensome import licensing requirements for cell phones, handheld computers, and tablets. In 2016, Indonesia adopted regulations that require importers of devices with 4G technology to provide evidence of contributions to the development of the domestic device industry or cooperation with domestic manufacturing, design, or research firms in order to obtain an import permit.

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Read the full report HERE.

Certain Woven Textile Fabrics and Products Containing Same; Issuance of a General Exclusion Order

On March 24, 2017, the United States International Trade Commission published in the Federal Register (82 FR 1506), notice the Commission has issued a general exclusion order barring entry of certain woven textile fabrics and products containing same.

The Commission instituted this investigation on December 18, 2015, based on complaint filed by AAVN, Inc. of Richardson, Texas ("AAVN"). The complaint alleged violations of section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930, as amended (19 U.S.C. 1337), in the importation into the United States, the sale for importation, or the sale within the United States after importation of certain woven textile fabrics and products containing same, by reason of false advertising.

AAVN accused Pradip of false advertising, specifically alleging that Pradip misrepresented the thread count of sheets manufactured in India, imported into the United Sates, and sold in United States department stores.

The Commission has determined that the appropriate remedy in this investigation is a general exclusion order prohibiting the entry of certain woven textile fabrics and products containing same that are falsely advertised through a isrepresentation of thread count.

Andrew Lock and Other CPSC Staff Participating in the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 277 Upholstered Furniture Secondary Task Group

Dr. Andrew Lock, Directorate for Laboratory Sciences, and other CPSC staff listening to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 277 Upholstered Furniture Secondary Task Group meeting to monitor voluntary standards development for upholstered furniture; 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m., NFPA Headquarters, One Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02169, May 25, 2017.

New Request for Commercial Availability Determination under the U.S.-Central America-Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR): Certain Printed Modal Rayon/Polyester Woven Fabric

The Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements (CITA) is considering Commercial Availability Request for certain cotton shirting fabrics, as specified below.

Responses are due by 11:59 P.M. (EST), April 3, 2017. Rebuttals to Responses are due by 11:59 P.M. (EST), April 7, 2017.

SPECIFICATIONS: Certain Woven Modal-Polyester Print Fabric

HTSUS: 5516.14; 5516.24

Fiber Content: 52-95% spun modal rayon; 5-48% filament polyester

Yarn Size:
Spun Modal Rayon - 32/1 to 88/1 (metric)
Filament Polyester - 52 to 122 (metric)

Thread Count: 31 to 60 warp ends per cm (metric); 25 to 40 filling picks per cm (metric)

Weave type: Plain weave, or twill or dobby or jacquared or oxford or satin

Weight: 100 - 300 grams per sq. meter

Width: 137 to 153 cm (metric)

Coloration: Print

Finishing processes: Sandwash in combination with or without one ore more of the following: Wicking, UV blocker, peached, stain-resistant, teflon finish, insect resistance.

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI): MARKET SURVEY FOR COLD TEMPERATURE AND ARCTIC PROTECTION SYSTEM MATERIALS, END ITEMS, AND CLOTHING SYSTEMS

The U.S. Army Natick Soldier Research, Development and Engineering Command (NSRDEC), Natick, Mass., is conducting a market investigation to identify domestic suppliers and manufacturers of potential sources for materials, individual garment items and complete clothing systems for the development of a Cold Temperature and Arctic Protection System (CTAPS). This RFI will exclude handwear and footwear. The effort will develop a multi-layer system that will provide a minimum of no melt and no drip next-to-skin layers, environmental protection from wind and water, and provide tailorable protection for temperatures spanning a range from 45˚F to -65˚F in as few garments as possible.

The new cold weather materials, end items, and systems should be light weight with better durability, provide high compressibility/good recovery for packing in the ruck, have improved moisture management, and be fast drying while maintaining insulation. The performance of the current seven layer Extended Cold Weather Clothing System (ECWCS) Generation III is the baseline for characteristics and protection upon which materials, individual garments, and complete clothing systems will be compared. The individual garments or layers of the clothing system can be categorized into three areas: base layer (next-to-skin), insulating layer, and outer shell. While flame resistance is not a requirement at this time, materials and items that are flame resistant will be considered. It is also desired to expand no melt/no drip performance beyond the base layers without negatively impacting other performance attributes.

The Government will require 90 days after the 21 April 2017 submission date to make an initial assessment of the proposed technology(s) potential to fulfill CTAPS needs. The Government will integrate selected technologies and designs into test garments for field evaluation in winters 2018 and 2019 to establish operational effectiveness and Soldier acceptance. A test method matrix upon which materials and/or end item garments and systems will be evaluated is attached. Concurrently, NSRDEC will be seeking test methods to better predict operational effectiveness in the field. The Purchase Descriptions of the current ECWCS materials are available upon request. Interested sources may submit any combination of material samples (textiles), end item samples (garments), or complete system samples (ensembles) along with technical information as outlined in item (a) below. The samples will be degraded or destroyed during evaluation and will not be returned to the vendor. If a source chooses to submit samples, no payment will be made by the Government for such samples. The following information shall be included in the written response:

a. A material/product description to include: fiber blend percentages, finishes, and Berry compliance (or Berry compliant potential) documentation. The supplier must identify the technical parameters of materials and end items with documented test/analysis information as available that would substantiate capability advancement compared to the required physical properties and additional standard test matrix list. If the required colors are not submitted, the manufacturer must provide information that the materials can be successfully dyed and printed in the required colors. If a supplier submits multiple materials or samples to fulfill a requirement, they must identify the advantage/disadvantages of their competing products.

b. The finished cloth or end item shall not present a dermal health hazard when used as intended and tested. The vendor must furnish information, which certifies that the finished product is composed of materials, which have been safely used commercially or provided sufficient toxicity data to show compatibility with prolonged, direct skin contact.

AAFA RELEASES 18TH EDITION OF RESTRICTED SUBSTANCES LIST

On March 16, 2017, The American Apparel & Footwear Association released the 18th edition of the Restricted Substances List (RSL), the industry's chemical management resource for banned or restricted chemicals and substances in finished home textile, apparel, and footwear products around the world. The list is available for all industry professionals.

"Maintaining a responsible and compliant supply chain is both essential to running a good business and to being a good world citizen," said Rick Helfenbein, president and CEO of the American Apparel & Footwear Association. "The RSL is the go-to resource for apparel and footwear professionals tasked with tracking restricted and banned substances. As national and international regulations are continuously evolving, it can be difficult to keep track of the latest regulations. That is why AAFA does the heavy lifting for the entire industry with this report, to ensure that the products being sold in stores are safe for consumers."

The 18th edition of the RSL covers 12 categories with more than 250 chemicals and is updated to reflect additions or changes to regulations and laws that restrict or ban certain chemicals in apparel, footwear, and finished home textile products. AAFA's RSL Taskforce reviews and updates the RSL every six months to reflect the latest global regulatory changes.

With its commitment to supporting responsible production throughout the supply chain, AAFA offers access to the RSL to the entire apparel and footwear industry. It can be downloaded here.

About the RSL

The Restricted Substance List (RSL) was created in 2007 by a special working group of the American Apparel & Footwear Association's (AAFA) Environmental Task Force. The RSL is intended to provide apparel and footwear companies with information related to regulations and laws that restrict or ban certain chemicals and substances in finished home textile, apparel, and footwear products around the world. RSL serves as a practical tool for the entire supply chain to become more aware of various national regulations governing the amount of substances that are permitted in finished home textile, apparel, and footwear products. The list is updated every six months.

Dept. of Commerce Publishes AD and CVD Orders Relating to Silica Fabric from China

On March 17, 2107, the U.S. Department of Commerce published an Antidumping Duty Order and Countervailing Duty Order relating to certain amorphous silica fabric from the People’s Republic of China.

The product covered by this order is woven (whether from yarns or rovings) industrial grade amorphous silica fabric, which contains a minimum of 90 percent silica (SiO2) by nominal weight, and a nominal width in excess of 8 inches. The order covers industrial grade amorphous silica fabric regardless of other materials contained in the fabric, regardless of whether in roll form or cut-to-length, regardless of weight, width (except as noted above), or length. The order covers industrial grade amorphous silica fabric regardless of whether the product is approved by a standards testing body (such as being Factory Mutual (FM) Approved), or regardless of whether it meets any governmental specification.

Industrial grade amorphous silica fabric may be produced in various colors. The order covers industrial grade amorphous silica fabric regardless of whether the fabric is colored. Industrial grade amorphous silica fabric may be coated or treated with materials that include, but are not limited to, oils, vermiculite, acrylic latex compound, silicone, aluminized polyester (Mylar[supreg]) film, pressure-sensitive adhesive, or other coatings and treatments. The order covers industrial grade amorphous silica fabric regardless of whether the fabric is coated or treated, and regardless of coating or treatment weight as a percentage of total product weight. Industrial grade amorphous silica fabric may be heat-cleaned. The order covers industrial grade amorphous silica fabric regardless of whether the fabric is heat-cleaned.

Industrial grade amorphous silica fabric may be imported in rolls or may be cut-to-length and then further fabricated to make welding curtains, welding blankets, welding pads, fire blankets, fire pads, or fire screens. Regardless of the name, all industrial grade amorphous silica fabric that has been further cut-to-length or cut-to-width or further finished by finishing the edges and/or adding grommets, is included within the scope of this order.

Subject merchandise also includes (1) any industrial grade amorphous silica fabric that has been converted into industrial grade amorphous silica fabric in China from fiberglass cloth produced in a third country; and (2) any industrial grade amorphous silica fabric that has been further processed in a third country prior to export to the United States, including but not limited to treating, coating, slitting, cutting to length, cutting to width, finishing the edges, adding grommets, or any other processing that would not otherwise remove the merchandise from the scope of the order if performed in the country of manufacture of the in-scope industrial grade amorphous silica fabric.

Excluded from the scope of the order is amorphous silica fabric that is subjected to controlled shrinkage, which is also called ``pre-shrunk'' or ``aerospace grade'' amorphous silica fabric. In order to be excluded as a pre-shrunk or aerospace grade amorphous silica fabric, the amorphous silica fabric must meet the following exclusion criteria: (l) The amorphous silica fabric must contain a minimum of 98 percent silica (SiO2) by nominal weight; (2) the amorphous silica fabric must have an areal shrinkage of 4 percent or less; (3) the amorphous silica fabric must contain no coatings or treatments; and (4) the amorphous silica fabric must be white in color. For purposes of this scope, ``areal shrinkage'' refers to the extent to which a specimen of amorphous silica fabric shrinks while subjected to heating at 1800 degrees F for 30 minutes.

Also excluded from the scope are amorphous silica fabric rope and tubing (or sleeving). Amorphous silica fabric rope is a knitted or braided product made from amorphous silica yarns. Silica tubing (or sleeving) is braided into a hollow sleeve from amorphous silica yarns.

Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act: Impact on U.S. Industries and Consumers and on Beneficiary Countries

On March 17, 2017, the USITC published in the Federal Register (82 FR 14231) Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act: Impact on U.S. Industries and Consumers and on Beneficiary Countries; Scheduling of public hearing and opportunity to submit information in connection with the Commission's 23rd report.The report will cover trade with the 17 beneficiary countries: Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, British Virgin Islands, Cura[ccedil]ao, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Montserrat, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago.

Bell Bottomed Trousers, Coat of Navy Blue

The article below is scheduled to run in the Friday, March 17, 2017, edition of the Boston Post-Gazette newspaper.

Bell Bottomed Trousers, Coat of Navy Blue
by David Trumbull

Navy's Decision to Abandon the Iconic Pea Coat Threatens Local Business

Since 1967 Sterlingwear of Boston, an East Boston manufacturer of outwear, has been the sole official supplier to the U.S. Navy of the pea coats that are so emblematic of that branch of the service. Now the Navy has announced that it plans to abandon a centuries' old custom, eliminate the navy-blue wool pea coat from sea bags, and replace it with a black nylon parka made in Puerto Rico.

"The negative impact that this decision has on our business is unparalleled in our long history of working with the U.S. Navy," said David Fredella, VP/COO Sterlingwear of Boston. He continued, "The numerous small businesses that rely on this product and the many employees that will be affected by this decision cannot be overstated. It is imperative that this decision be revisited and reversed."

Sterlingwear of Boston has enjoyed a long and mutually beneficial relationship with the U. S. Navy. In times of need, the Boston manufacturer has responded and provided the necessary pea coats when needed, as well as, accommodating design and material changes over the years.

"The impact of this decision is far reaching and will affect the lives of so many who currently work in the textile and apparel industry which is already severely impacted by the loss of manufacturing and jobs to overseas," said Jack Foster, Director of Marketing Sterlingwear of Boston.

The new Parka will be worn shipboard and is not flame resistant. It is constructed of nylon and other synthetic materials. Wool, as in the traditional pea coat, is naturally flame resistant, with wool being one of the greatest natural bio¬degradable flame resistants known to the industry.

The effects of this ill-considered plan will ripple throughout Boston and New England. Every small East Boston business frequented by Sterlingwear employees will see a downturn in business if the garment maker is forced to lay off workers due to the loss of this contract.

Two of my clients, American Woolen Company and Northwest Woolen Mill, are the principal suppliers to Sterlingwear. It was Sam Brickle at Northwest Woolen Mill in Woonsocket, R.I., who first told me of this threat to our local New England manufacturing industries. Sam's mill, in cooperation with American Woolen Company in Stafford Springs, Connecticut, takes sheep's wool and transforms it into the durable, warm, and attractive fabric that Sterlingwear uses to produce a proudly made in the USA pea coat.

I'll let Sterlingwear have the last word. "To discontinue this garment that means so much, to so many, will be a disservice to those who have proudly worn or who currently wears the U.S. Navy Peacoat," Jack Foster, Sterlingwear of Boston.

Dept. of Defense Apparel Contracts Awarded

Pentaq Manufacturing Corp., Sabana Grande, Puerto Rico, has been awarded a maximum $27,133,200 modification (P00139) exercising the fourth one-year option of a one-year base contract (SPM1C1-13-D-1036) with four one-year option periods for various types of coats. The modification brings the maximum dollar value of the contract to $55,389,227 from $27,539,112. This is a firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract. Locations of performance are Puerto Rico, Alabama, and North Carolina, with a Sept. 17, 2018, performance completion date. Using customers are Army and Afghanistan government. Types of appropriation are fiscal year 2017 through 2018 defense working capital; and foreign military sales funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

API LLC, Camuy, Puerto Rico, has been awarded a maximum $12,258,950 modification (P00131) exercising the fourth one-year option of a one-year base contract (SPM1C1-13-D-1037) with four one-year option periods for various types of coats. The modification brings the maximum dollar value of the contract to $25,482,813 from $13,223,863. This is a firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract. Locations of performance are Puerto Rico and North Carolina, with a March 17, 2018, performance completion date. Using military service is Army. Type of appropriation is fiscal year 2017 through 2018 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Matouk: A Third-Generation Family Business Looks to the Future

Fall River, Massachusetts, home textiles manufacturer, John Matouk & Co., Inc.is thriving by concentrating on a high-end niche in the market. “Our focus is on the ultra-luxury category," says the company's CEO. “And we treat quality as a religion." READ THE REST OF THE ARTICLE AT https://www.americanexpress.com/us/small-business/openforum/articles/matouk-a-third-generation-family-business-looks-to-the-future/.

Uncertain Trading times ahead for technical textiles sector

By Jens Kastner 01 March 2017, "One month after staunch free-trade opponent Donald Trump became US president, there are many policy decisions still to be confirmed and clarified to get a full idea of the impact his presidency will have on the trade in technical textiles. His accession comes during an unstable time for international trade – it is arguably even less clear how the UK’s planned exit from the EU will work out for the sector." Read the entire story, in which David Trumbull is quoted, at http://www.wtin.com/article/2017/february/270217/uncertain-trading-times-ahead-for-technical-textiles-sector/. FREE REGISTRATION REQUIRED

LIVLY Recalls Children’s Sleepwear Due to Violation of Federal Flammability Standard

Recall Details Report an Incident Involving this Product

Units:

About 1,200

Description:

This recall involves children’s robes and two-piece pajama sets. The recalled two-piece sets are a long-sleeve top and pants and have a sewn-in side fabric label that has “LIVLY,” “www.livlyclothing.com” and RN number 146214 printed on it. The two-piece sets also have a printed label with “LIVLY” on the back of the neck and at the back of the pants. The recalled robes have a chest pocket on the left side with the word “Mini” embroidered on it, two pockets at the bottom and one snap-closure on the right side above the abdomen for closure. A belt is attached to the center back of the robe and an outline of a sleeping face is embroidered on the back of the robe. A fabric label with “LIVLY” and the size is sewn on the inside of the neck of the robe.

 

Clothing Item	Color/Print	Fabric	Sizes
Children’s two-piece (long-sleeve top and pants) sleepwear sets	Princess Land Pink, Princess Land Blue, Mauve Flower, Pink, Blue Dots, Clouds, Reptiles, Neon Roses, Green Fog, Grey and Black Stars, Pink and Grey Stars, Grey to the Moon and Back, Black to the Moon and Back, and Mini Sleeping Cutie	100% cotton	12-18 months through 12
Children’s long-sleeve robes	White with black piping trim	100% cotton	S, M, L

Incidents/Injuries:

None reported

 

Remedy:

Consumers should immediately take the recalled children’s clothing away from children and contact LIVLY for a full refund.

Sold At:

Baby Elaine, Bluebelle, Le Bambini, The Hosiery Boutique, LIVLY and other specialty stores and online at Gilt.com, LivlyClothing.com and other websites from February 2016 through January 2017 for about $55 for the children’s two-piece pajama sets and $78 for the children’s robes.

Importer(s):

LCK Design LLC d/b/a Livly Clothing, Sunny Isles, Fla.

Manufactured In:

Peru

Milliken Named an Ethisphere Institute 2017 World’s Most Ethical Company for 11th Year

Milliken, a global innovation company with textile, specialty chemical, and manufacturing expertise, has been recognized by the Ethisphere® Institute, a global leader in defining and advancing the standards of ethical business practices, as a 2017 World’s Most Ethical Company®.

Milliken has been recognized as a World’s Most Ethical Company for 11 years, every year since the award was first given in 2007 – a consecutive distinction given to only 13 companies. This year, it is one of only 20 privately-owned companies receiving the honor. The decade-long distinction underscores Milliken’s commitment to leading ethical business standards and practices.

“How Milliken grows is equally as important as how much we grow – this is an integral belief that each Milliken associate holds, and that directs their work daily. It is an honor to be annually recognized for this perspective on a successful, values-based business,” shared Milliken & Company President, CEO and Chairman, J. Harold Chandler.

The 150-year-old company has developed a long-standing reputation of engaged corporate citizenship throughout its headquarter community of Spartanburg, South Carolina, with a combined associate and company foundation donation of more than $500,000 to local nonprofits in 2016 alone. As environmental stewards, Milliken diverts waste from landfill, utilizes renewable energy and maintains a 600-acre corporate arboretum, where it hosts numerous community events. Moreover, Milliken locations around the world each engage in their local communities through philanthropic activities and meaningful career opportunities for associates and their families.

Twenty-seventeen is the eleventh year that Ethisphere has honored those companies who recognize their role in society to influence and drive positive change, consider the impact of their actions on their employees, investors, customers and other key stakeholders, and use their values and culture as an underpinning to the decisions they make every day.

“Over the last eleven years we have seen the shift in societal expectations, constant redefinition of laws and regulations and the geo-political climate. We have also seen how companies, such as Milliken, honored as the World’s Most Ethical respond consistently to these challenges. They invest in their local communities around the world, embrace strategies of diversity and inclusion, and focus on long term-ism as a sustainable business advantage,” explained Ethisphere’s Chief Executive Officer, Timothy Erblich. "Congratulations to everyone at Milliken for being recognized as a World's Most Ethical Company for more than a decade."

Methodology & Scoring

The World's Most Ethical Company assessment is based upon the Ethisphere Institute’s Ethics Quotient® (EQ) framework which offers a quantitative way to assess a company’s performance in an objective, consistent and standardized way. The information collected provides a comprehensive sampling of definitive criteria of core competencies, rather than all aspects of corporate governance, risk, sustainability, compliance and ethics.

Scores are generated in five key categories: ethics and compliance program (35%), corporate citizenship and responsibility (20%), culture of ethics (20%), governance (15%) and leadership, innovation and reputation (10%) and provided to all companies who participate in the process.

Honorees

The full list of the 2017 World's Most Ethical Companies can be found at http://worldsmostethicalcompanies.ethisphere.com/honorees/. Best practices and insights from the 2017 honorees will be released in a series of infographics and research throughout the year (view or download the 2016 insights). Organizations interested in how they compare to the World’s Most Ethical Companies are invited to participate in the Ethics Quotient.

About Milliken

For 150 years, Milliken has been innovating with the purpose to explore, discover and create ways to enhance people’s lives. Our community of innovators has developed one of the larger collections of United States patents held by a private U.S. company. With expertise across a breadth of disciplines, including specialty chemical, floor covering and performance materials, we work around the world every day to add true value to people’s lives, improve health and safety, and help make this world more sustainable. For more information, visit http://www.milliken.com and join them on Twitter and Facebook.

About the Ethisphere Institute

The Ethisphere® Institute is the global leader in defining and advancing the standards of ethical business practices that fuel corporate character, marketplace trust and business success. Ethisphere has deep expertise in measuring and defining core ethics standards using data-driven insights that help companies enhance corporate character. Ethisphere honors superior achievement through its World’s Most Ethical Companies recognition program, provides a community of industry experts with the Business Ethics Leadership Alliance (BELA) and showcases trends and best practices in ethics with the publication of Ethisphere Magazine. More information about Ethisphere can be found at: http://ethisphere.com.

Bolt Threads Brings a Glimpse of the Future of Advanced Materials to SXSW

On Friday, March 10th, Bolt Threads, a Bay Area-based biotechnology company creating the next generation of advanced materials, unveiled the company's first step towards commercial apparel production. At SXSW, the company will release a limited edition knit necktie made of 100 percent Boltspun spider silk—the first spider silk product ever available for purchase.

Bolt Thread's CEO, Dan Widmaier, will be showcasing the tie at his SXSW 2017 panel titled "Nature: The Future of Fashion and Tech." The unisex tie is 100 percent spider silk made by humans using the company's proprietary technology. It is the culmination of seven years and over 200 person-years of research and design, and embodies the company's mission to produce sustainable performance fabrics for commercial use.

"We wanted to demonstrate the reality of a completely new way of manufacturing textiles, one that has nearly unlimited potential for innovation and also produces a sustainable product," said Dan Widmaier, CEO at Bolt Threads. "Over the past seven years, a team of dozens of scientists, engineers, technicians, and designers has worked tirelessly to get us to this milestone. We're proud and excited about this achievement and what it means for the future of textile production. Bolt's first product is a precursor of what's to come."

Bolt Threads is releasing 50 limited edition synthetic spider silk neckties, which will be made available to the public to purchase on March 11. Ties will be sold on the company's website via a lottery, which opens on March 11 and closes on March 14. Winners of the lottery will be able to purchase a Boltspun silk tie and own a piece of history.

Co-founded in 2009 by CEO Dan Widmaier, Chief Scientific Officer David Breslauer, and Vice President of Operations Ethan Mirsky, Bolt Threads was born out of a curiosity about natural spider silk and the idea of engineering novel protein materials. Through its proprietary technology, the company has developed a way to closely mimic silk created in nature for mass commercial production, pioneering more sustainable and non-toxic processes for textile manufacturing.

Following its launch from stealth in 2015, Bolt Threads has continued to pique the interest of investors and partners alike. Last year, the company announced a $50 million round in Series C funding, along with a partnership with outdoor retailer Patagonia.

Navy Plans to Phase out Iconic Pea Coat

The change was announced in August, 2016, that, beginning in 2019, the Pea Coat and All-Weather Coat would be eliminated from sea bags. Starting 1 October 2018, the black Cold Weather Parka (CWP) would begin transition as the standard Navy outerwear worn with service and service dress uniforms and issued as a sea bag item for recruits and new accessions. The CWP will become a mandatory sea bag requirement for all sailors on 1 October 2020.

The announced change has the U.S. wool fiber, yarn, fabric, and apparel industry deeply concerned.

The impacted US Pea Coat supply chain:

• Northwest Woolen Mills(RI): Fabric Provider
• Sterlingwear of Boston(Mass): Prime vendor and Pea coat manufacturer.
• American Woolen Mills (Conn): Woolen Fabric Manufacturers
• GH Littlewood(PA) : Wool Dyers
• Chargeur Wool: (SC): Raw wool Providers

Questions and Concerns regarding the impending phase out of the Pea Coat.

• Did the Navy do an industry impact study?
• Did they factor in the future increase cost of other wool items due to the reduction of the textile supply chain?
• Did they factor in that some other wool military items may be impacted regarding availability and capacity.
• Are they aware that the Pea Coat is a small Business Set Aside and the Parka manufacturer is Located in Puerto Rico and is not a small business?
• Is the Parka Flame Retardant?

Note: The parka that they want to replace the pea cock with is made of 100% Nylon with a Gortex lining. This material will melt onto the skin if exposed to high temperature or direct fire. If it will not ignite , it will melt.

Call me a traditionalist, but I can't imagine the Navy without the Navy pea coat.

RDG Global Recalls Girls’ Hooded Sweatshirts Due to Strangulation Hazard; Sold Exclusively at Nordstrom

Recall Details

Units: About 2,600

Description: This recall involves RDG Global girls’ olive green-colored hooded sweatshirts with drawstrings inside the lining of the hood. The sweatshirts are polyester and spandex with a sherpa-lined hood. There is an asymmetric zipper on the front of the garment. They were sold in girls’ sizes S (6-7), M (8-10), and L (12). A blue size label with “Freshman 1996” and “Made in China” is located at the center back neck of the sweatshirts. Another label in the neck seam has the words RDG Global LLC and VB740 and 8K80375N. A label in the side seam has the care instructions and RN# 146919.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported

Remedy: Consumers should immediately remove the drawstrings from the garment to eliminate the hazard or contact RDG Global or Nordstrom for a full refund.

Sold Exclusively At: Nordstrom stores nationwide and online at www.Nordstrom.com from November 2016 through January 2017 for about $60.

Importer(s): RDG Global LLC, of New York

Manufactured In: China.

Distributor of Pulley Block Systems Settles with FTC, Agrees to Drop Misleading ‘Made in USA’ Claims

A Texas-based distributor of pulley block systems will stop making misleading unqualified claims that its products  are made in the United States, under a settlement with the Federal Trade Commission.

In its complaint against Block Division, Inc., the FTC alleges that the company deceived consumers with false, misleading, and unsupported claims that its pulley blocks and other products are “Made in USA.”

According to the complaint, for a period of several years, Block Division’s pulleys featured imported steel plates that entered the United States from overseas already stamped “Made in USA.” The complaint also alleges that Block Division used unqualified “Made in USA” claims in advertising on its website, in stores, through trade shows and authorized dealers, on social media, and through flyers and pamphlets to represent that these pulley blocks, other products, and the parts used to make them, were all or virtually all made in the United States. In fact, the complaint states, Block Division’s pulley blocks and other products include significant imported parts, which are essential to the function of those products.

“Consumers have the right to know that they can trust companies to be truthful when it comes to ‘Made in USA’ claims,” said Acting FTC Chairman Maureen Ohlhausen. “This is an important issue for American business and their customers, and the FTC will remain vigilant in this area.” This is the FTC’s second Made in USA case in five weeks.

The stipulated final order prohibits Block Division from making unqualified “Made in USA” claims for any product unless it can show that the product’s final assembly or processing – and all significant processing – take place in the United States, and that all or virtually all ingredients or components of the product are made and sourced in the United States. Under the order, any qualified Made in USA claims must include a clear and conspicuous disclosure about the extent to which the product contains foreign parts, ingredients, and/or processing.

Block Division also is prohibited from making any country-of-origin claims about its products unless the claims are true and not misleading, and unless the company has a reasonable basis for making them.

The Commission vote to issue the complaint and accept the proposed consent order was 2-0. The FTC will publish the consent agreement package in the Federal Register shortly. The agreement will be subject to public comment for 30 days, beginning today and continuing through April 7, 2017, after which the Commission will decide whether to make the proposed consent order final. Comments can be filed electronically or in paper form by following the instructions in the “Supplementary Information” section of the Federal Register notice.

NOTE: The Commission issues an administrative complaint when it has “reason to believe” that the law has been or is being violated, and it appears to the Commission that a proceeding is in the public interest. When the Commission issues a consent order on a final basis, it carries the force of law with respect to future actions. Each violation of such an order may result in a civil penalty of up to $40,654.

The FTC’s Enforcement Policy Statement on U.S. Origin Claims provides further guidance on the Made in USA standard.

President Trump Wants to Hear from Your about the Impact of Federal Regulations on Domestic Manufacturing

The U.S. Department of Commerce is seeking information on the impact of Federal permitting requirements on the construction and expansion of domestic manufacturing facilities and on regulations that adversely impact domestic manufacturers. As directed by President Trump's Memorandum of January 24, 2017, "Streamlining Permitting and Reducing Regulatory Burdens for Domestic Manufacturing," the Secretary of Commerce, in coordination with the Secretaries of Agriculture and Energy, the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, the Administrator of the Small Business Administration, and other appropriate agency heads, is conducting outreach to stakeholders concerning the impact of Federal regulations on domestic manufacturing, and is soliciting comments from the public concerning Federal actions to streamline permitting for the construction and expansion of domestic manufacturing facilities and to reduce regulatory burdens for domestic manufacturers.

Comments must be received by 5 p.m. Eastern time on March 31, 2017.

Responses to this Request for Information will inform the Secretary's report to the President which will set forth guidelines for Federal permitting and regulatory agencies to streamline Federal permitting processes for domestic manufacturing and reduce regulatory burdens affecting domestic manufacturers. The plan will be coordinated with related activities under existing laws and executive actions.

Regarding Manufacturing Permitting Processes, the Government Seeks Information On:

1. How many permits from a Federal agency are required to build, expand or operate your manufacturing facilities? Which Federal agencies require permits and how long does it take to obtain them?

2. Do any of the Federal permits overlap with (or duplicate) other federal permits or those required by State or local agencies? If the answer is yes, how many permits? From which Federal agencies?

3. Briefly describe the most onerous part of your permitting process.

4. If you could make one change to the Federal permitting process applicable to your manufacturing business or facilities, what would it be? How could the permitting process be modified to better suit your needs?

5. Are there Federal, State, or local agencies that you have worked with on permitting whose practices should be widely implemented? What is it you like about those practices?

Regarding Regulatory Burden/Compliance the Government Seeks Information On:

Please list the top four regulations that you believe are most burdensome for your manufacturing business. Please identify the agency that issues each one. Specific citation of codes from the Code of Federal Regulations would be appreciated.

2. How could regulatory compliance be simplified within your industry or sector?

3. Please provide any other specific recommendations, not addressed by the questions above, that you believe would help reduce unnecessary Federal agency regulation of your business.

Navy Apparel Contract Awarded

Bernard Cap Co., Hialeah Gardens, Florida, has been awarded a maximum $40,500,000 firm-fixed price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for the blue men's and women's jumpers. This was a competitive acquisition with four responses received. This is a one-year base contract with four one-year option periods. Maximum dollar value is for the life of the contract. Location of performance is Florida, with a March 21, 2022, completion date. Using military service is Navy. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2017 through 2022 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (SPE1C1-17-D-1025).

Customs Reverses Itself, Allows Duty Free Entry for Certain Plastic Rainwear

In Binding Ruling Letter NY N247420, of November 26, 2013, U.S. Customs and Border Protection ("CBP") classified rainwear consisting of an unlined jacket and a pair of trousers in heading 3926, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States ("HTSUS"), specifically in subheading 3926.20.60, HTSUS, which provides for “[o]ther articles of plastics and articles of other materials of headings 3901 to 3914: Articles of apparel and clothing accessories (including gloves, mittens and mitts): Other: Plastic rainwear, including jackets, coats, ponchos, parkas and slickers, featuring an outer shell of polyvinyl chloride plastic with or without attached hoods, valued not over $10 per unit.” The rate of duty for that classification is zero. CBP has reviewed NY N247420 and has determined the ruling letter to be in error. It is now CBP’s position that the unlined jacket and trousers are properly classified, by operation of General Rule of Interpretation 1, in heading 6210, HTSUS, specifically in subheading 6210.10.90, HTSUS, which provides for “[g]arments, made up of fabrics of heading 5602, 5603, 5903, 5906 or 5907: Of fabrics of heading 5602 or 5603: Other: Other: Other.” The rate of duty for that classification is 16%.

Agathon Associates reported on this in July 2016.

This week Customs and Border Protection reported (CUSTOMS BULLETIN AND DECISIONS, VOL. 51, NO. 10, MARCH 8, 2017) that one comment was received in response to the notice and that after further review, they have determined that no modification of the subject ruling is necessary.

The U.S. Government Needs to Hear from You

The U.S. Department of Commerce, is conducting a survey and assessment of the health and competitiveness of the U.S. textile, apparel, and footwear industry. The assessment, requested by the U.S. Congress, will update a similar study conducted for Congress in 2003. This survey covers topics including employment, production, supply chain, financial information, effectiveness of the Berry Amendment, and future industrial challenges. The resulting aggregate data and subsequent analysis will allow industry representatives and government policy officials to monitor trends, benchmark industry performance, and raise awareness of potential issues of concern.

Approximately 1,300 textile and/or apparel organizations representing all aspects of this sector are receiving this survey. Industry participation is vital to ensure a comprehensive dataset for the assessment.

Respondent companies should provide as much factual information as possible in order for BIS to “paint” as complete and accurate picture of the capability of domestic industry to produce textiles, apparel and footwear and to identify challenges to such production. To begin, download the Microsoft Excel formatted survey and corresponding instructions at https://www.bis.doc.gov/textileapparel

Bolger & O’Hearn Marches Toward Zero-Carbon Future with Solar Array

In its continuing effort to “go green” Bolger & O’Hearn outfitted its manufacturing facility and headquarters with a state-of-the-art solar array. This advanced array will produce an outstanding 87kWH of energy a day or 2,610 kWh a month!

“The decision to implement solar panels is really emblematic of our commitment to sustainability,” said Shaun O’Hearn, President of Bolger & O’Hearn

Within the textile chemical industry, Bolger & O’Hearn has been a leading innovator. Its latest innovations include Altopel F3, a durable water repellent that’s free of fluorine. The result is a textile finish that enhances durability and waterproofing without creating toxic fluorocarbon byproducts or harmful bio-accumulation.

“Bolger & O’Hearn is moving towards a zero-carbon future.” said Shawn Honeycutt, Sales Manager for Bolger & O’Hearn. “We have continued to make considerable investments in being the leader in eco-friendly sustainable manufacturing processes not only because that is what our customers want but more importantly it is what our organization wants.”

The Office of the United States Trade Representative releases President Trump’s 2017 Trade Policy Agenda

On March 1, 2017, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative ("USTR") released President Trump's 2017 Trade Policy Agenda, as required by Congress.

The 2017 Agenda outlines the new Administration’s four trade priorities: promoting U.S. sovereignty, enforcing U.S. trade laws, leveraging American economic strength to expand our goods and services exports, and protecting U.S. intellectual property rights.

USTR leads development and implementation of the President’s Trade Policy Agenda, which it provides with the Annual Report on trade developments. To read both, please click here.

CPSC Approves New Federal Safety Standard for Infant Sling Carriers

WASHINGTON, D.C. – To help keep infants and babies safe, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has approved a new federal mandatory standard intended to improve the safety of infant sling carriers and prevent deaths and injuries to young children.

Infant sling carriers are worn by the parent or caregiver and are designed to carry an infant/toddler in an upright or reclined position. Slings generally are intended for infants and toddlers between 8 and 35 pounds. Designs typically range from unstructured hammock-shaped products that suspend from the caregiver’s body, to long lengths of material or fabric that wrap around the caregiver’s body.

The new federal safety standard incorporates the most recent voluntary standard developed by ASTM International (ASTM F2907-15), Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Sling Carriers, with one modification regarding label attachments. CPSC’s rule modifies the ASTM standard to make warning labels more permanent by preventing the labels from being attached to the sling carrier along only one side of the label.

The mandatory standard contains several requirements for sling carriers including:

• loading to ensure that the sling can carry up to three times the manufacturer’s maximum recommended weight,
• structural integrity to ensure that after all testing, there are no seam separations, fabric tears, breakage, etc., and
• occupant retention to prevent the child being carried from falling out of the sling during normal use.

In addition, the standard requires sling carriers to come with warning labels and instructional literature. These requirements include:

• pictures to show the proper position of a child in the sling,
• a warning statement about the suffocation hazard posed by slings and prevention measures,
• warning statements about children falling out of slings, and
• a reminder for caregivers to check the buckles, snaps, rings and other hardware to make sure no parts are broken.

Between January 2003 and September 2016, 159 incidents were reported to CPSC involving sling carriers; 17 were fatal and 142 were nonfatal. Of the 142 nonfatal incidents, 67 reports involved an injury to the infant during use of the product. Among the 67 reported nonfatal injuries, 10 involved hospitalizations.

The effective date for the new mandatory infant sling carrier standard is one year after the final rule is published in the Federal Register.

CPSC advises parents and caregivers to be cautious when using infant slings for babies younger than four months of age. Slings can pose two different types of suffocation hazards to babies.

• In the first few months of life, babies cannot control their heads because of still developing neck muscles. The sling’s fabric can hold the baby in a position that blocks the baby’s breathing and rapidly suffocates a baby within a minute or two.
• Additionally, where a sling keeps the infant in a curled position bending the chin toward the chest, the airways can be restricted, limiting the oxygen supply. The baby will not be able to cry for help and can slowly suffocate.

CPSC recommends the following tips to parents and caregivers when using infant sling carriers.

• Make sure the infant’s face is not covered and is visible at all times to the sling’s wearer.
• If nursing the baby in a sling, change the baby’s position after feeding so the baby’s head is facing up and is clear of the sling and the mother’s body.
• Be vigilant about frequently checking their baby in a sling, always making sure nothing is blocking baby’s nose and mouth and baby’s chin is away from her chest.

The Commission is required by The Danny Keysar Child Product Safety Notification Act, Section 104(b) of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (CPSIA), to issue consumer product safety standards for durable infant or toddler products. In the past seven years, the Commission has approved new federal safety standards for durable infant or toddler products, including full-size cribs, non-full-size cribs, play yards, baby walkers, baby bath seats, children’s portable bed rails, strollers, toddler beds, infant swings, handheld infant carriers, soft infant carriers, framed infant carriers, bassinets, cradles and portable hook-on chairs.

Dillard’s Recalls Baby Jackets Due to Choking Hazard

Recall Details

Units: About 1,800 Description: This recall involves the Starting Out Baby Girls 3-24 Months Faux-Fur Hooded Bear Coat with style numbers F64CI801I and F64CI801N. The coat is labeled for children aged 3-24 months and has metal snap closures. It is an ivory faux fur coat with animal ears on the hood. The “Starting Out” logo and style number can be found on the tag sewn into the garment.

Incidents/Injuries: Dillard’s has received one report of snaps detaching. No injuries have been reported.

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled coat and return it to the nearest Dillard’s store for a full refund. To obtain a prepaid envelope to return the product by mail, customers can contact Dillard’s.

Sold At: Dillard’s stores nationwide and online at www.dillards.com from September 2016 through December 2016 for about $40.

Importer(s): Dillard’s Inc., of Little Rock, Ark.

Distributor(s): Dillard’s Inc., of Little Rock, Ark.

Manufactured In: China

Cotton Incorporated and PurThread Technologies Announce Collaboration

Cotton Incorporated and PurThread Technologies, Inc. announce a collaboration to bring PurThread’s permanently embedded anti-odor solution to cotton knit and woven fabrics.

Retail brands and consumers alike continue to seek fabrics that lend performance attributes while maintaining the luxurious look and feel of cotton. Cotton Incorporated has developed cotton-rich fabrics with PurThread that offer a nice hand and uniform colors, all while offering permanent anti-odor benefits.

PurThread’s inherent antimicrobial technology incorporates EPA-registered recycled silver salts into staple fiber and filament yarn at the extrusion level. This lends permanent fabric protection from odor-causing bacteria, mold, mildew and fungus, yielding antimicrobial benefits that do not wash away or wear off for the life of the fabric. It also does not change the fabric’s physical characteristics.

READ MORE AThttp://www.prweb.com/releases/2017/03/prweb14103178.htm.

Darlington Fabrics Receives ISO 9001:2015 Certification

Darlington Fabrics has been certified to the ISO 9001:2015 standard. This quality management system is applicable to the Design and Manufacture of Specialized Warp-Knit Fabrics.

ISO certification is based on a quality management system of well-defined and documented business procedures. Darlington has always been committed to quality products and services. The ISO certification ensures a productive environment through faster identification and resolution of quality issues.

The achievement of the ISO certification reinforces Darlington’s commitment to their quality management system, continual improvement and customer satisfaction. These business processes are integral in monitoring for possible defects during, and after, any manufacturing or finishing process.

The ISO certification was awarded by DNV-GL. DNV-GL is an accredited quality and environmental management systems certification body.

Darlington Fabrics, http://www.darlingtonfabrics.com, a warp knit manufacturer, is a division of The Moore Company, founded in 1909 and still focused on innovation. Sister divisions include The George C. Moore Company, Fulflex, Moeller Marine and Moeller Plastics. The Moore Company manufactures products in the United States. International manufacturing facilities complement domestic capabilities, while serving regional markets around the globe. For more information contact: Steven Perry 401-315-6346 or sperry(at)dfabrics(dot)com.

Army and Navy Clothing Contracts Awarded

DeRossi & Son Co. Inc., Vineland, New Jersey, has been awarded a maximum $10,730,232 modification (P00008) exercising the second one-year option period of a one-year base contract (SPE1C1-15-D-1033) with four one-year option periods for men's dress blue coats. This is a firm-fixed-price contract. Location of performance is New Jersey, with a March 3, 2018, performance completion date. Using military service is Army. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2017 through 2018 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Southwest Cutters-Justice Apparel Group LLC, El Paso, Texas, has been awarded a maximum $7,153,500 modification (P00014) exercising the first one-year option of a one-year base contract (SPE1C1-16-D-1034) with four one-year option periods for blue physical fitness jackets. The modification brings the total cumulative face value of the contract to $11,460,098 from $4,306,598. This is an indefinite-delivery contract. Location of performance is Texas, with a March 4, 2018, performance completion date. Using military service is Navy. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2017 through 2018 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Texas Tech Univ. Awarded Contract to Supply Yarns for Vintage Looms at Lowell, Mass., National Park

The U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service intends to award a sole source purchase order to Texas Tech University, Fiber & Biopolymer Research Institute, Lubbock, TX to supply yarn preparation/American upland cotton yarn, including spinning, warping and slashing on vintage 1913 Draper "E" model cam loom beams with beam heads 22" in diameter, and ranging in width between 25" and 43" between beam heads supplied by Lowell National Historic Park (NHP) and filling yarns for the Boott Cotton Mills Museum, Lowell NHP, Lowell, MA. Carded and combed cotton yarns vary between ne30 to ne10, rotor spun and/or rung spun. Slashing yardage runs between 5,000 yards of ne30 to 1,200 yards of ne8.

Army Clothing Contract Awarded

Short Bark Industries Inc., doing business as SBI, Vonore, Tennessee, has been awarded a maximum $24,561,300 modification (P00128) exercising the fourth one-year option of a one-year base contract (SPM1C1-13-D-1030) with four one-year option periods for various types of coats. The modification brings the maximum dollar value of the contract to $45,001,147 from $20,439,847. This is a firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract. Locations of performance are Puerto Rico, Tennessee and Mississippi, with a Sept. 8, 2018, performance completion date. Using customer is Army. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2017 through 2018 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.