Request for Comments on Certain Products Exclusions Related to COVID–19: China’s Acts, Policies, and Practices Related to Technology Transfer, Intellectual Property, and Innovation

On August 27, 2021, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative published in the Federal Register (86 FR 48280) Request for Comments on Certain Products Exclusions Related to COVID–19: China’s Acts, Policies, and Practices Related to Technology Transfer, Intellectual Property, and Innovation.

On December 29, 2020, USTR announced the extension of 80 product exclusions on medical-care and/or COVID response products; further modifications, in the form of 19 product exclusions, to remove Section 301 duties from additional medical-care and/or COVID response products; and that USTR might consider further extensions and/or modifications as appropriate. See 85 FR 85831 (the December 29 notice).

That notice included a few textile, apparel, and headgear articles:

5210.11.4040 and 5210.11.6020, relating to certain woven fabric of cotton,

5504.10.0000, relating to rayon staple fiber,

5603.12.0090, 5603.14.9090, and 5603.92.0090, relating to certain nonwoven fabrics,

6210.10.5010 and 6210.10.5090, relating to certain disposable, one-use apparel articles for medical use, and

6505.00.8010 relating to certain disposable, nonwoven hats.

On March 10, 2021, USTR announced the extension of these 99 exclusions to September 30, 2021; and that USTR might consider further extensions and/or modifications as appropriate. See 86 FR 13785.