Epoch Everlasting Play Recalls Kidoozie Play Tents and Playhouses Due to Flammability Risk and Burn Hazard

This recall involves Kidoozie Ice Castle Tent, King Size Medieval Castle, My Clubhouse, Pirate Den Playhouse, Pop Up Theater Tent, Pop Up Theater Tent (Red), Princess Hideaway Playhouse and Royal Castle Playhouse tents and playhouses. The tents and playhouses are made of nylon and mesh and sold with a nylon storage bag. All of the tents and playhouses, except the King Size Medieval Castle, measure about 36-inches squared width and about 54 inches high. The King Size Medieval Castle measures about 43-inches square width and about 55 inches high. “Epoch Everlasting Play” is written on a sewn-in label on the underside of the tent or playhouse.

More information and photos HERE.

Certain Fabrics of Triacetate Filament Yarns: Effect of Modification to U.S.-Korea FTA Rules of Origin

On July 27, 2022, the International Trade Commission published in the Federal Register (87 FR 45131) Certain Fabrics of Triacetate Filament Yarns: Effect of Modification to U.S.-Korea FTA Rules of Origin.

Flammability Standards for Children's Sleepwear

On July 27, 2022, the Consumer Product Safety Commission published in the Federal Register (87 FR 45089) Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request; Flammability Standards for Children's Sleepwear.

Estimated Number of Respondents: Based on a review of past inspections and published industry information, CPSC staff estimates that there could be as many as 866 domestic children's apparel manufacturers in the United States subject to the rule. However, not all these manufacturers will produce children's sleepwear. Therefore, this figure is likely an overestimate of the actual number of firms performing tests and creating records in any given year. Furthermore, using the Harmonized Tariff System (HTS) codes for children's sleepwear, CPSC staff found approximately 3,641 importers that supply children's sleepwear to the U.S. market. Many of the 866 domestic manufacturers, along with many large U.S. retailers, may be among the importers. However, if all 866 U.S. producers and, in addition, all 3,641 importers did introduce new children's sleepwear garments each year, the total number of firms subject to the CPSC recordkeeping requirements each year would be 4,507 (866 + 3,641). As noted, the actual number of firms is likely lower.

Estimated Time per Response: Testing and recordkeeping of each sleepwear item is approximately 3 hours.

Total Estimated Annual Burden: The 50 largest domestic manufacturers and the 100 largest importers may each introduce an average of 100 new children's sleepwear items annually. The annual burden for the 50 large domestic manufacturers and the 100 largest importers is estimated at 45,000 hours for testing and recordkeeping (150 firms x 100 items x 3 hours). Without adjusting for possible double-counting, CPSC staff estimates that the remaining 816 manufacturers and 3,541 importers may each introduce an average of 10 new children's sleepwear items, for a total testing and recordkeeping burden of 130,710 hours (4,357 x 10 items x 3 hours.) Therefore, the total estimated potential annual burden imposed by the standard and regulations on all manufacturers and importers of children's sleepwear will be about 175,710 hours (45,000 + 130,710). The annual cost to the industry is estimated to be $12,369,984 based on an hourly wage of $70.40 x 175,710 hours.

Notice of Issuance of FinalDetermination Concerning CertainSurgical Gowns

On July 27, 2022, Customs and Border Protection published in the Federal Register (87 FR 45120) Notice of Issuance of FinalDetermination Concerning CertainSurgical Gowns.

Sandbag Contract Awarded

Dayton Bag & Burlap Co.,* Dayton, Ohio (SPE8E6-22-D-0039); and NYP Corp.,* Elizabeth, New Jersey (SPE8E6-22-D-0040), are sharing a maximum $20,000,000 firm-fixed-price with economic price adjustment, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract under solicitation SPE8E6-22-R-0002 for acrylic sandbags. This was a 100% Small Business Set-Aside acquisition with six responses received. These are two-year base contracts with three one-year option periods. The ordering period end date is July 20, 2024. Using customer is Defense Department. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2022 through 2024 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

*Small business

Navy Poly/Wool Fabric Contract Awarded

Burlington Industries LLC, Greensboro, North Carolina, has been awarded a maximum $11,223,540 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity letter contract for poly/wool green cloth. This was a sole-source acquisition using justification 10 U.S. Code 2304 (c)(1), as stated in Federal Acquisition Regulation 6.302-1. This is an 18-month contract with no option periods. The ordering period end date is Jan. 21, 2024. Using military service is Marine Corps. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2022 through 2025 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (SPE1C1-22-D-1565).

The United States International Trade Commission (USITC) is seeking input on a newly initiated investigation concerning a proposed modification to the United States-Korea Free Trade Agreement (KORUS) rules of origin

The United States International Trade Commission (USITC) is seeking input on a newly initiated investigation concerning a proposed modification to the United States-Korea Free Trade Agreement (KORUS) rules of origin.

The investigation, Certain Fabrics of Triacetate Filament Yarns: Effect of Modification to U.S.-Korea FTA Rules of Origin (Inv. No. U.S.-Korea FTA-103-033) was requested by the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) in a letter received on July 5, 2022. The letter included an attachment detailing the textile and apparel articles affected by the proposed modification. 

As requested, the USITC, an independent, nonpartisan, factfinding federal agency, will provide advice on the probable economic effect of the proposed KORUS rules of origin modification on U.S. trade under the KORUS, total U.S. trade, and domestic producers of the affected articles.

The USITC expects to submit its advice to the USTR by November 4, 2022. 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 August 26, 2022.

IMPORTANT:  All written submissions must be made through the Commission’s Electronic Document Information System (EDIS, https://edis.usitc.gov). No in-person paper-based filings or paper copies of any electronic filings will be accepted until further notice. Persons with questions regarding electronic filing should contact the Office of the Secretary, Docket Services Division (EDIS3Help@USITC.gov), or consult the Commission’s Handbook on Filing Procedures.

Further information on the scope of the investigation is available in the USITC’s notice of investigation, dated July 21, 2022, which can be downloaded from the USITC Internet site (www.usitc.gov) or may be obtained by contacting the Office of the Secretary at commissionhearings@usitc.gov.

Amendment to Nat'l Defense Authorization Bill Would Create a Southern New England Regional Commisson.

Filed by Mr. Cicilline (RI) and cosponsored by Auchincloss (MA), Langevin (RI), Trahan (MA), Larson, John (CT), Courtney (CT), DeLauro (CT), Neal (MA), Keating (MA), and Hayes (CT)

Read the proposed amendment HERE.

Fine Denier Polyester Staple Fiber From India: Final Results of Countervailing Duty Administrative Review

On July 13, 2022, the International Trade Administration published in the Federal Register (87 FR 41663) [C–533–876] Fine Denier Polyester Staple Fiber From India: Final Results of Countervailing Duty Administrative Review; 2020.

CBP Commissioner Magnus Hosts Second Public Meeting with Trade Advisory Committee

On June 29, 2022, U.S. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Chris Magnus hosted members of the 16th term Commercial Customs Operations Advisory Committee, known as COAC, as they gathered for their second public meeting at CBP’s Advanced Training Center in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia.

Read the CBP press release HERE.

Help CBP Protect Intellectual Property Rights

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has the authority to detain, seize, forfeit, and ultimately destroy merchandise seeking entry into the United States if it bears an infringing trademark or copyright that has been registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) or the U.S. Copyright Office (USCOP), and has subsequently been recorded with CBP. As an intellectual property right (IPR) owner, you can partner with CBP to receive border enforcement of your registered trademarks and copyrights through CBP’s e-Recordation Program. There are several steps an IPR owner can take to ensure their trademarks and copyrights are enforced at all U.S. Ports of Entry.

Learn more about recording your intellectual property with Customs HERE.

Request for Comments: Trade Strategy to Combat Forced Labor

On July 6, 2022, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative published in the Federal Register (87 FR 40332) Request for Comments: Trade Strategy to Combat Forced Labor. The deadline for the submissionof written comments is August 5, 2022.

USTR invites interested parties to submit comments to assist in the development of the forced labor trade strategy. In submitting comments, parties are invited to consider the following questions.

• What actions could the U.S. Government pursue with like-minded trade partners and allies to combat forced labor as an unfair trade practice?
• How can the U.S. Government bolster the forced labor components of trade agreements and trade preference programs to have greater effect?
• What new and innovative trade tools can the U.S. Government develop and utilize to advance efforts to combat forced labor in traded goods and services?
• How can the U.S. Government make the development of trade policy on forced labor a more inclusive process?
• Do you have additional recommendations for monitoring, tracing, or eliminating forced labor in traded goods and services in supply chains?

NCTO Announces Winner of the 2022 Paul T. O’Day Memorial Scholarship

On June 29, 2022, the National Council of Textile Organization's (NCTO) Fiber Council announced Ms. Abigail McBee, of Gaffney, SC as the recipient of the 2022 Paul T. O’Day Scholarship Award. She is the daughter of Emily and Douglas McBee, who works for Auriga Polymers/Indorama Ventures in Spartanburg, S.C.

NCTO Chairman David Poston, President of Palmetto Synthetics LLC, commented, “We are pleased to recognize Ms. McBee’s exceptional record of academic achievements with her selection as the 2022 recipient of the Paul T. O’Day Memorial Scholarship. All of us on the Fiber Council congratulate Ms. McBee and wish her continued success in her academic career.”

The scholarship program was created in 2014 in honor of Paul T. O’Day who served as President of the American Fiber Manufacturers Association (AFMA) for more than three decades. The Association merged with the National Council of Textile Organizations in April 2018, and NCTO’s Fiber Council now administers the scholarship program. Recipients receive a $5,000 award each year, totaling $20,000 for four years of study. Sons or daughters of NCTO’s Fiber Council member company employees are eligible to apply.

Children’s Nightgowns Recalled Due to Violation of Federal Flammability Standards and Burn Hazard; Imported by iMOONZZZ; Sold Exclusively at Amazon.com

Description: This recall involves two styles of iMOONZZZ-branded 95% cotton and 5% spandex children’s nightgowns, sold individually or as a set of three. The flower print nightgowns were sold in blue, pink and white and in sizes 3-4T, 5-6 Years, 6-7 Years, 7-8 Years, 8-9 Years, and 10-12 Years. One style has fluttered sleeved shoulders and a color trim neckline with a ribbon at the center front. The other style has short, puffed sleeves with lettuce edge trimming and a double laced collar with a bow affixed to the left side. “Made in China,” the size, the fiber content and the washing instructions are printed on a sewn-in, side-seam label.

Remedy: Consumers should immediately take the recalled nightgowns away from children and contact iMOONZZZ for a full refund. Consumers who purchased the nightgowns will be asked to destroy the garments by cutting them in half and send the recalling firm a photo of the destroyed garment. Upon receipt of the photo, consumers will be issued a full refund of the purchase price.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported

Sold At: Online at www.amazon.com from June 2019 through May 2022 for between $13 and $39, depending on the style and if sold individually or as a set.

Importer(s): iMOONZZZ, of China

Manufactured In: China

Recall number: 22-178

More information and photos HERE.

Children’s Sleepwear Recalled Due to Violation of Federal Flammability Standards and Burn Hazard; Imported by Kids Tales; Sold Exclusively at Amazon.com

Description: This recall involves Kids Tales-branded children’s 95% cotton and 5% elastane pajamas. They were sold in various print designs and colors, and individually or as a set of two. The single-piece, short-sleeved, footless pajamas were sold in five sizes 66 (3-6 Months), 73 (6-12 Months), 80 (12-18 Months), 90 (18-24 Months), and 100 (2-3T) and in various prints. “Kids Tales,” “Made in China” and the size are printed on the pajama’s neck label.

Remedy: Consumers should immediately take the recalled sleepwear away from children and contact Kids Tales for a full refund. Consumers who purchased the pajamas will be asked to destroy the garments by cutting them in half and send the recalling firm a photo of the destroyed garment. Upon receipt of the photo, consumers will be issued a full refund of the purchase price.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported

Sold At: Online at www.amazon.com from November 2021 through April 2022 for between $13 and $33, depending on the style and if sold individually or as a set.

Importer(s): Kids Tales, of China

Manufactured In: China

Recall number: 22-177

More information and photos HERE.

Hong Kong 25 Years After Handover

Hong Kong 25 Years After Handover

A statement from Antony J. Blinken, U.S. Secretary of State

On July 1, we mark the 25th anniversary of the handover of Hong Kong to the People’s Republic of China. This date was envisioned as the halfway point of 50 years of promised autonomy under the “One Country, Two Systems” framework. Yet it is now evident that Hong Kong and Beijing authorities no longer view democratic participation, fundamental freedoms, and an independent media as part of this vision.

In 2019, millions of Hong Kongers joined public protests to oppose controversial extradition legislation. Beijing’s response – the National Security Law – set the stage for an erosion of autonomy and dismantling of the rights and freedoms of Hong Kong residents over the last two years. Authorities have jailed the opposition, with many imprisoned for more than a year. Hong Kong’s leaders have raided independent media organizations, shuttered museums and removed public works of art, weakened democratic institutions, delayed elections, prevented vigils, disqualified sitting lawmakers, and instituted loyalty oaths. Government officials have spread disinformation that grassroots protests were the work of foreign actors. They have done all of this in an effort to deprive Hong Kongers of what they have been promised.

We stand in solidarity with people in Hong Kong and reinforce their calls for their promised freedoms to be reinstated.