Antidumping or Countervailing Duty Order, Finding, or Suspended Investigation; Opportunity To Request Administrative Review and Join Annual Inquiry Service List

On January 2, 2024, the International Trade Administration published in the Federal Register (89 FR 63) Antidumping or Countervailing Duty Order, Finding, or Suspended Investigation; Opportunity To Request Administrative Review and Join Annual Inquiry Service List.

Each year during the anniversary month of the publication of an antidumping or countervailing duty order, finding, or suspended investigation, an interested party, as defined in section 771(9) of the Tariff Act of 1930, as amended (the Act), may request, in accordance with 19 CFR 351.213, that the U.S. Department of Commerce (Commerce) conduct an administrative review of that antidumping or countervailing duty order, finding, or suspended investigation.

All deadlines for the submission of comments or actions by Commerce discussed below refer to the number of calendar days from the applicable starting date.

          Antidumping Duty Proceedings
 
BELARUS: Carbon and Alloy Steel Wire Rod A-822-806       1/1/23-12/31/23
BRAZIL: Prestressed Concrete Steel Wire Stand A-         1/1/23-12/31/23
 351-837..........................................
CANADA: Softwood Lumber A-122-857.................       1/1/23-12/31/23
FRANCE: Certain Preserved Mushrooms A-427-833.....       1/1/23-12/31/23
GERMANY: Forged Steel Fluid End Blocks A-428-847..       1/1/23-12/31/23
INDIA: Prestressed Concrete Steel Wire Strand A-         1/1/23-12/31/23
 533-828..........................................
INDIA: Polyester Textured Yarn A-533-885..........       1/1/23-12/31/23
ITALY: Forged Steel Fluid End Blocks A-475-840....       1/1/23-12/31/23
MEXICO: Prestressed Concrete Steel Wire Strand A-        1/1/23-12/31/23
 201-831..........................................
REPUBLIC OF KOREA: Prestressed Concrete Steel Wire       1/1/23-12/31/23
 Strand A-580-852.................................
RUSSIA: Carbon and Alloy Steel Wire Rod A-821-824.       1/1/23-12/31/23
SOUTH AFRICA: Ferrovanadium A-791-815.............       1/1/23-12/31/23
THAILAND: Prestressed Concrete Steel Wire Strand A-      1/1/23-12/31/23
 549-820..........................................
THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA: Calcium                  1/1/23-12/31/23
 Hypochlorite A-570-008...........................
THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA: Carbon and Certain       1/1/23-12/31/23
 Alloy Steel Wire Rod A-570-012...................
THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA: Crepe Paper              1/1/23-12/31/23
 Products A-570-895...............................
THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA: Ferrovanadium A-         1/1/23-12/31/23
 570-873..........................................
THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA: Folding Gift Boxes       1/1/23-12/31/23
 A-570-866........................................
THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA: Hardwood Plywood         1/1/23-12/31/23
 Products A-570-051...............................
THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA: Polyester Textured       1/1/23-12/31/23
 Yarn A-570-097...................................
THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA: Potassium                1/1/23-12/31/23
 Permanganate A-570-001...........................
THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA: Wooden Bedroom           1/1/23-12/31/23
 Furniture A-570-890..............................
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES: Carbon and Alloy Steel Wire        1/1/23-12/31/23
 Rod A-520-808....................................
 
          Countervailing Duty Proceedings
 
ARGENTINA: Biodiesel C-357-821....................       1/1/23-12/31/23
CANADA: Softwood Lumber C-122-858.................       1/1/23-12/31/23
GERMANY: Forged Steel Fluid End Blocks C-428-848..       1/1/23-12/31/23
INDIA: Polyester Textured Yarn C-533-886..........       1/1/23-12/31/23
INDIA: Forged Steel Fluid End Blocks C-533-894....       1/1/23-12/31/23
INDONESIA: Biodiesel C-560-831....................       1/1/23-12/31/23
ITALY: Forged Steel Fluid End Blocks C-475-841....       1/1/23-12/31/23
THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA: Calcium                  1/1/23-12/31/23
 Hypochlorite C-570-009...........................
THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA: Carbon and Certain       1/1/23-12/31/23
 Alloy Steel Wire Rod C-570-013...................
THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA: Circular Welded          1/1/23-12/31/23
 Carbon Quality Steel Line Pipe C-570-936.........
THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA: Forged Steel Fluid       1/1/23-12/31/23
 End Blocks C-570-116.............................
THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA: Hardwood Plywood         1/1/23-12/31/23
 Products C-570-052...............................
THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA: Oil Country              1/1/23-12/31/23
 Tubular Goods C-570-944..........................
THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA: Polyester Textured       1/1/23-12/31/23
 Yarn C-570-098...................................
THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA: Tool Chests and          1/1/23-12/31/23
 Cabinets C-570-057...............................

Extension of Exclusions and Request for Comments: China's Acts, Policies and Practices Related to Technology Transfer, Intellectual Property and Innovation

On December 29, 2023, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative published in the Federal Register (88 FR 90225) Extension of Exclusions and Request for Comments: China’s Acts, Policies and Practices Related to Technology Transfer, Intellectual Property and Innovation.

NOTICE: New Request for Commercial Availability Determination under the CAFTA-DR: Certain Nylon Dobby Weave Fabric

The Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements (CITA) is considering Commercial Availability Request File Number CA2023002 for certain nylon dobby weave fabric, as specified below.

Responses are due by 11:59 P.M. EST on Thursday, January 11, 2024. Rebuttals to Responses are due by 11:59 P.M. EST on Thursday, January 18, 2024.

CSMS # 58869963 - GUIDANCE: Extension of Section 301 China Product Exclusions

GUIDANCE

Instructions for importers, brokers, and filers on submitting entries to CBP containing granted exclusions by the USTR from the Section 301 measures are set out below:

• U.S. notes 20(ttt)(i), 20(ttt)(ii), 20(ttt)(iii), and 20(ttt)(iv) to subchapter III of chapter 99 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) are modified by deleting ‘‘January 1, 2024,’’ and by inserting ‘‘June 1, 2024,’’ with respect to goods entered for consumption, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after 12:01 a.m. eastern standard time on January 1, 2024, and before 11:59 p.m. eastern daylight time on May 31, 2024. 
  • Importers shall not submit the corresponding Chapter 99 HTSUS classification for the Section 301 duties when HTSUS 9903.88.67 is submitted.
• U.S. notes 20(uuu)(i), 20(uuu)(ii), 20(uuu)(iii), and 20(uuu)(iv) to subchapter III of chapter 99 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) are modified by deleting ‘‘January 1, 2024,’’ and by inserting ‘‘June 1, 2024,’’ with respect to goods entered for consumption, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after 12:01 a.m. eastern standard time on January 1, 2024, and before 11:59 p.m. eastern daylight time on May 31, 2024.
  • Importers shall not submit the corresponding Chapter 99 HTSUS classification for the Section 301 duties when HTSUS 9903.88.68 is submitted.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Imports which have been granted a product exclusion from the Section 301 measures and which are not subject to the Section 301 duties, are not covered by the Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) provisions of the Section 301 Federal Register notices, but instead are subject to the FTZ provisions in 19 CFR part 146. 

To request a refund of Section 301 duties paid on previous imports of products granted duty exclusions by the USTR, importers may file a Post Summary Correction (PSC) if within the PSC filing timeframe.  If the entry is beyond the PSC filing timeframe, importers may protest the liquidation if within the protest filing timeframe.  The latest guidance on the process for submitting retroactive claims for product exclusions to CBP is found in CSMS 42566154.

Specifically, if importers enter Chinese goods during the gap period, January 1 through January 3, 2024, subject to the extended exclusions under HTSUS 9903.88.67 or HTSUS 9903.88.68, and pay Section 301 duties, importers should file a PSC on or after January 4, 2024 to obtain a refund of duties paid.

Reminder:  importers, brokers, and/or filers should refer to CSMS 39587858 (Entry Summary Order of Reporting for Multiple HTS when 98 or 99 HTS are required) for guidance when filing an entry summary in which a heading or subheading in Chapter 99 is claimed on imported merchandise.

USTR Extends Exclusions from China Section 301 Tariffs to Allow for Comments on a Review of the Exclusions and Alignment with Four-Year Review

On December 26, 2023, the Office of the United States Trade Representative announced the further extension through May 31, 2024, of the reinstated and COVID-related exclusions in the China Section 301 Investigation. The exclusions were previously scheduled to expire on December 31, 2023. USTR announced the opening of a docket for public comments on existing exclusions on January 22, 2024. The extension will enable the orderly review of the exclusions consistent with statutory factors and objectives to identify in which cases additional time would enable shifts in sourcing to the United States or third countries. The extension will also facilitate the alignment of further decisions on these exclusions with the ongoing four-year review.

Fighterfighter Boot Contract Awarded

December 22, 2023, Galls LLC, Lexington, Kentucky, has been awarded a maximum $7,500,000 fixed-price, simplified indefinite-delivery contract for firefighter boots. This was a competitive acquisition with one response received. This is a one-year contract with no option periods. The ordering period end date is Dec. 21, 2024. Using military service is Navy. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2024 through 2025 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (SPE1C1-24-D-5002).

Marine Corps Clothing Contract Awarded

December 22, 2023, Crown Clothing Co.,* Vineland, New Jersey, has been awarded a maximum $66,669,896 firm-fixed-price with economic-price-adjustment, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for men’s dress coats and collars. This was a competitive acquisition with three responses received. This is a five-year contract with no option periods. The ordering period end date is Dec. 21, 2028. Using military service is Marine Corps. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2024 through 2029 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (SPE1C1-24-D-0006).

*Small Business

Exciting News in the U.S. Wool Trade

Savvy Rest Recalls Quilted Cotton Mattress Pads Due to Fire Hazard and Violation of Federal Mattress Pad Flammability Standard

Description: This recall involves Savvy Rest quilted cotton mattress pads. The white mattress pads have unbleached cotton ticking and corner ties. The pads were sold in sizes twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, and California king. No label is attached to the pads. This recall only includes the quilted cotton mattress pads.

Remedy: Consumers should stop using the recalled mattress pads immediately and contact Savvy Rest for a full refund. Consumers who purchased the mattress pads will be asked to destroy the product by cutting it with scissors and sending the recall firm a photo of the destroyed mattress pad at info@savvyrest.com. Upon receipt of the photo, consumers will be issued a full refund of the purchase price.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported

Sold At: Online at savvyrest.com, thenaturalsleepstore.com, stlbeds.com, and organiquesleep.com, and stores including EcoDwelling, The Clean Bedroom NY, Natural Mattress, Moss Envy, ECO Sleep Solutions, Green Island, Eagles’ Rest, Well Rested, and Billibeds nationwide from April 2023 through October 2023 for between $150 and $280.

Manufacturer(s): Savvy Rest Inc., of Charlottesville, Virginia

Manufactured In: United States

Recall number: 24-058

More information and photos target='_blank'>HERE

CBP Publishes Guidance for USMCA TPL Canada

QB 24-112 USMCA TPL Canada

Commodity:

Certain Cotton, Wool and Man-made Fiber textile products, as provided for in Chapter 98, Sub-chapter XXIII, US Note 11 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States.
 

Quota Period:

January 1, 2024, through December 31, 2024
 

Opening Date:

Tuesday, January 2, 2024
 

Restraint Limits

TPL Number	Description	Limit	UOM
1	Cotton or Man-made Fiber Apparel	40,000,000	UOM
2	Wool Apparel	200,000	UOM
3	Men’s and Boy’s Wool Suits of Category 443	3,800,000	UOM
4	Aggregate total of TPL 5 & 6	71,765,252	UOM
5	Cotton or man-made Fiber Fabrics and Made-up Textile Goods WOVEN	38,642,828	UOM
6	Cotton or man-made Fiber Fabrics and Made-up Textile Goods KNIT	38,642,828	UOM
7	Non-originating Cotton or Man-made Spun Yarn sub: ACRYLIC	3,000,000	UOM
8	Non-originating Cotton or Man-made Spun Yarn sub: OTHER YARNS	3,000,000	UOM

HTS Numbers

First Tariff Field	Second Tariff Field
98235201	Appropriate Chapter 1- 1-97 HTS Number
98235202	Appropriate Chapter 1- 1-97 HTS Number
98235203	Appropriate Chapter 1- 1-97 HTS Number
98235204	Appropriate Chapter 1- 1-97 HTS Number
98235205	Appropriate Chapter 1- 1-97 HTS Number
98235200	Appropriate Chapter 1- 1-97 HTS Number
98235207	Appropriate Chapter 1- 1-97 HTS Number
98235208	Appropriate Chapter 1- 1-97 HTS Number

Reporting Instructions:

Place the rate of duty in the "special" sub-column of column 1 followed by the symbol "S+" for ALL entries.

Use entry type code 02, 06, 07, 12, 23, 32, 38, or 52.

SQUARE METERS EQUIVALENT (SME) means that unit of measurement that results from the application of the conversion factors set out in Annex 6-B (Conversion Factors) to a primary unit of measure such as unit, dozen, or kilograms.
 

Special Reporting Instructions:

See Additional U.S. Note 11(a) and (iii) to Subchapter XXIII of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS).

TPL (1) - See Additional U.S. Note 11 (i)(A) Subchapter XXIII of the HTS.

TPL (2) - See Additional U.S. Note 11 (i)(B) Subchapter XXIII of the HTS.

TPL (3) - See Additional U.S. Note 11 (a)(l) Subchapter XXIII of the HTS.

TPL (4) - See Additional U.S. Note 11 (ll)(C) Subchapter XXIII of the HTS.

TPL (5) - See Additional U.S. Note 11 (ll)(A) Subchapter XXIII of the HTS. For category 222, use NFT

TPL (6) - See Additional U.S. Note 11 (ll)(B)(D)(l)(ll) Subchapter XXIII of the HTS. For category, 222 use NFT

TPL (7) - See Additional U.S. Note 11 (iii)(A) Subchapter XXIII of the HTS.

TPL (8) - See Additional U.S. Note 11 (iii)(B) Subchapter XXIII of the HTS.

This note and subheadings 9823.52.01 through 9823.52.08, inclusive, apply to certain textile and apparel goods of Canada that are not originating goods under the terms of general note 11 to the tariff schedule, however, that are eligible for special tariff treatment as provided for herein, USMCA claims involving non-originating textiles and apparel goods subject to TPL provisions must be accompanied by a valid certificate (or its electronic equivalent) of eligibility. For purposes of obtaining preferential tariff treatment, this document must be completed legibly and in full by the exporter and be in the possession of the importer at the time the declaration is made.
 

Certificate Numbering:

The first number of the certificate must match the year of presentation. For example, a 2024 certificate, e.g.4CA (XX) 123456, must accompany merchandise entered in 2024. The certificate must be reflected in column 34 on the CBP 7501. ABI filers can transmit the certificates of eligibility in the certificate field of the line information.

A 2023 certificate of eligibility CANNOT be used for merchandise presented in 2024.  Likewise, a 2024 certificate cannot be used on entries presented in 2023.  Merchandise presented in 2024 will require a 2024 certificate of eligibility and will be charged to the 2024 quota limits. Therefore, 2023 entry summaries for merchandise released on or after December 17, 2023, must be presented by December 31, 2023. If presented after December 31, 2023, liquidated damages may be assessed for late filing.
 

Post-Importation Claims:

Post-importation claims for TPL must be filed with the certificate of eligibility for the year the entry summary, or equivalent documentation, is accepted by CBP.  Post-importation claims will not be granted if the quantitative restraints for the subject TPL are already filled.

Questions from the importing community regarding this electronic message should be referred to the local CBP port. The port may refer questions through email to HQQUOTA@cbp.dhs.gov.

Low Melt Polyester Staple Fiber From the Republic of Korea and Taiwan: Continuation of Antidumping Duty Orders

On December 22, 2023, the International Trade Administration published in the Federal Register (88 FR 88573) [A-580-895, A-583-861] Low Melt Polyester Staple Fiber From the Republic of Korea and Taiwan: Continuation of Antidumping Duty Orders.

SUMMARY: As a result of the determinations by the U.S. Department of Commerce (Commerce) and the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) that revocation of the antidumping duty (AD) orders on low melt polyester staple fiber (low melt PSF) from the Republic of Korea (Korea) and Taiwan would likely lead to the continuation or recurrence of dumping and material injury to an industry in the United States, Commerce is publishing a notice of continuation of these AD orders.

Army Trouser Contract Awarded

December 21, 2023, Hardwick Tactical Corp.,* Cleveland, Tennessee, has been awarded a maximum $24,371,840 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for men’s trousers. This was a competitive acquisition with three responses received. This is a five-year contract with no option periods. Location of performance is Puerto Rico, with a Dec. 20, 2028, ordering period end date. Using military service is Army. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2024 through 2029 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (SPE1C1-24-D-0021).

*mall Business

Navy Dress Trousers Contract Awarded

November 20, 2023, Creighton AB Inc., Reidsville, North Carolina, has been awarded a maximum $8,264,675 modification (P00008) exercising the fourth one-year option period of a one-year base contract (SPE1C1-20-D-1213), with four one-year option periods, for dress trousers. This is a firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract. Location of performance is New York, with a Nov. 24, 2024, ordering period end date. Using military service is Navy. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2024 through 2025 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Low Melt Polyester Staple Fiber From South Korea and Taiwan

On December 19, 2023, the International Trade Commission published in the Federal Register (88 FR 87814) Low Melt Polyester Staple Fiber From South Korea and Taiwan.

On the basis of the record developed in the subject five-year reviews, the United States International Trade Commission (``Commission'') determines, pursuant to the Tariff Act of 1930 (``the Act''), that revocation of the antidumping duty orders on low melt polyester staple fiber from South Korea and Taiwan would be likely to lead to continuation or recurrence of material injury to an industry in the United States within a reasonably foreseeable time.

Limitation of Duty-Free Imports of Apparel Articles Assembled in Haiti Under the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act (CBERA), as Amended by the Haitian Hemispheric Opportunity Through Partnership Encouragement Act (HOPE)

On December 18, 2023, the U.S. Department of Commerce published in the Federal Register (88 FR 87406) the 12-Month Cap on Duty-Free Benefits for the one-year period beginning on December 20, 2022, of 412,506,163 square meters equivalent.

SUMMARY: CBERA, as amended, provides duty-free treatment for certain apparel articles imported directly from Haiti. One of the preferences is known as the ``value-added'' provision, which requires that apparel meet a minimum threshold percentage of value added in Haiti, the United States, and/or certain beneficiary countries. The provision is subject to a quantitativ elimitation, which is calculated as a percentage of total apparel imports into the United States for each 12-month period. For the period from December 20, 2023 through December 19, 2024, the quantity of imports eligible for preferential treatment under the value-added provision is 313,655,640 square meters equivalent. ecember 20, 2022 through December 19, 2023, the quantity of imports eligible for preferential treatment under the value-added provision is 412,506,163 square meters equivalent.

DATES: The new limitations become applicable December 20, 2023.

Navy Slacks Contract Awarded

December 20, 2023, S by S Studio Inc.,* Brooklyn, New York, has been awarded a maximum $13,596,000 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for women’s Task Force uniform slacks. This was a competitive acquisition with five responses received. This is a five-year contract with no option periods, The ordering period end date is Dec. 19, 2028. Using military service is Navy. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2024 through 2029 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (SPE1C1-24-D-0020). *Small business

Pantone Color of the Year for 2024: Peach Fuzz

PANTONE 13-1023 Peach Fuzz captures our desire to nurture ourselves and others. It's a velvety gentle peach tone whose all-embracing spirit enriches mind, body, and soul.

Read and see more HERE

Marine Corps Clothing Contract Awarded

December 14, 2023, Crown Clothing Co., Vineland, New Jersey, has been awarded a maximum $8,731,325 modification (P00007) exercising the third one-year option period of a one-year base contract (SPE1C1-21-D-1432) with four one-year option periods for men’s green dress coats, belts and keepers. This is a firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract. The ordering period end date is Dec. 18, 2024. Using military service is Marine Corps. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2024 through 2025 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Request for Comments and Notice of a Public Hearing Regarding the 2024 Special 301 Review

On December 6, 2023, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative published in the Federal Register (88 FR 84869 Request for Comments and Notice of a Public Hearing Regarding the 2024 Special 301 Review

Each year, the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) conducts a review to identify countries that deny adequate and effective protection of intellectual property (IP) rights or deny fair and equitable market access to U.S. persons who rely on IP protection. Based on this review, the U.S. Trade Representative determines which, if any, of these countries to identify as Priority Foreign Countries. USTR requests written comments that identify acts, policies or practices that may form the basis of a country's identification as a Priority Foreign Country or placement on the Priority Watch List or Watch List.

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that revocation of the existing antidumping duty orders on low melt polyester staple fiber from South Korea and Taiwan would be likely to lead to continuation or recurrence of material injury within a reasonably foreseeable time.

On December 6, 2023, the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) determined that revocation of the existing antidumping duty orders on low melt polyester staple fiber from South Korea and Taiwan would be likely to lead to continuation or recurrence of material injury within a reasonably foreseeable time.

As a result of the Commission’s affirmative determinations, the existing orders on imports of this product from South Korea and Taiwan will remain in place.

Today’s action comes under the five-year (sunset) review process required by the Uruguay Round Agreements Act.

Read more HERE.

FTC Order Requires Old Southern Brass to Pay for False Claims of “Made in the USA” and Veteran Affiliations

The Federal Trade Commission is taking action against Florida-based EXOTOUSA LLC. (d/b/a Old Southern Brass) for falsely claiming that certain company products were manufactured in the U.S, and that the company was veteran-operated and donated 10 percent of its sales to military service charities.

Read more HERE

CAFTA Commercial Availability: Notice of 14 Business Day Extension and Public Meeting

The Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements (CITA) is considering a Commercial Availability Request for Certain Two-Way Stretch Polyester/Spandex Woven Fabric under the Dominican Republic-Central America-United States Free Trade Agreement (“CAFTA-DR”).

The record of the Request, Response, and Rebuttal may be found on OTEXA’s website under reference number CA2023001 for KONFFETTY S.A. DE C.V.

In accordance with Section 8(c)(4) of CITA’s procedures, because there is insufficient information on the record to make a determination regarding the ability of a CAFTA-DR supplier to supply the subject product, CITA is extending the time period for its consideration of the Request by an additional 14 U.S. business days. CITA will publish its determination in this proceeding no later than January 5, 2024.

CITA has scheduled a meeting with representatives of the interested entities in this proceeding: the requester, Konffetty S.A. de C.V., (“Konffetty”) and the responder, Summitex Woven Fabrics (“Summitex”). CITA has proposed a meeting at 2:00 pm EST on Wednesday, December 6, 2023, via Microsoft Teams.

In accordance with section 8(c)(4) of CITA’s procedures, the purpose of the meeting is to allow the interested entities, Konffetty and Summitex, to provide additional evidence in support of their claims. Such evidence may include product samples, lab tests, technical reports and/or papers relating to the production of the subject fabric, detailed descriptions of production facilities and equipment, and any other relevant information (See section 8(c)(4)(i) of CITA’s procedures). Any additional information submitted during this meeting will be part of the public record, unless properly marked as business confidential (See section 3(a)(3) of CITA’s procedures).

While the meeting will be open to the public, only interested entities as defined in section 2(b) of CITA’s procedures who have submitted either a request or an offer to supply in this proceeding (namely, Konffetty and Summitex) may participate.

During the meeting, the Chairman will provide opening remarks; Konffetty will provide a brief overview of the evidence and arguments raised in its commercial availability request; Summitex will provide an overview of the evidence and arguments raised in its response submission and then substantiate its belief that it is able to supply the subject product; and then Konffetty will present its evidence and arguments substantiating its belief that Summitex cannot supply the subject product. CITA intends to allow Konffetty and Summitex to engage in a discussion and ask questions only when necessary to clarify information presented by either entity. At any time, CITA, Konffetty, or Summitex may request a closed session to discuss business confidential information, which would be held in a separate, virtual Microsoft Teams meeting room.

Please contact Laurie Mease at Laurie.Mease@trade.gov with questions regarding the format of the meeting or to register to attend. When registering, interested parties are also asked to indicate any request for reasonable accommodation, and to provide any accommodation request as soon as possible.

Berkshire Blanket & Home Company Recalls Heated Throws and Blankets Due to Fire and Thermal Burn Hazards

Description: