On September 3, 2024, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative published in the Federal Register (89 FR 71775) Request for Comments on Significant Foreign Trade Barriers for the 2025 National Trade Estimate Report.
Saturday, August 31, 2024
Fine Denier Polyester Staple Fiber: Publication of summary of the Commission’s report on the investigation
On September 3, 2024, the International Trade Commission published in the Federal Register (89 FR 71422) Fine Denier Polyester Staple Fiber: Publication of summary of the Commission’s report on the investigation.
Thursday, August 29, 2024
Commercial Customs Operations Advisory Committee Meeting September 18
The COAC will meet on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
The COAC will hear from the current subcommittees on the topics listed below:
1. The Intelligent Enforcement Subcommittee will provide updates on the work completed and topics discussed in its working groups as well as present proposed recommendations for the COAC's consideration. The Antidumping/Countervailing Duty (AD/CVD) Working Group will provide updates regarding its work and discussions on importer compliance with AD/CVD requirements. The Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Process Modernization Working Group anticipates providing updates concerning progress associated with its recent recommendations regarding the Trade Seminars Mailbox and enhancements to the CBP Petitions Portal specific to IPR enforcement. The Forced Labor Working Group (FLWG) will provide updates on continued discussions regarding trade outreach, clarification of requirements, and previous recommendations.
2. The Next Generation Facilitation Subcommittee will provide updates on all its existing working groups. The Broker Modernization Working Group (BMWG) plans to present proposed recommendations for the COAC's consideration which aim to improve the end user experience and re-envision the Customs Broker Licensing Exam (CBLE). The Modernized Entry Processes Working Group (MEPWG) will report on the work undertaken regarding Cyber Incident Guidance for Brokers. The Passenger Air Operations (PAO) Working Group has continued to meet to discuss CBP's feedback on past recommendations, landing rights issues, and to plan future goals and/or work for the group. The remaining working groups, the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) 2.0 Working Group and the Customs Interagency Industry Working Group (CIIWG), were not active this past quarter but will provide a report on topics that each working group will focus on in the coming quarter.
3. The Secure Trade Lanes Subcommittee will provide updates on its seven active working groups: the Centers Working Group, the Cross- Border Recognition Working Group, the De Minimis Working Group, the Export Modernization Working Group, the FTZ Warehouse Working Group, the Pipeline Working Group, and the Trade Partnership and Engagement Working Group. The Centers Working Group created three sub-groups to focus on specific areas of concerns for the trade community: the Operations Sub-Group, the Structure Sub-Group, and the Communications Sub-Group. The Operations Sub-Group will evaluate the internal structure and operations of the Centers of Excellence and Expertise (Centers) and their interactions with the ports, and with the trade communities in the areas of fines, penalties, forfeitures, drawback, and broker management. The Structure Sub-Group will evaluate the number of Centers, the branches within the Centers, and workload equity amongst the Centers. This includes consideration of potential structural changes to help with the Centers' expanded responsibility in admissibility reviews, Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA), and Enforce and Protect Act (EAPA) investigations. This sub-group will also consider how information within Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (CTPAT) may be better leveraged to help the Centers with these reviews. The Communications Sub-Group will focus on IT/ACE solutions, including web pages to facilitate communications for CBP internally and externally with the trade. The Cross-Border Recognition Working Group has continued to discuss best practices at ports of entry on the southern border that facilitate legitimate trade. The De Minimis Working Group has continued discussions on the revised timeframe for submitting Type 86 entries and on potential compliance measurements for de minimis shipments that CBP can communicate to the trade community. The Export Modernization Working Group has continued its work on the Electronic Export Manifest Pilot Program and the effects of progressive filing by the shipper to continuously update export information on successive dates, rather than on a specific date. The Export Modernization Working Group is also working on recommendations regarding the CBP Experience (CBPX) to present to the COAC for consideration. The Drawback Task Force, within the Export Modernization Working Group, has continued discussions around COAC-approved recommendations that are in the process of being implemented from last quarter; is conducting an analysis of program statistics in the areas of streamlining privilege application questions, compliance issues, de minimis amount for drawback claims; and is examining areas to maximize resources. The FTZ/Warehouse Working Group continues to review 19 CFR part 146, expanding the CTPAT program, and modernizing ACE functionality for FTZs, and it anticipates presenting proposed recommendations for the COAC's consideration at the September public meeting. The Pipeline Working Group has continued discussing the most appropriate commodities for and potential users of Distributed Ledger Technology to engage in the contemplated pilot for tracking pipeline- borne goods. The Trade Partnership and Engagement Working Group has continued its work on the elements of the CTPAT security program and the validation process.
Determination Under the Textile and Apparel Commercial Availability Provision of the Dominican RepublicCentral America-United States Free Trade Agreement (‘‘CAFTA–DR’’)
On August 29, 2024, the Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements published in the Federal Register (89 FR 70174) Determination Under the Textile and Apparel Commercial Availability Provision of the Dominican RepublicCentral America-United States Free Trade Agreement (‘‘CAFTA–DR’’)
Tuesday, August 27, 2024
Marine Name Tape Contracts Awarded
August 27, 2024, Lions Industries for the Blind,** Kinston, North Carolina, has been awarded a maximum $8,000,000 firm-fixed-price contract for name tapes. This is a five-year contract with no option periods. The ordering period end date is Oct. 24, 2029. 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-B021). (Awarded July 31, 2024)
**Mandatory source
August 27, 2024, Blind Enterprises of Oregon,** Portland, Oregon, has been awarded a maximum $8,000,000 firm-fixed-price contract for name tapes. This is a five-year contract with no option periods. The ordering period end date is Oct. 24, 2029. 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-B022). (Awarded July 31, 2024)
Mandatory source
Navy Trouser Contract Awarded
Bernard CAP LLC,* Hialeah, Florida, has been awarded a maximum $14,242,687 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for men’s polyester white trousers. 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 Aug. 20, 2029. 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-0066).
*Small business
Cold Weather Jacket Contract Awarded
August 23, 2024, M M Manufacturing LLC,** Lajas, Puerto Rico, has been awarded a maximum $17,289,492 modification (P00015) exercising the third one‐year option period of a one‐year base contract (SPE1C1‐21‐D-1490) with three one‐year option periods for cold weather jackets. This is a firm‐fixed‐price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite‐quantity contract. The ordering period end date is Aug. 26, 2025. Using military service is Army. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2024 through 2025 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. **Small business in historically underutilized business zone
Sunday, August 18, 2024
Army and Air Force Coat and Trouser Contract Awarded
August 16, 2024, MM Manufacturing LLC,** Lajas, Puerto Rico, has been awarded a maximum $12,579,493 modification (P00007) exercising the first one-year option period of a one-year base contract (SPE1C1-23-D-0070) with four one-year option periods for coats and trousers. This is a firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract. The ordering period end date is Aug. 21, 2025. Using military services are Army and Air Force. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2024 through 2025 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
** Women-owned small business in historically underutilized business zones
Friday, August 16, 2024
USITC Announces Remedy Recommendations in Its Global Safeguard Investigation Involving Imports of Fine Denier Polyester Staple Fiber
On August 13, 2024, the United States International Trade Commission (USITC) announced the remedy recommendations that it will forward to the President in its global safeguard investigation regarding imports of fine denier polyester staple fiber.
Read more HERE
New Request for Commercial Availability Determination under the CAFTA-DR: Certain Two-Way Stretch Woven Polyester, Rayon, Spandex Fabric
The Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements (CITA) is considering Commercial Availability Request File Number CA2024004 for certain two-way stretch woven polyester, rayon, spandex fabric
CBP and U.S. Chamber of Commerce Urge Back-to-School Shoppers to Beware of Counterfeits
As families welcome a new school year, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce are sharing tips for consumers to avoid counterfeit school supplies, which can cause real harm to consumers and their families, law-abiding businesses, and the economy.
Read more HERE.
U.S. Attorney Lapointe Announces $7.6 Million Settlement of Civil False Claims Act Lawsuit Against Womenswear Company for Underpaying Customs Duties on Imported Women’s Apparel
Markenzy Lapointe, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida and Bruce Murley, Acting Director of Field Operations for U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) San Francisco/Portland Field Office announced that the United States has resolved a civil qui tam lawsuit in which the United States intervened for settlement purposes against Alexis, LLC, a womenswear company, for underpaying customs duties on imported apparel. In connection with the resolution, the United States filed a Complaint in Intervention against Alexis, LLC. The settlement, which is not an admission of liability by Alexis, LLC, resolves claims that between Jan. 1, 2015 through Dec. 31, 2022, Alexis, LLC violated the False Claims Act (FCA) by materially misreporting to CBP the value of imported apparel and thereby avoided paying the full amount of customs duties and fees owed on the imported merchandise.
Read more HERE.
2024 Review of Notorious Markets for Counterfeiting and Piracy: Comment Request
On August 16, 2024, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative published in the Federal Register (89 66754) 2024 Review of Notorious Markets for Counterfeiting and Piracy: Comment Request
FR
Advanced Combat Pants Contract Awarded
August 15, 2024, ReadyOne Industries Inc.,** El Paso, Texas (SPE1C1-24-D-N018, $92,406,100); and Goodwill Industries of South Florida Inc.,* Miami, Florida (SPE1C1-24-D-N019, $92,406,100), have each been awarded a firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract under solicitation SPE1C1-22-R-0104 for advanced combat pants. These are five-year contracts with no option periods. The ordering period end date is Aug. 14, 2029. 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. **Mandatory source
Flame-Resistant Coverall Contract Awarded
August 14, 2024, Excel Garment Manufacturing Ltd., El Paso, Texas, has been awarded a maximum $26,655,200 modification (P00018) exercising the fourth one-year option period of a one-year base contract (SPE1C1-20-D-1248) with four one-year option periods for improved flame-resistant coveralls. This is a firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract. The ordering period end date is Aug. 18, 2025. 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.
Anti-Gravity Suit Contract Awarded
August 7, 2024, Switlik Parachute Co.,* Trenton, New Jersey, has been awarded a maximum $29,394,639 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for anti-gravity suits. This was a competitive acquisition with three responses received. This is a four-year contract with no option periods. The ordering period end date is Aug. 6, 2028. Using military services are Air Force and Navy. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2024 through 2028 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (SPE1C1-24-D-0053).
*Small business
Tuesday, August 6, 2024
The Textile Industry Mourns the Loss of Dr. Yong Kim
Dr. Kim's research focused on textile manufacturing and the applications of advanced composite materials. Notably, he was part of a research team that developed an energy-absorbing technology in football helmets and body armor by employing flock. Dr. Kim’s patent on sea-island bi-component fibers was utilized by Puritan Medical Products during the COVID-19 pandemic to manufacture nasopharyngeal swabs with enhanced sample collection efficacy.
Dr. Kim's obituary is available HERE.
Request for Comments and Public Hearing About the Administration’s Action Following a Determination of Import Injury With Regard to Fine Denier Polyester Staple Fiber
On August 5, 2024, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative published in the Federal Register (89 FR)Request for Comments and Public Hearing About the Administration’s Action Following a Determination of Import Injury With Regard to Fine Denier Polyester Staple Fiber (PSF).
Friday, August 2, 2024
Mattress Pads Recalled Due to Fire Hazard; Violation of Federal Mattress Pad Flammability Regulation; Manufactured by Avocado Mattress
This recall involves Avocado-branded Organic Cotton Mattress Pad Protectors sold in sizes Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King and California King. All sizes were sold in both a Standard Pocket and Deep Pocket version. The quilted, ivory-color mattress pads are made of cotton ticking and cotton fiber fill. Attached to the mattress pad is a law label listing “Model SFMPAVORG”, manufacturer name, date of delivery, date of manufacture, fiber content, and washing instructions.
Sold At: Avocado stores nationwide and online at www.avocadogreenmattress.com from January 2019 through March 2024 for between $200 and $370.
Manufacturer(s): Avocado Mattress LLC, of Mexico
Importer(s): Avocado Mattress LLC (d/b/a Avocado Green Mattress), of Fullerton, California
Manufactured In: Mexico
Recall number: 24-330
More information and photos HERE.
Ophanie Area Rugs Recalled Due to Fire Hazard; Violation of Federal Flammability Regulations; Sold Exclusively on Amazon.com by Ophanie
This recall involves Ophanie large fluffy/shag area rugs. The rectangular rugs are pink and were sold in two sizes: 5 feet x 8 feet and 6 feet x 9 feet. “Ultra Soft Fluffy Area Rugs”, the letter “T”, “100% Polyester”, “High-density Sponge”, “PVC Anti-slip Dots” and usage instructions are printed on a label on the side of the product.
Sold At: Exclusively online at Amazon.com from April 2024 through June 2024 for between $42 to $65.
Importer(s): Ophanie, of China
Manufactured In: China
Recall number: 24-315
More information and photos HERE. -
Children’s Nightgowns Recalled Due to Burn Hazard; Violation of Federal Flammability Standards; Sold Exclusively on Temu.com by Lovely Angel
This recall involves Lovely Angel children’s lace nightgowns sold in six colors, including black, lavender, watermelon, beige, green and red. The short-sleeved nightgowns have white lace trim on the chest area and on the bottom hem, and a white ribbon bow at the collar. They were sold in children’s sizes ranging from 3Y to 12Y. A side seam label states the following: “100% Rayon”, washing instructions, manufacturer name “Tong Tai clothing co., Ltd”, “Made in china”, “Huang mei, HuBei”, lot number 021123, and manufacture date “11/2023”.
Sold At: Exclusively online at Temu.com from June 2023 through May 2024 for about $10.
Importer(s): Tong Tai Clothing Co. Ltd., dba Lovely Angel, of China
Manufactured In: China
Recall number: 24-300
More information and photos HERE.
Children’s Pajama Sets Recalled Due to Burn Hazard and Violation of Federal Flammability Standards; Sold Exclusively on Temu.com by JUVENNO KIDS
This recall involves children’s two-piece pajama sets sold in champagne, light purple, and peach colors. The pajama set consists of a short-sleeve, button-up top and matching shorts. All colors have white trim on the sleeves, collar, shirt pocket, placket with buttons down the center seam of the shirt, shirt hem, and shorts hem. On the front permanent label attached to the pajamas is the size and “100% Polyester”, and on the back are washing instructions and “MADE IN CHINA”.
Sold At: Exclusively online at Temu.com from October 2022 through May 2024 for about $9.
Retailer: JUVENNO KIDS, of China
Manufactured In: China
Recall number: 24-301
More information and photos HERE
Children’s Pajama Sets Recalled Due to Burn Hazard and Violation of Federal Flammability Standards; Sold Exclusively on Temu.com by Fashion Online
This recall involves children’s two-piece pajama sets sold in eight different styles: I LOVE DAD, I LOVE MOM, TUTU AWAKE TO SLEEP, LOL Bright Pink, LOL Light Pink, Unicorns Forming a Heart, Standing Unicorn, and Unicorn in Heart. The pajamas were sold in sizes from 1Y to 8Y. There is a side-seam label on the pajamas that lists “100% Cotton”, “Made in China”, size, and washing instructions. There is no neck label on the pajamas.
Sold At: Exclusively online at Temu.com from October 2022 through May 2024 for about $23.
Importer(s): Fashion Online, of China
Manufactured In: China
Recall number: 24-296
More Information and photos HERE.
CPSC Finds Amazon Responsible Under Federal Safety Law for Hazardous Products Sold by Third-Party Sellers on Amazon.com
On July 30, 2024, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued a Decision and Order against Amazon.com, Inc., a global e-commerce company with $575 billion in revenue. In a unanimous vote, the Commission determined that Amazon was a “distributor” of products that are defective or fail to meet federal consumer product safety standards, and therefore bears legal responsibility for their recall. More than 400,000 products are subject to this order: specifically, faulty carbon monoxide (CO) detectors, hairdryers without electrocution protection, and children’s sleepwear that violated federal flammability standards.
Read more HERE.
Army Trouser Contract Awarded
July 31, 2024, Industries of the Blind Inc.,*** Greensboro, North Carolina, has been awarded a maximum $8,137,440 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for trousers. This is a two-year base contract with one two-year option period. The ordering period end date is July 30, 2026. Using military service is Army. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2024 through 2026 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (SPE1C1-24-D-B024).
***Mandatory source
Navy Apparel Contract Awarded
July 31, 2024, New York Embroidery Studio Inc.,** New York, New York, has been awarded a maximum $48,329,544 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for coats, trousers, and maternity slacks. This was a competitive acquisition with nine responses received. This is a five-year contract with no option periods. The ordering period end date is July 29, 2029. 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-0061).
**Women-owned small business
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