Fabric Choice Can Affect Apparel Tariff Rate

In Binding Ruling Letter N361038 of May 19, 2026, issued to adidas Group, Inc. Custom addressed the tariff classification of a men's jacket containing flocked fabric. Flock was the deciding factor.

The jacket is constructed from 59 percent cotton, 27 percent polyester, 11 percent viscose, and 3 percent elastane woven fabric that is covered on the outer surface with 100 percent viscose flock.

Customs ruled that the applicable subheading will be 6210.20.9049, HTSUS, which provides for: Garments, made up of fabrics of heading 5602, 5603, 5903, 5906 or 5907: Other garments, of the type described in heading 6201: Other: Other: Anoraks (including ski-jackets), wind breakers and similar articles: Other: Other. The general rate of duty will be 6.2 percent ad valorem.

The flock coating of the chief weight cotton fabric moved the fabric out of Chapter 52 and into Heading 5907. Had the chief weight cotton fabric of the jacket not been flocked the classification of the apparel would likely have been 6201.30.80 with Rate of Duty of 9.4%.

See: https://rulings.cbp.gov/ruling/N361038.

SAVE THE DATE: AFA Flock Academy, November 5, 2026

Flock Academy

Elevate Your Flock Industry Expertise

Live via Zoom

November 5th, 2026 | 11 am-3 pm Eastern Standard Time

 4-Hour Interactive Virtual Session

 Attend from Anywhere

FREE for AFA members

$99 USD for non-members

Learn From the Best in the Flock Industry

The AFA Flock Academy is a high-impact virtual learning experience designed to educate, connect, and strengthen professionals across all of the flock industry. Led by experienced industry leaders, the session delivers practical knowledge you can apply immediately.

Who Should Attend?

Whether you’re just getting started or have years in the field, Flock Academy is designed for you:

 New personnel building foundational knowledge

 Experienced professionals sharpening their expertise

 Anyone involved in the flock industry seeking real-world insights

What You’ll Gain

• Expert-led instruction from trusted industry leaders

• Practical, real-world flock industry knowledge

• Interactive learning with opportunities for engagement

• Insights that support professional growth and industry success

Presented by the American Flock Association

Design with Flock

www.flocking.org

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.

AFA Announces Flock 4.

The American Flock Association, which represents flock manufacturers and their suppliers throughout North America, today formally launched Flock 4.0, a communications & marketing program designed to highlight the many innovative ways that manufacturers are using flock to add value to a new generation of products.

Historically, flock has been seen as a design element that can enhance the appearance and hand of consumer goods. But today’s flock technology and end products are not ‘old school.’

Flock 4.0 underscores the fact that flocking can do - and is doing - much more. This includes, but is not limited to, using flock in new electric vehicles to reduce sound, rattles, echoes, and windshield glare. Flocking is also applied to boats to improve speed and save fuel, and can be used as a thermal isolator, or added to car floor mats for slip resistance.

“From absorbing sound, heat, and light to adding flame retardancy and antimicrobial qualities, today’s flock offers an unlimited number of solutions ready to solve challenges in a variety of industries,” said Steve Rosenthal, Managing Director of AFA. “Through Flock 4.0, we’re letting the world know about the many unique ways flock can add value to a vast number of products.”

As part of Flock 4.0, AFA has introduced a new website, logo, and tagline. The AFA website underwent a complete redesign and is easy to access and navigate on any smart phone, iPad, laptop, or desktop computer. The logo and tagline have been updated, but still reflect the design elements people have come to know and associate with the North American flock industry and AFA.

More information at www.flocking.org.

American Flock Association FLOCK ACADEMY

The American Flock Association presents the new, virtual Flock Academy from 11am to 3pm Eastern time on Thursday, September 21, 2023. The Flock Academy will cover all aspects of the flock process including flock cutting and finishing, raw materials, application techniques and the finished product. Experienced instructors come from all phases of the flock industry. This course is good for anyone associated with the flock industry or wanting to know more about the flock process. From company owners to machine operators, this is an outstanding opportunity to increase your “flock” knowledge. There is no charge to attend, but there is a limit to the number of attendees. Pre–enrollment required. Click here for a registration form and email it to: info@flocking.org

USITC Investigation: Certain Flocked Swabs, Products

On March 23, 2023, the U.S. International Trade Commission published in the Federal Register (88 FR 17617) [Investigation No. 337–TA–1279] Certain Flocked Swabs, Products Containing Flocked Swabs, and Methods of Using Same; Notice of a Commission Determination To Review in Part a Final Initial Determination; and, on Review, To Find No Violation of Section 337; Termination of the Investigation.

On September 2, 2021, the Commission instituted this investigation under section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930. Under section 337, the USITC determines whether there is unfair competition in the importation of products into, or their subsequent sale in, the United States. Section 337 declares the infringement of a U.S. patent, copyright, registered trademark, or mask work to be an unlawful practice in import trade.

The investigation was based on a complaint filed by Copan Italia S.p.A. and Copan Industries, Inc. The complaint alleged a violation of section 337 in the importation into the United States, the sale for importation, or the sale within the United States after importation of certain flocked swabs, products containing flocked swabs, and methods of using same. The notice of investigation named numerous respondents

In today's Federal Register notice was given that the U.S. International Trade Commission has determined to review in part the presiding administrative law judge's final initial determination issued on October 28, 2022, finding no violation of section 337, in the above-referenced investigation. On review, the Commission has determined to find no violation of section 337. The investigation is terminated in its entirety.

Flocked Swabs, Products Containing Flocked Swabs, and Methods of Using Same; Comments Due December 14, 2022

On November 21, 2022, the U.S. International Trade Commission published in the Federal Register (87 FR 70863) Flocked Swabs, Products Containing Flocked Swabs, and Methods of Using Same; Notice of Request for Submissions on the Public Interest

Section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 provides that, if the U.S. International Trade Commission finds a violation (i.e., violation of intellectual property rights), it shall exclude the articles concerned from the United States unless, after considering the effect of such exclusion upon the public health and welfare, competitive conditions in the United States economy, the production of like or directly competitive articles in the United States, and United States consumers, it finds that such articles should not be excluded from entry.

The Commission is soliciting submissions on public interest issues raised by the recommended relief should the Commission find a violation, specifically: a general exclusion order ("GEO") directed to certain flocked swabs and products containing same, or, if no GEO is issued, a limited exclusion order directed to certain flocked swabs and products containing same imported, sold for importation, and/or sold after importation by respondents Wuxi NEST Biotechnology Co., Ltd., NEST Scientific Inc., and NEST Scientific USA (collectively, "NEST"); Jiangsu Changfeng Medical Industry Co.; BioTeke Corporation (Wuxi) Co., Ltd.; Miraclean Technology Co.; and Huachenyang (Shenzhen) Technology Co., Ltd. and HCY USA, LLC (collectively, "Respondents"); and a cease and desist order directed to the NEST Respondents.

The Commission is interested in further development of the record on the public interest in this investigation. Accordingly, members of the public are invited to file submissions of no more than five (5) pages, inclusive of attachments, concerning the public interest in light of the ALJ's Recommended Determination on Remedy and Bonding issued in this investigation on November 14, 2022. Comments should address whether issuance of the recommended remedial orders in this investigation, should the Commission find a violation, would affect the public health and welfare in the United States, competitive conditions in the United States economy, the production of like or directly competitive articles in the United States, or United States consumers.

In particular, the Commission is interested in comments that:

(i) explain how the articles potentially subject to the recommended remedial orders are used in the United States;

(ii) identify any public health, safety, or welfare concerns in the United States relating to the recommended orders;

(iii) identify like or directly competitive articles that complainant, its licensees, or third parties make in the United States which could replace the subject articles if they were to be excluded;

(iv) indicate whether complainant, complainant's licensees, and/or third-party suppliers have the capacity to replace the volume of articles potentially subject to the recommended orders within a commercially reasonable time; and

(v) explain how the recommended orders would impact consumers in the United States.

Written submissions must be filed no later than by close of business on December 14, 2022.

Revocation of Eight Ruling Letters, Modification of Four Ruling Letters, and Revocation of Treatment Relating to the Tariff Classification of Flocked Paper Sets

In New York Ruling Letter (NY) K83080, NY K83204, NY K86534, NY L83248, NY I83703, NY J80696, NY L81409, NY N038315, and NY N217077, CBP classified flocked paper sets in heading 4823, HTSUS, specifically in subheading 4823.90.67, HTSUS, which provides for “Other paper, paperboard, cellulose wadding and webs of cellulose fibers, cut to size or shape; other articles of paper pulp, paper, paperboard, cellulose wadding or webs of cellulose fibers: Other: Other: Other: Of coated paper or paperboard: Other”. In NY N099452, CBP classified the subject merchandise in subheading 4823.90.86, HTSUS, which provides for “Other paper, paperboard, cellulose wadding and webs of cellulose fibers, cut to size or shape; other articles of paper pulp, paper, paperboard, cellulose wadding or webs of cellulose fibers: Other: Other: Other: Other: Other”. In NY G82351, CBP classified the subject merchandise in subheading 4911.91.40, HTSUS, which provides for “Other printed matter, including printed pictures and photographs: Other: Pictures, designs and photographs: Other: Other”. Lastly, in Headquarters Ruling Letter (HQ) 950774, CBP classified the subject merchandise in subheading 9608.20.00, HTSUS, which provides for “Ball point pens; felt tipped and other porous-tipped pens and markers; fountain pens, stylograph pens and other pens; duplicating styli; propelling or sliding pencils (for example, mechanical pencils); pen-holders, pencilholders and similar holders; parts (including caps and clips) of the foregoing articles, other than those of heading 9609: Felt tipped and other porous-tipped pens and markers”. CBP has reviewed the aforementioned rulings and has determined the ruling letters to be in error. It is now CBP’s position that the subject flocked paper sets are properly classified, in heading 4811, HTSUS, specifically in either subheading 4811.90.90, HTSUS, which provides for “Paper, paperboard, cellulose wadding and webs of cellulose fibers, coated, impregnated, covered, surface-colored, surface-decorated or printed, in rolls or rectangular (including square) sheets, of any size, other than goods of the kind described in heading 4803, 4809 or 4810: Other paper, paperboard, cellulose wadding and webs of cellulose fibers: Other”, or in subheading 4811.90.20, HTSUS, which provides for “Paper, paperboard, cellulose wadding and webs of cellulose fibers, coated, impregnated, covered, surface-colored, surface-decorated or printed, in rolls or rectangular (including square) sheets, of any size, other than goods of the kind described in heading 4803, 4809 or 4810: Other paper, paperboard, cellulose wadding and webs of cellulose fibers: In strips or rolls of a width exceeding 15 cm or in rectangular (including square) sheets with one side exceeding 36 cm and the other side exceeding 15 cm in the unfolded state: Other: Wholly or partly covered with flock, gelatin, metal or metal solutions.”

Read more HERE.

Notice of proposed revocation of eight ruling letters, pro-posed modification of four ruling letters, and proposed revocation of treatment relating to the tariff classification of flocked paper sets.

In Binding Rulng Letters NY K83080, NY K83204, NY K86534, NY L83248, NY I83703, NY J80696, NY L81409, NY N038315, and NY N217077, CBP classified flocked paper sets in heading 4823, HTSUS, specifically in subheading 4823.90.67, HTSUS, which provides for “Other paper, paperboard, cellulose wadding and webs of cellulose fibers, cut to size or shape; other articles of paper pulp, paper, paperboard, cellulose wadding or webs of cellulose fibers: Other: Other: Other: Of coated paper or paperboard: Other”.

In NY N099452, CBP classified the subject merchandise in subheading 4823.90.86, HTSUS, which provides for “Other paper, paperboard, cellulose wadding and webs of cellulose fibers, cut to size or shape; other articles of paper pulp, paper, paperboard, cellulose wadding or webs of cellulose fibers: Other: Other: Other: Other: Other”.

In NY G82351, CBP classified the subject merchandise in subheading 4911.91.40, HTSUS, which provides for “Other printed matter, including printed pictures and photographs: Other: Pictures, designs and photographs: Other: Other”.

Lastly, in HQ 950774, CBP classified the subject merchandise in subheading 9608.20.00, HTSUS, which provides for “Ball point pens; felt tipped and other porous-tipped pens and markers; fountain pens, stylograph pens and other pens; duplicating styli; propelling or sliding pencils (for example, mechanical pencils); pen-holders, pencil-holders and similar holders; parts (including caps and clips) of the foregoing articles, other than those of heading 9609: Felt tipped and other porous-tipped pens and markers”.

CBP has reviewed the afore-mentioned rulings and has determined the ruling letters to be in error. It is now CBP’s position that flocked paper sets are properly classified, in heading 4811, HTSUS, specifically in subheading 4811.90.90, HTSUS, which provides for “Paper, paperboard, cellulose wadding and webs of cellulose fibers, coated, impregnated, covered, surface-colored, surface-decorated or printed, in rolls or rectangular (including square) sheets, of any size, other than goods of the kind described in heading 4803, 4809 or 4810: Other paper, paperboard, cellulose wadding and webs of cellulose fibers: Other". CBP's reasoning is that the kits are “goods put up in sets for retail sale” whose essential character is imparted by the flocked paper.

Comments must be received on or before September 24, 2021.

Read more in Customs Bulletin (VOL. 55, NO. 33), August 25, 2021, beginning on Page 16.

USITC Institutes Section 337 Investigation of Certain Flocked Swabs, Products Containing Flocked Swabs, and Methods of Using Same

USITC Institutes Section 337 Investigation of Certain Flocked Swabs, Products Containing Flocked Swabs, and Methods of Using Same

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has voted to institute an investigation of certain flocked swabs, products containing flocked swabs, and methods of using same. The products at issue in the investigation are described in the Commission’s notice of investigation.

The investigation is based on a complaint filed by Copan Italia S.p.A of Brescia, Italy, and Copan Industries, Inc., of Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, on July 9, 2021.  Supplements to the complaint were filed on August 16, 2021; August 19, 2021; and August 23, 2021.  The complaint, as supplemented, alleges violations of section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 in the importation into the United States and sale of certain flocked swabs, products containing flocked swabs, and methods of using same that infringe patents asserted by the complainants.  The complainants request that the USITC issue a general exclusion order, or in the alternative a limited exclusion order, and cease and desist orders. 

The USITC has identified the following as respondents in this investigation:

Han Chang Medic of Chungnam, Republic of Korea;
Wuxi NEST Biotechnology Co., Ltd. of Wuxi, Jiangsu, China;
NEST Scientific Inc. of Rahway, NJ;
NEST Scientific USA of Rahway, NJ;
Miraclean Technology Co., Ltd., of Shenzhen, Guangdong, China;
Vectornate Korea Ltd. of Jangseong, Jeonnam, Republic of Korea;
Innovative Product Brands, Inc., of Highland, CA;
Thomas Scientific, Inc., of Swedesboro, NJ;
Thomas Scientific, LLC, of Swedesboro, NJ;
Stellar Scientific, LLC, of Owings Mills, MD;
Cardinal Health, Inc., of Dublin, OH;
Ksl Biomedical, Inc., of Williamsville, NY;
Ksl Diagnostics, Inc., of Williamsville, NY;
Jiangsu Changfeng Medical Industry Co., Ltd., of Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China;<
No Borders Dental Resources, Inc., dba MediDent Supplies, of Queen Creek, AZ;<
BioTeke Corporation (Wuxi) Co., Ltd., of Wuxi, Jiangsu, China;
Fosun Pharma USA Inc. of Princeton, NJ;<
Hunan Runmei Gene Technology Co., Ltd., of Changsha, Hunan, China;
VWR International, LLC, of Radnor, PA; and
Slmp, LLC, dba StratLab Medical Products of McKinney, TX.

By instituting this investigation (337-TA-1279), the USITC has not yet made any decision on the merits of the case.  The USITC’s Chief Administrative Law Judge will assign the case to one of the USITC’s administrative law judges (ALJ), who will schedule and hold an evidentiary hearing.

ALJ will make an initial determination as to whether there is a violation of section 337; that initial determination is subject to review by the Commission.

The USITC will make a final determination in the investigation at the earliest practicable time.  Within 45 days after institution of the investigation, the USITC will set a target date for completing the investigation.  USITC remedial orders in section 337 cases are effective when issued and become final 60 days after issuance unless disapproved for policy reasons by the U.S. Trade Representative within that 60-day period.

Middlesex Research -- Flexible Specialists in Continuous Web Flocking, Coating, and Laminating.

Hudson, Massachusetts, was one of many "Mill Towns" in the 19th century, and even though now largely a bedroom community for Worcester and Boston, the industrial tradition lives on. Middlesex Research (MR), a family owned and operated business since 1945, sets itself apart from much of the U.S. flock industry in several distinct ways.

While many companies have decided to specialize on what they do best and put other operations out to manufacturers with different specialties, MR is small, but does everything. They cut their own flock (acrylic, cotton, and rayon), buy latex to make their own adhesives, which allows them to change color, adjust viscosity, and adjust performance of materials to satisfy customer needs. They are also experts in cutting and dying raw fiber, and can match most any color. MR President Douglas W. Russell, Jr.'s philosophy is, "Not relying on someone else for something critical."

They also stand apart in two other ways. Unlike many U.S. manufacturers who boast of ISO certifications, MR has the attitude that most important certification is a satisfied customer. Second, unlike most of their domestic competition who do electrostatic flocking (see http://www.flocking.org/about/electrostatic-flocking/) MR does mechanical (see http://www.flocking.org/about/mechanical-flocking/) fiber-coating on surfaces employing the beater-bar method. This technique involves the passage of an adhesive coated substrate over a series of polygonal rollers that rapidly rotate to vibrate the substrate. The vibration is used to drive the fiber into the adhesive. Fibers are applied by gravity onto the substrate.

Speaking of competitors, MR works closely with competitors, sub-contracting parts of projects. That's a model that some other New England textile companies have adopted, in order to make the relatively small industry in these Northeast states competitive with the larger industry in the South and overseas.

"Our ability to cut, dye, and apply fiber from raw stock, as well as coat, laminate, slit and sheet makes us an affordable option for all of your converting needs," says Doug, who has been with the company since 1986 (and his father since 1985).

While small, merely 20 employees, they have two buildings, one for flocking processes, and one for coating, the larger part of their operation.

Doug is always on the look-out for new markets and applications. They are into Sri Lanka and exploring other export markets. With COVID-19 the company is developing new products to respond to new demands.

Asked for his final thought on MR, Doug replied, " Get it in -- get it out -- get a good price!"

For more information, please contact Douglas W. Russell, Jr., at 800-424-5188 or junior@middlesexresearch.com.

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has recommended that the President make certain modifications to the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has recommended that the President make certain modifications to the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS) to conform it with World Customs Organization (WCO) amendments to the global Harmonized System.

The recommended modifications would modify the U.S. tariff schedule to conform with amendments made to the Harmonized System nomenclature by the World Customs Organization on June 28, 2019, with expected implementation date of January 1, 2022. The WCO Recommendation contains about 350 amendments to the Harmonized System nomenclature relating to a wide range of products and product groups, including, for example:

• flat panel display modules;
• 3D printers;
• electronic textiles;
• unmanned aerial vehicles (i.e., drones);
• smartphones;
• electric vehicles;
• novel tobacco products intended for inhalation without combustion;
• edible insect products;
• edible microbial fats and oils;
• virgin and extra virgin olive oil;
• cell therapy products;
• rapid diagnostic test kits for detecting the Zika virus and other mosquito-borne diseases;
• placebos and double-blinded clinical trial kits;
• parts for improvised explosive devices;
• electronic waste (e-waste) and other hazardous waste;
• amusement park equipment;
• cultural articles (i.e., antiquities);
• hazardous chemicals controlled by the Rotterdam Convention;
• ozone-depleting substances controlled by the Montreal Protocol;
• products controlled by the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons; and
• fentanyl-opioid substances and derivatives controlled by the International Narcotics Control Board.

Of interest to followers of Agathon Associates --

• 5501.10, Synthetic filament two of nylon or other polyamides, is being broken out as
  • 5501.11, Synthetic filament two of nylon or other polyamides: of aramids and
  • 5501.19, Synthetic filament two of nylon or other polyamides: other
• Changes to floor coverings classified in Chapter 57
• Changes to terry towel fabric classified in Chapter 58
• Certain textile products and articles, for technical uses classified in Chapter 59
• Knit apparel of Chapter 61
• Non-knit apparel of Chapter 62

The changes appear not to affect tariff rates or country of origin determinations. However, imports will need to take care when the changes take effect to use the new classifications. Changed classifications will, also, make it more difficult to track import data over time.

The Commission’s report, Recommended Modifications in the Harmonized Tariff Schedule, 2021, Inv. No. 1205-13, USITC Publication 5171, March 2021, is available on the USITC web site at: https://www.usitc.gov/publications/other/pub5171.pdf.

December 11, 1995 Fire Destroys Malden Mills

On this day in 1995, a massive, wind-whipped fire completely destroyed three buildings at Malden Mills in Lawrence, where the company's signature Polartec fabric was produced. Just two weeks before Christmas, thousands of workers faced unemployment and the fear that the mill's owner would take the insurance money and follow other textile companies south. The next day, company president Aaron Feuerstein announced that he would rebuild in Lawrence, and he promised to keep his employees on the payroll during the time it would take to reconstruct the plant. Venerated as "a man of his word" and "extremely compassionate," Feuerstein became a national folk hero. Sadly, the millions he spent to keep his pledges eventually cost him control of the company his family had owned for three generations. ... READ MORE at Mass Moments, a project of Mass Humanities, whose mission is to support programs that use history, literature, philosophy, and the other humanities disciplines to enhance and improve civic life throughout the Commonwealth.

Hardwood Products Awarded $11.6 Million Contract for Flock Tip Medical Swabs

Hardwood Products Co. LP, Guilford, Maine, has been awarded a not-to-exceed $11,640,270 firm-fixed-price, undefinitized contract action as a modification (P00003) to contract FA8730-20-C-0056 for industrial base expansion for U.S. domestic production capacity for medical flock tip swabs. This contract modification funds the design, procurement and expedited implementation of facility upgrades, enabling an early, interim production capability of flock tip swabs. Work will be performed in Pittsfield, Maine, and is expected to be completed March 30, 2021. Fiscal 2021 other procurement funds in the amount of $5,078,350 are being obligated at the time of award. The cumulative face value of the contract is $62,599,861. The Air Force Life Cycle Management, Hanscom Air Force Base, Massachusetts, is the contracting activity.

Cellusuede Products Announces Acquisition of Engineered Fibers Technology

Flock producer Cellusuede Products, Inc, Rockford, Illinois, has announced it has acquired Engineered Fibers Technology, (EFT) Shelton, Connecticut. On June 30, 2020, Cellusuede completed the purchase and now has 100% interest in EFT ownership, greatly expanding Cellusuede’s capabilities as a precision short-cut fiber supplier.

EFT, founded in 1998, is an industry leader in precision short-cut technical fibers (including Ni-coated carbon, Vectran, BioMid, lyocell, S-2 glass, aramid, and PEEK, among several others) into technical markets, including specialty papers, construction and composites, as well as into thermoplastic /thermoset molding compounds, with coated (controlled strand integrity) fibers. EFT also has a well-established and unique line of wet processed fibers that includes EFTec™ Nanofibrillated fibers for filtration, wipes, and specialty papers. In addition, EFT’s offerings include its DensePakTM proprietary short fiber and packaging expertise used to manufacture obscurant devices employed by the U.S. Government as a defense against sophisticated electro-optical sensors and advanced weapon systems.

EFT is well recognized for its materials science expertise and proprietary technology for high performance technical applications. EFT’s solutions-based technical focus combined with Cellusuede’s long standing history of highest quality short-cut fibers and larger scale capacity will catapult the Company into new technical markets while entrenching the Company even further into existing markets as a first quality partner to our customer base.

Cellusuede, an ESOP company founded in 1938, will look to leverage EFT’s capabilities to grow its business in energy storage markets, automotive applications, and additive manufacturing. Andy Honkamp, President and CEO of Cellusuede, is the new President of EFT. Bob Evans, founder, and former Managing Director of EFT will stay on in a technical consulting role, and Dave Merrill, former Sales and Marketing Director for EFT, will remain in a sales and customer service support role. EFT will continue operations in Shelton, CT.

Section 301 Exclusions Relating to Several Textile Articles on List 3 Extended through December 31, 2020

On August 6, 2020, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative announced that several articles on the China Section 301 List 3 which have been granted exclusions which are scheduled to expire on August 7, 2020, will continue to enjoy exclusion status through December 31, 2020. Publication in th eFederal Register will follow in a few days.

(11) 5603.12.0090

(12) 5603.14.9090

(13) 5603.92.0090

(14) 5603.93.0090

(83) Silk fabrics, containing 85 percent or more by weight of silk or of silk waste other than noil silk, the foregoing not printed, not jacquard woven, measuring over 127 cm in width (described in statistical reporting number 5007.20.0065)

(84) Silk fabrics, containing 85 percent or more by weight of silk or of silk waste other than noil silk, the foregoing not printed, not jacquard woven, measuring 107 cm or more but not over 127 cm in width (described in statistical reporting number 5007.20.0085)

(85) Yarn of cashmere or camel hair, carded but not combed, not put up for retail sale (described in statistical reporting number 5108.10.8000)

(86) Woven dyed fabrics of 100 percent textured polyester filament yarn, measuring 332.7 cm in width, weighing more than 170 g/m² (described in statistical reporting number 5407.52.2060)

(87) Woven fabric of 100 percent textured polyester filaments, dyed, weighing more than 170 g/m², measuring not more than 310 cm in width (described in statistical reporting number 5407.52.2060)

(88) Woven fabric of synthetic filament yarn containing 85 percent or more by weight of textured polyester filaments, dyed, measuring 249 cm in width, weighing more than 170 g/m² (described in statistical reporting number 5407.52.2060)

(89) Woven dupioni fabric wholly of non-textured dyed polyester filaments, weighing not more than 170 g/m², measuring not more than 310 cm in width (described in statistical reporting number 5407.61.9930)

(90) Woven fabric wholly of polyester, dyed, not flat, containing non-textured polyester filaments, weighing not more than 170 g/m², measuring not over 310 cm in width (described in statistical reporting number 5407.61.9930)

(91) Woven fabric wholly of polyester, dyed, containing non-textured polyester filaments, weighing more than 170 g/m², measuring not over 310 cm in width (described in statistical reporting number 5407.61.9935)

(92) Woven fabric containing by weight 47 percent of nylon and 53 percent of polyester, dyed, containing textured filaments, weighing not more than 170 g/m², measuring greater than 274 cm in width (described in statistical reporting number 5407.72.0015)

(93) Polyester filament tow, measuring more than 50 ktex but not more than 275 ktex (described in statistical reporting number 5501.20.0000)

(94) Polypropylene fiber tow, measuring more than 50 ktex but not more than 275 ktex (described in statistical reporting number 5501.40.0000)

(95) Woven dyed fabrics wholly of spun polyester, weighing more than 240 g/m² and measuring not more than 310 cm in width (described in statistical reporting number 5512.19.0090)

(96) Woven dyed 3-thread twill fabrics containing by weight 65 percent of polyester and 35 percent of cotton staple fibers, not napped, weighing more than 200 g/m² and exceeding 310 cm in width (described in statistical reporting number 5514.22.0020)

(97) Nonwoven fabrics of man-made fibers, weighing more than 25 g/m² but not more than 70 g/m², with a smooth or embossed texture (not impregnated, coated or covered with material other than or in addition to rubber, plastics, wood pulp or glass fibers), in rolls that are pre-slitted in lengths of not less than 15 cm to not more than 107 cm, for use in the manufacture of personal care wipes (described in statistical reporting number 5603.12.0090)

(98) Non-woven fabrics of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), in sheets measuring not more than 160 cm by 250 cm, weighing more than 1,800 g/m² but not more than 3,000 g/m² (described in statistical reporting number 5603.94.9090)

(99) Rugs of hand-knotted pile, of nylon and polypropylene, measuring at least 1.2 m2 (described in statistical reporting number 5701.90.1010)

(100) Rugs of 100 percent polyester or polypropylene, with brass grommets and stainless steel springs, each measuring at least 44 cm by 45 cm but not exceeding 56 cm by 59 cm (described in statistical reporting number 5705.00.2030)

(101) Woven dyed embroidery fabrics containing by weight 55 percent of polyester and 45 percent of nylon, weighing less than 115 g/m² and measuring 289 cm in width (described in statistical reporting number 5810.92.9080)

(102) Long pile knit fabrics, of acrylic pile on polyester ground, valued not over $16 per m2 (described in statistical reporting number 6001.10.2000)

(103) Knitted or crocheted fabrics of artificial staple fibers derived from bamboo (described in statistical reporting number 6003.40.6000)

AFA 35th Annual Meeting: 3/31-4/1, 2020

The American Flock Association has announced that this year’s annual meeting will be in Washington, DC in conjunction with the National Council of Textile Organization’s annual meeting. Join powerful industry leaders for two days of meetings and networking. The Executive Committee will meet on Tuesday March 31 at 10:30. The afternoon will have special meetings leading into the evening banquet with the keynote presentation by Presidential Assistant Dr. Peter Navarro. Thursday morning, April 1, will begin with a buffet breakfast, then a morning filled with presentations, followed by a buffet lunch.

For more information, or to register, CLICK HERE.

Save the Date, 10th Triennial Flock School July 31-August 2, 2019

Join with other industry members on the beautiful University of Massachusetts campus for the 10th triennial American Flock Association FLOCK SCHOOL. The entire flocking process will be covered from choice of flock, substrate, and adhesive to coating and application techniques, as well as drying, curing, and post treatments. Break out sessions will address specific needs of the attendees. READ MORE.

Agathon Associates' Client Spectro Coating is Making this Revolutionary New Textile Fiber Product

The Flocked based Fiber Energy Absorbing Material was recently featured on a Boston TV station. Originally developed by Professor Yong Kim and a team at University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth, Mass., using multiple layers of a highly technical flock composite FEAM has reached the finals in the NFL selection process for energy absorbing helmets. The goal: reduce the risk of head injuries in contact sports. The solution: Millions of tiny fibers lined up in a special way to absorb and distribute the impact. Something that only this high tech Flocked construction can achieve.

Click on the image to see the video.

Proposed U.S. China 301 Tariffs May Affect the Flock Industry

The U.S. recently announced proposed additional import tariffs, at the rate of 10%, on thousands of classifications of goods of Chinese origin, including inputs to the U.S. flock industry and imported flock and flocked articles.

The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative is accepting public comments on the proposal. Specifically USTR wants to hear from you regarding the specific tariff subheadings to be subject to increased duties whether:

• they should be removed from the list;
• they should stay on the list at 10%; or
• they should stay on the list but at a lower or higher rate.

Comments are due by August 17th and must address specific 8-digit tariff subheadings. Agathon Associates can assist U.S. companies in drafting and filing comments. Due to the complexity of matching the specific tariff subheadings with the products of interest to individual companies submitting comments I strongly urge interested companies to begin the process as soon as possible.

The list includes the following classifications of interest to the flock industry:

• 4811.90.20 Paper, paperboard, cellulose wadding and webs of cellulose fibers: In strips or rolls of a width exceeding 15 cm or in rectangular (including square) sheets with one side exceeding 36 cm and the other side exceeding 15 cm in the unfolded state: Wholly or partly covered with flock, gelatin, metal or metal solutions.
• 5501.10.00 Synthetic filament tow of nylon or other polyamides.
• 5501.20.00 Synthetic filament tow of polyesters.
• 5501.30.00 Synthetic filament tow of acrylic or modacrylic.
• 5501.40.00 Synthetic filament tow, of polypropylene.
• 5501.90.01 Synthetic filament tow, other.
• 5502.10.00 Artificial filament tow of cellulose acetate.
• 5502.90.00 Artificial filament tow, other than of cellulose acetate (such as rayon).
• 5601.30.00 Textile flock.
• 5907.00.60 Fabric of man-made fibers, impregnated, coated or covered (including covered with flock).
• 5907.00.80 Fabric, other than of man-made fibers, impregnated, coated or covered (including covered with flock).