Contract Award: Silica Cloth

June 30, 2026,

Awardee: EHB Supply

Award amount: $2,272.

See: SAM Notification.

Contract Opportunity Silica Cloth

See: SAM Notification.

Auburn Manufacturing Hosts Deputy Assistant Secretary Jennifer Knight, Highlights Maine Manufacturers & U.S. Textile Industry’s Competitiveness

On May 17, 2023,Auburn Manufacturing Inc.(AMI) — a manufacturer of advanced textiles for extreme-heat environments — hosted Jennifer Knight, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Textiles, Consumer Goods, Materials Industries, Critical Minerals and Metals with the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration, at the company’s state-of-the art manufacturing facility in Auburn, Maine.

Read more HERE

Certain Amorphous Silica Fabric From the People’s Republic of China: Final Affirmative Determinations of Circumvention

On February 3, 2023, the International Trade Administration published in the Federal Register (88 FR 7400) Certain Amorphous Silica Fabric From the People’s Republic of China: Final Affirmative Determinations of Circumvention

Certain Amorphous Silica Fabric From the People’s Republic of China: Continuation of Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Orders

On October 11, 2022, the International Trade Administration published in the Federal Register (87 FR 61289 [A–570–038, C–570–039] Certain Amorphous Silica Fabric From the People’s Republic of China: Continuation of Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Orders.

USITC Makes Determinations in Five-Year (Sunset) Review Concerning Amorphous Silica Fabric from China

On September 9, 2022, the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) determined that revoking the existing antidumping and countervailing duty orders on imports of certain amorphous silica fabric from China would be likely to lead to continuation or recurrence of material injury within a reasonably foreseeable time.

Read more HERE.

Victory for U.S. Manufacturing, Dept. of Commerce Says 70-90% Circumvention of AD/CVD Duties on Amorphous Silica Fabric from China, Will Enforce Orders

On September 6, 2022, the International Trade Administration published in the Federal Register (87 FR 54458) [A–570–038, C–570–039] Certain Amorphous Silica Fabric From the People’s Republic of China: Preliminary Affirmative Determinations of Circumvention.

As detailed in the Preliminary Decision Memorandum, the government preliminarily determined that 70–90 percent ASF produced in China and exported to the United States is circumventing the Orders. The International Trade Administration has instructs U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to suspend liquidation of entries of 70 and 90 percent ASF produced in China and exported to the United States, and to require cash deposits of estimated antidumping and countervailing duties.

Certain Amorphous Silica Fabric From China; Scheduling of Expedited Five-Year Reviews

On August 31, 2022, the U.S. International Trade Commission published in the Federal Register (87 FR 53488) Certain Amorphous Silica Fabric From China; Scheduling of Expedited Five-Year Reviews.

Certain Amorphous Silica Fabric From the People’s Republic of China: Final Results of the Expedited First Sunset Review of the Antidumping Duty Order

On June 8, 2022, the International Trade Administration published in the Federal Register (87 FR 34845) Certain Amorphous Silica Fabric From the People’s Republic of China: Final Results of the Expedited First Sunset Review of the Antidumping Duty Order.

Certain Amorphous Silica Fabric From the People's Republic of China: Final Results of the Expedited First Sunset Review of the Countervailing Duty Order

On June 7, 2022, the International Trade Administration published in the Federal Register (87 FR 34641) Certain Amorphous Silica Fabric From the People's Republic of China: Final Results of the Epedited First Sunset Review of the Countervailing Duty Order

Certain Amorphous Silica Fabric Between 70 and 90 Percent Silica, From the People’s Republic of China: Initiation of Circumvention Inquiry

On November 24, 2021, the International Trade Administration published in the Federal Register (86 FR 67022) [A–570–038, C–570–039] Certain Amorphous Silica Fabric Between 70 and 90 Percent Silica, From the People’s Republic of China: Initiation of Circumvention Inquiry of Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Orders—70–90 Percent Amorphous Silica Fabric.

In response to allegations of circumvention from Auburn Manufacturing, Inc. (AMI), the Department of Commerce (Commerce) is initiating a country-wide circumvention inquiry to determine whether imports of certain amorphous silica fabric with 70–90 percent silica content (70–90 percent ASF) from the People’s Republic of China (China) are circumventing the antidumping duty (AD) and countervailing duty (CVD) orders on certain amorphous silica fabric with a silica content of at least 90 percent from China.

Tariff Classification of Core Spun Single Yarn and Eligibility for United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement

In a recent ruling (H309704) Customs addressed the tariff classification, country of origin, and USMCA elgibility of a 2-ply yarn constructed of one black partially oxidized polyacrylonitrile (PAN) staple yarn (36.2% by weight) twisted to one beige/yellow core-spun aramid/glass yarn (63.8% by weight). The core-spun yarn is constructed of a beige/yellow aramid yarn (53.3% by weight) that is wrapped around a core of glass fibers (46.7% by weight).

More Health Care Textile Products Excluded from China 301 Tariffs

On March 17, 2020, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative published in the Federal Register (82 FR 15244) Notice of Product Exclusions: China's Acts, Policies, and Practices Related to Technology Transfer, Intellectual Property, and Innovation. This list of 19 articles relates to Tranche 4A and includes the following textile products, which, as in earlier exclusion orders, relate to heath care products.

6) Cold packs consisting of a single-use, instant, endothermic chemical reaction cold pack combined with a textile exterior lining (described in statistical reporting number 6307.90.9889)

7) Disposable shoe and boot covers of man-made fiber fabrics (described in statistical reporting number 6307.90.9889)

8) Eye compresses, each consisting of a fabric cover filled with silica or gel beads, with or without a hook-and-loop fastener strap (described in statistical reporting number 6307.90.9889)

9) Face masks, single-use, of textile fabrics (described in statistical reporting number 6307.90.9889)

10) Gel pads of textile materials, each with removable fabric sleeves, in the shape of hearts, circles or quadrants (described in statistical reporting number 6307.90.9889)

11) Hot packs of textile material, single-use (exothermic chemical reaction) (described in statistical reporting number 6307.90.9889)

12) Laparotomy sponges of cotton (described in statistical reporting number 6307.90.9889)

13) Patient restraint or safety straps of textile materials, with hook-and-loop or ladder lock fasteners (described in statistical reporting number 6307.90.9889)

14) Single-use blood pressure cuff sleeves of textile materials (described in statistical reporting number 6307.90.9889)

15) Single-use medical masks of textile material (described in statistical reporting number 6307.90.9889)

16) Single-use stethoscope covers (described in statistical reporting number 6307.90.9889)

17) Woven gauze sponges of cotton in square or rectangular sizes (described in statistical reporting number 6307.90.9889)

Upcoming Changes to Tariff Classification will Affect Glass Fiber, Several Other Commodities

The Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System generally referred to as "Harmonized System" or simply "HS" is a multipurpose international product nomenclature developed by the World Customs Organization ("WCO").

It comprises about 5,000 commodity groups; each identified by a six digit code (subheadings), arranged under four digit in a legal and logical structure and is supported by well-defined rules to achieve uniform classification. The system is used by more than 200 countries and economies as a basis for their Customs tariffs and for the collection of international trade statistics. Over 98% of the merchandise in international trade is classified in terms of the HS. The HS is modified every five years.

HS 2022, which is the seventh edition of the Harmonized System (HS) nomenclature used for the uniform classification of goods traded internationally all over the world, has been accepted by the all Contracting Parties to the Harmonized System Convention. It shall come into force on 1 January 2022.

The HS serves as the basis for Customs tariffs and for the compilation of international trade statistics in 211 economies (of which 158 are Contracting Parties to the HS Convention). The new HS2022 edition makes some major changes to the Harmonized System with a total of 351 sets of amendments covering a wide range of goods moving across borders. Here are some of the highlights:

Adaption to current trade through the recognition of new product streams and addressing environmental and social issues of global concern are the major features of the HS 2022 amendments.

Visibility will be introduced to a number of high profile product streams in the 2022 Edition to recognise the changing trade patterns. Electrical and electronic waste, commonly referred to as e-waste, is one example of a product class which presents significant policy concerns as well as a high value of trade, hence HS 2022 includes specific provisions for its classification to assist countries in their work under the Basel Convention. New provisions for novel tobacco and nicotine based products resulted from the difficulties of the classification of these products, lack of visibility in trade statistics and the very high monetary value of this trade. Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), commonly referred to as drones, also gain their own specific provisions to simplify the classification of these aircraft. Smartphones will gain their own subheading and Note, which will also clarify and confirm the current heading classification of these multifunctional devices.

Major reconfigurations have been undertaken for the subheadings of heading 70.19 for glass fibres and articles thereof and for heading 84.62 for metal forming machinery. These changes recognize that the current subheadings do not adequately represent the technological advances in these sectors, leaving a lack of trade statistics important to the industries and potential classification difficulties.

One area which is a focus for the future is the classification of multi-purpose intermediate assemblies. However, one very important example of such a product has already been addressed in HS 2022. Flat panel display modules will be classified as a product in their own right which will simplify classification of these modules by removing the need to identify final use. Health and safety has also featured in the changes. The recognition of the dangers of delays in the deployment of tools for the rapid diagnosis of infectious diseases in outbreaks has led to changes to the provisions for such diagnostic kits to simplify classification. New provisions for placebos and clinical trial kits for medical research to enable classification without information on the ingredients in a placebos will assist in facilitating cross-border medical research. Cell cultures and cell therapy are among the product classes that have gained new and specific provisions. On a human security level, a number of new provisions specifically provide for various dual use items. These range from toxins to laboratory equipment.

Protection of society and the fight against terrorism are increasingly important roles for Customs. Many new subheadings have been created for dual use goods that could be diverted for unauthorized use, such as radioactive materials and biological safety cabinets, as well as for items required for the construction of improvised explosive devices, such as detonators.

Goods specifically controlled under various Conventions have also been updated. The HS 2022 Edition introduces new subheadings for specific chemicals controlled under the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), for certain hazardous chemicals controlled under the Rotterdam Convention and for certain persistent organic pollutants (POPs) controlled under the Stockholm Convention. Furthermore, at the request of the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB), new subheadings have been introduced for the monitoring and control of fentanyls and their derivatives as well as two fentanyl precursors. Major changes, including new heading Note 4 to Section VI and new heading 38.27, have been introduced for gases controlled under the Kigali Amendment of the Montreal Protocol.

The changes are not confined to creating new specific provisions for various goods. The amendments also include clarification of texts to ensure uniform application of the nomenclature. For example, there are changes for the clarification and alignment between French and English of the appropriate way to measure wood in the rough for the purposes of subheadings under heading 44.03.

USTR Announces More Exclusions from China 301 Tranche 3 and Set Uniform Date for Expiration

The Office of the United States Trade Representative has release an addition list of articles excluded from Tranche 3 of the Section 301 tariff action relating to China’s Acts, Policies, and Practices Related to Technology Transfer, Intellectual Property, and Innovation. Tranche 3 went into effect at 10% on September 24, 2018, and rose 25% on June 15, 2019.

The exclusion are retroactive to September 24, 2018. Initially, USTR announced that exclusions would be in effect for one year from the date they are publication the Federal Register. This policy, however, would have resulted in disparities in the effective periods between exclusions granted early in the exclusion process and those granted later. Accordingly, the Trade Representative has amending the exclusion process so as to adopt a uniform expiration date for exclusions granted for the $200 billion trade action, subject to special circumstances. In particular, all exclusions from Tranche 3 will be effective from September 24, 2018, to August 7, 2020.

Here are the articles excluded from the action in the latest announcement--

(1) Chabazite zeolites having a silica-alumina ratio of 20:1 to 24:1, valued at $31 to $39 per kg (described in statistical reporting number 3824.99.3900)

(2) Cups of polypropylene, with a fluted wood paper filter fitted and affixed to the inside, measuring 44.1 mm in height, of a kind used to produce capsules for single-cup coffee brewing systems (described in statistical reporting number 3923.90.0080)

(3) Anti-electrostatic discharge mats, comprising a conductive rubber mat measuring 40 cm or more but not exceeding 60 cm in width, 80 or more but not exceeding 125 cm in length, and 2 mm in thickness, with integrated discharge points for a grounding wire clip or an anti-static wrist strap, such mats printed on the surface with measuring rules and technical reference data (described in statistical reporting number 4016.91.0000)

(4) O-rings, of nitrile rubber, ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber or fluoroelastomers (described in statistical reporting number 4016.93.1010)

(5) Dog harnesses and retractable dog leashes (described in statistical reporting number 4201.00.3000)

(6) Portable, single-use grills for heating food, each comprising bamboo charcoal fuel, expanded perlite insulation, bamboo rods for suspending foods over the charcoal flame, and cut paper or paperboard in shapes specially designed for assembly of a grill body (described in statistical reporting number 4402.10.0000)

(7) Laminated wood flooring panels having a hardwood veneer finished surface and a backing of pine strips or blocks, the panels having tongue-and-groove outer edges and being in thickness greater than 1.4 cm but not greater than 1.5 cm. (described in statistical reporting number 4412.99.5105)

(8) Rattan webbing, woven into decorative patterns (described in statistical reporting number 4601.93.0100)

(9) Paper pulp sponge blocks, measuring 38 cm by 38 cm by 102 cm (15 inches by 15 inches by 40 inches) (described in statistical reporting number 4823.70.0040)

(10) Woven microfiber fabric of 100 percent polyester, not exceeding 150/75 or 104/72 threads per inch, weighing 83 gram/m2 (described in statistical reporting number 5407.10.0010)

(11) Woven fabric sheeting of 65 percent polyester and 35 percent cotton, weighing less than 170g/ m2, not exceeding 45/45 or 110/76 threads per inch (described in statistical reporting number 5513.11.0040)

(12) Polyester or viscose fabric coated with polyurethane, the foregoing measuring 137 cm (54 inches) in width, and weighing 187 grams/m2 (described in statistical reporting number 5903.20.2500)

(13) Stainless steel mesh filters (described in statistical reporting number 7314.14.1000)

(14) Grills composed of steel wire, each measuring 49 cm by 47 cm (19.25 inches by 18.5 inches), weighing 0.36 kg (0.80 lbs.), designed as cooking surface of barbecue grill (described in statistical reporting number 7321.90.6090)

(15) Mounting boards of aluminum for guitar sound modifying (“effect”) devices, each consisting of an aluminum frame with above ground slots for the placement of devices and floor level slots for the on/off foot-operated pedal switches which control the modifying devices (described in statistical reporting number 7616.99.5190)

(16) Hand rails of tubular stainless steel, with wall connectors, of a length exceeding 300 mm but not exceeding 1.3 m (described in statistical reporting number 8302.41.6080)

(17) Stamped and formed latches of steel (described in statistical reporting number 8302.49.6085)

(18) Stamped and formed brackets of steel (described in statistical reporting number 8302.50.0000)

(19) Spark ignition reciprocating piston engines of a cylinder capacity exceeding 100 cc but not exceeding 250 cc, not exceeding 10.0 kW (described in statistical reporting number 8407.32.9040)

(20) Fuel pumps for internal combustion, spark ignition piston engines (described in statistical reporting number 8413.30.9030)

(21) Parts, of aluminum, iron or steel, for blowers other than fans of 8414.51 (described in statistical reporting number 8414.90.1080)

(22) Mouse input devices for automatic data processing (ADP) machines, each valued over $70 (described in statistical reporting number 8471.60.9050)

(23) Trackpad input units for automatic data processing (ADP) machines, each valued over $100 (described in statistical reporting number 8471.60.9050)

(24) Printed circuit assemblies to enhance the graphics performance of automatic data processing (ADP) machines (“accelerator modules”) (described in statistical reporting number 8473.30.1180)

(25) Printed circuit assemblies for rendering images onto computer screens (“graphics processing modules”) (described in statistical reporting number 8473.30.1180)

(26) Printed circuit assemblies, constituting unfinished logic boards (described in statistical reporting number 8473.30.1180)

(27) Parts and accessories of machines of heading 8471 not incorporating goods of headings 8541 or 8542 (described in statistical reporting number 8473.30.5100)

(28) Refrigerated and heated vending machines for dispensing live bait and fishing tackle, each machine weighing more than 350 kg (described in statistical reporting number 8476.81.0000)

(29) Power supplies suitable for physical incorporation into automatic data processing (ADP) machines or units thereof of heading 8471, each with a power output exceeding 500 W, measuring 148mm in length, 43 mm in width and 335 mm in height (described in statistical reporting number 8504.40.6018)

(30) Cold cathode electric neon discharge lamps, measuring 6.5 mm (1/4 inch) or less in diameter and 16 mm (5/8 inch ) or less in length (described in statistical reporting number 8539.39.9000)

(31) Guide pins and guide bolts designed for use in brakes and servo-brakes of subheading 8708.30 (described in statistical reporting number 8708.30.5090)

(32) Aluminum radiators for motor vehicles of headings 8701 to 8705 (other than for tractors suitable for agricultural use), measuring 50 cm or more but not exceeding 77 cm (20 inches to 30 inches) in width, 50 cm or more but not exceeding 77 cm (20 inches to 30 inches) in height, and 5 cm or more but not exceeding 11 cm (2 inches to 4 inches) in thickness, consisting of upper and lower tanks or side tanks welded to a center core (described in statistical reporting number 8708.91.5000)

(33) Single-speed bicycles having both wheels exceeding 63.5 cm in diameter, weighing less than 16.3 kg without accessories and not designed for use with tires having a cross-sectional diameter exceeding 4.13 cm (described in statistical reporting number 8712.00.2500)

(34) Tractor trailer skirts, consisting of panels designed to be attached to each side of a trailer, each with an upper section having a polyethylene core, steel layer and polyester finish coat and each lower section composed of thermoplastic vulcanite compound (described in statistical reporting number 8716.90.5060)

(35) Miniature lighting sets of a kind used for Christmas trees (described in statistical reporting number 9405.30.0010)

(36) LED light fixtures, of a kind used in horticulture, containing over 5,000 LEDs spread across 6 light bars (described in statistical reporting number 9405.40.8440)

(37) Garden, patio and table top wick burning torches for outdoor use (described in statistical reporting number 9405.50.4000)

(38) Lamp shades of fabric over metal frame (described in statistical reporting number 9405.99.4090)

FTZ Filed for Fluoropolymer Films and Coated Substrates - Glass Fiber Fabrics Excluded

On April 10, 2018, Textiles Coated International Inc. submitted a notification of proposed production activity to the Foreign-Trade Zone Board for its facilities in Manchester and Londonderry, New Hampshire. The facilities are used for the production of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) products.

Production under FTZ procedures could exempt TCI from customs duty payments on the foreign-status materials/components used in export production (an estimated 40 percent of production). On its domestic sales, for the foreign-status materials/components noted below, TCI would be able to choose the duty rates during customs entry procedures that apply to: fluoropolymer film sheeting .152mm in thickness in rolls and not in rolls; PTFE fiberglass colored and not colored; PTFE gaskets; joint sealants; sheet gasketing material with and without adhesives; silicone fiberglass fabrics with and without color; flexible PTFE ducting with coils reinforced and unreinforced; and, PTFE coated fiberglass sheets (duty rate ranges from 3.1% to 7.3%). TCI would be able to avoid duty on foreign-status components which become scrap/waste. Customs duties also could possibly be deferred or reduced on foreignstatus production equipment.

The materials and components sourced from abroad include: PTFE dispersions; PTFE fine powders; fluoropolymer film sheeting 0.152mm in thickness in rolls and not in rolls; woven glass fiber mats; woven glass fiber fabrics colored and not colored; fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP) pellets; ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE) pellets; and, perfluoroalkoxy (PFA) pellets (duty rate ranges from 4.2% to 7.3%).

The request indicates that woven glass fiber mats and woven glass fiber fabrics colored and not colored will be admitted to the zone in privileged foreign status (19 CFR 146.41), thereby precluding inverted tariff benefits on such items.

The request also indicates that, PTFE dispersions and PTFE fine powders are subject to an antidumping/countervailing duty (AD/CVD) investigation if imported from certain countries. The FTZ Board’s regulations (15 CFR 400.14(e)) require that merchandise subject to AD/CVD orders, or items which would be otherwise subject to suspension of liquidation under AD/CVD procedures if they entered U.S. customs territory, be admitted to the zone in privileged foreign status (19 CFR 146.41).

Another Fiberglass FTZ Filing

Back in April, Agathon Associates REPORTED that the Texas company PGTEX USA, Inc. was approved for Foreign-Trade Zone procedures in the production of fiber glass fabric is imported components. In granting approval the FTZ Board imposed the restriction that glass fibers and polyester yarn be admitted in "privileged foreign status" which precludes inverted tariff benefits on such items on its domestic sales of fiber glass fabrics.

Today the FTZ Board published notice that PGTEX USA has filed for additional FTZ production authority. This latest application could exempt PGTEX from customs duty payments on the glass fiber rovings used in export production. The applicant indicates that the foreign-sourced glass fiber rovings (HTSUS 7019.12, duty rate 4.8%) will be admitted to the FTZ in privileged foreign status (19 CFR 146.41), which would require payment of the original duty rate on the glass fiber rovings incorporated into a finished product on which entry from the FTZ was subsequently made. Customs duties also could possibly be deferred or reduced on foreign-status production equipment. This continues a trend we have seen of FTZ applicants omitting controversial textile inputs which are likely to generate opposition from the domestic textile industry.

Fiber Glass Fabrics FTZ Approved for Export and Warehousing and Distribution

On April 25, 2017, the FTZ Board published notice in the Federal Register (82 FR 19021) Foreign-Trade Zone (FTZ) 68—El Paso, Texas; Authorization of Production Activity; PGTEX USA, Inc.; (Fiber Glass Fabrics) El Paso, Texas.

On December 19, 2016, PGTEX USA, Inc. (PGTEX) submitted a notification of proposed production activity to the FTZ Board for its facility within FTZ 68--Site 3, in El Paso, Texas.

The notification was processed in accordance with the regulations of the FTZ Board (15 CFR part 400), including notice in the Federal Register inviting public comment (82 FR 1316-1317, January 5, 2017). The FTZ Board has determined that no further review of the activity is warranted at this time. The production activity described in the notification is authorized, subject to the FTZ Act and the FTZ Board's regulations, including Section 400.14, and further subject to a restriction requiring that foreign-status yarns (glass fiber) (HTSUS 7019.19), glass fibers (HTSUS 7019.90), and polyester yarn (HTSUS 5402.33) be admitted to the subzone in privileged foreign status (19 CFR 146.41).

The restriction that glass fibers and polyester yarn be admitted in "privileged foreign status" precludes inverted tariff benefits on such items on its domestic sales of fiber glass fabrics. Production under FTZ procedures will exempt PGTEX from customs duty payments on the foreign-status components used in export production. Customs duties also could possibly be deferred or reduced on foreign-status production equipment.

Dept. of Commerce Publishes AD and CVD Orders Relating to Silica Fabric from China

On March 17, 2107, the U.S. Department of Commerce published an Antidumping Duty Order and Countervailing Duty Order relating to certain amorphous silica fabric from the People’s Republic of China.

The product covered by this order is woven (whether from yarns or rovings) industrial grade amorphous silica fabric, which contains a minimum of 90 percent silica (SiO2) by nominal weight, and a nominal width in excess of 8 inches. The order covers industrial grade amorphous silica fabric regardless of other materials contained in the fabric, regardless of whether in roll form or cut-to-length, regardless of weight, width (except as noted above), or length. The order covers industrial grade amorphous silica fabric regardless of whether the product is approved by a standards testing body (such as being Factory Mutual (FM) Approved), or regardless of whether it meets any governmental specification.

Industrial grade amorphous silica fabric may be produced in various colors. The order covers industrial grade amorphous silica fabric regardless of whether the fabric is colored. Industrial grade amorphous silica fabric may be coated or treated with materials that include, but are not limited to, oils, vermiculite, acrylic latex compound, silicone, aluminized polyester (Mylar[supreg]) film, pressure-sensitive adhesive, or other coatings and treatments. The order covers industrial grade amorphous silica fabric regardless of whether the fabric is coated or treated, and regardless of coating or treatment weight as a percentage of total product weight. Industrial grade amorphous silica fabric may be heat-cleaned. The order covers industrial grade amorphous silica fabric regardless of whether the fabric is heat-cleaned.

Industrial grade amorphous silica fabric may be imported in rolls or may be cut-to-length and then further fabricated to make welding curtains, welding blankets, welding pads, fire blankets, fire pads, or fire screens. Regardless of the name, all industrial grade amorphous silica fabric that has been further cut-to-length or cut-to-width or further finished by finishing the edges and/or adding grommets, is included within the scope of this order.

Subject merchandise also includes (1) any industrial grade amorphous silica fabric that has been converted into industrial grade amorphous silica fabric in China from fiberglass cloth produced in a third country; and (2) any industrial grade amorphous silica fabric that has been further processed in a third country prior to export to the United States, including but not limited to treating, coating, slitting, cutting to length, cutting to width, finishing the edges, adding grommets, or any other processing that would not otherwise remove the merchandise from the scope of the order if performed in the country of manufacture of the in-scope industrial grade amorphous silica fabric.

Excluded from the scope of the order is amorphous silica fabric that is subjected to controlled shrinkage, which is also called ``pre-shrunk'' or ``aerospace grade'' amorphous silica fabric. In order to be excluded as a pre-shrunk or aerospace grade amorphous silica fabric, the amorphous silica fabric must meet the following exclusion criteria: (l) The amorphous silica fabric must contain a minimum of 98 percent silica (SiO2) by nominal weight; (2) the amorphous silica fabric must have an areal shrinkage of 4 percent or less; (3) the amorphous silica fabric must contain no coatings or treatments; and (4) the amorphous silica fabric must be white in color. For purposes of this scope, ``areal shrinkage'' refers to the extent to which a specimen of amorphous silica fabric shrinks while subjected to heating at 1800 degrees F for 30 minutes.

Also excluded from the scope are amorphous silica fabric rope and tubing (or sleeving). Amorphous silica fabric rope is a knitted or braided product made from amorphous silica yarns. Silica tubing (or sleeving) is braided into a hollow sleeve from amorphous silica yarns.

FTZ Application Filed for Glass Fibers and Certain Polyester

On December 19, 2016, PGTEX USA, Inc. (PGTEX) has submitted to the Foreign Trade Zone Board a notification of proposed production activity for its facility in El Paso, Texas, within FTZ 68.

The PGTEX facility is located within Site 3 of FTZ 68. The facility is used for the production of fiber glass fabrics used in a variety of applications: Wind turbine blades, sporting goods, autos, shipbuilding, building materials and aerospace.

The components and materials sourced from abroad include yarns (glass fiber) (HTSUS 7019.19), glass fibers (HTSUS 7019.90), and polyester yarn (HTSUS 5402.33) (duty rates range from 4.3 to 6.5%). The applicant indicates that these foreign-sourced materials/components will be admitted to the FTZ in privileged foreign status (19 CFR 146.41). This would preclude inverted tariff benefits on such items on its domestic sales of fiber glass fabrics. Production under FTZ procedures could exempt PGTEX from customs duty payments on the foreign-status components used in export production. Customs duties also could possibly be deferred or reduced on foreign-status production equipment.