Proposed Modification of Two Ruling Letters and Proposed Revocation of Treatment Relating to the Tariff Classification of Cotton Core-Spun Yarns

In Binding Ruling NY N304396, CBP classified cotton core-spun yarn in heading 5606, HTSUS, specifically in subheading 5606.00.00, HTSUS, which provides for "[g]imped yarn, and strip and the like of heading 5404 or 5405, gimped (other than those of heading 5605 and gimped horsehair yarn); chenille yarn (including flock chenille yarn); loop wale yarn.” CBP has reviewed NY N304396 and has determined the ruling letter to be in error. It is now CBP’s position that cotton core-spun yarn is properly classified in heading 5205, HTSUS, specifically in subheading 5205.12.10, HTSUS, which provides for "[c]otton yarn (other than sewing thread), containing 85 percent or more by weight of cotton, not put up for retail sale: Single yarn, of uncombed fibers: Exceeding 14 nm but not exceeding 43 nm: Unbleached, not mercerized."

In Binding Ruling In NY N304440, CBP classified cotton core-spun yarn in heading 5606, HTSUS, specifically in subheading 5606.00.00, HTSUS, which provides for "[g]imped yarn, and strip and the like of heading 5404 or 5405, gimped (other than those of heading 5605 and gimped horsehair yarn); chenille yarn (including flock chenille yarn); loop waleyarn." CBP has reviewed NY N304440 and has determined the ruling letter to be in error. It is now CBP's position that cotton core-spun yarn is properly classified in heading 5206, HTSUS, specifically in subheading 5206.32.00, HTSUS, which provides for "[c]otton yarn (other than sewing thread), containing less than 85 percent by weight of cotton, not put up for retail sale: Multiple (folded) or cabled yarn, of uncombed fibers: Exceeding 14 nm but not exceeding 43 nm per single yarn."

CBP is proposing to modify [beginning on page 39] NY N304396 and NY N304440 and to revoke or modify any other ruling not specifically identified to reflect the analysis contained in the proposed Headquarters Ruling Letter H311461. Additionally, CBP is proposing to revoke any treatment previously accorded by CBP to substantially identical transactions. Before taking this action, consideration will be given to any written comments timely received.

In proposing these revocations, CBP states:

"CBP has held that gimped yarns and core-spun yarns are different and should be classified in different headings. See NY 866313, dated August 28, 1991 (stating the core spun yarns are not considered to be gimped yarns). Pursuant to EN to 56.06, a gimped yarn consists of a yarn, around which is wrapped spirally another yarn or filament or strip. It is distinguished from a twisted yarn in that the core yarn does not twist with the yarn that is wrapped around it; the surrounding yarn could be unwrapped and the core yarn would remain intact.

"Core-spun yarns are often confused with gimped yarns. They differ in that they consist of a core (usually a monofilament or multifilament yarn), around which fibers (not yarns) are wrapped. A common example is a spandex filament core with a wrapping of cotton fibers. Since it is sometimes difficult for the unaided eye to distinguish fibers wrapped around a core from yarn wrapped around a core, it may be necessary to request laboratory analysis to identify such yarns. Core-spun yarns are not classified as gimped yarns but rather as basic yarns in the appropriate provisions in chapters 50–55 (depending on chief weight, generally). See CBP’s Informed Compliance Publication (“ICP”), What Every Member of the Trade Community Should Know About: Classification of Fibers and Yarns under the HTSUS, dated September 2011. The Dictionary of Fiber & Textile Technology also describes core-spun yarn as 'a yarn made by twisting fibers around a filament or a previously spun yarn, thus concealing the core.' See Dictionary of Fiber & Textile Technology, 44 (1999)."

Comments must be received on or before April 9, 2021.

Textiles on Agenda as The United States and Colombia Meet to Review Implementation of the United States - Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement

On Thursday, August 2, 2018, officials from the United States and Colombia held the second meeting of the United States – Colombia Free Trade Commission. The Commission is responsible for overseeing implementation and further elaboration of the United States – Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement.

At this second FTC meeting, the officials reviewed the trade and economic impact of the Agreement on both countries since the previous Commission meeting held in November 2012, in Washington, D.C. Both sides noted that the bilateral trade relationship has continued to strengthen during the six years the Agreement has been in force, that both sides have worked together constructively to resolve issues when they arise, and that implementation is proceeding well and smoothly.

A discussion of bilateral issues of concern included Intellectual Property, digital trade and telecommunications, services, agriculture-related issues, textile and apparel concerns, truck scrappage, and how better use can be made of the CTPA by certain sectors.

In the case of textiles and apparel, the Agreement, has, in eyes of many, not delivered its full potential. Attempts have been made to address this, and in December, 2015, Agathon Associates' David Trumbull was a panelist at the ProColombia U.S.-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement Sourcing Seminar in Bogata, Colombia.

The two governments reviewed the important ongoing engagement on labor issues, an area in which the Colombian government has made progress addressing the issues identified in the 2017 Public Report of Review of U.S. Submission 2016-02 (Colombia). Officials noted that work remains and that both sides will continue to work together on the pending issues identified in the 2017 Report.

2017 Special 301 Out-of-Cycle Review of Colombia: Request for Public Comment

In the 2017 Special 301 Report, the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) announced that, in order to monitor progress on specific intellectual property rights (IPR) issues, USTR would conduct an out-of-cycle review of Colombia. At this time, USTR requests written comments concerning any act, policy, or practice that is relevant to the decision regarding whether and how USTR should identify Colombia based on Colombia's protection for intellectual property rights or market access Columbia provides to U.S. persons who rely on intellectual property protection.

DATES: October 20, 2017 at midnight EST: Deadline for submission of written comments. October 27, 2017 at midnight EST: Deadline for submission of written comments from foreign governments.

I. Background

Pursuant to Section 182 of the Trade Act of 1974 (19 U.S.C. 2242), USTR must identify countries that deny adequate and effective protection for intellectual property rights or deny fair and equitable market access to U.S. persons who rely on intellectual property protection. USTR will identify the countries that have the most onerous or egregious acts, policies, or practices and whose acts, policies, or practices have the greatest adverse impact (actual or potential) on relevant U.S. products as Priority Foreign Countries. Acts, policies, or practices that are the basis of a country's designation as a Priority Foreign Country normally are the subject of an investigation under the Section 301 provisions of the Trade Act (19 U.S.C. 2411 et seq.) USTR may not identify a country as a Priority Foreign Country if that country is entering into good faith negotiations or making significant progress in bilateral or multilateral negotiations to provide adequate and effective protection of intellectual property rights. In addition, USTR has created a ``Priority Watch List'' and a ``Watch List'' under the Special 301 provisions. Placement of a trading partner on the Priority Watch List or Watch List indicates that particular problems exist in that countrywith respect to IPR protection, enforcement, or market access for persons relying on intellectual property. Countries placed on the Priority Watch List are the focus of increased bilateral attention concerning the problem areas.

An Out-of-Cycle Review (OCR) is a tool that USTR uses to encourage progress on IPR issues of concern. It provides an opportunity for heightened engagement with a trading partner to address and remedy such issues. Successful resolution of specific IPR issues of concern or lack of action on such issues can lead to a change in a trading partner's identification on a Special 301 list outside of the typical period for the annual Special 301 Report. USTR may conduct OCRs of other trading partners as circumstances warrant or as requested by the trading partner.

In the 2017 Special 301 Report, which you can find on the USTR Web site at www.ustr.gov, USTR placed Colombia on the Watch List and announced that it would conduct an OCR of Colombia in order to monitor progress on issues relating to IPR protection and enforcement. The OCR of Colombia will include a focus on Colombia's commitment to the intellectual property provisions of the United States-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement and Colombia's implementation of its National Development Plan.

Determination Under the Textile and Apparel Commercial Availability Provision of the United States-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement

The Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements ("CITA") has determined that certain 100% rayon twill challis fabric, as specified below, is not available in commercial quantities in a timely manner in the territory of either the United States or Colombia. The product will be added to the list in Annex 3-B of the U.S.-Colombia TPA in unrestricted quantities.

Specifications: Certain 100% Rayon Twill Challis Fabric

HTSUS: 5516.12.0020; 5516.13.0000; 5516.14.0025; 5516.14.0030

Fabric Type: Twill Challis

Fiber Content: 100% Rayon

Yarn Size: Weft 27-33 denier x Warp 27-33 denier/ 97.2-118.8 warp ends x 61.2-74.8 weft filling yarns per square inch (English) 627-767 warp ends x 394-483 weft filling yarns per square centimeter (metric)

* range represents a 10% tolerance.

Weave Type: Twill

Weight: 152 to 168 grams per square meter--this is the equivalent of 5% tolerance of 160 grams per square meter used in due diligence

Width: 55 in to 56 in (English) 139.7 to 142.24 centimeters (metric)

Coloration Process: Various (including bleaching, piece dyed, yarn dyed, and/or printed)

Finishing Process: Various

Ranges: Ranges in these specifications reflect a tolerance from the target figures of up to five % (equal to range of 152-168 grams per square meter) for fabric weight. Yarn size is a tolerance of ten % (equal to range of 627-767 warp ends x 394-483 weft filling yarns per square centimeter).

Colombia Rayon Fabric Short Supply Filed

The Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements ("CITA") is considering Commercial Availability Request for Certain 100% Rayon Twill Challis, as specified below.

Responses are due by 11:59 P.M. (EST), October 31, 2016.

SPECIFICATIONS: Certain 100% Rayon Twill Challis

HTSUS: 5516.12.0020; 5516.13.0000; 5516.14.0025; 5516.14.0030

Fabric Type: Twill Challis

Fiber Content: 100% Rayon

Yarn Size:

Weft 27-33 denier x Warp 27-33 denier / 97.2-118.8 warp ends x 61.2-74.8 weft filling yarns per square inch (English)

627- 767 warp ends x 394-483 weft filling yarns per square centimeter (metric)

*range represents a +/-10% tolerance.

Weave Type: Twill

Weight: 152 to 168 grams per square meter – this is the equivalent of +/- 5% tolerance of 160 grams per square meter used in due diligence

Width: 55 in to 56 in (English) / 139.7 to 142.24 centimeters (metric)

Coloration Process: Various (including bleaching, piece dyed, yarn dyed, and/or printed)

Finishing Process: Various

Ranges: Ranges in these specifications reflect a tolerance from the target figures of up to five % (equal to range of 152-168 grams per square meter) for fabric weight. Yarn size is a tolerance of ten % (equal to range of 627-767 warp ends x 394-483 weft filling yarns per square centimeter).

Labor Unions Allege Colombia Violates U.S. Free Trade Agreement

On July 15, the U.S. government accepted a complaint filed by U.S. and Colombian labor unions saying that Colombia is failing working families in violation of its commitments in the U.S.–Colombia Trade Agreement.

Men's Shirt Fabric Short supply Request Filed

The Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements is considering a request to add certain woven cotton fabrics of very fine yarns to the short supply list of the U.S.-Colombia Trade Promtion Agreement. The fabrics are woven fabric of combed cotton yarns, of 85% or more by weight of cotton, of yarn count of 60 Nm or higher (60 Nm or finer), of various constructions and finishes, classified in Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States subheadings 5208.22, 5208.29, 5208.32, 5208.33, 5208.39, 5208.42, 5208.43, 5208.49, and 5208.52.Woven fabric of combed cotton yarns, of 85% or more by weight of cotton, of yarn count of 60 Nm or higher (60 Nm or finer), of various constructions and finishes, classified in Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States subheadings 5208.22, 5208.29, 5208.32, 5208.33, 5208.39, 5208.42, 5208.43, 5208.49, and 5208.52.

The request was filed by Agathon Associates on behalf of Spataro Napoli S.A.

Spataro Napoli S.A. was founded by Don Domingo Spataro in 1958 in the city of Santiago de Cali, Colombia, the company is focused on the production of the best shirts for men and boys. Among the brand names under which Spataro Napoli's shirts are marketed are Camarucci, Roland, Arrow, and Manhattan.

American and Colombian Labor Unions File Labor Rights Petition Citing Failures of Colombia FTA

On May 16, 2016, The American Federation Of Labor And Congress Of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO) Central Unitaria De Trabajadores (CUT) Confederación De Trabajadores De Colombia (CTC) Corporación Colombiana Para La Justicia Y El Trabajo (COLJUSTICIA) Sindicato Nacional De Trabajadores De La Industria Agropecuaria (SINTRAINAGRO) Unión Sindical Obrera (USO) filed Public Submission to the Office of Trade & Labor Affairs (OTLA) under chapters 17 (labor) and 21 (dispute settlement) of the Colombia-United States Trade Promotion Agreement concerning the failure of the government of Colombia to comply with chapter 17 of the colombia-united states trade promotion agreement, alleging:

The government of Colombia (GOC) has failed to comply with multiple obligations under Chapter 17 of the U.S.-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement (TPA). The GOC has failed to effectively enforce its labor laws through a sustained and recurring course of inaction and action in a manner that affects trade and investment; waived or otherwise derogated from its statutes and regulations in a manner affecting trade or investment; failed to adopt and maintain in its statutes and regulations, and practices thereunder, the rights as stated in the International Labor Organization (ILO) Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work; failed to ensure that proceedings in its administrative, judicial or labor tribunals are transparent and do not entail unwarranted delays and failed to ensure that final decisions from its administrative, judicial or labor tribunals are made available without undue delay. The GOC is therefore in violation of its obligations under Chapter 17, Articles 17.2.1 (a)-(b), 17.2.2, 17.3.1 (a), 17.4.2 and 17.4.3. (b) of the TPA, which entered into force on May 15, 2012.

The labor unions and federations and non-governmental organizations (the “petitioners”) listed on the cover page hereby jointly file this petition with the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Trade and Labor Affairs (OTLA) in accordance with the procedures set forth at 71 Fed. Reg. 76691, Section F. Upon completing its investigation, petitioners request that the U.S. invoke Cooperative Labor Consultations under Article 17.7 of the TPA to ensure the GOC takes all measures necessary to amend its laws, regulations and procedures in accordance with ILO fundamental labor rights and address the legal, institutional, and practical obstacles to the effective enforcement of labor laws and access to justice. If these consultations fail to bring about full compliance with Chapter 17 within a year of their commencement, the petitioners urge the U.S. to invoke the dispute settlement process under Chapter 21. As described in this petition, the GOC has been out of compliance with its labor obligations since the first day the TPA went into effect. There is no legitimate reason that workers should continue to be denied their rights. Delay hurts not only the working people whose rights are denied, but all other working people whose pay and benefits are dragged down as a consequence, including workers in the U.S.

USTR and Department of Labor Issue Five-Year Update on the Colombian Labor Action Plan and Welcome New Decree on Illegal Subcontracting

Marking the five-year anniversary of the Colombian Action Plan Related to Labor Rights, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative and the U.S. Department of Labor yesterday issued a report on progress under the plan. The report finds that there has been meaningful progress across a number of areas, including a decline in fake worker cooperatives that undermine workers’ rights, a reduction in violence against labor unionists, and a doubling of the number of labor inspectors in Colombia’s Ministry of Labor. The report also shows that there are challenges remaining that Colombia is working to address. Notably, in recent years, as the government of Colombia has taken action against illegal cooperatives, there has been increasing abuse of other kinds of subcontracting. In response, President Santos and Minister of Labor Garzon have just issued a new Presidential Decree to help inspectors investigate and apply potentially very significant fines to employers that use such other forms of subcontracting to violate labor rights. This decree is an important step forward and, if robustly enforced, could have a significant impact on the ground for workers.

In the context of congressional consideration of the U.S.-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement, the Obama administration negotiated the Action Plan with the government of Colombia to address critical labor issues. These issues included violence against trade union members and leaders and impunity for these acts, as well as protection of core labor rights. The two governments initialed the Action Plan on April 7, 2011, and since then, the Obama administration has worked closely with Colombia to implement the plan. USTR and the Department of Labor, in coordination with the Department of State will continue to coordinate with Colombian labor authorities on ongoing issues under the plan, including through the efforts of a new Labor Attaché who was stationed at the U.S. Embassy in Bogotá in 2015 to directly support these efforts on the ground.

To view the report on the Colombian Action Plan Related to Labor Rights, please click here.

Textilización Program - Textiles Sciences

Anyone who has tried to use the free trade agreements the U.S. has with our Spanish-speaking neighbors in the Western Hemisphere knows that one great difficultly is the lack of a good source for Spanish-language technical terms and information relating to textiles and apparel. In a recent trip to Bogata, Colombia, I had the pleasure of meeting Francisco Mejia-A, a graduate of Philadelphia University and textile designer. His blog, Textilización Program, is an online, and ever growing, course on textile sciences in Spanish. Gracias!

AAFA Calls for Cumulation in Colombia and Peru FTAs

The American Apparel & Footwear Association ("AAFA") recently wrote to United States Trade Representative Michael Froman to express strong support for the negotiation of provisions that will establish "cumulation" within the Peru and Colombia Trade Promotion Agreements, stating:

As you may know Article 3.3.14 of the Colombia agreement and Article 3.3.14 of the Peru agreement contain provisions that authorize the negotiation of cumulation with other countries in the region. Such measures are urgently needed to help ensure that regional textile and apparel supply chains do not remain fragmented and that they can create unified markets for U.S. yarns and fabrics.

Under current rules, Colombia can only use inputs from itself and the United States. Likewise, Peru is also restricted to textile inputs originating from itself and the United States. Such policies artificially sever regional supply chains that U.S. apparel companies use, increasing their costs while diminishing the size of key U.S. yarn and fabric export markets. The current situation also stands at odds with historical U.S. trade policies. As recently as last year, these countries could also use inputs from each other, from other Andean countries, and, in certain cases, from Central America.

The letter is available on the AAFA website at https://www.wewear.org/assets/1/7/AAFA_Colombia-Peru_Letter_to_Froman_092313.pdf

Certain Cotton Corduroy Fabric Added to U.S.-Colombia Short Supply List

The Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements ("CITA") has determined that certain cotton corduroy fabric, as specified below, is not available in commercial quantities in a timely manner in the territory of either the United Sates or Colombia. The product will be added to the list in Annex 3-B ("Short Supply List") of the US-Colombia TPA in unrestricted quantities.

Reference number: 3.2013.02.22.Fabric.AM&SforBellaBliss

Specifications: Certain Cotton Corduroy Fabric

HTS Subheading: 5801.22.1000, 5801.22.9000

Wales: 6-10 wales per centimeter (19-23 wales per inch)

Fiber content: greater than 95% cotton by weight

Weight: 133-147 grams per square meter

Warp, ends per centimeter: 28-33

Filling, picks per centimeter: 66-73

Yarn counts:
Warp yarn: English--38-42; Metric 65-70
Filling yarn: English--38-42; Metric 65-70

Width: 134-153 centimeters; 53-60 inches

Finish: Cut, Desized

Note: The yarn size designations describe a range of yarn specifications for yarn in its greige condition before dyeing and finishing of the yarn (if applicable) and before knitting, dyeing and finishing of the fabric. They are intended as specifications to be followed by the mill in sourcing yarn used to produce the fabric. However, because dyeing, finishing, and knitting can alter the characteristic of the yarn as it appears in the finished fabric, the specification therefore includes yarns appearing in the finished fabric as finer or coarser than the designated yarn sizes provided that the variation occurs after processing of the greige yarn and production of the fabric. In addition, while the fabric is intended to be piece-dyed, the specifications include both piece- and yarn-dyed to accommodate any Customs' findings that the finished fabric appears to be yarn-dyed as a result of dye absorption.

Certain Laminated Composite Fabric Added to U.S.-Colombia Short Supply List

The Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements ("CITA") has determined that certain laminated composite fabric, as specified below, is not available in commercial quantities in a timely manner in the territory of either the United Sates or Colombia. The product will be added to the list in Annex 3-B ("Short Supply List") of the U.S.-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement ("U.S.-Colombia TPA") in unrestricted quantities.

Background

The U.S.-Colombia TPA provides a list in Annex 3-B for fabrics, yarns, and fibers that the Parties to the U.S.-Colombia TPA have determined are not available in commercial quantities in a timely manner in the territory of any Party. The U.S.-Colombia TPA and the U.S.-Colombia TPA Implementation Act provides that this list may be modified when the President of the United States determines that a fabric, yarn, or fiber is not available in commercial quantities in a timely manner in the territory of any Party. See Annex 3-B of the U.S.-Colombia TPA; see also section 203(o)(4) of the U.S.-Colombia TPA Implementation Act.

The U.S.-Colombia TPA Implementation Act requires the President to establish procedures governing the submission of a request and providing opportunity for interested entities to submit comments and supporting evidence before a commercial availability determination is made. In Presidential Proclamation 8818, the President delegated to CITA the authority under section 203(o)(4) of the U.S.-Colombia TPA Implementation Act for modifying the Annex 3-B list. Pursuant to this authority, on November 6, 2012, CITA published interim procedures it would follow in considering requests to modify the Annex 3-B list of products determined to be not commercially available in the territory of either the United States or Colombia (Interim Procedures for Considering Requests Under the Commercial Availability Provision of the United States-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement, 77 FR 66588) ("CITA's procedures").

On February 11, 2013, the Chairman of CITA received a request for a Commercial Availability determination ("Request") from Sorini Samet & Associates LLC on behalf of Patagonia, Inc. for certain laminated composite fabric, as specified below. On February 12, 2013, in accordance with CITA's procedures, CITA notified interested parties of the Request, which was posted on the dedicated Web site for Commercial Availability proceedings. In its notification, CITA advised that any Response with an Offer to Supply ("Response") must be submitted by February 25, 2013, and any Rebuttal Comments to a Response must be submitted by March 1, 2013, in accordance with sections 6 and 7 of CITA's procedures. No interested entity submitted a Response to the Request advising CITA of its objection to the Request and its ability to supply the subject product.

In accordance with section 203(o)(4) of the U.S.-Colombia TPA Implementation Act, and section 8(c)(2) of CITA's procedures, as no interested entity submitted a Response objecting to the Request and providing an offer to supply the subject product, CITA has determined to add the specified fabric to the list in Annex 3-B of the U.S.-Colombia TPA.

The subject product has been added to the list in Annex 3-B of the U.S.-Colombia TPA in unrestricted quantities. A revised list has been posted on the dedicated Web site for U.S.-Colombia TPA Commercial Availability proceedings.

SPECIFICATIONS: Laminated Composite Fabric

HTS: 6001.22.0000; 6001.92.0000

Overall Fabric Description: Laminated polyester woven/micro velour grid one-way stretch with polyurethane laminate.

Overall Fabric Construction: Woven face/polyurethane laminate/circular knit velour with grid pattern.

Overall Fiber Content: 90-96% polyester/4-10% spandex (includes both face and backer fabric).

Overall weight: 287-351 grams per square meter.

Overall width: Selvedge: 150.4-154.4 cm; Minimum cuttable: 145.3-149.3 cm.

Finishing: Bonded laminate with durable water repellency on the face fabric, and optional on back.

Performance criteria for overall fabric:
Air permeability (ASTM D737): maximum 1.5
Durable water repellency (AATCC 22): greater than or equal to 80 before wash.

Face Fabric Details:
Construction: plain weave
Fiber content: 81-87% polyester/13-19% spandex
Warp fiber content/denier: 73-77 denier polyester; 39-41 denier spandex
Filling fiber content/denier: 73-77 denier polyester; 39-41 denier spandex

Characteristics of yarns: core spun spandex (filament)

Thread count: 49-52 picks per cm x 43-45 picks per cm

Weight: 121.5-148.5 grams per square meter

Width: Selvedge: 150.4-154.4 cm; Minimum cuttable: 145.3-149.3 cm

Coloration: piece dyed

Finishing: bonded laminate with durable water repellency

Other special characteristics: 2-way stretch

Backer Fabric Details:

Construction: circular knit with a dropped stitch for the grid-brushed looped pile

Fiber content: 100% polyester

Warp fiber content/denier: 145-155 denier polyester

Filling fiber content/denier: 73-77 denier polyester

Characteristics of yarns: filament

Knitting gauge: 27-29

Weight: 140.4-171.6 grams per square meter

Width: Selvedge: 150.4-154.4 cm; Minimum cuttable: 145.3-149.3 cm

Coloration: piece dyed

Finishing: Optional bonded laminate with durable water repellency

Performance criteria:
Pilling (ASTM D3512): minimum 3

Other special characteristics: grid pattern

Laminate Description and performance: Bonded laminate with durable water repellency (air permeability maximum 1.5 per ASTM D737)

NOTE (ranges): Ranges in these specifications reflect a tolerance from the target figures of up to three percent for fiber content, yarn size, and thread count; up to ten percent for weight; and up to five centimeters (two inches) for width.

NOTE (processing variations): The yarn size designations describe a range of yarn specifications for yarn before knitting, dyeing and finishing of the fabric. They are intended as specifications to be followed by the mill in sourcing yarn used to produce the fabric.

Dyeing, finishing, and knitting can alter the characteristic of the yarn as it appears in the finished fabric. These specifications therefore include yarns appearing in the finished fabric as finer or coarser than the designated yarn sizes provided that the variation occurs after processing of the greige yarn and production of the fabric. The specifications for the fabric apply to the fabric itself prior to cutting and sewing of the finished garment. Such processing may alter the measurements.

U.S.-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement Short Supply Petition Filed Relating to Certain Cotton Corduroy Fabric

The Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements ("CITA") is considering a Commercial Availability Request for a certain corduroy fabric, file number: 3.2013.02.22.Fabric.AM&SforBellaBliss, as specified below.

Responses are due by 11:59 P.M. (EST), March 8, 2013. Rebuttals are due by 11:59 P.M. (EST), March 14, 2013.

Specifications: Certain Cotton Corduroy Fabric

HTS Subheading: 5801.22.1000

Wales: 6-10 wales per centimeter (19-23 wales per inch)

Fiber content: greater than 95% cotton by weight

Weight: 133-147 grams per square meter

Warp, ends per centimeter: 28-33

Filling, picks per centimeter: 66-73

Yarn counts:
Warp yarn: English - 38-42; Metric 65-70
Filling yarn: English - 38-42; Metric 65-70

Width: 134-153 centimeters; 53-60 inches

Finish: Cut, Desized

NOTE: The yarn size designations describe a range of yarn specifications for yarn in its greige condition before dyeing and finishing of the yarn (if applicable) and before knitting, dyeing and finishing of the fabric. They are intended as specifications to be followed by the mill in sourcing yarn used to produce the fabric. However, because dyeing, finishing, and knitting can alter the characteristic of the yarn as it appears in the finished fabric, the specification therefore includes yarns appearing in the finished fabric as finer or coarser than the designated yarn sizes provided that the variation occurs after processing of the greige yarn and production of the fabric. In addition, while the fabric is intended to be piece-dyed, the specifications include both piece- and yarn-dyed to accommodate any Customs' findings that the finished fabric appears to be yarn-dyed as a result of dye absorption.