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Textile and ApparelTextile and Apparel Preference Rules Preference Rules

U.S. Customs & Border Protection

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U.S.-Morocco FTA Technical Seminar:

Textile & Apparel Rules

14-18 March 2005 Casablanca, Morocco

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Overview• U.S. Customs & Border Protection

• U.S. Duty Rates & the FTA

• Brief Textile Lesson– Fiber, Yarn & Fabric

• Concepts Defined

• FTA Preference Rules– Tariff Shift Rule

• Compliance & Enforcement

• Resources

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U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP)• On March 1, 2003, the U.S. Customs Service

became part of the Bureau of Customs and Border Protection (CBP) within the Department of Homeland Security.

• CBP has many roles, the priority mission is to protect our borders.

• Regulating & Facilitating International Trade• Collecting Import Duties• Enforcing U.S. Trade Laws• The U.S. has over 300 Ports of Entry

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• Effective for exports on/after 1 January 2005, all textiles and wearing apparel from World Trade Organization (WTO) members are no longer subject to quota.– Possible Chinese Safeguards

Imports After Quota Expire

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Without quotas, competition will be fierce and the social/political aspect is something to watch!

• “More than 80% of our export earnings are coming from this [apparel and textile] sector.” - Farkul Ahsan,

Bangladesh Embassy official.• Where Free Trade Hurts: The end of textile quotas

makes economic sense, but the social disruption will be huge. (Business Week, Dec. 15, 2003)

• Countdown to 2005: Developing Nations Fear Millions of Job Losses (WWD, Feb. 3, 2004)

Imports WITHOUT Quotas

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• Without quotas, textile and apparel manufacturers will be searching for a Competitive Advantage.

• Without quotas, price will play a major factor in determining who has a Competitive Advantage.

Competition

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• What is the Purpose of an FTA? Remember this is a Free Trade AGREEMENT.

• In all agreements there are negotiations - and all parties make concessions.

• The intent of an FTA is that both parties benefit from that agreement.

Purpose of an FTA?

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• Products of Morocco can be eligible for three different duty rates depending on the inputs (raw materials) and production.– (1) Non-FTA products are subject to Regular Duties– FTA products are (2) Duty Free or (3) Reduced

Duties

Three Possible Duty Rates

www.ustr.gov

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• For the majority of qualifying textile products, tariffs will be eliminated over six (6) years. (see Annex IV – Tariff Elimination)

• However, immediate, duty-free treatment will be provided to selected items – up to designated quantities. – Annex 4-B: Tariff Rate Quotas for originating

goods. Quantities above the levels in Annex 4-B will immediately be eligible for the reduced rates listed in Annex IV – Tariff Elimination.

FTA Duty Reductions

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• Upon full implementation of the U.S.-Morocco Free Trade Agreement, ALL originating textiles and wearing apparel will be duty free.

FTA Duty Reductions

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• Although the average trade-weighted duty rate for all U.S. imports is less than 2%, U.S. duty rates on textiles and apparel remain high. Product Average Duty FTA Rate*

• Yarn 8% 0%• Fabric 10% 0%• Made-Up Articles 10% 0%• Apparel 16% 0%

*When fully implemented

Average U.S. Duty Rates

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• An “Originating” good meets the applicable FTA preference rule of origin.

• A “Non-Originating” good does NOT meet the applicable preference rule of origin.

“Originating” Goods

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Example of High U.S. Duty

Non-FTA vs. FTA

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Example of High U.S. Duty

• Nylon/Spandex Knit Top HTS 6109.90.10

• Non-FTA Rate = 32%

• FTA Duty Rate = 0% (free)

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Example of High U.S. Duty

• Cotton Knit Shirt HTS 6105.10.00

• Non-FTA Rate = 19.7%

• FTA Duty Rate = 0% (free)

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Example of High U.S. Duty

• Cotton Trousers = 16.6%– Men’s

6203.42.4015– Women's 6204.62.4020

• MMF Trousers = 27.9%– Men’s

6203.43.4010– Women’s 6204.63.3510

• FTA Duty Rate = 0% (free)

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U.S.- Morocco FTA

Chapter 4 - Textiles and Apparel

Articles:

4.1 - Tariff Elimination

4.3 - Rules of Origin and Related Matters

4.4 - Customs and Administrative Cooperation

Annex 4-A - Preferential Rules of Origin (a.k.a. Tariff Shift Rules)

Annex 4-B - Tariff Rate Quotas on Apparel Goods

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FTA Preference Rules

• In most cases, a good must be “more than” a product of Morocco, it must also meet the FTA preference rule of origin.

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• Is this “Originating” fabric?

Preferential Rule of Origin

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FTA Originating Product

Annex 4-A(1)(i):

“each of the non-originating materials used in the production of the good undergoes an applicable change in tariff classification specified in this Annex as a result of production occurring entirely in the territory of one or both of the Parties…”

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Harmonized Tariff Schedule

U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule: www.usitc.gov

Know the HTS Number!

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• The Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) shows the applicable duty rate.

• It also shows if the item qualifies for various trade preference programs

• Just like classification, always look at the rule for the finished product.

Harmonized Tariff Schedule

www.usitc.gov

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• Harmonized Tariff Schedule– U.S. Duty Rates– Other Preference Programs

• Quotas– Non-WTO Members– Chinese Safeguards

• U.S. Import Data– U.S. Demand for Imported Products

Market Analysis

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Brief Textile Lesson

• What is a textile product?

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• Fiber…..Yarn…..Fabric…..

Textile Manufacturing

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Fiber

• Fiber– staple fibers– filament fibers

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Yarn

• Yarn– single– plied

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Fabric

• Fabric– woven– knit– non-woven

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Concepts Defined

• Fiber Forward

• Yarn Forward

• Fabric Forward

The textile and apparel preference rules are very similar for U.S. Free Trade Agreements with Morocco, Bahrain, the NAFTA, Singapore, Chile, and Australia.

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Fiber Forward

• Fiber Forward requires U.S. and/or Morocco origin fiber, and all operations forward.

Fiber Forward

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Yarn Forward

• Yarn Forward requires U.S. and/or Morocco origin yarn, and all operations forward, but the fiber may originate outside the U.S. and Morocco.

Yarn Forward

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Fabric Forward

• Fabric Forward requires U.S. and/or Morocco origin fabric, and all operations forward, but the fibers and yarns may originate outside the U.S. and Morocco.

Fabric Forward

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FTA Preference Rules

U.S.-Morocco FTA Preference Rules– Yarn– Fabric– Made-up Articles– Apparel

The “General” Rule

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FTA Rules

• Reminder: Always look up the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) number for the finished product that will be exported to the United States.

• It is important to know the HTS number for the products you produce!

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FTA Rule for Yarn

• The preference rule for yarn is fiber forward, except:– spun yarns of silk, wool, and vegetable fibers

(other than cotton) may be spun with fibers originating outside US/Morocco.

– filament yarns must be formed (extruded) in Morocco or the United States.

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FTA Rule for Fabric

• The preference rule for fabric is yarn forward, except:– fiber forward:

• cotton & man-made fiber knit fabric• man-made fiber non-woven fabric• certain specialty fabrics

– fabric forward: • silk & linen fabrics• coated fabrics, but with exceptions

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Rule for Made-Up Articles

• The preference rule for made-up articles is yarn forward, except:– fabric forward:

• silk & linen articles• man-made fiber luggage• certain other products

Examples of Made-Up Articles: Towels, Bedding, Carpets, Luggage, etc.

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FTA Rule for Apparel

• The preference rule for apparel is yarn forward, exceptions include:– cut & sew rule for:

• Certain apparel made from specific fabrics• Apparel made of silk fabric• Apparel made of linen fabric• Apparel made of fabrics in “short supply”

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Tariff Shift Rule

Tariff Shift Rule

• International Nomenclature (HTS)

• WTO Consistent

• Transparent• Not Subjective (“Substantial Transformation”)

• Unlike “Value Added” Rules

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Harmonized Tariff Schedule

• 50 - Silk• 51 - Wool• 52 - Cotton• 53 - Other Vegetable • 54 - Man-Made Filaments• 55 - Man-Made Staple• 56 - Wadding, etc

• 57 - Carpets, etc• 58 - Special Fabrics• 59 - Coated Fabrics• 60 - Knit Fabrics• 61 - Knit Apparel• 62 - Woven Apparel• 63 - Made-Up Articles

Section XI - Textile and Textile Articles

U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule: www.usitc.gov

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Tariff Shift Rule

A change to heading ####, from any other heading, except ####, #### through ####, and ####.

Example for Cotton Yarn (Heading 5205): A change to headings 5201 through 5207 from any other chapter, except from headings 5401 through 5405, or 5501 through 5507.

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Preference Rule for Yarn

Remember that the preference rule for yarn is “Fiber Forward”

Therefore the fibers must originate in a preference country.

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Example: Cotton Yarn (5205)

A change to headings 5201 through 5207 [cotton yarn] from any other chapter*, except from headings 5401 through 5405 [man-made filament fibers], or 5501 through 5507 [man-made staple fibers].

* since cotton fibers are classified in chapter 52, foreign fibers may not be used.

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Example: Cotton Yarn (5205)

Rule as written...

A change to headings 5201 through 5207 from any other chapter, except from headings 5401 through 5405, or 5501 through 5507.

Or, you can say...

A change to cotton yarn from any other chapter, except from man-made fibers.

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Example: Cotton Yarn (5205)

• You must use Morocco and/or U.S. Cotton and Man-Made Fibers.

• However, all other fibers may be foreign…

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Blended Fibers• There are always exceptions….

• For example, if you have a blended fiber yarn, 65% Cotton and 35% Wool, the wool fibers do NOT have to be a product of Morocco or the United States.

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Preference Rule Summary

Textile Product “General” Rule

Yarn Fiber Forward

Fabric Yarn Forward

Made-up Articles Yarn Forward

Apparel Yarn Forward

There are exceptions to every rule!

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U.S. - Morocco FTA

• Preferential treatment for certain textiles and apparel

Advanced Lesson

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U.S. - Morocco FTA

• Preferential Rules of Origin– Annex 4-A of the FTA (Textiles & Apparel)

– Annex 4-B: Tariff Rate Quotas

• Keep in mind that most textile and apparel products must be “more than” a product of Morocco to qualify for the FTA preferential treatment.

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• “Fiber Forward”– Fibers must originate in one or both of

the Parties

– Yarn must be formed in a Party

General Rule for Yarn

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• Raw Cotton (5201) is grown in Egypt and exported to Morocco

• Formed into Cotton Yarn (5205) in Morocco

• Cotton Yarn (5205) exported to U.S.

• Origin? Eligible for FTA Preference?

Example 1 - Cotton Yarn

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Example 1 - Cotton Yarn

Fiber Yarn Fabric Cut & Sew

Egypt Morocco

Fiber Forward Rule

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A change to headings 5201 through 5207 [cotton yarn] from any other chapter*, except from headings 5401 through 5405 [man-made filament fibers], or 5501 through 5507 [man-made staple fibers].

* Since cotton fibers are classified in chapter 52, foreign fibers may not be used.

Example 1 - Cotton Yarn

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• “Yarn Forward”

– Yarn and Fabric formation must occur in one or both of the Parties

General Rule for Woven Fabric

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• Raw Cotton (5201) produced in China and exported to Morocco

• Polyester Staple Fiber (5503) produced in Japan and exported to Morocco

• Cotton and Polyester further processed, then blended and spun into a 70% Polyester/30% Cotton Yarn (5509) in Morocco.

• Polyester/Cotton Yarn woven into Oxford Cloth fabric (5512) in Morocco

• The Oxford Cloth (5512) is exported to the U.S.• Origin? Eligible for FTA Preference?

Example 2 - Woven MMF Fabric

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Example 2 -Woven MMF Fabric

Fiber Yarn Fabric Cut & Sew

China Morocco Morocco

Japan

Yarn Forward Rule

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• A change to heading 5512 through 5516 from any heading outside that group, except from heading 5106 through 5110, 5205 through 5206, 5401 through 5404 or 5505 through 5510. – (remember, the general preference rule for fabric

is “Yarn Forward”)

Example 2 -Woven MMF Fabric

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• A change to heading 5512 through 5516 from any heading outside that group, except from heading 5106 through 5110 [wool yarn], 5205 through 5206 [cotton yarn], 5401 through 5404 [man-made filament yarn] or 5505 through 5510 [man-made staple yarn].

• Therefore all wool, cotton and man-made fiber yarns must be formed in Morocco and/or the U.S., but fibers may come from anyplace.

Example 2 -Woven MMF Fabric

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• “Fiber Forward”– Fiber, Yarn and Fabric formation must occur

in one or both of the Parties

General Rule for Knit Fabric

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• “Yarn Forward”– Yarn, Fabric, and Apparel

formation must occur in one or both of the Parties

Made in Morocco

General Rule for Apparel

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Exceptions to the Rule...

• Not all items follow the yarn-forward rule.

• Some apparel rules have an easier “cut-and-sew” rule, including:– 6108.21 Certain Cotton Underwear– 6108.31 Certain Cotton Pajamas– Woven apparel made of “short supply” yarns

and/or fabrics (Chapter 62 Rule 2)

• Built into the Tariff Shift Rules (Annex 4-A)

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Tariff Rate Quotas

Annex 4-B: Tariff Rate Quotas • Although duty rates will be eliminated within 5

years of the implementation, for certain originating goods listed in Annex 4-B, the duty rate will be zero (0%) for a specified quantity of goods.

• Excess quantities are eligible for reduced duties (Article 4.1.7)

• Beginning in year six (6), all goods described in Annex 4-B will be duty-free.

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• For purposes of determining the origin of a good of Chapters 61 - 63, the rule applicable to that good shall only apply to the component that determines the tariff classification of the good and such component must satisfy the tariff change requirements….– Chapter 61, Chapter Rule 2– Chapter 62, Chapter Rule 3– Chapter 63, Chapter Rule 1

Component that Determines the Tariff Classification

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• The tariff shift rule only applies to the component that determines the tariff classification

• There are a few exceptions, but in most cases, you are not concerned about the origin of all other fabrics.

General Rule for Apparel

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• What is the component that determines the tariff classification?

General Rule for Apparel

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• What is the component that determines the tariff classification?

General Rule for Apparel

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General Rule for Apparel

• What is the component that determines the tariff classification?

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• Raw Cotton (5201) and Polyester filament fibers (5503) are produced in the U.S.

• Cotton and Polyester fibers are combined and spun into a 80% Cotton/20% Polyester yarn (5206) in the U.S.

• Cotton/Polyester Yarn is woven into Twill Fabric (5210) in the U.S. and exported to Morocco

• Twill Fabric cut and sewn into women’s cotton pants (6204.62) in Morocco and exported to the U.S.

• Origin? Eligible for FTA Preference?

Example 3 - Pants (Trousers)

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Example 3 - Pants(Trousers)

Fiber Yarn Fabric Cut & Sew

U.S. U.S. U.S. Morocco

Yarn Forward Rule

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• A change to subheadings 6204.61 through 6204.69 from any other chapter, except from headings 5106 through 5113, 5204 through 5212, 5307 through 5308 or 5310 through 5311, Chapter 54, or headings 5508 through 5516, 5801 through 5802 or 6001 through 6006, provided that the good is both cut and sewn or otherwise assembled in the territory of on or both of the Parties.

Example 3 - Pants(Trousers)

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• A change to subheadings 6204.61 through 6204.69 from any other chapter, except from headings 5106 through 5113[wool yarn/fabric], 5204 through 5212 [cotton yarn/fabric], 5307 through 5308 or 5310 through 5311 [certain yarns/fabrics (jute)], Chapter 54 [man-made fiber filament yarn/fabric], or headings 5508 through 5516 [man-made fiber staple yarn/fabric], 5801 through 5802 [certain specialty fabrics] or 6001 through 6006 [knit fabric], provided ....

Example 3 - Pants(Trousers)

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• Therefore, all wool, cotton and man-made fiber yarns and fabric must be produced in the U.S. and/or Morocco.

• However, this means the trousers could be produced with foreign Silk fabric (5007), or from Linen (5309), and the garment will still receive FTA treatment.

Example 3 - Pants(Trousers)

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• Exception to the Rule: For certain apparel, certain visible lining fabrics must be formed from yarn and finished in the territory of a Party. – Men’s and women’s suits &

suit-type jackets, skirts, overcoats, anoraks, windbreakers, & similar articles

Special Rules: Visible Lining

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• 100% Cashmere Yarn (5109) formed in the U.S. and exported to Morocco

• Cashmere Yarn woven into fabric (5112) in Morocco

• 100% Rayon Fabric (5408.22.90) woven in Morocco of filament yarn produced in Taiwan

• All fabric cut and sewn in Morocco, made into a Men’s Cashmere Overcoat with Rayon Lining (6201.11) and exported to the U.S.

• Origin? Eligible for FTA Preference?

Example 4 - Visible Lining

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Example 4 - Visible Lining

Fiber Yarn Fabric Cut & Sew

? U.S. Morocco Morocco

Taiwan Morocco Morocco

Fabric Forward Rule

Yarn Forward Rule

Visible Lining Fabric

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• 6201.11: This is the same “yarn forward” rule as used in example 3, but it also states….

• …. Provided that any visible lining material contained in the apparel article satisfies the requirements of Chapter Rule 1 for Chapter 62.

• …visible lining material in certain men’s and women’s garments must be formed from yarn and finished in the territory of a Party.

Example 4 - Visible Lining

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• Article 4.3.7 of the Agreement– Rule allows for the use of non-originating Fibers

and Yarns in the component that determines the tariff classification, up to 7% by weight of the total weight of the component.

• Exception for Elastomeric Yarns

Special Rules: De Minimis

Fiber Yarn

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De Minimis

• If the stripes on this shirt are composed of foreign yarns, the shirt would still qualify as an originating good, as long as the yarns weigh not more than 7%.

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• Raw Canadian Wool (5101) formed into Wool Yarn (5107) in the U.S. and exported to Morocco

• U.S. Wool Yarn woven into Fabric (5112) in Morocco• Fabric incorporates as a Pin-Stripe a Rayon Filament

Yarn formed in Malaysia (Comprises 5% of the fabric by weight)

• Fabric cut and sewn in Morocco into Men’s Suit Coats (6203.31)

• Suit Coats exported to the U.S.• Origin? Eligible for FTA Preference?• What if Jacket had a Visible Lining?

Example 5 - De Minimis

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Example 5 - De Minimis

Fiber Yarn Fabric Cut & Sew

CanadaU.S. Morocco Morocco

Malaysia Morocco Morocco

Yarn Not More than 7%

Yarn Forward Rule

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Treatment of Sets

• Article 4.3.8: Textile or Apparel goods cannot be an originating set* unless:– each good in the set is originating, or– the non-originating goods in the set do not

exceed 10% of the value of the set.

• There are not many textile or apparel sets.

* “Set”is defined in General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 3 of the Harmonized System

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Tariff Preference Levels

• Tariff Preference Levels (TPL) are a major exception to the Tariff Shift Rules.

• TPLs allow for the use of non-originating materials, and although the finished product is not an “originating” product under the FTA, it is eligible for preferential treatment as if it were an originating product!

• This provision is limited.

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Tariff Preference Levels (TPL)

Article 4.3.9-14: TPLs for Non-Originating:

• Fabric of Chapters 51, 52, 54, 55, 58 and 60.

• Apparel of Chapters 61 and 62.

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Tariff Preference Levels

• Non-originating Fabric and Apparel goods entered under the TPL are eligible for duty-free access up to a limited amount.

• The TPL is only applicable for the first 10 years of the free trade agreement.

• In year 11 of the agreement, the TPL is eliminated, and non-originating goods are subject to duty. (Exception is eliminated.)

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Tariff Preference LevelsQuantity in Square Meter Equivalents

Years 1-4: 30,000,000

Year 5: 25,714,000

Year 6: 21,428,000

Year 7: 17,142,000

Year 8: 12,856,000

Year 9: 8,571,000

Year 10: 4,285,000

Year 11: -0-

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Tariff Preference Levels

• The fabric and apparel goods shall receive preferential tariff treatment, regardless of the origin of the fiber, yarn or fabric used to produce the goods.

• Must meet other FTA rules such as, for garments, the fabric must be cut and sewn in an FTA party.

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• Knit Cotton Fabric (6005) is produced in Sri Lanka and exported to Morocco

• Fabric cut and sewn into Women’s knit tops (6110.20) in Morocco

• Exported to the U.S.• Origin? Eligible for FTA

Preference?

Example 6 - Tariff Preference Levels

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Example 6 - TPL for Apparel

Fiber Yarn Fabric Cut & Sew

? ? Sri Lanka Morocco

TPL Rule

Yarn Forward Rule

But...

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• “… from fabric or yarn produced or obtained from outside the territory of a Party, regardless of the origin…”

• Knit-to-Shape components are not considered “fabric” and therefore garments containing them do NOT qualify for the TPL!

TPL - WARNING!

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Sub-Saharan African Cotton

Article 4.3.15: • TPL for Yarn and Knit Fabric containing

Cotton Fibers from designated least-developed sub-Saharan African countries.

• Only Yarn and Knit Fabric have a “fiber forward” preference rule of origin.

• Non-Originating Yarn and Knit Fabric containing Cotton Fibers from certain sub-Saharan African countries, are eligible for duty free treatment.

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Sub-Saharan African Cotton

• Bulletin Officiel, No. 4861 – 6 chaoual 1421 (1.1.2001), Exoneration du droit d’importation en faveur des produits originaires et en provenance de certains pays d’Afrique.

• Limited to 1,067,257 kilograms annually.

• This provision does not expire.

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• Example 1: Origin is Morocco; Not eligible for preference because the Egyptian cotton does not satisfy tariff shift rule for 5205.

• Example 2: Origin is Morocco; Eligible for preference. It meets the tariff shift rule for 5512.

• Example 3: Origin is Morocco; Eligible for preference. Only has to meet the yarn forward rule to satisfy tariff shift rule for 6204.62. (fibers could be foreign)

• Example 4: Origin is Morocco; Eligible for preference. Both the tariff shift rule and the visible lining rule for 6201.11 is satisfied.

Keys to Exercises

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• Example 5: Origin is Morocco; Eligible for preference as the tariff shift rule for 6203.31 is satisfied. Rayon yarn meets de minimis levels. If it had a lining, it would have to meet the visible lining rule.

• Example 6: Origin is Morocco; Eligible for preference under TPL.

Keys to Exercises

A+

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A Future Customs Official?

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• Under the U.S.-Morocco FTA, certain textiles and apparel qualify for duty-free entry.

• Both Governments want this agreement to benefit those that comply with terms of the agreement.

Compliance and Enforcement

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• Article 4.4 of the U.S.-Morocco FTA has strong Customs Cooperation provisions.

• Allows for the joint (Morocco/U.S.) verification of FTA preference claims.

Customs Cooperation

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• Article 4.4.2: If requested by the United States, Morocco shall verify a claim of origin. If requested by Morocco, the United States shall verify a claim of origin.

Customs Cooperation

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• Article 4.4.4: Each party shall permit the other to assist in a verification, after notifying the other party.

• Article 4.4.5: Each party shall provide the other information or documents.

Customs Cooperation

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• Article 4.4.6: Each party may take appropriate action, including suspending preferential tariff treatment to ANY textile or apparel good exported or produced by a company if there is reasonable suspicion.

Customs Cooperation

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• Article 4.4.7: The party conducting the verification shall provide a written report.

• Article 4.4.10: The parties shall consult to resolve any technical or interpretive difficulties or to discuss ways to improve cooperation.

Customs Cooperation

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• In order for the U.S. importer to receive preferential duty, they must make a declaration to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

• CBP uses the principles of “Informed Compliance.”

Compliance

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• CBP publishes on the Internet, guidance to the importing community, including implementation information on Free Trade Agreements.

Notices to the Publicwww.cbp.gov

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Binding Rulings from CBP

Interested Parties may request a (FREE) Binding Ruling from CBP!

• Classification under the HTS

• FTA Eligibility

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Binding Rulings from CBP

Please send letter, sample and/or detailed description to:

Office of International TradeRegulations and RulingsU.S. Customs and Border Protection1300 Pennsylvania Ave, NWWashington, DC 20229 USA

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Introducing “eRulings”

• Ruling requests may now be submitted over the

Internet via “eRuling”.

• Details on www.cbp.govThen link to:

» import» rulings

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• Rulings issued to all parties are located on the Customs Ruling Online Search System, or “CROSS”.

www.cbp.govThen link to:

» import» rulings» CROSS

Binding Rulings - CROSS

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CBP Publication

Customs & Border Protection publication:

– Importing into the United States• Designed for the Novice Importer• Classification and Valuation• Invoice Requirements• Marking Requirements• Customs Brokers

www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/toolbox/publications

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CBP Publications– What Every Member of the Trade Community

Should Know About: • Apparel Terminology• Fiber Trade Names & Generic Terms• Fibers & Yarns: Construction & Class.• NAFTA for Textile Articles• Ribbons & Trimmings• Textile & Apparel Rules of Origin

www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/toolbox/publications

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Internet ResourcesU.S. Government Internet Resources:

• Rules of Origin & Rulings www.cbp.gov

• Textile Trade Data otexa.ita.doc.gov

• Trade Agreements www.ustr.gov

• Duty Rates www.usitc.gov

• Labeling www.ftc.gov

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Disclaimer

• This presentation is simply a brief overview of the preference rules for textiles and apparel. The presentation attempts to show the “general rule” for major products, but it does not include most exceptions to the rule. Interested parties may consider requesting a binding ruling from U.S. Customs & Border Protection prior to exporting to the United States.

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Conclusion

• It may sound difficult at first, but once you understand the concepts, the rules for most products are easy to understand.

• The benefits are worth the trouble of compliance.