TBT-12-001 Removal of Certain Compact Yarns from CAFTA-DR Short Supply List

BACKGROUND:

As published in the Federal Register on August 23, 2011 (76 FR 163), the Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements (CITA) determined that an acceptable substitute for certain compacted, plied, ring spun cotton yarns (see specifications listed below), is now available in the CAFTA-DR countries in commercial quantities in a timely manner.  These yarns, which are currently listed in Annex 3.25 of the CAFTA-DR agreement, had previously been considered in short supply.

SPECIFICATIONS:

Certain Compacted, Plied, Ring Spun Cotton Yarns

Compacted, plied, ring spun cotton yarns, with yarn counts in the range from 42 to 102 metric, classified in subheadings 5205.42.0020, 5205.43.0020, 5205.44.0020, 5205.46.0020, and 5205.47.0020 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS).

In accordance with CITA’s procedures, CITA notified interested parties of the original request to remove these yarns from the short supply list, which was posted on the dedicated website for CAFTA-DR Commercial Availability proceedings.  No interested entity submitted a response advising CITA of its objection to the request for removal.

In accordance with section 203(o)(4)(C) of the CAFTA-DR Implementation Act, Section 8(a) and (b), and Section 9(c)(1) of CITA’s procedures, CITA has determined to remove the subject product from Annex 3.25.  Pursuant to Section 9(c)(3)(iii)(A), textile and apparel articles containing the subject product are not to be treated as originating in a CAFTA-DR country if the subject product is obtained from non-CAFTA-DR sources, effective for goods entered into the United States on or after 180 calendar days after the date of publication of the Federal Register notice.  A revised list in Annex 3.25, noting the effective date of the removal of the subject product, has been posted on the dedicated website for CAFTA-DR Commercial Availability proceedings.

ACTION:

As of February 20, 2012, the product specified above will be removed from the list in Annex 3.25 of the CAFTA-DR Agreement in unrestricted quantities.  CITA has determined that an acceptable substitute for certain compacted, plied, ring spun cotton yarns, is now available in the CAFTA-DR countries in commercial quantities in a timely manner.

INFORMATION:

For additional information, please contact the Textile Policy and Enforcement Branch.