China: Certain Cat 647/648 Ski/Snowboard Pants Exempt from Safeguard Quota
| China: |
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| QP: 05/27/05 - 12/31/05Eff: November 1, 2005 |
The Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements (CITA) has issued a notice announcing that it has determined that certain imports of manmade fiber (MMF) ski and snowboard pants from China do not contribute to the market disruption found in category 647/648 goods, and should not be covered by the 2005 safeguard quota.
In addition, CITA states that the exclusion of ski/snowboard pants does not undermine CITA's market disruption finding or require the readjustment of the safeguard quota level calculation, as CITA has received new information indicating that there is minimal domestic production of these products; these products are seasonal with limited end-use; and such products account for de minimis import quantities.
China Ski/Snowboard Pants Exempt from Safeguard Quota
As a result, effective November 1, 2005, CITA is directing U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to exempt from the 2005 safeguard quota established for category 647/648 goods manufactured in China, goods that meet the definition of ski/snowboard pants (see definition below) that are classified in Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) numbers: 6203.43.3510, 6204.63.3010, 6210.40.5031, and 6210.50.50311, as well as trousers imported as parts of ski suits, classified in HTS numbers 6211.20.1525 and 6211.20.1555.
Embargoed China Ski/Snowboard Pants Allowed Entry
In addition, as the safeguard quota on China 647/648 filled on August 3, 2005, CITA has instructed CBP to release from this embargo and allow entry of such ski and snowboard pants (see definition below) produced or manufactured in China and entered for consumption or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption into the U.S. on and after November 1, 2005.
Definition of "Ski/Snowboard Pants" For Purposes of the Four Pants HTS Nos
According to CITA and HTS Chapter 62, Statistical Note 41, for 6203.43.3510, 6204.63.3010, 6210.40.5031, and 6210.50.5031, the term "ski/snowboard pants" means ankle-length pants made of synthetic fabrics, with or without insulation for cold weather protection, with zippered or hook and loop enclosed pockets, sealed seams and hidden elastic leg sleeves, and with one or more of the following: side openings, scuff guards or reinforcement in the seat. A sealed seam is one that has been covered, on the backside of the fabric, with tape or a coating to "bridge" the seam so that air and water cannot pass through. The tape or coating may be applied using heat and/or pressure.
1 These four tariff numbers and Statistical Note 4 to HTS Chapter 62, were added to the 2005 HTS by Supplement 1.
CITA notice (upcoming FR Pub of 11/01/05) available at http://otexa.ita.doc.gov/fr2005/chisnow1.htm