Pocket Bag Fabric Rule Takes Effect for Blue Denim Apparel Jan. 1, CBP Says

CBP reminded importers that the second phase of the pocket bag fabric rule for apparel will take effect under USMCA on Jan. 1, extending the rule to apparel made from blue denim, in a CSMS message. “This provision applies to woven apparel goods of [Harmonized Tariff Schedule] Chapter 62 that are made of blue denim fabric of HTS subheadings 5209.42, 5211.42, 5212.24 and/or 5514.30, which contain a pocket or pockets,” CBP said. “If applicable, the pocket bag fabric must be formed and finished in the territory of one or more of the USMCA countries,” from yarn that “was wholly formed and finished in the territory of one or more of the USMCA countries.” The first phase of the rule -- which applies to apparel goods under chapters 61 and 62 of the tariff schedule that contain a pocket, but not to apparel of blue denim -- has been in effect since Jan. 1, 2022.