The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) is asking for industry comments by February 11 as described under Section 182 of the 1974 Trade Act, also known as "Special 301." The “Special 301” provisions of the Trade Act of 1974 require USTR to identify foreign countries that deny adequate and effective protection of intellectual property rights or fair and equitable market access for U.S. persons that rely on intellectual property protection. Please follow this link for all the details.
01.22.08
AAFA is still seeking input for comments on the so-called “10+2” rule that U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) recently proposed. This proposed rule, mandated by the 2006 SAFE Ports Act, would require importers and shippers to provide additional data elements to Customs for goods they ship to the United States. Comments are due to CBP by March 3, 2008 (however, on January 15, AAFA joined with 10 other trade associations to request a 30-day extension for this filing deadline). AAFA members interested in filing comments may do so directly or may provide input to AAFA. For more information, please contact Steve Lamar at 703.797.9041 or Nate Herman at 703.797.9062.
12.17.07
CITA has received a petition filed by the National Textile Association to declare certain rayon fibers, other than lyocell, for use in textile filaments, staple yarns and woven fabrics under Chapters 52, 54 and 55 and non-woven and other textile articles of Chapter 56 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule in "short supply" under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). If approved, apparel made in Mexico using textiles made from the subject third-country rayon fibers can enter the United States duty-free. Comments are due January 14.
10.1.07
AAFA requests assistance in responding to a number of US government requests for comments on the US International Trade Commission requests comments on China policies that affect trade in certain sectors, including the footwear, apparel and travel goods sectors. Comments are due February 1, 2008. If you wish to assist AAFA with its comments, please submit any input to AAFA's Nate Herman at 703.797.9062 at least one week before each of the deadlines.
2.12.07
The US International Trade Commission (ITC) requests comments on the effects of new trade benefits accorded to US apparel and textile imports from Haiti under the recently enacted Haitian Opportunity through Partnership Encouragement (HOPE) Act. Requests to appear at the public hearing are due October 23 and written comments are due February 7, 2008.
If you wish to assist AAFA with its comments, please submit any input to AAFA's Nate Herman at 703.797.9062 at least one week before each of the deadlines.
