U.S. quotas on 3 Chinese apparel categories take effect

U.S. quotas on 3 Chinese apparel categories take effect    The United States on Dec. 24 presented formal requests to China for consultations to establish new restraints on three categories of apparel. In accordance with China’s accession agreement to the World Trade Organization, the formal requests established unilateral quotas for those categories through Dec. 23, 2004.
   The categories affected are 222, cotton or man-made fiber knit fabric; 349/649, cotton or man-made fiber brassieres; and 350/650, cotton or man-made fiber dressing gowns and women’s/girls’ knit sleep separate garments.
   After Jan. 23, 2004, the United States will require goods in these categories exported from China to be accompanied by a textile visa and an Electronic Visa Information System (ELVIS) transmission.
   Goods in those categories on order or currently being shipped without a textile visa and an ELVIS transmission will be allowed to enter the United States if exported from China prior to Jan. 23.
   The U.S. requested consultations with China could result in different quota levels, quota periods, or alternative visa arrangements.