CITA LIMITS SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA DUTY AND QUOTA-FREE APPAREL IMPORTS

CITA LIMITS SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA DUTY AND QUOTA-FREE APPAREL IMPORTS    The U.S. Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements has published the second 12-month cap on duty and quota free benefits for apparel imported from sub-Saharan African countries.
   The 2000 Trade and Development Act provides for duty and quota-free treatment for certain textile and apparel articles imported from designated beneficiary sub-Saharan African countries. This preferential treatment covers fabric formed in one or more of these beneficiary countries, and applies through Sept. 30, 2004.
   However, quantity accepted under this duty and quota free status is calculated annually using the aggregate square meter equivalents of all apparel articles imported into the United States, derived from the set of Harmonized Tariff Schedule lines listed in the Annex to the World Trade Organization Agreement on Textiles and Clothing.
   The next 12-month cap, starting Oct. 1 and extending through Sept. 30, 2002, for duty and quota free treatment for apparel from beneficiary sub-Saharan African countries is 313,303,986 square meter equivalents.