USDA TO AMEND IMPORT ASSESSMENT EXEMPTIONS ON COTTON APPAREL, TEXTILES

USDA TO AMEND IMPORT ASSESSMENT EXEMPTIONS ON COTTON APPAREL, TEXTILES    The U.S. Department of Agriculture has proposed to amend its rules regarding the import assessment exemptions on cotton apparel and textile products to reflect new Harmonized Tariff Schedule numbers.
   The interim final rule becomes effective today, but the USDA will take comments from the industry until Dec. 27, before a final rule is issued.
   The USDA said the purpose for the changes is to avoid “multiple assessment” of U.S.-produced cotton that has been exported and then imported back into the United States in the form of apparel and textile products.
   The 1991 Cotton Research and Promotion Order provides for exemptions from assessments for certain imported goods when they contain U.S.-produced cotton. This helps to minimize double assessment of U.S.-produced cotton.
   New Harmonized Tariff Schedule numbers were created to identify U.S.-produced cotton fabrics and/or yarns that are made or cut in the United States, exported and then imported back to the United States in the form of apparel products and/or luggage. For a list of the new HTS numbers, access the Federal Register at https://frwebgate2.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/waisgate.cgi?WAISdocID=5357422098+1+0+0&WAISaction=retrieve.