Textile & Apparel Rules Under Free Trade Agreements & Preference Programs

Transcription

1 Textile & Apparel Rules Under Free Trade Agreements & Preference Programs July 2012

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4 U.S. Customs and Border Protection Priority Trade Issues (PTIs) Agriculture Programs Antidumping and Countervailing Duties (ADCVD) Intellectual Property Rights Import Safety Penalties Revenue Textiles Trade Agreements Textiles The goal of the Textiles PTI is to ensure that textile imports, which generate more than 40% of the duties collected by CBP, fully comply with applicable laws, regulations, quotas, Free Trade Agreement requirements, and Intellectual Property provisions. Trade Agreements The objective of the Trade Agreements PTI is to advance CBP s mission by working with internal and external stakeholders to facilitate legitimate trade and address areas of non-compliance while effectively communicating the terms of our free trade agreements and preferential trade legislation. The TA PTI is limited to goods other than textiles and apparel, as textiles and apparel products are handled under a separate Textiles PTI. 4

5 CBP Textiles Priority Trade Issue U.S. Imports of Textile and Apparel Goods Total $115 Billion Account for Approximately 43% of All Duties Collected Key Industry for the U.S. Economy Highly Regulated and Legislated FTAs (17% of Textile and Apparel Imports Claim a Preference) Key Industry for Free Trade Agreements Key Industry for Administration s Trade Policy Key Industry for Congressional Legislation 5

6 Textile/Apparel Supplier Countries by Value FY10 1China 42% 2Vietnam 6% 3Mexico 6% 4India 5% 5 Indonesia 4% 6 Bangladesh 4% 7Pakistan 3% 8 Honduras 2% 9Canada 2% 10 Cambodia 2% 11 Italy 2% 12 Thailand 2% 13 El Salvador 2% 14 Sri Lanka 1% 15 Guatemala 1% FY11 1 China 41% 2Vietnam 6% 3 India 6% 4Mexico 5% 5 Indonesia 5% 6 Bangladesh 4% 7Pakistan 3% 8 Honduras 2% 9 Cambodia 2% 10 Canada 2% 11 Italy 2% 12 El Salvador 2% 13 Thailand 1% 14 Sri Lanka 1% 15 Guatemala 1% 6

7 CBP Textiles Priority Trade Issue Enforcement Efforts Unilateral/Bilateral/Multilateral Preference Programs African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) Qualifying Industrial Zones; Jordan/Israel/Egypt Caribbean Basin Trade Partnership Act, Haiti HOPE and HELP Andean Trade Promotion and Drug Eradication Act Free Trade Agreements (Australia, Bahrain, CAFTA, Colombia, Chile, Israel, Jordan, Korea, Morocco, NAFTA, Oman, Peru, Singapore) Trade Agreements Have Become a Critical Element in the Overall Foreign Policy of the United States Unique Qualifying Rules for Each for Textile and Apparel Goods 10 7

8 Textile & Apparel Rules Under Free Trade Agreements & Preference Programs U.S. Legal Concepts of Shared Responsibility, Informed Compliance, and Reasonable Care Apply to Importers By Making a Claim for Preferential Treatment Under a FTA or Preference Program, the Importer of Record is Declaring to CBP They KNOW, UNDERSTAND and MEET the Preference Rule No Special Documents are Needed for Entry Purposes If Asked, the Importer of Record Must Substantiate the Claim is Valid 8

9 Textile & Apparel Rules Under Free Trade Agreements & Preference Programs CBP and Other U.S. Government Public Resources: Where to find information, instructions and guidance about Free Trade Agreements and preference programs. FTA & Preference Rules: Basic summary of the types preference rules for preferential treatment, how to file a claim for preferential treatment. CBP Verification Procedures: Review of U.S. Customs and Border Protection procedures for implementing and enforcing the terms of the agreement or program. 9

10 CBP and Other U.S. Government Public Resources Where to find information, instructions and guidance about Free Trade Agreements and preference programs. 10

11 Textile & Apparel Rules Under Free Trade Agreements & Preference Programs Official Resources (U.S. Government) Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS) U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) U.S. Customs and Border Protection Resources: Customs Rulings Online Search System (CROSS) Informed Compliance Publications TBTs and QBTs U.S. Trade Data: U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) DataWeb Office of Textiles and Apparel (OTEXA), U.S. Department of Commerce 11

12 Official Resources (U.S. Government) Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS) FTA & Preference Rules General Notes (GN _ ) (one per agreement or program) Duty Rates indicated by Special Program Indicators (SPI) in Special column in Chapters

13 Official Resources (U.S. Government) Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS) GN 33 13

14 Official Resources (U.S. Government) U.S. Customs and Border Protection Website 14

15 Official Resources (U.S. Government) U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) FTA Regulations 19 CFR 10 Subpart _ 15

16 Documentation Required for Entry 19 CFR (Entry Documentation) and 19 CFR (Right to Make Entry) Documentation Required for Entry (19 CFR 142.3): CBP Form 7501 Entry Summary Right to Make Entry Negotiable Bill of Lading (19 CFR ) Commercial Invoice Packing List Other Documentation As Required by Other U.S. Agencies 16

17 CBP Form 7501, Entry Summary 17

18 Invoice Requirements 19 CFR

19 Invoice Requirements 19 CFR Port of Entry Name of Importer Detailed Description of the Merchandise Quantities Purchase Price in U.S. Dollars Country of Origin 19

20 Advance Rulings What are Ruling Letters? It is in the interest of the sound administration of CBP and related laws that persons engaging in any transaction affected by those laws fully understand the consequences of that transaction prior to its consummation. For this reason, Customs and Border Protection will give full and careful consideration to written requests from importers and other interested parties for rulings or information setting forth, with respect to a specifically described transaction, a definitive interpretation of applicable law, or other appropriate information. 20

21 Advance Rulings Tariff Classification Application of Customs Value Criteria Application of Duty Drawback, Deferral, or Relief from Other Customs Duties Trade Agreement or Program Originating Status Eligibility for Duty-Free Repairs or Alterations Under FTA Country of Origin Marking Whether a Good is Subject to Quota or Tariff Rate Quota 21

22 Advance Rulings Information Required in Ruling Requests Ruling requests must contain a complete statement of all relevant facts relating to the transaction including: The name, address, address and phone number of the requesting party. The names, addresses, addresses and other identifying information of all interested parties (if known) and the manufacturer ID code (if known). The name(s) of the port(s) in which the merchandise will be entered (if known). A description of the transaction; for example, a prospective importation (merchandise) from (country). A statement that there are, to the importer's knowledge, no issues on the commodity pending before CBP or any court. A statement as to whether advice has been sought from a CBP office; and if so, from whom, and what advice was rendered, if any. 22

23 Official Resources (U.S. Government) U.S. Customs and Border Protection Resources Customs Rulings Online Search System (CROSS) Classification Guidance Eligibility for Preferential Treatment U.S.-Korea FTA Other Free Trade Agreements Preference Programs (AGOA, ATPDEA or CBTPA) 23

24 Official Resources (U.S. Government) CBP Resources - CROSS 24

25 Official Resources (U.S. Government) CBP Resources CROSS - Example N March 22, 2012 CLA-2-38:OT:RR:NC:2:239 CATEGORY: Classification TARIFF NO.: Mr. Glenn M. Carberry Praxair, Inc. 175 East Park Drive Tonawanda, NY RE: The tariff classification of a compressed gas mixture from South Korea Dear Mr. Carberry: In your letter dated February 21, 2012, you requested a tariff classification ruling. The subject product is a compressed gas mixture of fluorine and nitrogen. You state that the product will be imported in a cylinder and will be used to passivate steel and stainless steel piping in the electronics industry. The applicable subheading will be , Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS), which provides for Chemical products and preparations of the chemical or allied industries (including those consisting of mixtures of natural products), not elsewhere specified or included: Other: Other: Other: Other: Other: Other. The rate of duty will be 5 percent ad valorem. Duty rates are provided for your convenience and are subject to change. The text of the most recent HTSUS and the accompanying duty rates are provided on World Wide Web at This ruling is being issued under the provisions of Part 177 of the Customs Regulations (19 C.F.R. 177). A copy of the ruling or the control number indicated above should be provided with the entry documents filed at the time this merchandise is imported. If you have any questions regarding the ruling, contact National Import Specialist Richard Dunkel at (646) Sincerely, Thomas J. Russo Director National Commodity Specialist Division 25

26 Official Resources (U.S. Government) U.S. Customs and Border Protection Resources Informed Compliance Publications (ICP) Examples: Classification: Apparel Terminology Under the HTSUS Classification of Coated and Water Resistant Apparel Classification of Knit to Shape Apparel Garments Under HTSUS Heading 6110 Classification of Sets Entry Marking Requirements for Wearing Apparel NAFTA for Textiles & Textile Articles Textile & Apparel Rules of Origin 26

27 Official Resources (U.S. Government) CBP Resources Informed Compliance Publications 27

28 Official Resources (U.S. Government) U.S. Customs and Border Protection Resources TBTs, QBTs Textile Bulletin Transmittals (TBTs) (Example) TBT Documents Used to Verify Free Trade Agreements and Legislated Trade Program Claims for Textiles and Wearing Apparel Quota Bulletin Transmittals (QBTs) (Example) QBT CAFTA-DR MX Cumulation (Announcement of Quota Limit for 2010) nd_quotas/qbts/ 28

29 Official Resources (U.S. Government) U.S. Trade Data U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) DataWeb: Login and Password Required (Free) Data for All U.S. Imports and Exports Office of Textiles and Apparel (OTEXA) U.S. Department of Commerce: 29

30 FTA & Preference Rules Basic summary of the types preference rules for preferential treatment, how to file a claim for preferential treatment. 30

31 FTA & Preference Rules Textile and Apparel Goods What is a Rule of Origin? Product Specific or Tariff Shift Rules of Origin Short Supply Rules Tariff Preference Levels (TPLs) Value-Based Rules (for Israel, Jordan, QIZs) Process-Based Rule (Preference Programs) 31

32 Rules of Origin A good must be more than a product of a FTA partner or beneficiary country, it must meet a preference rule of origin The FTA & preference rules of origin lay out the various methods that a good can qualify for preference, or originate An imported good must be originating to receive preferential tariff treatment Preferential tariff treatment is not necessarily duty-free, might be a reduced rate of duty while tariffs are being phased out Applicable duty rates are found in the Special Column of the HTS, listed by agreement or program using the Special Program Indicator (SPI) 32

33 U.S.-Korea FTA Duty Rates (U.S.) Column One Rate is 18.8% Rate for originating socks from Korea is 15% 33

34 Product Specific Rules - Tariff Shift International Nomenclature Transparent Not Subjective 34

35 FTA & Preference Rules Textile and Apparel Goods Usually cover HTS Chapters 50 through 63 Tariff shift rules for most fabrics and wearing apparel are based on yarn-forward concept Chapter Rules Apply in conjunction with tariff shift rules, depending on agreement: Component that determines classification Visible lining fabrics formed and finished Sewing thread formed and finished Narrow elastic fabrics formed and finished Pocket bag fabric formed and finished Sets: Total value of the non-originating goods in the set may not exceed 10% of the customs value of the set 35

36 U.S.-Korea FTA Originating Goods Tariff Shift Rules Example Girls Man-made Fiber Sweater Classification HTS Chapter 61 36

37 U.S.-Korea FTA Originating Goods Tariff Shift Rules Example Girls Man-made Fiber Sweater HTS GN 33 (o) Girls Man-made Fiber Sweater HTS U.S.-Korea FTA Tariff Shift Rule from GN 33 (o) Chapter 61 No

38 FTA Originating Goods Tariff Shift Rules HTS Headings for Fibers, Yarns and Fabrics Fibers : Silk : Wool : Cotton : Vegetable : Man-made Staple Yarns : Silk : Wool : Cotton : Vegetable Fibers : Man-made Filament : Man-made Staple : Specialty (Rubber, Coated, Metal, etc) Fabrics 5007: Silk : Wool (Woven) : Cotton (Woven) : Vegetable Fibers (Woven) : Man-made Filament (Woven) : Man-made Staple (Woven) : Felt & Non-Woven : Specialty : Coated : Knit Fabrics 38

39 U.S.-Korea FTA Originating Goods Tariff Shift Rules Example Girls Man-made Fiber Sweater HTS GN 33 (o) A change to headings 6109 through 6111 [ ] from any other chapter, except from headings 5106 through 5113 [Wool Yarn and Woven Fabric], 5204 through 5212 [Cotton Yarn or Woven Fabric], 5307 through 5308, 5310 through 5311 [Certain Woven Vegetable Fiber Fabric], 5401 through 5402, subheadings , through or through heading 5408 [Certain Man-made Filament Yarn or Woven Fabric], or headings 5508 through 5516 [Man-made Staple Yarn or Woven Fabric] or 6001 through 6006 [Knit Fabric], provided that the good is cut or knit to shape, or both, and sewn or otherwise assembled in the territory of one or more of the parties to the Agreement. 39

40 FTA & Preference Rules Textile and Apparel Goods Tariff Shift Rules Except from is the phrase that tells us which materials used in the production of the finished good must also be of U.S. or Korean origin Materials classified in excluded tariff provisions by chapter (2 digits), by heading (4 digits) or by subheading (6 digits) of the tariff schedule are required to be produced in the U.S. or Korea in order for the good produced from those materials to be eligible for preferential treatment under the U.S.-Korea FTA 40

41 FTA & Preference Rules Textile and Apparel Goods All tariff shift model agreements include a De Minimis provision which permits the limited use of non-u.s., non-partner fibers or yarns in the yarns or fabrics used in the production of the component of the goods which determines the tariff classification. Example (from U.S.-Korea FTA): 41

42 FTA & Preference Rules Textile and Apparel Goods For many agreements, elastomeric yarn MUST always be formed and finished in one of the Parties to the Agreement, regardless of the percentage by weight. Example (from U.S.-Korea FTA): 42

43 FTA & Preference Rules Textile and Apparel Goods Tariff Shift Rules Filing a FTA Claim Based on Tariff Shift Rules: Use 10-Digit HTS Number from Chapter 1-97 in First Tariff Field of the U.S. Entry Summary (CF 7501) Affix Special Program Indicator of _ (depends on agreement) in Front of First Tariff Field 43

44 FTA Rules Example of Short Supply or Commercial Availability HTS GN 29 (m)(viii), Chapter 98 Subchapter XXII, Note 20 CAFTA-DR Preference Rule for Short Supply Defined GN 29 (m)(viii): Textile Goods of Chapters 50 through 60 Must Be Wholly Formed in a CAFTA-DR Country From : Apparel Goods of Chapters 61 or 62 Must Be Cut or Knit to Shape, or Both, and Sewn or Otherwise Assembled in a CAFTA-DR Country, and the Fabric of the Outer Shell, Exclusive of Collars and Cuffs Where Applicable Must Be From : Textile Goods of Chapter 63 or Subheading Must Be Cut or Knit to Shape, or Both, and Sewn or Otherwise Assembled in a CAFTA-DR Country, and the Component That Determines the Tariff Classification of the Good Must Be From : One or More of the Fibers, Yarns or Fabrics on the CAFTA-DR Commercial Availability (Short Supply) List, or Originating Fibers, Yarns or Fabrics, or a Combination of Both 44

45 FTA Rules Example of Short Supply or Commercial Availability Commercial Availability or Short Supply Fibers, Yarns and Fabrics Listed in HTS Chapter 98 Subchapter XXII Additions to Short Supply Lists Only on OTEXA Website: Example: CAFTA-DR Short Supply List Shown +140 Items on List 45

46 CAFTA-DR Originating Goods Commercial Availability or Short Supply HTS GN 29 (m)(viii), Chapter 98 Subchapter XXII, Note 20 Be Careful: Be Careful: CAFTA-DR Short Supply Materials Must Meet All Specifications Such as Fiber Content, Width, Thread Count, Finishing Operations, Etc Classification Alone Not Enough 46

47 FTA Rules Example of Short Supply or Commercial Availability Some Short Supply Rules are part of the tariff shift rules, so a claim is filed simply with the SPI on the CF 7501 Some Short Supply Rules rely on a list and make reference to a HTS Chapter 98 provision (such as CAFTA-DR below): Filing a CAFTA-DR Short Supply Claim Use HTS in First Tariff Field of the U.S. Entry Summary (CF7501) Use 10-Digit HTS Number from Chapter 50 through 63 or Subheading in Second Tariff Field Affix Special Program Indicator of P in Front of Second Tariff Field Report Value and Quantity of the Goods with Second Tariff Field 47

48 FTA Rules Tariff Preference Levels Not Included with Every Tariff Shift Agreement Product Coverage Explicitly Defined in HTS Chapter 98 or 99 Are NOT Originating Goods Rules for Apparel Generally Cut and Sew Do Not Use Special Program Indicator (SPI) Some TPLs Require Special Certificate for Entry/Filing a Claim Subject to Merchandise Processing Fee (MPF) Only Originating Goods are Exempt from MPF 48

49 FTA Rules Tariff Preference Levels Generally, Filing a TPL Claim: Use Chapter 99 HTS Number for TPL (Above) in First Tariff Field Use 10-Digit Chapter (product scope varies) HTS Number in Second Tariff Field NO Special Program Indicator (SPI) Report Value and Quantity of Goods with Second Tariff Field Some TPLs, (for example, NAFTA or Nicaragua CAFTA-DR) Require Special Certificate at Entry in Addition to the Above 49

50 FTA & Preference Rules Textile and Apparel Goods Certain Agreements (U.S.-Israel FTA, U.S.-Jordan FTA and Qualifying Industrial Zones (QIZs) for Egypt and Jordan) Rely on a 35% Value Requirement to be Considered Originating Claims for Preferential Treatment Filed Same as Tariff Shift Insert the Special Program Indicator (SPI) on the Entry Summary document in front of the HTS Number. 50

51 FTA & Preference Rules Textile and Apparel Goods The Legislated Preference Programs: Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) Caribbean Basin Trade Partnership Act (CBPTA) and Haiti HOPE/HELP Andean Trade Promotion and Drug Eradication Act (ATPDEA) Follow Process-based Rules with Certain Origin-Restricted Inputs. AGOA, CBTPA, ATPDEA Use Certificates of Origin to Assist in the Recordkeeping and Reporting of Information (Forms Can Be Found in the 19 CFR 10 Regulations) AGOA and Haiti HOPE/HELP Also Require a Visa Issued by the Exporting Government Filing a Claim Utilizes the 2 HTS Fields on the CF

52 Transit and Transshipment To Be Considered an Originating Good, a Good Must Not: Undergo Subsequent Production or Any Other Operation Outside the Territories of the Parties, Other Than: Unloading Reloading Any Other Operation Necessary to Preserve the Good in Good Condition or to Transport the Good to the Territory of a Party Be Outside Customs Control in the Territory of a Non-Party 52

53 CBP Verification Procedures Review of U.S. Customs and Border Protection procedures for implementing and enforcing the terms of the agreement. 53

54 Supporting Documents for Claims U.S. Law Requires Importers to Maintain all Entry Documents for a Period of 5 Years; Recordkeeping Requirements Apply to Any Supporting Documentation Needed to Substantiate a Preference Claim Under a Legislated Program or Free Trade Agreement If an Importer Fails to Substantiate a Claim for Preferential Treatment Based on the QIZ Rules, then CBP Will Assess Duty on the Goods Subject to the Verification The Burden of Proof to Support the Duty-free Claim is on the Importer 54

55 CBP Port Verifications Generally Conducted Post Entry Summary Do Not Require the Detention of Merchandise Exam and Acquisition of Sample May be Required CBP Will Request Proof of Origin for Origin-Restricted Inputs, such as: Affidavit from Actual Producers of Yarn and Fabric Commercial Invoice Clearly Stating Goods Were Produced by Factory Other Documents as Required CBP May Verify Accuracy of Affidavits CBP May Request Documents in Support of Transit and Transshipment Requirements 55

56 Importer Knowledge Claim May Be based on Importer Knowledge CBP Retains Authority to Request Documentation and Make a Determination Importer is Required to Support a Knowledge Claim with Documentation 56

57 Responding to a CBP Form 28, Request for Information Certification Documents Supporting Production Process, Cost Data, Materials Used in Production Information Concerning the Growth, Production or Manufacture 57

58 CBP Form 28, Request for Information 58

59 Certification Importer Requirement Can Be In Any Format Must Contain Certain Data Elements Must Be Submitted Upon Request May Be Submitted Electronically 59

60 Data Elements Certifying Person Importer Exporter Producer Description of Good Information Demonstrating that a Good is Originating Period Certification Covers (if a blanket certification) Certifying Statement Authorized Signature & Date Tariff Classification 60

61 Textile Affidavits Affidavits Must Contain Contact Information Yarn and Fabric Producer Must Each Prepare an Affidavit Affidavit Must Contain Specific Information Type of Yarn/Fabric Link to Supporting Documents; Contracts, Invoices, Purchase Orders See CBP Textile Bulletin Transmittals: TBT Supplemental Instructions for Document Review When Verifying Trade Preference Program Claims for Textiles and Wearing Apparel TBT Additional Documents Used to Verify Free Trade Agreement and Legislated Trade Program Claims for Textiles and Wearing Apparel TBT Documents Used to Verify Free Trade Agreement and Legislated Trade Program Claims for Textiles and Wearing Apparel 61

62 Determinations Written Notification Required Issued through a CBP Form 29 Positive or Negative List factual findings Identify appropriate statutes/regulations 62

63 CBP Form 29, Notice of Action 63

64 Production Verification - Textile Production Verification Team (TPVT) Visits Several FTAs Provide for Textile and Apparel Factory Visits to Verify Production and Recordkeeping Example: Article 4.3 of U.S.-Korea FTA States the Importing Party (U.S.) may conduct a verification by visits to an exporter, producer, or any other person that may have evidence that is relevant to the verification. Visits are to be unannounced 64

65 Textile Production Verification Teams Team Members Include: Import Specialists, Immigration and Customs Enforcement Investigators, CBP Auditors or International Trade Specialists Teams Visit Foreign Manufacturing Operations to: Determine if factory made the goods that were entered into the U.S., i.e validate origin Determine production capacity of the factory/type of goods and amount of goods capable of being produced Determine if the apparel or textile goods produced meet the requirements for trade preference treatment 65

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