CITA Requests Comments on Petition to Modify NAFTA Rules of Origin for Fabrics Containing Dry-Spun Acrylic Staple Fibers
The Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements (CITA) has issued a notice requesting public comments by July 2, 2004 on a petition it received from the government of Canada requesting a modification of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) rules of origin, which are set out in Annex 401 to the NAFTA, for piece-dyed acrylic pile fabrics containing dry-spun acrylic staple fibers.
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Canada Alleges Subject Fibers Are Not Commercially Available in Timely Manner
According to CITA, Canada has alleged that dry-spun acrylic staple fibers, classified under HTS 5503.30, cannot be supplied by the Canadian industry in commercial quantities in a timely manner and requesting that the governments of Mexico and the U.S. consult to consider whether the NAFTA rule of origin for woven-warp pile fabric, cut, which has been dyed in the piece to a single uniform color, classified under HTS 5801.35, should be modified to allow the use of non-North American dry-spun acrylic staple fiber.
CITA explains that the President may proclaim a modification to the NAFTA rules of origin only after, among other things, reaching an agreement with the other NAFTA countries on the modification.
CITA states that it is seeking comments in particular on whether the subject fibers can be supplied by the domestic industry in commercial quantities in a timely manner. If a comment alleges that the subject fibers can be supplied by the domestic industry in commercial quantities in a timely manner, CITA will closely review any supporting documentation, such as a signed statement by a manufacturer of the subject fibers stating that it produces the subject fibers, including the quantities that can be supplied and the time necessary to fill an order, as well as any relevant information regarding past production.
CITA contact - Martin Walsh (202) 482-2818
CITA notice (FR Pub 06/02/04) available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/14mar20010800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2004/pdf/04-12546.pdf