CBP Extends i ts Document Exams of Certain Knit-to-Shape Garments
According to U.S. government sources, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has decided to extend its document exams of certain entries of knit-to-shape garments in HTS 6110 which claim a country of origin other than China (i.e., that the garment's panels are knit-to-shape in a country other than China and then sent to China to be linked and looped).
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Sources explain that the first set of these document exams began on May 10, 2004, covered three countries, and lasted 30 days. (See ITT's Online Archives or 05/18/04 news, 04051810 for BP summary of this first set of document exams.)
Sources state that a second set of document exams will cover three additional countries and will begin during the week of June 14, 2004 and last 30 days.
Sources add that a third set of document exams, also for 30 days, but for one additional country only, is expected to occur after the completion of the second set of document exams.
(U.S. government sources have previously stated that CBP is conducting these document exams as it found evidence that quota is being circumvented in certain situations, with both the knitting-to-shape and the linking and looping occurring in China, without claiming China as the country of origin.
Sources have also previously stated that these documentation exams are being conducted on a nationwide basis.
For shipments of knit-to-shape garments that are detained, sources have previously stated that importers can expedite the exam process by being able to quickly respond to a CF 28 (Request for Information) with documentation indicating the movement of yarn to the knitter and the movement of knit panels to China.
U.S. government sources also stated that such documentation should include commercial transportation and clearance documents (e.g., invoices and packing lists).)