USTR to Consider Whether Certain Sleeping Bags Should Lose Their GSP Eligibility
The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative has issued a notice announcing that it has accepted for review a petition to remove certain sleeping bags, classified under HTS subheading 9404.30.80, from the list of products eligible for duty-free treatment under the Generalized System of Preferences program.
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USTR notes that acceptance of a petition for review does not indicate any opinion with respect to the disposition on the merits of the petition. Acceptance indicates only that the petition has been found eligible for review and that such review will take place.
U.S. Manufacturer Requests GSP Removal for Non-Down Filled Textile Sleeping Bags
The petition was filed on behalf of Exxel Outdoors, Inc., a manufacturer of outdoor and recreational products (including the subject sleeping bags) located in Haleyville, Alabama. Exxel requests that GSP eligibility be withdrawn for non-down filled textile sleeping bags classified under HTS subheading 9404.30.80.
According to Exxel, its competitive situation has recently changed dramatically with the entry of imports of subject sleeping bags from Bangladesh. The petition states that the imports from Bangladesh increased by nearly 5,000% during the period January - November 2009 compared to the same period in 2008. While it is Exxel's view that the subject sleeping bags are an import-sensitive product for which GSP eligibility should be removed generally, the immediate cause of the need for removal is the "sudden and significant" impact of duty-free sleeping bags from Bangladesh.
Comments Due by February 12th, ITC to Report on Impact
USTR invites written comments in support of or in opposition to the petition. Comments are due by 5 p.m. on February 12, 2010.
The International Trade Commission is scheduled to provide a report in April 2010 providing advice on the potential impacts on U. S. industry and consumers with respect to the petition.
(See ITT's Online Archives or 12/18/09 news, 09121810, for BP summary stating that the GSP/ATPA extension had been jeopardized by objections raised by certain Senators over GSP eligibility for sleeping bags made in Bangladesh.
See ITT's Online Archives or 01/06/10 news, 10010605, for BP summary of USTR announcing it would review a CNL waiver petition for tires from Thailand as part of the 2009 GSP Annual Review.
See ITT's Online Archives or 10/23/09 news, 09102310, for BP summary of the seven product petitions accepted for review by USTR in connection with the 2009 GSP Annual Review.)
USTR contact- Tameka Cooper (202) 395-6971
USTR notice (FR Pub 01/26/10) available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2010/pdf/2010-1325.pdf