[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 89 (Tuesday, May 10, 2005)]
[Notices]
[Pages 24553-24556]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-9325]


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COMMITTEE FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF TEXTILE AGREEMENTS


Request for Public Comment on Commercial Availability Request 
under the United States-Singapore Free Trade Agreement (USSFTA)

May 4, 2005.
AGENCY: The Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements 
(CITA).

ACTION: Request for Public Comments concerning a request for 
modifications of the USSFTA rules of origin for apparel items made from 
certain yarns and fabrics.

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SUMMARY: The Government of the United States has received a request 
dated April 8, 2005, from the Government of Singapore for consultations 
under Article 3.18.4(a)(i) of the USSFTA. Singapore is seeking 
agreement to revise the rules of origin for certain apparel goods to 
address availability of supply of certain yarns and fabrics in the 
territories of the Parties. The request covers products that have been 
the subject of prior

[[Page 24554]]

determinations made by CITA between April 6, 2004 and January 18, 2005 
pursuant to the Caribbean Basin Trade Partnership Act (CBTPA), and the 
Andean Trade Promotion and Drug Eradication Act (ATPDEA).
    Section 202(o)(2) of the United States - Singapore Free Trade 
Agreement Implementation Act authorizes the President to proclaim a 
modification to the USSFTA rules of origin for textile and apparel 
products that are necessary to implement an agreement with Singapore 
pursuant to Article 3.18.4 of the USSFTA after complying with the 
consultation and layover requirements of that Act. Prior to entering 
negotiations with Singapore regarding its request, it is appropriate to 
seek public comment regarding the request. CITA hereby solicits public 
comments on this request, in particular with regard to whether the 
yarns and fabrics described below can be supplied by the domestic 
industry in commercial quantities in a timely manner. Comments must be 
submitted by June 16, 2004 to the Chairman, Committee for the 
Implementation of Textile Agreements, Room 3001, United States 
Department of Commerce, Washington, D.C. 20230.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Martin Walsh, International Trade 
Specialist, Office of Textiles and Apparel, U.S. Department of 
Commerce, (202) 482-3400.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

BACKGROUND:

    Under the United States-Singapore Free Trade Agreement (USSFTA), 
USSFTA countries are required to eliminate customs duties on textile 
and apparel goods that qualify as originating goods under the USSFTA 
rules of origin, which are set out in Annex 3A to the USSFTA. The 
USSFTA provides that the rules of origin for textile and apparel 
products may be amended through a subsequent agreement by the USSFTA 
countries. In consultations regarding such a change, the USSFTA 
countries are to consider issues of availability of supply of fibers, 
yarns, or fabrics in the free trade area and whether domestic producers 
are capable of supplying commercial quantities of the good in a timely 
manner.
    The government of the United States received a request from the 
government of Singapore requesting consultations on the rules of origin 
for certain products that have been the subject of prior determinations 
made by CITA under AGOA, CBTPA and ATPDEA, and requesting that the 
government of the United States consider whether the USSFTA rules of 
origin for these products should be modified to allow the use of 
certain yarns and fabrics that do not originate in the territory of the 
United States or Singapore. The products covered by this request are:
     (1) Certain viscose rayon filament yarns, of the specifications 
detailed below, classified in subheading 5403.41.0000 of the Harmonized 
Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS), for use in apparel 
articles;

Specifications:

 
 
 
1. Viscose Filament Yarn
DTEX 166/40 Bright Centrifugal
Tenacity, cN/tex, min. - 142.0
Elongation at rupture, % - 18.0 - 24.0
Elongation at rupture variation factory, % max. - 8.1
Twist direction - S
2. Viscose Filament Yarn
DTEX 330/60 Bright Centrifugal
Tenacity, cN/tex, min. - 142.0
Elongation at rupture, % - 18.0 - 24.0
Elongation at rupture variation factor, % max. - 8.1
Twist direction - S
 

     (2) Certain fabrics, classified in subheading 5210.11 of the 
Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS), not of square 
construction, containing more than 70 warp ends and filling picks per 
square centimeter, of average yarn number exceeding 70 metric, used in 
the production of women's and girls' blouses;
     (3) Certain combed compact yarns, of wool or fine animal hair, 
classified in subheadings 5107.10, 5107.20, or 5108.20 of the 
Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS), for use in 
apparel articles;
     (4) 100 percent cotton yarn-dyed woven flannel fabrics, made from 
14 through 41 NM single ring-spun yarns, classified in 5208.43.00 of 
the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS), of 
construction 2 X 1 twill weave, weighing 200 grams per square meter or 
less, for use in apparel articles excluding gloves;
     (5) Certain woven, 100 percent cotton, flannel fabrics, of the 
specifications detailed below, classified in the indicated subheadings 
of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS), for use 
in shirts, trousers, nightwear, robes, dressing gowns, and woven 
underwear:

Specifications:

 
 
 
Fabric 1                        ........................................
HTS Subheading:                 5208.42.30.00
Fiber Content:                  100% Cotton
Weight:                         152.6 g/m2
Width:                          150 centimeters cuttable
Thread Count:                   24.4 warp ends per centimeter; 15.7
                                 filling picks per centimeter; total:
                                 40.1 threads per square centimeter
Yarn Number:                    Warp: 40.6 metric, ring spun; filling:
                                 20.3 metric, open end spun; overall
                                 average yarn number: 39.4 metric
Finish:                         of yarns of different colors; napped on
                                 both sides, sanforized
 
Fabric 2                        ........................................
HTS Subheading:                 5209.41.60.40
Fiber Content:                  100% Cotton
Weight:                         251 g/m2
Width:                          160 centimeters cuttable
Thread Count:                   22.8 warp ends per centimeter; 17.3
                                 filling picks per centimeter; total:
                                 40.1 threads per square centimeter
Yarn Number:                    Warp: 40.6 metric, ring spun; filling:
                                 8.46 metric, open end spun; overall
                                 average yarn number: 24.1 metric
Finish:                         Of yarns of different colors; napped on
                                 both sides, sanforized
 
Fabric 3                        ........................................
HTS Subheading:                 5209.41.60.40
Fiber Content:                  100% Cotton
Weight:                         251 g/m2
Width:                          160 centimeters cuttable
Thread Count:                   20.1 warp ends per centimeter; 16.5
                                 filling picks per centimeter; total:
                                 36.6 threads per square centimeter
Yarn Number:                    Warp: 27.07 metric, ring spun; filling:
                                 10.16 metric, open end spun; overall
                                 average yarn number: 23.3 metric
Finish:                         Of yarns of different colors; napped on
                                 both sides, sanforized
 


     (6) Certain woven, 100 percent cotton, flannel fabrics, of the 
specifications detailed below, classified in the indicated subheadings 
of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS), for use 
in shirts, trousers, nightwear, robes, dressing gowns, and woven 
underwear:

Specifications:

 
 
 
Fabric 1:                       ........................................
HTS Subheading:                 5208.32.30.40
Fiber Content:                  100% Cotton
Weight:                         152.6 g/m2
Width:                          150 centimeters cuttable
Thread Count:                   24.4 warp ends per centimeter; 15.7
                                 filling picks per centimeter; total:
                                 40.1 threads per square centimeter
Yarn Number:                    Warp: 40.6 metric, ring spun; filling:
                                 20.3 metric, open end spun; overall
                                 average yarn number: 39.4 metric
Finish:                         (Piece) dyed; napped on both sides,
                                 sanforized
Fabric 2:                       ........................................
HTS Subheading:                 5209.31.60.50
Fiber Content:                  100% Cotton

[[Page 24555]]

 
Weight:                         251 g/m2
Width:                          160 centimeters cuttable
Thread Count:                   22.8 warp ends per centimeter; 15
                                 filling picks per centimeter; total:
                                 37.8 threads per square centimeter
Yarn Number:                    Warp: 40.6 metric, ring spun; filling:
                                 8.46 metric, open end spun; overall
                                 average yarn number: 24.1 metric
Finish:                         (Piece) dyed; napped on both sides,
                                 sanforized
 
Fabric 3:                       ........................................
HTS Subheading:                 5209.31.60.50
Fiber Content:                  100% Cotton
Weight:                         203 g/m2
Width:                          150 centimeters cuttable
Thread Count:                   20.5 warp ends per centimeter; 17.3
                                 filling picks per centimeter; total:
                                 37.8 threads per square centimeter
Yarn Number:                    Warp: 40.6 metric, ring spun; filling:
                                 13.5 metric, open end spun; overall
                                 average yarn number: 27.9 metric
Finish:                         (Piece) dyed; napped on both sides,
                                 sanforized
 
Fabric 4:                       ........................................
HTS Subheading:                 5209.31.60.50
Fiber Content:                  100% Cotton
Weight:                         291.5 g/m2
Width:                          160 centimeters cuttable
Thread Count:                   23.2 warp ends per centimeter; 15
                                 filling picks per centimeter; total:
                                 38.2 threads per square centimeter
Yarn Number:                    Warp: 27.07 metric, ring spun; filling:
                                 8.46 metric, open end spun; overall
                                 average yarn number: 20.1 metric
Finish:                         (Piece) dyed; napped on both sides,
                                 sanforized
 
Fabric 5:                       ........................................
HTS Subheading:                 5209.31.60.50
Fiber Content:                  100% Cotton
Weight:                         291.5 g/m2
Width:                          160 centimeters cuttable
Thread Count:                   26.8 warp ends per centimeter; 16.5
                                 filling picks per centimeter; total:
                                 43.3 threads per square centimeter
Yarn Number:                    Warp: 25.46 metric, ring spun; filling:
                                 10.16 metric, open end spun; overall
                                 average yarn number: 23.8 metric
Finish:                         (Piece) dyed; napped on both sides,
                                 sanforized
 
Fabric 6:                       ........................................
HTS Subheading:                 5209.31.60.50
Fiber Content:                  100% Cotton
Weight:                         254 g/m2
Width:                          160 centimeters cuttable
Thread Count:                   20 warp ends per centimeter; 14.5
                                 filling picks per centimeter; total:
                                 34.5 threads per square centimeter
Yarn Number:                    Warp: 28.8 metric, ring spun; filling:
                                 8.46 metric, open end spun; overall
                                 average yarn number: 20.1 metric
Finish:                         (Piece) dyed; napped on both sides,
                                 sanforized
 
Fabric 7:                       ........................................
HTS Subheading:                 5209.41.60.40
Fiber Content:                  100% Cotton
Weight:                         251 g/m2
Width:                          160 centimeters cuttable
Thread Count:                   22.8 warp ends per centimeter; 15
                                 filling picks per centimeter; total:
                                 37.8 threads per square centimeter
Yarn Number:                    Warp: 40.6 metric, ring spun; filling:
                                 8.46 metric, open end spun; overall
                                 average yarn number: 24.1 metric
Finish:                         gingham check or plaid of yarns of
                                 different colors; napped on both sides,
                                 sanforized
 
Fabric 8:                       Style 4245
HTS Subheading:                 5209.41.60.40
Fiber Content:                  100% Cotton
Weight:                         251 g/m2
Width:                          160 centimeters cuttable
Thread Count:                   19.7 warp ends per centimeter; 11.8
                                 filling picks per centimeter; total:
                                 31.5 threads per square centimeter
Yarn Number:                    Warp: 20.3 metric, ring spun; filling:
                                 8.46 metric, open end spun; overall
                                 average yarn number: 20.1 metric
Finish:                         Plaid of yarns of different colors;
                                 napped on both sides, sanforized
 


     (7) Certain woven, 100 percent cotton, napped fabrics, of the 
specifications detailed below, classified in subheading 5209.31.60.50 
of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS), for use 
in shirts, trousers, nightwear, robes, dressing gowns, and woven 
underwear:

Specifications:

 
 
 
Fabric 1                        ........................................
HTS Subheading:                 5209.31.60.50
Fiber Content:                  100% Cotton
Weight:                         291.5 g/m2
Width:                          160 centimeters cuttable
Thread Count:                   24.41 warp ends per centimeter; 16.53
                                 filling picks per centimeter; total:
                                 40.94 threads per square centimeter
Yarn Number:                    Warp: 25.4 metric, ring spun; filling:
                                 10.16 metric, open end spun; overall
                                 average yarn number: 14.04 metric
Finish:                         (Piece) dyed; napped on both sides,
                                 sanforized
 
Fabric 2                        ........................................
HTS Subheading:                 5209.31.60.50
Fiber Content:                  100% Cotton
Weight:                         305 g/m2
Width:                          160 centimeters cuttable
Thread Count:                   24.41 warp ends per centimeter; 18.11
                                 filling picks per centimeter; total:
                                 42.52 threads per square centimeter
Yarn Number:                    Warp: 25.4 metric, ring spun; filling:
                                 10.16 metric, open end spun; overall
                                 average yarn number: 13.95 metric
Finish:                         (Piece) dyed; napped on both sides,
                                 sanforized
 


     (8) Certain woven, 100 percent cotton, double-napped flannel 
fabric, of specifications detailed below, classified in HTSUS 
subheading 5209.31.6050, for use in shirts, trousers, nightwear, robes, 
dressing gowns, and woven underwear:

Specifications:

 
 
 
HTS Subheading:                 5209.31.6050
Fiber Content:                  100% Cotton
Weight:                         203 g/m2
Width:                          150 centimeters cuttable
Thread Count:                   21 warp ends per centimeter; 18 filling
                                 picks per centimeter; total: 39 threads
                                 per square centimeter
Yarn Number:                    Warp: 40.6 metric, ring spun; filling:
                                 13.54 metric, open end spun; overall
                                 average yarn number: 19.2 metric
Finish:                         (Piece) dyed; napped on both sides,
                                 sanforized
 


    CITA is soliciting public comments regarding this request, 
particularly with respect to whether the yarns and fabrics listed above 
can be supplied by the domestic industry in commercial quantities in a 
timely manner. Comments must be received no later than June 16, 2004. 
Interested persons are invited to submit six copies of such comments or 
information to the Chairman, Committee for the Implementation of 
Textile Agreements, room 3100, U.S. Department of Commerce, 14th and 
Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20230.
    If a comment alleges that any of the yarns or fabrics listed above 
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 stating that it produces a 
yarn or fabric that is in the subject of the request, 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 will protect any business confidential information that is 
marked ``business confidential'' from disclosure to the full extent 
permitted by law. CITA will make available to the public non-
confidential versions of the request and non-confidential versions of 
any public comments received with respect to a request in room 3100 in 
the Herbert Hoover Building, 14th and Constitution Avenue, N.W., 
Washington, DC 20230. Persons submitting comments on a request are 
encouraged to include a non-

[[Page 24556]]

confidential version and a non-confidential summary.

D. Michael Hutchinson,
Acting Chairman, Committee for the Implementation of Textile 
Agreements.
[FR Doc. 05-9325 Filed 5-9-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-DS