CBP Issues Revised ICP on Country of Origin of Knit-to-Shape Apparel Products
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has issued a revised version of its informed compliance publication (ICP) entitled, What Every Member of the Trade Community Should Know About: Country of Origin of Knit-to-Shape Apparel Products.
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This ICP interprets the definitions of "knit-to-shape" and "major parts" in 19 CFR 102.21(b); it also analyzes the manufacturing processes for knit-to-shape garments in order to assist importers with the origin implications of the various construction methods, and presents this information in a "comment and response" format.
ICP Unchanged Except for Reference to Statistical Note 6 to Chapter 61
According to CBP sources, the only revision made to this ICP is the addition of a "Please note" paragraph on page 6. Other aspects of this ICP remain unchanged. This new paragraph states:
"Please note: This guidance is valid only for country of origin determinations under 19 CFR 102.21. It is not applicable to determining the tariff classification of "knit-to-shape" garments identified by Statistical Note 6 to Chapter 61 of the HTS. For those purposes, CBP cautions importers not to rely on any definition other than the statistical note for guidance."
(See ITT's Online Archives or 02/17/06 news, 06021705, for BP summary of CBP notice on Statistical Note 6, which is applicable to 12 tariff numbers. China origin knit to shape shirts/blouses of heading 6110 are quota-free if classified in one of the 12 tariff numbers and the terms of Statistical Note 6 are met. See ITT's Online Archives or 02/21/06 news, 06022100, for BP summary of portion of FAQ on statistical note 6.)
CBP states that the information provided in this ICP is for general information purposes only. Recognizing that many complicated factors may be involved in customs issues, an importer may wish to obtain a ruling under CBP Regulations (19 CFR Part 177), or obtain advice from an expert (such as a licensed Customs Broker, attorney or consultant) who specializes in customs matters. Reliance solely on the general information in this ICP may not be considered reasonable care.
Revised ICP (issued 03/2006) available at http://www.cbp.gov/linkhandler/cgov/toolbox/legal/informed_compliance_pubs/icp033c.ctt/icp033c.pdf