[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 114 (Wednesday, June 12, 1996)]
[Notices]
[Page 29797]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-14810]



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DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY

New Rules of Origin for Country of Origin Declarations Covering 
Textiles and Textile Products

AGENCY: U.S. Customs Service, Treasury.

ACTION: General notice.

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SUMMARY: This document reminds the public that new rules of origin will 
apply for purposes of preparing and filing country of origin 
declarations for importations of textiles and textile products entered, 
or withdrawn from warehouse, for consumption on or after July 1, 1996.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For operational aspects: Mark Laria, 
Chief, Commercial Enforcement, Office of Field Operations (202-927-
0370). For information about the new rules of origin, contact the 
Textiles Branch, Office of Regulations and Rulings (202-482-7050).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    Section 12.130, Customs Regulations (19 CFR 12.130) concerns the 
country of origin of textiles and textile products that are subject to 
section 204, Agricultural Act of 1956, as amended (7 U.S.C. 1854). 
Paragraph (f) of Sec. 12.130 provides that all importations of textiles 
and textile products subject to section 204 shall be accompanied by the 
appropriate declaration(s) set forth in subparagraph (f)(1) (single 
country declaration) or subparagraph (f)(2) (multiple country 
declaration). Further, paragraph (g) of Sec. 12.130 provides that 
release of articles from Customs custody will be denied until the 
country of origin determination can be made by Customs. In the event 
that a textile or textile product is released from Customs custody and 
it is subsequently determined that the merchandise is not entitled to 
admission into the commerce of the United States because its country of 
origin was not accurately represented to Customs, a demand for 
redelivery will be made as provided in Sec. 141.113(b), Customs 
Regulations (19 CFR 141.113(b)).
    On September 5, 1995, Customs published in the Federal Register (60 
FR 46188) a final rule document setting forth, in Sec. 102.21, Customs 
Regulations (19 CFR 102.21), new rules of origin applicable to textile 
and apparel products. Those new rules control the determination of the 
country of origin of textile and apparel products for purposes of the 
Customs laws and the administration of quantitative restrictions and 
thus must be applied for purposes of preparing and filing the country 
declarations provided for in Sec. 12.130(f) of the Customs Regulations. 
The new rules are effective for merchandise entered, or withdrawn from 
warehouse, for consumption on or after July 1, 1996. The new rules do 
not allow for any grace period.
    The purpose of this notice is to remind importers that they should 
be particularly alert in the case of merchandise shipped prior to July 
1, 1996, that will be entered for consumption, or withdrawn from 
warehouse for consumption, on or after that date. If the new rules of 
origin result in a country of origin determination that is different 
from that reached under previously applicable rules, the visa (if 
applicable), country declaration and country of origin marking 
pertaining to the merchandise may not be valid for entry and release 
purposes. Importers are also reminded that, pursuant to section 484, 
Tariff Act of 1930, as amended (19 U.S.C. 1484), reasonable care must 
be used when declaring the country of origin to Customs, which includes 
the accurate completion and/or verification of country declarations 
required under Sec. 12.130 of the Customs Regulations.

    Dated: June 6, 1996.
Samuel H. Banks,
Assistant Commissioner, Office of Field Operations.
[FR Doc. 96-14810 Filed 6-11-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4820-02-P