The United States Committee on the Implementation of Textile Agreements (CITA) issued a notice last 22 June 2004 regarding 2004 and 2005 shipments of textiles and apparel to the United States.

For 2004 shipments:

1. CITA reminded concerned parties that charges against the quota limits subject to the US bilateral agreements, the Uruguay Round Act and the WTO Agreement on Textiles and Clothing, are based on date of export from the country of origin and not on date of entry in the country of destination.  Shipments exported in 2004 in excess of agreed limits (i.e., overshipments) are, therefore, considered in violation of the terms of these agreements.

2. In this regard, CITA advised that it reserves the right under said agreements to deny entry or to stage entry in 2005 to goods exported in 2004 which exceed the 2004 restraint limits.

(Note: Under staged entry, a limited amount of overshipped merchandise is allowed entry in periodic intervals, typically every 30 days.  The staged entry process has not been used by the US for at least 15 years)

3. A properly completed visa, electronic visa (ELVIS) transmission, Guaranteed Access Level (GAL) certification or exempt certification (whichever is applicable to the exporting country) will be required for all shipments exported in 2004, regardless of date of entry into the US.

For 2005 shipments:

1. Textiles and apparel products of WTO member countries that are exported to the US on or after 1 January 2005 will not require a visa, ELVIS transmission, GAL certification or exempt certification to enter the US.

2. For goods that are products of non WTO members, currently applicable requirements will remain in effect.

In view of the above and to ensure expedient release of 2004 shipments to the US, GTEB will closely montior all 2004 shipments and will ensure that these are sufficiently covered by valid quota holdings that are within 2004 quota limits.

For your information and guidance.

Adopted: 25 June 2004


(SGD.) SERAFIN N. JULIANO
Executive Director