COMMITTEE FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF TEXTILE AGREEMENTS

Permanent Exemption of "Fashion Samples'' from Visa and Quota Requirements

April 4, 1997

AGENCY: Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements (CITA).


ACTION: Issuing a directive to the Commissioner of Customs exempting ``fashion samples'' from visa and quota requirements.


EFFECTIVE DATE: April 11, 1997


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


SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
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Authority: Executive Order 11651 of March 3, 1972, as amended; section 204 of the Agricultural Act of 1956, as amended (7 U.S.C. 1854).


A notice published in the Federal Register on February 6, 1996 (61 FR 4418) announces a temporary exemption from visa and quota requirements for textile and apparel articles described as ``fashion samples.''

The Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements has determined that, effective on April 11, 1997, textile and apparel articles described as ``fashion samples'' which are produced or manufactured in various countries and entered into the United States for consumption shall no longer be subject to quota and visa requirements.

The term ``fashion samples'' is limited to wearing apparel and other textile articles purchased at retail and not imported in multiple units, i.e., no more than a single article in a particular style and/or color. These shipments must not be greater than twenty-four (24) pieces and must accompany a returning buyer. Mail and cargo shipments would not be eligible for treatment as ``fashion samples.''