The Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements sent a letter to Outdoor Industry Association and SnowSports Industries America informing the industry groups that it has revised the definition of ski and snowboard pants that are exempt from the quota on man-made fiber pants from China. Both industry associations have been dealing with this issue for well over a year and recently SIA & OIA members were given assurances that it would be dealt with. While this decision does broaden the definition from its previous incarnation, it still places heavy restrictions on the importation of active technical pants into the U.S from China.
The revised definition will be effective July, 1, 2006, and according to David Ingemie, president of SIA, “solves one immediate problem…” Now, woven performance ski and snowboard pants are exempt from quotas, but there are still several other performance pants not included in the definition. Both SIA and OIA members had been adversely affected by the narrow interpretation of the original language. The two organizations and their members stated that they are grateful for the exemption, but at the same time disappointed that CITA failed to address the core issue. U.S. apparel vendors that have no domestic manufacturing resources continue to be included in quota systems that unfairly exposed businesses to potential embargoes. OIA and SIA will continue to work with the administration and Congress to address the remaining problems with the exemption.
OIA & SIA urged apparel companies impacted by the quotas to review their own supply requirements and to cover their 2006 imports.
