Origin Regulation
Federal regulation defining the rules of origin for textile and apparel products imported into the United States. For the linen trade, title 19 cfr 102.21 provides the specific criteria for determining where a product was manufactured based on the processes performed. This rule is used to identify the country of origin for marking and for the application of duties.
Substantial Transformation
The regulation specifies which manufacturing steps, such as spinning or weaving, confer origin on a finished textile article. In most cases, the country where the fabric was woven is considered the place of origin for the cloth. If multiple countries are involved, the rule sets out a hierarchy of processes to resolve the final determination.
Detailed records of the mill operations must be maintained to support these claims during a customs review. Verification of the assembly location is required for garments made from linen fabric.
Trade Enforcement
Customs authorities apply these rules to ensure that imports are properly classified and that trade agreements are not abused. Compliance with the regulation is mandatory for all textile importers to avoid fines and the seizure of goods. A clear understanding of these rules allows producers to structure their supply chains for optimal duty treatment.
