2 December 1998

Fast Track Tariff Relief Request re Textile Input

The Department of Finance has received a request for fast track tariff relief on a textile input used in the manufacture of leather upholstered furniture. The product in question is 100 per cent polyester, tri-loft, conjugated, silconized hollow fibre, with a spiral crimp. 15 denier x 2.5", and is used to fill cushions. Currently, the product is being imported under tariff item no. 5503.20.90.20 and is dutiable at 5 per cent MFN and GPT.

The applicant claims that this product is not available from Canadian sources. Early tariff relief is sought to enhance the applicant's competitiveness in both domestic and export markets.

Members with an interest in this matter should contact Ms. Rose Ritcey at 613-990-8729 by 30 December 1998.