4 April 2001

Fast Track Tariff Relief on Certain Woven Fabrics for Use in Manufacture of Apparel

The Department of Finance is seeking comment on a request received for fast track tariff relief on certain woven fabrics for use in the manufacture of apparel.

1. Dyed fabrics that would otherwise meet the description of tariff item 5407.93.20, as being woven of polyester filaments mixed solely with polyester fibres, twill-weave, abraded on both sides to produce a suede- like finish, for use in the manufacture of men's jackets and blazers. These fabrics are currently classified under tariff item 5407.92.90 and are dutiable at 16 per cent MFN.

2. Fabrics of single-ply warp yarns that would otherwise meet the description of tariff item 5407.93.30 as being woven of polyester filaments mixed solely with polynosic rayon fibres, the two-ply warp yarns and the single weft yarns measuring 190 decitex or more but not exceeding 250 decitex per yarn, the staple fibres measuring not more than 2.4 decitex per single staple fibre, of a weight exceeding 170 g/m2, for use in the manufacture of men's shorts and trousers. The fabrics are currently classified under tariff item No. 5407.93.90 and are dutiable at 16 per cent MFN.

The applicant claims that these fabrics are not available from Canadian sources and that tariff relief would enhance its competitiveness in both the domestic and export markets.

Members wishing to comment on these questions are asked to do so by 2 May 2001 to Rose Ritcey, Domestic Tariff Affairs, at 613-992-1533.