Several key considerations determine whether a shipment is subject to quota requirements associated with eligibility for preferential trade benefits:
HTSUS classification (based on merchandise description);
Textile category number (associated with HTSUS classification and used to determine proper quantity in square meter equivalents (SMEs) to apply to a quantitative restraint);
HTSUS chapter notes and additional U.S. notes to HTSUS chapters;
Country of origin (where the goods were grown, produced, or manufactured)
Determine the HTSUS number.
Contact an import specialist at a local port of entry to discuss particular products and plans. Although import specialists can provide only advisory guidance, importers benefit from their experience on specialized commodity teams. To locate a port of entry, visit the Locate a Port of Entry [1] webpage.
Request a binding ruling from either the National Commodity Specialist Division, Regulations and Rulings (RR) in New York or the RR Headquarters office pursuant to 19 CFR 177.
Query the Customs Rulings Online Search System (CROSS) for binding rulings previously issued on similar merchandise.
Review the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States [2] (HTSUS).
Hire an expert (i.e., customhouse broker, consultant, or lawyer).
Determine the textile category number (if applicable). The category is the three-digit number listed in parentheses next to the HTSUS number used for converting from the reporting quantity as noted in the HTSUS (i.e., dozen, kilogram) to the SME, the unit of measure for the restraint limit. These conversion factors are not listed in the HTSUS, but are available on the Department of Commerce, Office of Textiles and Apparel web page dedicated to the textile and apparel category system.
Determine whether the merchandise qualifies for preferential treatment and is subject to a restraint limit under a Free Trade Agreement [3] or other special trade program.
If the merchandise qualifies for preferential treatment, refer to the Commodity Status Report for Tariff Rate Quotas [4]. This weekly report provides information on imported merchandise subject to tariff rate quotas or tariff preference levels. The four most recent reports are posted to the CBP.gov web site. This report contains information about food/agriculture and non-textile products in addition to textiles and is a useful tool to monitor quota utilization.
Any additional relevant information for a particular quota is posted on the CBP website in the form of Quota Book Transmittals [5] and Textile Book Transmittals [6].
Review the CBP Regulations related to quota (19 CFR 132).