The HS Code 98191133 refers to a specific category of textiles that fall under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) agreement. This code is used to classify products that are made from inputs sourced from the Least Developed Countries (LDC) under the AGOA program.
The AGOA program is a trade agreement between the United States and eligible countries in sub-Saharan Africa. It was established with the aim of promoting economic development and trade in the region by providing preferential access to the US market for certain products. Textiles are one of the key sectors covered under the AGOA program.
Products classified under HS Code 98191133 include textiles falling under Chapters 50 through 60 or Chapter 63 of the Harmonized System (HS). These chapters cover various textile articles such as fabrics, clothing, and accessories. To qualify for the preferential treatment, these textiles must be wholly formed from inputs sourced from LDC AGOA countries.
Note 2(d) of the AGOA agreement specifies the conditions that must be met for a product to be considered as wholly formed from inputs of LDC AGOA countries. This means that the textile must be produced using materials, labor, and manufacturing processes that originate from these countries. This requirement ensures that the economic benefits of the AGOA program are directed towards the LDC AGOA countries.
Under the AGOA program, participating countries are granted special tariff preferences for their eligible products. This means that these products can be imported into the United States duty-free or at reduced rates. The specific details of the tariff preferences for HS Code 98191133 are not available, as denoted by "NA" in the quantity unit field.
It is important to note that the bound or Most-Favored-Nation (MFN) duty rate applies to all countries equally. This means that every time a country lowers a trade barrier or opens up a market, it has to do so for the same goods or services from all its trading partners. The MFN duty rate ensures fair and non-discriminatory trade practices.
When importing products classified under HS Code 98191133, it is essential to consider the rules and regulations of both the importing and exporting US states. Each US state may have its own specific requirements for importing textiles, such as labeling, documentation, and quality standards.
HS Code 98191133 represents AGOA textiles that are wholly formed from inputs sourced from LDC AGOA countries. These textiles benefit from preferential tariff treatment under the AGOA program, allowing them to be imported into the United States duty-free or at reduced rates. The AGOA program plays a crucial role in promoting trade and economic development in sub-Saharan Africa while providing access to high-quality textiles for US consumers.