On March 1, 2016, the Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements (CITA) published in the Federal Registerrequest for public comments concerning a request for modification of the U.S.-Morocco Free Trade Agreement (USMFTA) rules of origin for 100% viscose woven fabric. On January 27, 2016, the Government of the United States received a request from the Government of Morocco (GOM), on behalf of HTL FASHION to initiate consultations with the GOM under Article 4.3.3 of the USMFTA. The GOM is requesting that the United States and Morocco (“the Parties”) consider revising the rules of origin for dresses, skirts, and blouses and tops to address availability of supply of 100% viscose woven fabric in the territories of the Parties. The President of the United States may proclaim a modification to the USMFTA rules of origin for textile and apparel products after reaching an agreement with the GOM on a modification under Article 4.3.6 of the USMFTA to address issues of availability of supply of fibers, yarns, or fabrics in the territories of the Parties.

CITA is soliciting public comments on this request, in particular with regard to whether 100% viscose woven fabric of Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) subheading 5408.24 can be supplied by the U.S. domestic industry in commercial quantities in a timely manner. Comments must be submitted by March 31, 2016.