19 U.S.C. § 2703a: Special rules for Haiti

The term “initial applicable 1-year period” means the 1-year period beginning on December 20, 2006 . The term “appropriate congressional committees” means the Committee on Finance of the Senate and the Committee on Ways and Means of the House of Representatives. freedom of association; the effective recognition of the right to bargain collectively; the elimination of all forms of compulsory or forced labor; the effective abolition of child labor and a prohibition on the worst forms of child labor; and the elimination of discrimination in respect of employment and occupation. The terms “enter” and “entry” refer to the entry, or withdrawal from warehouse for consumption, in the customs territory of the United States. the articles are shipped directly from Haiti or the Dominican Republic into the United States without passing through the territory of any intermediate country; or the articles in the shipment do not enter into the commerce of any intermediate country, and the invoices, bills of lading, and other shipping documents specify the United States as the final destination; or remain under the control of the customs authority in the intermediate country; do not enter into the commerce of the intermediate country except for the purpose of a sale other than at retail; and have not been subjected to operations in the intermediate country other than loading, unloading, or other activities necessary to preserve the articles in good condition. A good is “knit-to-shape” if 50 percent or more of the exterior surface area of the good is formed by major parts that have been knitted or crocheted directly to the shape used in the good, with no consideration being given to patch pockets, appliqués, or the like. Minor cutting, trimming, or sewing of those major parts shall not affect the determination of whether a good is “knit-to-shape.” 1 1 So in original. The closing quotation marks probably should precede the period. The term “TAICNAR Program” means the Technical Assistance Improvement and Compliance Needs Assessment and Remediation Program established pursuant to subsection (e). A good is “wholly assembled” in Haiti if all components, of which there must be at least two, pre-existed in essentially the same condition as found in the finished good and were combined to form the finished good in Haiti. Minor attachments and minor embellishments (for example, appliqués, beads, spangles, embroidery, and buttons) not appreciably affecting the identity of the good, and minor subassemblies (for example, collars, cuffs, plackets, and pockets), shall not affect the determination of whether a good is “wholly assembled” in Haiti. Apparel articles described in subparagraph (B) of a producer or entity controlling production that are imported directly from Haiti or the Dominican Republic shall enter the United States free of duty during the initial applicable 1-year period and any 1-year period thereafter, subject to the limitations set forth in subparagraphs (B) and (C), and subject to subparagraph (D). the cost or value of the materials produced in Haiti or one or more countries described in clause (iii), or any combination thereof, plus the direct costs of processing operations (as defined in section 2703(a)(3) of this title ) performed in Haiti or one or more countries described in clause (iii), or any combination thereof, any foreign materials that are used in the production of the apparel articles in Haiti; and any foreign materials that are used in the production of the materials described in clause (i)(I). The United States. Any country that is a party to a free trade agreement with the United States that is in effect on December 20, 2006 , or that enters into force thereafter. Any country designated as a beneficiary country under section 2703(b)(5)(B) of this title . Any country designated as a beneficiary country under section 2466a(a)(1) of this title , if a finding has been made by the President or the President’s designee, and published in the Federal Register, that the country has satisfied the requirements of section 3722 of this title . Any country designated as a beneficiary country under section 3203(b)(6)(B) of this title . the cost or value of materials under subclause (I) of clause (i), and the direct costs of processing operations under subclause (II) of clause (i), the cost or value of materials under subclause (I) of clause (i), and the direct costs of processing operations under subclause (II) of clause (i), any foreign materials that are used in the production of the apparel articles in Haiti; and any foreign materials that are used in the production of the materials described in subclause (I)(aa) or (II)(aa) (as the case may be). Entries of apparel articles that receive preferential treatment under any provision of law other than this subparagraph or are subject to the “General” column 1 rate of duty under the HTS are not included in the annual aggregation under subclause (I) or (II) unless the producer or entity controlling production elects, at the time the annual aggregation calculation is made, to include such entries in such aggregation. The term “applicable percentage” means 60 percent or more on and after December 20, 2017 . The term “foreign material” means a material produced in a country other than Haiti or any country described in clause (iii). U.S. Customs and Border Protection of the Department of Homeland Security shall develop and implement methods and procedures to ensure ongoing compliance with the requirements set forth in clauses (i) and (iv). the cost or value of materials under subclause (I) of clause (i), plus the direct costs of processing operations under subclause (II) of clause (i), a producer or an entity controlling production is ineligible for preferential treatment under subparagraph (A) in the initial applicable 1-year period or any 1-year period thereafter because that producer or entity controlling production did not satisfy the requirements of clause (i) or (iv), and that producer or entity controlling production satisfies the requirements of subclause (II) of this clause in that 1-year period, that was made during that 1-year period, and with respect to which there would have been preferential treatment under subparagraph (A) if the producer or entity controlling production had satisfied the requirements in clause (i) or (iv) (as the case may be), the cost of fabrics or yarns to the extent that apparel articles of such fabrics or yarns would be eligible for preferential treatment, without regard to the source of the fabrics or yarns, under Annex 4–B of the USMCA; and section 2703(b)(2)(A)(v) of this title , section 3721(b)(5) of this title , section 3203(b)(3)(B)(i)(III) or (ii) of this title, or any other provision, relating to determining whether a textile or apparel article is an originating good eligible for preferential treatment, of a law that implements a free trade agreement that enters into force with respect to the United States, any fabric or yarn described in subclause (I)(aa) was determined to be eligible for preferential treatment, or any fabric or yarn described in subclause (I)(bb) was designated as not being available in commercial quantities, The preferential treatment described in subparagraph (A) shall be extended, during each period after the initial applicable 1-year period, to not more than 1.25 percent of the aggregate square meter equivalents of all apparel articles imported into the United States in the most recent 12-month period for which data are available. Any apparel article that qualifies for preferential treatment under paragraph (2), (3), (4), or (5) or any other provision of this chapter shall not be subject to, or included in the calculation of, the quantitative limitations under subparagraph (C). Any apparel article classifiable under chapter 62 of the HTS that is wholly assembled, or knit-to-shape, in Haiti from any combination of fabrics, fabric components, components knit-to-shape, or yarns and is imported directly from Haiti or the Dominican Republic shall enter the United States free of duty, subject to clauses (ii) and (iii), without regard to the source of the fabric, fabric components, components knit-to-shape, or yarns from which the article is made. Except as provided in paragraph (2A), the preferential treatment described in clause (i) shall be extended, in the 1-year period beginning October 1, 2008 , and in any of the succeeding 1-year periods, to not more than 70,000,000 square meter equivalents of apparel articles described in such clause. Any apparel article that qualifies for preferential treatment under paragraph (1), (3), (4), or (5) or subparagraph (B) of this paragraph or any other provision of this chapter shall not be subject to, or included in the calculation of, the quantitative limitation under clause (ii). Any apparel article classifiable under chapter 61 of the HTS that is wholly assembled, or knit-to-shape, in Haiti from any combination of fabrics, fabric components, components knit-to-shape, or yarns and is imported directly from Haiti or the Dominican Republic shall enter the United States free of duty, subject to clauses (ii), (iii), and (iv), without regard to the source of the fabric, fabric components, components knit-to-shape, or yarns from which the article is made. All white T-shirts, with short hemmed sleeves and hemmed bottom, with crew or round neckline or with V-neck and with a mitered seam at the center of the V, and without pockets, trim, or embroidery. All white singlets, without pockets, trim, or embroidery. Other T-shirts, but not including thermal undershirts. T-shirts for men or boys that are classifiable under subheading 6109.90.10. Sweatshirts. Pullovers, other than sweaters, vests, or garments imported as part of playsuits. Sweatshirts for men or boys, of man-made fibers and containing less than 65 percent by weight of man-made fibers, that are classifiable under subheading 6110.30.30 of the HTS. Except as provided in paragraph (2A), the preferential treatment described in clause (i) shall be extended, in the 1-year period beginning October 1, 2008 , and in any of the succeeding 1-year periods, to not more than 70,000,000 square meter equivalents of apparel articles described in such clause. Any apparel article that qualifies for preferential treatment under paragraph (1), (3), (4), or (5) or subparagraph (A) of this paragraph or any other provision of this chapter shall not be subject to, or included in the calculation of, the quantitative limitation under clause (iii). Except as provided in subparagraphs (B) and (C) and subject to subparagraph (D), if 52,000,000 square meter equivalents of apparel articles described in paragraph (2)(A)(i) or (2)(B)(i) enter the United States during the 1-year period beginning October 1, 2009 , or any of the succeeding 1-year periods, the President shall extend the preferential treatment described in paragraph (2)(A)(i) or (2)(B)(i) (as the case may be) to not more than 200,000,000 square meter equivalents of apparel articles described in paragraph (2)(A)(i) or (2)(B)(i) (as the case may be) during that 1-year period, and shall publish notice of the extension in the Federal Register. In the case of apparel articles described in clause (ii), subparagraph (A) shall be applied by substituting “70,000,000” for “200,000,000”. Apparel articles in category 347 that fall within the following statistical reporting numbers of the HTS (as in effect on the day before May 24, 2010 ): 6203.19.1020 6203.42.4011 6203.42.4061 6203.19.9020 6203.42.4016 6203.49.8020 6203.22.3020 6203.42.4026 6210.40.9033 6203.22.3030 6203.42.4036 6211.20.1520 6203.42.4003 6203.42.4046 6211.20.3810 6203.42.4006 6203.42.4051 6211.32.0040 Apparel articles in category 348 that fall within the following statistical reporting numbers of the HTS (as in effect on the day before May 24, 2010 ): 6204.12.0030 6204.62.4011 6204.69.9010 6204.19.8030 6204.62.4021 6210.50.9060 6204.22.3040 6204.62.4031 6211.20.1550 6204.22.3050 6204.62.4041 6211.20.6810 6204.29.4034 6204.62.4051 6211.42.0030 6204.62.3000 6204.62.4056 6217.90.9050 6204.62.4003 6204.62.4066 6204.62.4006 6204.69.6010 Apparel articles in category 647 that fall within the following statistical reporting numbers of the HTS (as in effect on the day before May 24, 2010 ): 6203.23.0060 6203.43.4020 6203.49.8030 6203.23.0070 6203.43.4030 6210.40.5031 6203.29.2030 6203.43.4040 6210.40.5039 6203.29.2035 6203.49.1500 6211.20.1525 6203.43.2500 6203.49.2015 6211.20.3820 6203.43.3510 6203.49.2030 6211.33.0030 6203.43.3590 6203.49.2045 6203.43.4010 6203.49.2060 Apparel articles in category 648 that fall within the following statistical reporting numbers of the HTS (as in effect on the day before May 24, 2010 ): 6204.23.0040 6204.63.3510 6204.69.6030 6204.23.0045 6204.63.3530 6204.69.9030 6204.29.2020 6204.63.3532 6210.50.5031 6204.29.2025 6204.63.3540 6210.50.5039 6204.29.4038 6204.69.2510 6211.20.1555 6204.63.2000 6204.69.2530 6211.20.6820 6204.63.3010 6204.69.2540 6211.43.0040 6204.63.3090 6204.69.2560 6217.90.9060 In the case of apparel articles described in clause (ii), subparagraph (A) shall be applied by substituting “85,000,000” for “200,000,000”. Apparel articles described in this clause are apparel articles described in paragraph (2)(B)(i) that fall within the following statistical reporting numbers of the HTS (as in effect on the day before May 24, 2010 ), other than shirts with plackets and pointed collars: 6105.10.0010 6109.10.0040 6110.30.3053 6109.10.0018 6109.10.0045 6110.30.3059 6109.10.0027 6110.20.2079 Not later than April 1, July 1, October 1, and January 1 of each year, the Commissioner responsible for United States Customs and Border Protection shall verify that apparel articles imported into the United States under this paragraph are not being unlawfully transshipped (within the meaning of subsection (f)) into the United States. If the Commissioner determines pursuant to clause (i) that apparel articles imported into the United States under this paragraph are being unlawfully transshipped into the United States, the Commissioner shall report that determination to the President. may modify the quantitative limitation under this paragraph as the President considers appropriate to account for such transshipments; and if the President modifies the limitation under subclause (I), shall publish notice of the modification in the Federal Register. In this paragraph, the term “category” means the number assigned under the U.S. Textile and Apparel Category System of the Office of Textiles and Apparel of the Department of Commerce, as listed in the HTS under the applicable heading or subheading (as in effect on the day before May 24, 2010 ). Any apparel article classifiable under subheading 6212.10 of the HTS that is wholly assembled, or knit-to-shape, in Haiti from any combination of fabrics, fabric components, components knit-to-shape, or yarns and is imported directly from Haiti or the Dominican Republic shall enter the United States free of duty, without regard to the source of the fabric, fabric components, components knit-to-shape, or yarns from which the article is made. Any apparel article that is of a type listed in chapter rule 3, 4, or 5 for chapter 61 of the HTS (as such chapter rules are contained in section A of the Annex to Proclamation 8213 of the President of December 20, 2007 ) as being excluded from the scope of such chapter rule, when such chapter rule is applied to determine whether an apparel article is an originating good for purposes of general note 29(n) to the HTS, except that, for purposes of this clause, reference in such chapter rules to “6104.12.00” shall be deemed to be a reference to “6104.19.60”. Subject to subclause (II), any apparel article that is of a type listed in chapter rule 3(a), 4(a), or 5(a) for chapter 62 of the HTS, as such chapter rules are contained in paragraph 9 of section A of the Annex to Proclamation 8213 of the President of December 20, 2007 . Subclause (I) shall not include any apparel article to which subparagraph (A) of this paragraph applies. Any article classifiable under subheading 4202.12, 4202.22, 4202.32 or 4202.92 of the HTS that is wholly assembled in Haiti and is imported directly from Haiti or the Dominican Republic shall enter the United States free of duty, without regard to the source of the fabric, components, or materials from which the article is made. Any article classifiable under heading 6501, 6502, or 6504 of the HTS, or under subheading 6505.90 of the HTS, that is wholly assembled, knit-to-shape, or formed in Haiti from any combination of fabrics, fabric components, components knit-to-shape, or yarns and is imported directly from Haiti or the Dominican Republic shall enter the United States free of duty, without regard to the source of the fabric, fabric components, components knit-to-shape, or yarns from which the article is made. Pajama bottoms and other sleepwear for women and girls, of cotton, that are classifiable under subheading 6208.91.30, or of man-made fibers, that are classifiable under subheading 6208.92.00. Pajama bottoms and other sleepwear for girls, of other textile materials, that are classifiable under subheading 6208.99.20. Any of the apparel articles described in clause (ii) that is wholly assembled, or knit-to-shape, in Haiti from any combination of fabrics, fabric components, components knit-to-shape, or yarns and is imported directly from Haiti or the Dominican Republic shall enter the United States free of duty, without regard to the source of the fabric, fabric components, components knit-to-shape, or yarns from which the article is made. Apparel articles described in this clause are apparel articles in the following category numbers that fall within the following statistical reporting numbers of the HTS (as in effect on the day before May 24, 2010 ): Category Number HTS Statistical Reporting Number 334 6101.90.9010 6112.11.0010 6103.22.0010 6113.00.9015 335 6104.22.0010 6104.29.2010 6112.11.0020 336 6104.49.9010 338 6103.22.0050 6105.90.8010 6112.11.0030 339 6104.22.0060 6104.29.2049 6106.90.2510 6106.90.3010 6110.20.1031 6110.20.1033 6112.11.0040 342 6104.22.0030 6104.29.2022 6104.52.0010 6104.52.0020 6104.59.8010 350 6107.91.0040 6107.91.0090 351 6107.21.0010 6107.21.0020 6107.91.0030 6108.31.0010 6108.31.0020 433 6103.23.0007 6103.29.0520 6103.31.0000 6103.33.1000 6103.39.8020 434 6101.30.1500 6101.90.0500 6101.90.9020 6103.23.0005 6103.29.0510 435 6102.30.1000 6102.90.9010 6104.23.0010 6104.29.0510 6104.29.2012 6104.33.1000 6104.39.2020 438 6103.23.0025 6103.29.0550 6104.23.0020 6104.29.0560 6104.29.2051 6105.90.1000 6105.90.8020 6106.20.1020 6106.90.1010 6106.90.1020 6106.90.2520 6106.90.3020 6110.11.0070 6110.12.2070 6110.12.2080 6110.19.0070 6110.19.0080 6110.30.1550 6110.30.1560 633 6103.23.0037 6103.29.1015 6103.33.2000 6103.39.1000 6103.39.8030 634 6101.30.1000 6101.90.9030 6103.23.0036 6103.29.1010 6112.12.0010 6112.19.1010 6112.20.1010 6112.20.1030 6113.00.9025 635 6102.30.0500 6102.90.9015 6104.23.0026 6104.29.1010 6104.29.2014 6104.39.2030 6112.12.0020 6112.19.1020 6112.20.1020 6112.20.1040 6113.00.9030 636 6104.49.9030 6104.44.2020 638 6103.23.0075 6103.29.1050 6105.90.8030 6110.30.1050 6110.30.2051 6110.30.2053 6112.12.0030 6112.19.1030 639 6104.23.0036 6104.29.1050 6104.29.2055 6106.90.2530 6106.90.3030 6110.30.1060 6110.30.2061 6110.30.2063 6112.12.0040 6112.19.1040 651 6107.22.0010 6107.22.0015 6107.22.0025 6107.99.1030 6108.32.0015 In this subparagraph, the term “category” has the meaning given that term in paragraph (2A)(E) of this subsection. Any of the made-up textile articles described in clauses (ii) and (iii) that is wholly assembled, or knit-to-shape, in Haiti from any combination of fabrics, fabric components, components knit-to-shape, or yarns and is imported directly from Haiti or the Dominican Republic shall enter the United States free of duty, without regard to the source of the fabric, fabric components, components knit-to-shape, or yarns from which the article is made. Made-up textile articles described in this clause are articles in the following category numbers that fall within the following statistical reporting numbers of the HTS (as in effect on the day before May 24, 2010 ): Category Number HTS Statistical Reporting Number 363 6302.60.0020 6302.91.0015 6302.91.0035 6307.90.8940 369 6304.91.0020 6304.92.0000 6302.60.0010 6302.60.0030 6302.91.0005 6302.91.0050 6307.90.8910 6307.90.8945 5701.90.2020 5702.39.2010 5702.50.5600 5702.99.0500 5702.99.1500 5705.00.2020 5807.10.0510 5807.90.0510 6307.90.3010 6301.30.0010 6305.20.0000 6307.10.1020 6307.10.1090 6406.10.7700 9404.90.1000 9404.90.9505 6301.30.0020 6302.91.0045 465 5701.10.9000 5702.50.2000 5702.50.4000 5702.91.3000 5702.91.4000 5703.10.2000 5703.10.8000 5704.10.0010 5705.00.2005 5705.00.2015 5702.31.1000 5702.31.2000 469 6304.19.3040 6304.91.0050 6304.99.1500 6304.99.6010 5601.29.0020 6302.39.0010 6406.10.9020 665 5701.90.1030 5701.90.2030 5702.32.1000 5702.32.2000 5702.42.2090 5702.50.5200 5702.92.1000 5702.92.9000 5703.20.1000 5703.30.2000 5703.30.8030 5703.30.8080 5704.10.0090 5705.00.2030 5703.20.2010 5703.20.2090 666 6304.11.2000 6304.91.0040 6304.93.0000 6304.99.6020 6301.40.0010 6301.40.0020 6301.90.0010 669 5601.10.2000 5601.22.0090 5807.10.0520 5807.90.0520 6307.90.3020 6305.32.0010 6305.32.0020 6305.32.0050 6305.32.0060 6305.39.0000 6406.10.9040 6308.00.0020 899 6304.11.3000 6304.19.3060 6304.91.0070 6304.99.3500 6304.99.6040 5601.29.0090 6301.90.0030 6305.90.0000 6406.10.9060 900 5601.29.0010 5701.90.2010 6301.90.0020 Made-up textile articles described in this clause are articles that fall within statistical reporting number 6406.10.9090 of the HTS (as in effect on the day before May 24, 2010 ). In this subparagraph, the term “category” has the meaning given that term in paragraph (2A)(E) of this subsection. Apparel articles wholly assembled, or knit-to-shape, in Haiti from any combination of fabrics, fabric components, components knit-to-shape, or yarns and imported directly from Haiti or the Dominican Republic shall enter the United States free of duty, without regard to the source of the fabric, fabric components, components knit-to-shape, or yarns from which the articles are made, if such apparel articles are accompanied by an earned import allowance certificate that reflects the amount of credits equal to the total square meter equivalents of such apparel articles, in accordance with the program established under subparagraph (B). For purposes of determining the quantity of square meter equivalents under this subparagraph, the conversion factors listed in “Correlation: U.S. Textile and Apparel Industry Category System with the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States of America, 2008”, or its successor publications, of the United States Department of Commerce, shall apply. The Secretary of Commerce shall establish a program to provide earned import allowance certificates to any producer or entity controlling production for purposes of subparagraph (A), based on the elements described in clause (ii). One credit shall be issued to a producer or an entity controlling production for every two square meter equivalents of qualifying woven fabric or qualifying knit fabric that the producer or entity controlling production can demonstrate that it purchased for the manufacture in Haiti of articles like or similar to any article eligible for preferential treatment under subparagraph (A). The Secretary of Commerce shall, if requested by a producer or entity controlling production, create and maintain an account for such producer or entity controlling production, into which such credits shall be deposited. Such producer or entity controlling production may redeem credits issued under subclause (I) for earned import allowance certificates reflecting such number of earned credits as the producer or entity may request and has available. verifying that the qualifying woven fabric or qualifying knit fabric was exported to a producer in Haiti or to an entity controlling production; and identifying such producer or entity controlling production, and the quantity and description of qualifying woven fabric or qualifying knit fabric exported to such producer or entity controlling production. The Secretary of Commerce may require that a producer or entity controlling production submit documentation to verify purchases of qualifying woven fabric or qualifying knit fabric. The Secretary of Commerce may make available to each person or entity identified in documentation submitted under subclause (III) or (IV) information contained in such documentation that relates to the purchase of qualifying woven fabric or qualifying knit fabric involving such person or entity. The program under this subparagraph shall be established so as to allow, to the extent feasible, the submission, storage, retrieval, and disclosure of information in electronic format, including information with respect to the earned import allowance certificates required under subparagraph (A)(i). 2 2 So in original. Probably should refer to cl. (i) of this subparagraph. The Secretary of Commerce may reconcile discrepancies in information provided under subclause (III) or (IV) and verify the accuracy of such information. submissions by textile mills or other entities in the United States documenting exports of yarns wholly formed in the United States to countries described in paragraph (1)(B)(iii) for the manufacture of qualifying knit fabric; and procedures imposed on producers or entities controlling production to allow the Secretary of Commerce to obtain and verify information relating to the production of qualifying knit fabric. fabric otherwise eligible as qualifying woven fabric shall not be ineligible as qualifying woven fabric because the fabric contains nylon filament yarn to which section 2703(b)(2)(A)(vii)(IV) of this title applies; fabric that would otherwise be ineligible as qualifying woven fabric because the fabric contains yarns not wholly formed in the United States shall not be ineligible as qualifying woven fabric if the total weight of all such yarns is not more than 10 percent of the total weight of the fabric; and fabric otherwise eligible as qualifying woven fabric shall not be ineligible as qualifying fabric because the fabric contains yarns covered by clause (i) or (ii) of paragraph (5)(A). fabric or knit-to-shape components otherwise eligible as qualifying knit fabric shall not be ineligible as qualifying knit fabric because the fabric or knit-to-shape components contain nylon filament yarn to which section 2703(b)(2)(A)(vii)(IV) of this title applies; fabric or knit-to-shape components that would otherwise be ineligible as qualifying knit fabric because the fabric or knit-to-shape components contain yarns not wholly formed in the United States shall not be ineligible as qualifying knit fabric if the total weight of all such yarns is not more than 10 percent of the total weight of the fabric or knit-to-shape components; and fabric or knit-to-shape components otherwise eligible as qualifying knit fabric shall not be ineligible as qualifying knit fabric because the fabric or knit-to-shape components contain yarns covered by clause (i) or (ii) of paragraph (5)(A). Any person who makes a false claim for preference under the program established under subparagraph (B) shall be subject to any applicable civil or criminal penalty that may be imposed under the customs laws of the United States or under title 18. The Secretary of Commerce may establish and impose penalties for the submission to the Secretary of Commerce of fraudulent information under the program established under subparagraph (B), other than a claim described in clause (i). Fabrics or yarns, to the extent that apparel articles of such fabrics or yarns would be eligible for preferential treatment, without regard to the source of the fabrics or yarns, under Annex 4–B of the USMCA. section 2703(b)(2)(A)(v) of this title ; section 3721(b)(5) of this title ; clause (i)(III) or (ii) of section 3203(b)(3)(B) of this title ; or any other provision, relating to determining whether a textile or apparel article is an originating good eligible for preferential treatment, of a law that implements a free trade agreement entered into by the United States that is in effect at the time the claim for preferential treatment is made. any fabric or yarn described in clause (i) of subparagraph (A) was determined to be eligible for preferential treatment, or any fabric or yarn described in clause (ii) of subparagraph (A) was designated as not being available in commercial quantities, The duty-free treatment provided under this subsection is in addition to any other preferential treatment under this chapter. the cost or value of the materials produced in Haiti or one or more countries described in subsection (b)(2)(C), or any combination thereof, plus the direct costs of processing operations (as defined in section 2703(a)(3) of this title ) performed in Haiti or the United States, or both, For purposes of this subsection, the term “wire harness automotive component” means any article provided for in subheading 8544.30.00 of the HTS, as in effect on December 20, 2006 . a market-based economy that protects private property rights, incorporates an open rules-based trading system, and minimizes government interference in the economy through measures such as price controls, subsidies, and government ownership of economic assets; the rule of law, political pluralism, and the right to due process, a fair trial, and equal protection under the law; the provision of national treatment and measures to create an environment conducive to domestic and foreign investment; the protection of intellectual property; and the resolution of bilateral trade and investment disputes; economic policies to reduce poverty, increase the availability of health care and educational opportunities, expand physical infrastructure, promote the development of private enterprise, and encourage the formation of capital markets through microcredit or other programs; a system to combat corruption and bribery, such as signing and implementing the Convention on Combating Bribery of Foreign Public Officials in International Business Transactions; and protection of internationally recognized worker rights, including the right of association, the right to organize and bargain collectively, a prohibition on the use of any form of forced or compulsory labor, a minimum age for the employment of children, and acceptable conditions of work with respect to minimum wages, hours of work, and occupational safety and health; does not engage in activities that undermine United States national security or foreign policy interests; and does not engage in gross violations of internationally recognized human rights or provide support for acts of international terrorism and cooperates in international efforts to eliminate human rights violations and terrorist activities. The President shall determine whether Haiti meets the requirements of paragraph (1) not later than 90 days after December 20, 2006 . If the President determines that Haiti is not making continual progress in meeting the requirements described in paragraph (1)(A), the President shall terminate the preferential treatment under this section. Any interested party may file a request to have the status of Haiti reviewed with respect to the eligibility requirements listed in paragraph (1), and the President shall provide for this purpose the same procedures as those that are provided for reviewing the status of eligible beneficiary developing countries with respect to the designation criteria listed in subsections (b) and (c) of section 2462 of this title . Haiti has implemented the requirements set forth in paragraphs (2) and (3); and Haiti has agreed to require producers of articles for which duty-free treatment may be requested under subsection (b) to participate in the TAICNAR Program described in paragraph (3) and has developed a system to ensure participation in such program by such producers, including by developing and maintaining the registry described in paragraph (2)(B)(i). determines that Haiti has made a good faith effort toward such compliance and has agreed to take additional steps to come into full compliance that are satisfactory to the President; and provides to the appropriate congressional committees, not later than 6 months after the last day of the 16-month period specified in subparagraph (A), and every 6 months thereafter, a report identifying the steps that Haiti has agreed to take to come into full compliance and the progress made over the preceding 6-month period in implementing such steps. If, after making a certification under subparagraph (A), the President determines that Haiti is no longer meeting the requirements set forth in subparagraph (A), the President shall terminate the preferential treatment provided under subsection (b), unless the President determines, after consulting with the appropriate congressional committees, that meeting such requirements is not practicable because of extraordinary circumstances existing in Haiti when the determination is made. If the President, after terminating preferential treatment under clause (i), determines that Haiti is meeting the requirements set forth in subparagraph (A), the President shall reinstate the application of preferential treatment under subsection (b). reports directly to the President of Haiti; is headed by a Labor Ombudsman chosen by the President of Haiti, in consultation with Haitian labor unions and industry associations; and is vested with the authority to perform the functions described in subparagraph (B). developing and maintaining a registry of producers of articles for which duty-free treatment may be requested under subsection (b), and developing, in consultation and coordination with any other appropriate officials of the Government of Haiti, a system to ensure participation by such producers in the TAICNAR Program described in paragraph (3); overseeing the implementation of the TAICNAR Program described in paragraph (3); receiving and investigating comments from any interested party regarding the conditions described in paragraph (3)(B) in facilities of producers listed in the registry described in clause (i) and, where appropriate, referring such comments or the result of such investigations to the appropriate Haitian authorities, or to the entity operating the TAICNAR Program described in paragraph (3); assisting, in consultation and coordination with any other appropriate Haitian authorities, producers listed in the registry described in clause (i) in meeting the conditions set forth in paragraph (3)(B); and coordinating, with the assistance of the entity operating the TAICNAR Program described in paragraph (3), a tripartite committee comprised of appropriate representatives of government agencies, employers, and workers, as well as other relevant interested parties, for the purposes of evaluating progress in implementing the TAICNAR Program described in paragraph (3), and consulting on improving core labor standards and working conditions in the textile and apparel sector in Haiti, and on other matters of common concern relating to such core labor standards and working conditions. to assess compliance by producers listed in the registry described in paragraph (2)(B)(i) with the conditions set forth in subparagraph (B) and to assist such producers in meeting such conditions; and to inspect facilities of producers listed in the registry described in paragraph (2)(B)(i); and to enforce national labor laws and resolve labor disputes, including through measures described in subparagraph (E). compliance with core labor standards; and compliance with the labor laws of Haiti that relate directly to core labor standards and to ensuring acceptable conditions of work with respect to minimum wages, hours of work, and occupational health and safety. be operated by the International Labor Organization (or any subdivision, instrumentality, or designee thereof), which prepares the biannual reports described in subparagraph (D); be developed through a participatory process that includes the Labor Ombudsman described in paragraph (2) and appropriate representatives of government agencies, employers, and workers; conducting unannounced site visits to manufacturing facilities of the producer; conducting confidential interviews separately with workers and management of the facilities of the producer; the results of the assessment carried out under this clause; and specific suggestions for remediating any such deficiencies; assist the producer in remediating any deficiencies identified under clause (iii); conduct prompt follow-up site visits to the facilities of the producer to assess progress on remediation of any deficiencies identified under clause (iii); and provide training to workers and management of the producer, and where appropriate, to other persons or entities, to promote compliance with subparagraph (B). The name of each producer listed in the registry described in paragraph (2)(B)(i) that has been identified as having met the conditions under subparagraph (B). The name of each producer listed in the registry described in paragraph (2)(B)(i) that has been identified as having deficiencies with respect to the conditions under subparagraph (B), and has failed to remedy such deficiencies. a description of the deficiencies found to exist and the specific suggestions for remediating such deficiencies made by the entity operating the TAICNAR Program; a description of the efforts by the producer to remediate the deficiencies, including a description of assistance provided by any entity to assist in such remediation; and with respect to deficiencies that have not been remediated, the amount of time that has elapsed since the deficiencies were first identified in a report under this subparagraph. For each producer identified as having deficiencies with respect to the conditions described under subparagraph (B) in a prior report under this subparagraph, a description of the progress made in remediating such deficiencies since the submission of the prior report, and an assessment of whether any aspect of such deficiencies persists. to review the labor laws and regulations of Haiti and to develop and implement strategies for bringing the laws and regulations into conformity with core labor standards; to develop additional strategies for facilitating protection of core labor standards and providing acceptable conditions of work with respect to minimum wages, hours of work, and occupational safety and health, including through legal, regulatory, and institutional reform; to increase awareness of worker rights, including under core labor standards and national labor laws; to promote consultation and cooperation between government representatives, employers, worker representatives, and United States importers on matters relating to core labor standards and national labor laws; to assist the Labor Ombudsman appointed pursuant to paragraph (2) in establishing and coordinating operation of the committee described in paragraph (2)(B)(v); to assist worker representatives in more fully and effectively advocating on behalf of their members; and to provide on-the-job training and technical assistance to labor inspectors, judicial officers, and other relevant personnel to build their capacity to enforce national labor laws and resolve labor disputes. In making a determination of whether Haiti is meeting the requirement set forth in subsection (d)(1)(A)(vi) relating to internationally recognized worker rights, the President shall consider the reports produced under paragraph (3)(D). Beginning in the second calendar year after the President makes the certification under paragraph (1)(A), the President shall identify on a biennial basis whether a producer listed in the registry described in paragraph (2)(B)(i) has failed to comply with core labor standards and with the labor laws of Haiti that directly relate to and are consistent with core labor standards. For each producer that the President identifies under clause (i), the President shall seek to assist such producer in coming into compliance with core labor standards and with the labor laws of Haiti that directly relate to and are consistent with core labor standards. If such efforts fail, the President shall withdraw, suspend, or limit the application of preferential treatment under subsection (b) to articles of such producer. If the President, after withdrawing, suspending, or limiting the application of preferential treatment under clause (ii) to articles of a producer, determines that such producer is complying with core labor standards and with the labor laws of Haiti that directly relate to and are consistent with core labor standards, the President shall reinstate the application of preferential treatment under subsection (b) to the articles of the producer. In making the identification under clause (i) and the determination under clause (iii), the President shall consider the reports made available under paragraph (3)(D). Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of the Haitian Hemispheric Opportunity through Partnership Encouragement Act of 2008, and annually thereafter, the President shall transmit to the appropriate congressional committees a report on the implementation of this subsection during the preceding 1-year period. An explanation of the efforts of Haiti, the President, and the International Labor Organization to carry out this subsection. A summary of each report produced under paragraph (3)(D) during the preceding 1-year period and a summary of the findings contained in such report. Identifications made under paragraph (4)(B)(i) and determinations made under paragraph (4)(B)(iii). There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subsection the sum of $10,000,000 for the period beginning on October 1, 2008 , and ending on September 30, 2013 . Haiti has adopted an effective visa system, domestic laws, and enforcement procedures applicable to articles described in subsection (b) to prevent unlawful transshipment of the articles and the use of counterfeit documents relating to the importation of the articles into the United States. Haiti has enacted legislation or promulgated regulations that would permit U.S. Customs and Border Protection verification teams to have the access necessary to investigate thoroughly allegations of transshipment through such country. Haiti agrees to report, on a timely basis, at the request of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, on the total exports from and imports into that country of articles described in subsection (b), consistent with the manner in which the records are kept by Haiti. Haiti agrees to cooperate fully with the United States to address and take action necessary to prevent circumvention as provided in Article 5 of the Agreement on Textiles and Clothing. Haiti agrees to require all producers and exporters of articles described in subsection (b) in that country to maintain complete records of the production and the export of such articles, including materials used in the production, for at least 5 years after the production or export (as the case may be). Haiti agrees to report, on a timely basis, at the request of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, documentation establishing the country of origin of articles described in subsection (b) as used by that country in implementing an effective visa system. Transshipment within the meaning of this subsection has occurred when preferential treatment for a textile or apparel article under this section has been claimed on the basis of material false information concerning the country of origin, manufacture, processing, or assembly of the article or any of its components. For purposes of this paragraph, false information is material if disclosure of the true information would mean or would have meant that the article is or was ineligible for preferential treatment under this section. Notwithstanding subsection (a)(5), relating to the definition of “imported directly from Haiti or the Dominican Republic”, articles described in subsection (b) that are shipped from the Dominican Republic, directly or through the territory of an intermediate country, whether or not such articles undergo processing in the Dominican Republic, shall not be considered to be “imported directly from Haiti or the Dominican Republic” until the President certifies to the Congress that Haiti and the Dominican Republic have developed procedures to prevent unlawful transshipment of the articles and the use of counterfeit documents related to the importation of the articles into the United States. The Commissioner responsible for U.S. Customs and Border Protection shall provide technical and other assistance to Haiti and the Dominican Republic to develop expeditiously the procedures described in subparagraph (A). The President shall issue regulations to carry out this section not later than 180 days after December 20, 2006 . The President shall consult with the Committee on Ways and Means of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Finance of the Senate in preparing such regulations. The duty-free treatment provided under this section shall remain in effect until December 31, 2026 . Except as provided in subsection (b), this part [part I (§§ 15401–15412) of subtitle D of title XV of Pub. L. 110–246 , amending this section and section 2703 of this title and enacting provisions set out as notes under this section and section 2701 of this title ] and the amendments made by this part shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act [ June 18, 2008 ]. The amendments made by section 15402 [amending this section] shall take effect on October 1, 2008 , and shall apply to articles entered, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after that date.” The President shall proclaim such modifications to the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States as may be necessary to restore the eligibility of articles described in paragraph (2) for preferential treatment under section 213A of the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act ( 19 U.S.C. 2703a ). was eligible for preferential treatment under section 213A of the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act ( 19 U.S.C. 2703a ) on December 20, 2006 ; and became ineligible for such treatment after that date and before the date of the enactment of this Act [ Feb. 3, 2026 ] as a result of revisions to the Harmonized Tariff Schedule. A proclamation under paragraph (1) shall take effect not earlier than 2 business days after the President submits to the Committee on Finance of the Senate and the Committee on Ways and Means of the House of Representatives a report on the proclamation and the reasons for the modifications to the Harmonized Tariff Schedule under the proclamation. on or after September 30, 2025 , and before the date of the enactment of this Act [ Feb. 3, 2026 ], to locate the entry; or to reconstruct the entry if it cannot be located. Any amounts owed by the United States pursuant to the liquidation or reliquidation of an entry of a covered article under paragraph (1) shall be paid, without interest of any kind, not later than 90 days after the date of the liquidation or reliquidation (as the case may be). The term ‘covered article’ means an article from Haiti. The term ‘entry’ includes a withdrawal from warehouse for consumption.” On January 12, 2010 , Haiti was hit by a 7.0 magnitude earthquake, the worst earthquake to affect Haiti in recorded history. Aftershocks from the earthquake, measuring up to 6.0 on the Richter scale, continued for days afterwards. The earthquake has devastated Haiti’s infrastructure, including homes, offices, factories, roads, ports, communications, and other facilities. The loss of life attributable to the earthquake was massive. Even before the earthquake, Haiti was the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, ranking 149 out of 182 countries according to the United Nation’s Human Development Index. In recent years, however, the Government and people of Haiti had taken important steps forward to promote economic growth and development, including making strides towards establishing a competitive apparel sector. United States trade preference programs, including the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act [ 19 U.S.C. 2701 et seq.] (as amended by the United States-Caribbean Basin Trade Partnership Act [ Pub. L. 106–200, title II , see Tables for classification], the Haitian Hemispheric Opportunity through Partnership Encouragement Act of 2006 [ Pub. L. 109–432, div. D, title V , see Tables for classification], and the Haitian Hemispheric Opportunity through Partnership Encouragement Act of 2008 [ Pub. L. 110–234, title XV , subtitle D, part I, and Pub. L. 110–246, title XV , subtitle D, part I, see Tables for classification]), which extend duty-free tariff treatment to certain apparel produced in Haiti, have made an important contribution to Haiti’s economic development efforts. However, the Haitian apparel sector has been hard hit by the January 12, 2010 , earthquake. A number of apparel factories based in and around Port-au-Prince have been heavily damaged, including the collapse of one major apparel factory that had employed nearly 4,000 workers. The Port-au-Prince seaport that had served the apparel trade has been badly damaged. And extensive damage to roads has made it difficult to transport apparel to the Dominican Republic for shipment from ports in that country. According to estimates by the Department of Commerce, imports of apparel articles from Haiti to the United States in 2010 have decreased by 43 percent as compared to the same period in 2009. The earthquake has increased significantly the costs and uncertainty of doing business in Haiti. A strong and unequivocal commitment from the United States is needed to help Haiti offset these costs and preserve the gains made under United States trade preference programs, and to encourage buyers and investors to stand with Haiti through this crisis.” to assess the short-term and long-term technical, capacity-building, and training needs of the authorities of the Government of Haiti responsible for customs services; and reestablishing full capacity for commercial port operations at the seaport at Port-au-Prince; facilitating trade between the United States and Haiti under the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act [ 19 U.S.C. 2701 et seq.], as amended by this Act; preventing unlawful transshipment of goods through Haiti to the United States; and otherwise strengthening cooperation between the customs authorities of the United States, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic with respect to trade facilitation and economic development, customs compliance and law enforcement, and efforts to combat unlawful trafficking in narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances. a description of the short-term and long-term technical, capacity-building, and training needs of the authorities of the Government of Haiti responsible for customs services, including a prioritization of immediate infrastructure needs; a multi-year plan for supplying technical, capacity-building, and training assistance to those authorities, including specific responsibilities to be undertaken by the support team authorized by subsection (b); and a statement of the amount and purpose for which any funds were expended by the rapid response team in Haiti to administer the provisions of this section, including any expenditure of funds authorized to be appropriated pursuant to subsection (c)(1). The Commissioner shall, in consultation with other Federal agencies, as appropriate, seek to establish a support team in Haiti for the purpose of helping to meet the short-term and long-term technical, capacity-building, and training needs of the authorities of the Government of Haiti responsible for customs services, as described in this section. The support team authorized by paragraph (1) shall terminate on September 30, 2020 . $100,000 to help meet the immediate infrastructure needs of the authorities of the Government of Haiti responsible for customs services for the purpose of facilitating trade between the United States and Haiti under the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act [ 19 U.S.C. 2701 et seq.], as amended by this Act; and $750,000 for each of the fiscal years 2011 through 2020 for the purpose of maintaining the support team authorized by subsection (b). The amounts authorized to be appropriated by paragraph (1) shall supplement and not supplant any other funds authorized to be appropriated to the Department of Homeland Security.”