The Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements (CITA), an inter-agency committee chaired by the US Department of Commerce, has revised the definition of ski and snowboard pants that are exempt from the quota on man-made fibre pants from China. The revision is the result of several meetings between CITA and SnowSports Industries America (SIA) and the Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) and will be effective July, 1, 2006.

For the purposes of subheadings 6203.43.3510, 6204.63.3010, 6210.40.5031 and 6210.50.5031, the term ski and snowboard pants” means ankle-length pants made of synthetic fabrics, with or without insulation for cold weather protection, with pockets, at least one of which has a zippered or hook and loop closure, sealed seams at the front (up to the zipper or other means of closure) and back rise, hidden leg sleeves with a means of tightening at the ankle, and with one of more the following: side openings, scuff guards or reinforcement in the seat.  A sealed seam is one that is sealed by the means of taping, gluing, bonding, cementing, fusing or similar process so that air and water cannot pass through.

Following the announcement, David Ingemie, president of SIA, commented The revised definition solves one immediate problem: it allows companies who produce woven performance ski and snowboard pants to take full advantage of the intended exemption for such pants by clarifying the definition. Both SIA and OIA members had been adversely affected by the narrow interpretation of the original language.  We appreciate CITA’s clarification of this matter.”

However, we are extremely disappointed that this ruling fails to address the core issue: that American makers of innovative outdoor apparel have no domestic commercial sources to rely upon, yet continue to be included in quota systems that unfairly exposes businesses to potential embargoes,” said Frank Hugelmeyer, president of Outdoor Industry Association.