Effective March 1, 2005, China will impose new quotas on certain categories of apparel. The quotas are an attempt to prevent the United States from imposing safeguard quotas, antidumping duties, or other measures to limit the quantities of imported apparel from China.

Initially no fees will be charged for the new quotas. The quotas are to be issued to Chinese exporters, will remain valid for three months, and are non- transferable.

The list of apparel subject to Chinese quotas includes less complex and less expensive garments. Many higher cost and complex garments are absent from the listings.

Apparel of cotton and man-made-fibers –

• Knit & woven suits & ensembles
• Knit & woven pants and shorts of cotton
• Knit shirts and blouses
• Knit sweaters, vests, sweatshirts, pullovers, and tops
• Knit t-shirts and tank tops