Determination Under the Textile and Apparel Commercial Availability Provision of the Dominican Republic-Central America-United States Free Trade Agreement (“CAFTA-DR”), 70174-70175 [2024-19063]

Download as PDF 70174 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 168 / Thursday, August 29, 2024 / Notices other anthropogenic activities. Up to 61 species of marine mammals may be taken including the following ESAlisted species: blue (Balaenoptera musculus), bowhead (Balaena mysticetus), false killer (Pseudorca crassidens; Main Hawaiian Islands Insular distinct population segment [DPS]), fin (Balaenoptera physalus), gray (Eschrichtius robustus; Western North Pacific DPS), humpback (Megaptera novaeangliae; Central America, Western North Pacific, and Mexico DPSs), killer (Orcinus orca; Southern Resident DPS), North Atlantic right (Eubalaena glacialis), North Pacific right (Eubalaena japonica), Rice’s (Balaenoptera ricei), sei (Balaenoptera borealis), and sperm (Physeter macrocephalus) whales, and Hawaiian monk seals (Neomonachus schauinslandi). Research may occur year-round during vessel or aircraft surveys, including unmanned aircraft systems, for counts, photography, video recording (above and underwater), photogrammetry, observations, passive acoustics, biological sampling (sloughed skin, exhaled air, feces, and skin and blubber biopsy), and tagging (suctioncup, dart, and deep-implant). Parts collected may be exported and imported for analysis. See the application for complete numbers of animals requested by species, age-class, and procedure. In compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), an initial determination has been made that the activity proposed is categorically excluded from the requirement to prepare an environmental assessment or environmental impact statement. Concurrent with the publication of this notice in the Federal Register, NMFS is forwarding copies of the application to the Marine Mammal Commission and its Committee of Scientific Advisors. Dated: August 23, 2024. Amy Sloan, Acting Chief, Permits and Conservation Division, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2024–19440 Filed 8–28–24; 8:45 am] lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES1 BILLING CODE 3510–22–P VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:16 Aug 28, 2024 Jkt 262001 COMMITTEE FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF TEXTILE AGREEMENTS Determination Under the Textile and Apparel Commercial Availability Provision of the Dominican RepublicCentral America-United States Free Trade Agreement (‘‘CAFTA–DR’’) The Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements. ACTION: Determination to add a product in unrestricted quantities to Annex 3.25 of the CAFTA–DR. AGENCY: The Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements (‘‘CITA’’) has determined that certain 100% man-made fiber high pile fleece fabric (the ‘‘subject product’’), as specified below, is not available in commercial quantities in a timely manner in the CAFTA–DR countries. The subject product will be added to the list in Annex 3.25 of the CAFTA–DR in unrestricted quantities. DATES: Applicable Date: August 27, 2024. ADDRESSES: https://otexaprod.trade.gov/ otexacapublicsite/requests/cafta under ‘‘Approved Requests,’’ File Number: CA2024003. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Laurie Mease, Office of Textiles and Apparel, U.S. Department of Commerce, (202) 482–2043 or Laurie.Mease@ trade.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Authority: The CAFTA–DR; Section 203(o)(4) of the Dominican RepublicCentral America-United States Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act (‘‘CAFTA–DR Implementation Act’’), Public Law 109–53; the Statement of Administrative Action accompanying the CAFTA–DR Implementation Act; and Presidential Proclamation 7987 (February 28, 2006). Background: The CAFTA–DR provides a list in Annex 3.25 for fabrics, yarns, and fibers that the Parties to the CAFTA–DR have determined are not available in commercial quantities in a timely manner in the territory of any Party. The CAFTA–DR provides that this list may be modified pursuant to Article 3.25.4 and 3.25.5, when the United States determines that a fabric, yarn, or fiber is not available in commercial quantities in a timely manner in the territory of any Party. See Annex 3.25 of the CAFTA–DR; see also section 203(o)(4)(C) of the CAFTA–DR Implementation Act. The CAFTA–DR Implementation Act requires the President to establish procedures governing the submission of SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 a request and providing opportunity for interested entities to submit comments and supporting evidence before a commercial availability determination is made. In Presidential Proclamation 7987, the President delegated to CITA the authority under section 203(o)(4) of CAFTA–DR Implementation Act for modifying the Annex 3.25 list. Pursuant to this authority, on September 15, 2008, CITA published modified procedures it would follow in considering requests to modify the Annex 3.25 list of products determined to be not commercially available in the territory of any Party to the CAFTA–DR (Modifications to Procedures for Considering Requests Under the Commercial Availability Provision of the Dominican Republic-Central America-United States Free Trade Agreement, 73 FR 53200) (‘‘CITA’s procedures’’). On June 25, 2024, CITA received a commercial availability request (‘‘Request’’) from VF Corp. (‘‘VF’’) for certain 100% man-made fiber high pile fleece fabric, as specified below. On June 27, 2024, in accordance with CITA’s procedures, CITA notified interested parties of the Request, which was posted on the dedicated website for CAFTA–DR commercial availability proceedings. In its notification, CITA advised that any Response with an Offer to Supply (‘‘Response’’) must be submitted by July 10, 2024, and any Rebuttal to a Response (‘‘Rebuttal’’) must be submitted by July 16, 2024, in accordance with sections 6 and 7 of CITA’s procedures. Based on a request from an interested entity, and in accordance with Section 6(a) of CITA’s procedures, CITA extended the Response deadline by two business days, through July 12, 2024. Correspondingly, the Rebuttal deadline was extended by two business days, through July 18, 2024. On July 10, 2024, Draper Knitting Company, Inc. (‘‘Draper’’) submitted a Response to the pending Request. On July 18, 2024, VF submitted a Rebuttal to Draper’s Response. In accordance with Section 203(o)(4) of the CAFTA–DR Implementation Act, Article 3.25 of the CAFTA–DR, and section 8(c)(4) of CITA’s procedures, because there was insufficient information on the record to make a determination within 30 business days regarding the ability of a CAFTA–DR supplier to supply the subject product based on the submitted information, CITA extended the period to make a determination by 14 U.S. business days. Further, in accordance with section 8(c)(4)(i) of its procedures, CITA called for a public meeting on August 5, 2024 E:\FR\FM\29AUN1.SGM 29AUN1 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 168 / Thursday, August 29, 2024 / Notices lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES1 with representatives of VF and Draper to provide the companies with an opportunity to submit additional evidence to substantiate their claims regarding Draper’s capability to supply the subject product, or one substitutable, in commercial quantities in a timely manner. Section 203(o)(4)(C)(ii) of the CAFTA–DR Implementation Act provides that after receiving a request, a determination will be made as to whether the subject product, or one substitutable, is available in commercial quantities in a timely manner in the CAFTA–DR countries. In the instant case, the information on the record indicates that VF made significant efforts to source the subject product, a warp knit fleece fabric, in the CAFTA– DR region. Draper offered to supply a circular weft knit sliver pile fabric, which it argued is substitutable for the subject product. CITA finds that the information on the record does not support Draper’s claim that the fabric it offered to supply is, in fact, substitutable for the subject product. Therefore, in accordance with Section 203(o) of the CAFTA–DR Implementation Act and CITA’s procedures, as no interested entity has substantiated its ability to supply the subject product or one substitutable in commercial quantities in a timely manner, CITA has determined to add the subject product to the list in Annex 3.25 of the CAFTA–DR. The subject product has been added to the list in Annex 3.25 of the CAFTA– DR in unrestricted quantities. A revised list has been posted on the dedicated website for CAFTA–DR Commercial Availability proceedings, at https:// otexaprod.trade.gov/otexacapublicsite/ shortsupply/cafta. Specifications: Certain 100% ManMade Fiber High Pile Fleece Fabric HTS: 6001.22. Fabric Type: Fleece. Fiber Content: 100% man-made (polyester) fiber. Construction: Warp knit (2 threads). Gauge: 20gg–31gg. Yarn Size: Various. Warp Count: 40 to 53 per cm. Fabric Weight: 284 to 385 grams per square meter. Finishing Processes: Brush face and back. Performance Requirements: AATCC 135 Dimensional stability 6*6 maximum ASTMD 3786 Bursting 50 minimum AATCC 8 Colorfastness to crocking 2.0 to 4.0 DIN 53160 Colorfastness to saliva 4.5 minimum VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:16 Aug 28, 2024 Jkt 262001 Other: Pile height minimum 5mm. Remarks: The specifications for the fabric apply to the fabric itself prior to cutting and sewing of the finished garment. Such processing may alter the measurements. Paul Morris, Acting Chairman, Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements. [FR Doc. 2024–19063 Filed 8–28–24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–DR–P DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION [Docket ID ED–2024–FSA–0084] Privacy Act of 1974; Matching Program Federal Student Aid, U.S. Department of Education. ACTION: Notice of a new matching program. AGENCY: Pursuant to the Privacy Act of 1974, as amended by the Computer Matching and Privacy Protection Act of 1988 and the Computer Matching and Privacy Protection Amendments of 1990 (Privacy Act) and Office of Management and Budget (OMB) guidance, notice is hereby given of the re-establishment of a matching program between the U.S. Department of Education (Department), as the recipient agency, and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (DHS–USCIS), as the source agency, to verify the immigration status of noncitizen applicants for, or recipients of, financial assistance under title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (HEA). DATES: Submit your comments on the proposed re-establishment of the matching program on or before September 30, 2024. The matching program will go into effect on the later of the following three dates: (1) October 21, 2024; (2) at the expiration of the 60-day period following the Department’s transmittal of a report concerning the matching program to OMB and to the appropriate Congressional Committees, along with a copy of the Computer Matching Agreement, unless OMB waives any of this 60-day review period for compelling reasons, in which case, 60 days minus the number of days waived by OMB from the date of the Department’s transmittal of the report of the matching program; or (3) at the expiration of the 30-day public comment period following the Department’s publication of notice of this matching program in the Federal Register, assuming that the Department receives no public comments or receives SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 70175 public comments but makes no changes to the Matching Notice as a result of the public comments, or 30 days from the date on which the Department publishes a Revised Matching Notice in the Federal Register, assuming that the Department receives public comments and revises the Matching Notice as a result of public comments. If the latest date occurs on a non-business day, then that date will be counted for purposes of this paragraph as occurring on the next business day. The matching program will continue for 18 months after the effective date of the matching program and may be extended for an additional 12 months thereafter, if the respective Data Integrity Boards (DIBs) of the Department and DHS–USCIS determine that the conditions specified in 5 U.S.C. 552a(o)(2)(D) have been met. ADDRESSES: Comments must be submitted via the Federal eRulemaking Portal at regulations.gov. However, if you require an accommodation or cannot otherwise submit your comments via regulations.gov, please contact the program contact person listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT. The Department will not accept comments submitted by fax or by email, or comments submitted after the comment period. To ensure that we do not receive duplicate copies, please submit your comments only once. In addition, please include the Docket ID at the top of your comments. • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to www.regulations.gov to submit your comments electronically. Information on using Regulations.gov, including instructions for accessing agency documents, submitting comments, and viewing the docket, is available on the site under ‘‘FAQ’’. Privacy Note: The Department’s policy is to make all comments received from members of the public available for public viewing in their entirety on the Federal eRulemaking Portal at www.regulations.gov. Therefore, commenters should be careful to include in their comments only information that they wish to make publicly available. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Patrick Fox, Senior Advisor, U.S. Department of Education, Federal Student Aid, 61 Forsyth Street SW, Atlanta, GA 30303. Telephone: (202) 718–6885. Email: Patrick.Fox@ed.gov. If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability and wish to access telecommunications relay services, please dial 7–1–1. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In accordance with the Privacy Act; OMB E:\FR\FM\29AUN1.SGM 29AUN1

Agencies

Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 168 (Thursday, August 29, 2024)]
[Notices]
[Pages 70174-70175]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-19063]


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COMMITTEE FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF TEXTILE AGREEMENTS


Determination Under the Textile and Apparel Commercial 
Availability Provision of the Dominican Republic-Central America-United 
States Free Trade Agreement (``CAFTA-DR'')

AGENCY: The Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements.

ACTION: Determination to add a product in unrestricted quantities to 
Annex 3.25 of the CAFTA-DR.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements 
(``CITA'') has determined that certain 100% man-made fiber high pile 
fleece fabric (the ``subject product''), as specified below, is not 
available in commercial quantities in a timely manner in the CAFTA-DR 
countries. The subject product will be added to the list in Annex 3.25 
of the CAFTA-DR in unrestricted quantities.

DATES: Applicable Date: August 27, 2024.

ADDRESSES: https://otexaprod.trade.gov/otexacapublicsite/requests/cafta 
under ``Approved Requests,'' File Number: CA2024003.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Laurie Mease, Office of Textiles and 
Apparel, U.S. Department of Commerce, (202) 482-2043 or 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 
    Authority: The CAFTA-DR; Section 203(o)(4) of the Dominican 
Republic-Central America-United States Free Trade Agreement 
Implementation Act (``CAFTA-DR Implementation Act''), Public Law 109-
53; the Statement of Administrative Action accompanying the CAFTA-DR 
Implementation Act; and Presidential Proclamation 7987 (February 28, 
2006).
    Background: The CAFTA-DR provides a list in Annex 3.25 for fabrics, 
yarns, and fibers that the Parties to the CAFTA-DR have determined are 
not available in commercial quantities in a timely manner in the 
territory of any Party. The CAFTA-DR provides that this list may be 
modified pursuant to Article 3.25.4 and 3.25.5, when the United States 
determines that a fabric, yarn, or fiber is not available in commercial 
quantities in a timely manner in the territory of any Party. See Annex 
3.25 of the CAFTA-DR; see also section 203(o)(4)(C) of the CAFTA-DR 
Implementation Act.
    The CAFTA-DR Implementation Act requires the President to establish 
procedures governing the submission of a request and providing 
opportunity for interested entities to submit comments and supporting 
evidence before a commercial availability determination is made. In 
Presidential Proclamation 7987, the President delegated to CITA the 
authority under section 203(o)(4) of CAFTA-DR Implementation Act for 
modifying the Annex 3.25 list. Pursuant to this authority, on September 
15, 2008, CITA published modified procedures it would follow in 
considering requests to modify the Annex 3.25 list of products 
determined to be not commercially available in the territory of any 
Party to the CAFTA-DR (Modifications to Procedures for Considering 
Requests Under the Commercial Availability Provision of the Dominican 
Republic-Central America-United States Free Trade Agreement, 73 FR 
53200) (``CITA's procedures'').
    On June 25, 2024, CITA received a commercial availability request 
(``Request'') from VF Corp. (``VF'') for certain 100% man-made fiber 
high pile fleece fabric, as specified below. On June 27, 2024, in 
accordance with CITA's procedures, CITA notified interested parties of 
the Request, which was posted on the dedicated website for CAFTA-DR 
commercial availability proceedings. In its notification, CITA advised 
that any Response with an Offer to Supply (``Response'') must be 
submitted by July 10, 2024, and any Rebuttal to a Response 
(``Rebuttal'') must be submitted by July 16, 2024, in accordance with 
sections 6 and 7 of CITA's procedures.
    Based on a request from an interested entity, and in accordance 
with Section 6(a) of CITA's procedures, CITA extended the Response 
deadline by two business days, through July 12, 2024. Correspondingly, 
the Rebuttal deadline was extended by two business days, through July 
18, 2024.
    On July 10, 2024, Draper Knitting Company, Inc. (``Draper'') 
submitted a Response to the pending Request. On July 18, 2024, VF 
submitted a Rebuttal to Draper's Response.
    In accordance with Section 203(o)(4) of the CAFTA-DR Implementation 
Act, Article 3.25 of the CAFTA-DR, and section 8(c)(4) of CITA's 
procedures, because there was insufficient information on the record to 
make a determination within 30 business days regarding the ability of a 
CAFTA-DR supplier to supply the subject product based on the submitted 
information, CITA extended the period to make a determination by 14 
U.S. business days. Further, in accordance with section 8(c)(4)(i) of 
its procedures, CITA called for a public meeting on August 5, 2024

[[Page 70175]]

with representatives of VF and Draper to provide the companies with an 
opportunity to submit additional evidence to substantiate their claims 
regarding Draper's capability to supply the subject product, or one 
substitutable, in commercial quantities in a timely manner.
    Section 203(o)(4)(C)(ii) of the CAFTA-DR Implementation Act 
provides that after receiving a request, a determination will be made 
as to whether the subject product, or one substitutable, is available 
in commercial quantities in a timely manner in the CAFTA-DR countries. 
In the instant case, the information on the record indicates that VF 
made significant efforts to source the subject product, a warp knit 
fleece fabric, in the CAFTA-DR region. Draper offered to supply a 
circular weft knit sliver pile fabric, which it argued is substitutable 
for the subject product. CITA finds that the information on the record 
does not support Draper's claim that the fabric it offered to supply 
is, in fact, substitutable for the subject product. Therefore, in 
accordance with Section 203(o) of the CAFTA-DR Implementation Act and 
CITA's procedures, as no interested entity has substantiated its 
ability to supply the subject product or one substitutable in 
commercial quantities in a timely manner, CITA has determined to add 
the subject product to the list in Annex 3.25 of the CAFTA-DR.
    The subject product has been added to the list in Annex 3.25 of the 
CAFTA-DR in unrestricted quantities. A revised list has been posted on 
the dedicated website for CAFTA-DR Commercial Availability proceedings, 
at https://otexaprod.trade.gov/otexacapublicsite/shortsupply/cafta.

Specifications: Certain 100% Man-Made Fiber High Pile Fleece Fabric

    HTS: 6001.22.
    Fabric Type: Fleece.
    Fiber Content: 100% man-made (polyester) fiber.
    Construction: Warp knit (2 threads).
    Gauge: 20gg-31gg.
    Yarn Size: Various.
    Warp Count: 40 to 53 per cm.
    Fabric Weight: 284 to 385 grams per square meter.
    Finishing Processes: Brush face and back.
    Performance Requirements:

AATCC 135 Dimensional stability 6*6 maximum
ASTMD 3786 Bursting 50 minimum
AATCC 8 Colorfastness to crocking 2.0 to 4.0
DIN 53160 Colorfastness to saliva 4.5 minimum

    Other: Pile height minimum 5mm.
    Remarks: The specifications for the fabric apply to the fabric 
itself prior to cutting and sewing of the finished garment. Such 
processing may alter the measurements.

Paul Morris,
Acting Chairman, Committee for the Implementation of Textile 
Agreements.
[FR Doc. 2024-19063 Filed 8-28-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-DR-P

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