US Introduces Requirement for Hong Kong Goods to Be Labeled Made in China

From November 9, 2020, all goods produced in Hong Kong must be labelled ‘Made in China’ when being marketed to consumers in the United States.

US Customs and Border Protections, part of the Department of Homeland Security, published the Federal Register notice – Country of Origin Marking of Products of Hong Kong – on August 11, 2020. The alteration follows President Trump’s Executive Order 13936 on Hong Kong Normalization.

Under the Federal Register notice, goods produced in Hong Kong must be marked ‘Made in China’. This rule only applies to marking requirements under 19 U.S.C. 1304 and it does not affect country of origin determinations for purposes of assessing ordinary duties under Chapters 1-97 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (UTSUS) or temporary or additional duties under Chapter 99 of the HTSUS. The new rule does not alter entry procedures and it does not change Hong Kong origin goods that qualify in relation to Outward Processing Arrangements (OPA).

Stakeholders should also be aware additional Section 301 China duties will not affect these products.

The Federal Register notice came with a 45-day transition period, meaning goods needed to conform to the new requirements from September 25, 2020. On August 21, 2020, this transition period was extended for a further 45-day period, until November 9, 2020.

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SGS has a worldwide network of over 40 state-of-the-art laboratories specializing in testing of apparel, footwear, and home textiles. Their committed team is drawn from multi-disciplinary backgrounds, allowing them to carry out a comprehensive range of physical, chemical, and functional testing services for components, materials and finished products. SGS helps companies ensure quality, performance, and compliance with international, industrial, and regulatory standards worldwide. Learn more SGS’s Softlines Services. [www.sgs.com/softlines]

SGS SafeGuardS keep you up to date with the latest news and developments in the consumer goods industry. Read the full New U.S. Country of Origin Marking Requirement on Goods Produced in Hong Kong SafeGuardS. [www.sgs.com/en/news/2020/08/safeguards-13020-new-us-country-of-origin-marking-requirement-on-goods-produced-in-hong-kong]

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For further information contact:

Louann Spirito

US & Canada Softlines Business Head

Tel: +1 973 461 7919

Email: crs.media@sgs.com

Website: www.sgs.com/softlines

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