AAFA Applauds Signing of the Trade facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act of 2015

The “Customs Bill” will facilitate trade and increase IPR protections

(Washington, D.C.) –  The American Apparel & Footwear Association today released the following statement applauding yesterday’s signing of The Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act of 2015, or the “Customs Bill,” H.R. 644.

“We would like to thank Congress and the Administration for their work on drafting this important bill, approving the legislation, and signing it into law.

“The signing of The Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act marks approval and passage of the fourth of four bipartisan trade bills approved by Congress over the last year that provide critical support and opportunities for U.S. companies, U.S. workers, U.S. consumers, and the U.S. economy.

“In particular, the Customs Bill includes critical trade facilitation measures, such as increasing the de minimis exemption, clarifying duty drawback, and making critical fixes to certain footwear and performance outerwear classifications. The legislation will also improve protection and enforcement of intellectual property rights (IPR), an issue important to our brands that sell their products all over the world.

“These provisions will protect AAFA member brands and lower their cost of doing business, which, in turn, will spur innovation and lower prices for consumers.”

Source:  AAFA