Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas unveiled a comprehensive textile enforcement plan, drawing commendation from the National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO) President and CEO Kim Glas. The plan targets import fraud and circumvention of free trade agreement rules, addressing critical concerns for the U.S. textile industry.
Glas praised DHS's proactive approach, highlighting the devastating impact of customs fraud and predatory trade practices on the domestic textile supply chain. The industry has witnessed significant losses, with 14 plants closing recently. Glas emphasized the urgent need for robust enforcement to safeguard the industry's competitiveness.
NCTO's engagement with administration officials, including Secretary Mayorkas, underscored the necessity for aggressive enforcement measures. The plan responds to industry demands for heightened scrutiny under free trade agreements and enhanced penalties to deter fraudulent activities.
Key elements of the plan include intensified inspections, expanded audits, and increased scrutiny of de minimis imports. Glas stressed the importance of stakeholder awareness and urged continued collaboration between DHS and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to ensure effective enforcement.
While the focus is on textile and apparel enforcement, Glas acknowledged the administration's broader efforts, including potential regulatory changes to address concerns regarding de minimis shipments. NCTO called for swift congressional action to pass comprehensive de minimis reform legislation.
The industry's commitment to supporting enforcement efforts and bipartisan support from Congress were highlighted as crucial components in combating predatory trade practices. NCTO expressed readiness to collaborate with DHS, emphasizing the importance of Secretary Mayorkas' upcoming keynote speech at their annual meeting.
In conclusion, DHS's textile enforcement plan represents a significant step in protecting the U.S. textile industry from unfair trade practices. NCTO's endorsement reflects industry-wide support for decisive action to uphold trade laws and ensure a level playing field for domestic manufacturers.
