Notice to Exporters

Ref. : EIC 111/19/1

30 August 1997

Dear Sirs,

Notice to Exporters:Series 1 (USA) No. 48/97

Export of Restrained Textiles to the USA
Request for information from US importers

Trade Department has received enquiries from some Hong Kong traders expressing concerns that some US importers had said that at US Customs' request, they needed cost information (such as costs of fabrics) which are commercially sensitive.

2. Trade Department has sought clarification with the US Customs. The US Customs confirms that generally it is not the US Customs' policy to request importers to provide cost information to facilitate investigations in connection with alleged illegal transshipment activities. However, the US Customs may request importers to provide cost information for other purposes, for example in determining the value of goods imported.
   
3. The US Customs also confirms that as a rule, when US Customs officials ask for any information from a US importer, they do so in writing on a Customs Form 28 (Request for Information) or other documentary notification. If a Hong Kong manufacturer or exporter is told by a US importer that cost information is being demanded by the US Customs, the manufacturer/exporter can ask the importer for a copy of the written request. According to US Customs, the manufacturer/exporter is not required to provide commercially sensitive information through the importing entity, and can respond directly to the US Customs office making the request if they so wish.
   
4. If traders have specific cases or queries regarding requests for cost information from US importers, or content of this Notice, they can approach Mr CHOW Wai-leung of this department at telephone number 2398 5417 for assistance.

Yours faithfully,

(W. L. CHOW)
for Director-General of Trade