RAG TRADE DETAILS

Folks,

I visited with a commodity specialist as US Customs in Seattle recently to get some answers to some questions regarding garment imports. I've never worked in garments, so I didn't know the answers, but I have had the questions many times over the years.

So here goes:

1. What is a RN number?

The RN number you see is a code for the name of the manufacturer or importer. In many cases one importer or manufacturer is producing for various wholesalers or retailers (this should not be news to anyone on this list) who put their label on garments produced by a manufacturer or imported by an importer. For example, an importer may be importing ties for Calvin Klein, Macys and Henri Bendel. The same tie has different labels sewn in for each, but instead of the name of the manufacturer or importer, there is a RN number to satisfy labelling requirements.

2. Say I find a RN number on a tie I bought at Barney's. Can I take that number to customs to find out the name of the importer or manufacturer behind that number, and thus learn where Barney's bought it?

I don't know, I forgot to ask. Let me know if you find out.

3. If you want an RN number for your own purposes, where do you get a RN number to comply with Customs requirements?

This is why the question always threw me: The FTC issues RN numbers. It did not occur to me to look there... go to:

www.ftc.gov and click through...

- consumer protection

- business informtion

- clothing and textiles

- threading your way through labeling requirements (witty, that...)


Next, pop over to customs and read the marking requirements, which will mention the RN number...

www.cpb.gov

Click on TRADE

- textiles and quotas

You'll find various links to info...

- Informed compliance Publications

Marking regulations for wearing apparel

Textile and apparel rules of origin

There you will find such details as Country of origin must be on the collar; RN or Full name of Manufacturer or Importer; fiber content and care label, etc.

I also asked about the practice of Hong Kong tailors taking measurements in USA, and then express posting the finished suit into the USA from hong kong, bypassing the Customs regulations. She said Customs was well aware of the practice, but it was low priority enforcement. The risk is sometime a customs mail inspector will come across such a shipment and randomly enforce the rules on the parties involved.

John

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