9802.00.80.16 - Articles eligible pursuant to bilateral textile agreements for entry under the Outward Processing Programs and entered in compliance with procedures established by the Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements (CITA)

This HTS classification, 9802.00.80.16, specifically designates articles that have undergone processing abroad and are being re-imported into the United States. The key eligibility criteria for this category are that the articles must be eligible under bilateral textile agreements for entry through Outward Processing Programs. Furthermore, their re-entry must strictly adhere to the procedural requirements established by the Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements (CITA). This ensures that the garments or textiles meet specific international trade provisions designed to manage textile production and trade flows.

Distinguishing this category from its siblings, 9802.00.80.16 differs from 9802.00.80.15 in its specific reference to "Outward Processing Programs" rather than a broader "Special Access Program." While both are governed by CITA, the former implies a defined process of sending U.S. components abroad for assembly and re-importation, often with duty drawbacks or preferential tariff treatment on the finished goods. Other sibling categories, such as those referencing U.S. notes for duty-free treatment, focus on different specific legal bases for duty exemption, rather than the textile-specific outward processing framework.

As this is a leaf node within the HTS, there are no further subcategories. Classification under 9802.00.80.16 is therefore final, contingent upon meeting all stipulated requirements for eligibility under outward processing programs and CITA compliance. Importers must be able to demonstrate that the goods were processed abroad under an approved program and that all documentation and procedures outlined by CITA have been meticulously followed to qualify for this specific tariff provision.