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House tightens rules on garment exports
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Posted on Jan 07 2000
After nearly sitting for six months in the House of Representatives, a bill aimed at enforcing labor and safety laws in the garment industry was passed yesterday by 13 members present during its final session before adjourning sine die for the next Legislature.
Senate Bill 11-125, offered by Senate Floor Leader Pete P. Reyes, will empower the Division of Customs to deny issuance of certificate for country of origin on finished apparel from factories found in violation of the laws and the code of conduct of Saipan Garment Manufacturers Association.
This certification is required by the U.S. Customs before apparel merchandise manufactured in the Northern Marianas can be shipped to the mainland.
During the discussion of the measure, the House deferred changing some of its provisions as the Senate can no longer act on the amendment as it had already adjourned for the current legislative term. It now heads to Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio for signing into law.
According to its proponents, the measure will encourage garment factories here to comply with existing laws, such as the local minimum wage act and nonresident workers act as well as federal labor laws like OSHA regulations.
They will also be required to adhere to the SGMA code, which the group adopted last year in efforts to police its own ranks, before the CNMI Customs can issue the necessary certification for shipment of their products.
Mr. Reyes has said the customs is empowered not to issue such certification until compliance with the regulations, a move he described as a step forward to ensure that laws are followed and no violations occurred to safeguard the interest of the Commonwealth.
Upon signing into law, the Department of Finance secretary shall promulgate rules and regulations within 90 days in consultation with the Department of Labor and Immigration and SGMA to carry out its aims.
