SMART welcomes trade clarification supporting U.S. – El Salvador second hand clothing exports
The Secondary Materials and Recycled Textiles Association (SMART) has welcomed a new clarification under the recently announced Agreement on Reciprocal Trade between the United States and El Salvador. The agreement confirms that used clothing classified under HS Code 6309 qualifies for preferential treatment under the Central America – Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR).
The clarification addresses a long-standing challenge for exporters of secondhand clothing. Some U.S. exporters and Salvadoran importers had reported inconsistent interpretations by local authorities, who argued that used garments did not meet traditional rules-of-origin requirements. These interpretations created uncertainty and, in some cases, disrupted established and lawful trade flows.
SMART said it worked closely with U.S. trade officials to explain how the reuse and recycling sector operates and why conventional rules-of-origin frameworks are not always suited to secondhand goods. Representatives from the association engaged with the U.S. Department of Commerce and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative during the negotiation process to help shape a more practical approach.
Under the updated agreement, used clothing exported from the United States will qualify for preferential treatment based solely on export origin. This removes previous requirements that many industry participants viewed as unworkable for reuse markets.
“This outcome represents a meaningful step forward for our members and for the broader circular economy,” said Jessica Franken, vice president of government and external affairs at SMART. “We are grateful to U.S. trade officials for engaging with our industry and delivering a solution that supports responsible reuse, recycling and global trade.”
SMART added that it will continue to work with policymakers and international partners to support trade policies that recognize the realities of reuse markets and encourage sustainable, cross-border commerce.
