On July 2, 2012, USA-ITA (now USFIA) joined U.S. and Vietnamese apparel industry associations in sending a letter to the Vietnamese and U.S. negotiators urging the inclusion of provisions that recognize the importance of global value chains to the competitiveness of the U.S. and Vietnamese apparel industries. These provisions include simple and flexible rules of origin for apparel, focusing on either assembly or regional value content requirements; immediate and reciprocal duty-free access for apparel; and customs procedures that facilitate trade and reflect smart enforcement based on risk.