| Title: | EXPIRATION |
|---|---|
| Date: | 1993-06-09 |
| To: | abi |
| Links: | previous, next |
TO : ALL ABI BROKERS.
FROM : LISA CROSBY
SUBJECT : GSP-EXPIRATION
DATE : 06/09/93
3155071
JUNE 9, 1993
CATEGORY: GSP CO:TO:T:T LAC
TO : REGIONAL DIRECTORS FOR COMMERCIAL OPERATIONS, DISTRICT
AND PORT DIRECTORS
FROM : DIRECTOR
OFFICE OF TRADE OPERATIONS
SUBJECT: EXPIRATION OF THE GENERALIZED SYSTEM OF PREFERENCES
PASS TO: ALL CUSTOMS OFFICERS, BROKERS AND IMPORTERS
BACKGROUND:
THE GENERALIZED SYSTEM OF PREFERENCES (GSP) IS A PREFERENTIAL
TRADE PROGRAM THAT ALLOWS THE PRODUCTS OF MANY DEVELOPING COUNTRIES
TO ENTER THE UNITED STATES DUTY-FREE. THE GSP IS CURRENTLY
SCHEDULED TO EXPIRE AT MIDNIGHT ON JULY 4, 1993, UNLESS EXTENDED
BY LAW. A PROVISION TO EXTEND THE GSP THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30, 1994,
WAS INCLUDED IN THE 1993 BUDGET RECONCILIATION ACT. THIS ACT WAS
RECENTLY APPROVED BY THE HOUSE AND IS AWAITING ACTION BY THE
SENATE. SINCE THE ADMINISTRATION CONSIDERED IT POSSIBLE THAT THE
GSP MIGHT EXPIRE BEFORE IT COULD BE EXTENDED BY LAW, THE RENEWAL
PROVISION INCLUDES A RETROACTIVE CLAUSE THAT WOULD PERMIT THE
REFUND OF DUTIES PAID WHILE THE PROGRAM WAS LAPSED, UPON THE
REQUEST OF THE IMPORTER.
THE ACTIONS DESCRIBED BELOW ONLY APPLY IF AN EXTENSION OF THE
GSP IS NOT SIGNED INTO LAW BEFORE MIDNIGHT ON JULY 4, 1993.
ACTION:
1. EFFECTIVE AS TO MERCHANDISE ENTERED OR WITHDRAWN FROM
WAREHOUSE ON OR AFTER JULY 5, 1993, NO CLAIMS FOR DUTY-FREE
TREATMENT UNDER THE GSP MAY BE MADE, UNLESS THE GSP IS
EXTENDED BY LAW. THE APPROPRIATE DUTIES AT THE MFN RATE MUST
BE DEPOSITED, OR A CLAIM MAY BE MADE UNDER ANOTHER
PREFERENTIAL PROGRAM FOR WHICH THE MERCHANDISE QUALIFIES
(E.G., ATPA, CBI).
2. IMPORTERS ARE REMINDED THAT THE TIME OF ENTRY IS DEFINED
DIFFERENTLY FOR VARIOUS TYPES OF ENTRY (SEE CR 141.69) AND
ARE CAUTIONED TO BE PARTICULARLY MINDFUL OF THE KIND OF ENTRY
THAT WILL ALLOW THEM TO AVAIL THEMSELVES OF THE MOST
ADVANTAGEOUS DUTY RATE.
3. THE CUSTOMS SERVICE IS STUDYING HOW TO FACILITATE REFUNDS IN
ANTICIPATION THAT THE RETROACTIVE PROVISION WILL BECOME LAW.
CUSTOMS HEADQUARTERS WILL ISSUE INSTRUCTIONS ON THIS TOPIC
SHORTLY.
QUESTIONS REGARDING CONGRESSIONAL ACTION ON GSP RENEWAL SHOULD
BE REFERRED EITHER TO THE HOUSE WAYS AND MEANS COMMITTEE AT (202)
225-3625, OR THE SENATE FINANCE COMMITTEE AT (202) 224-4515.
QUESTIONS REGARDING TYPES OF ENTRIES AND THEIR CORRESPONDING TIMES
OF ENTRY SHOULD BE REFERRED TO THE ENTRY OPERATIONS BRANCH AT (202)
927-1083 OR 927-1082. REMAINING QUESTIONS MAY BE REFERRED TO LISA
CROSBY, TRADE AGREEMENTS BRANCH, AT (202) 927-0163.
PHILIP METZGER
CSMS #93-000614