CSMS Message: 94-001054

TO : ALL ABI BROKERS.

FROM : LISA CROSBY

SUBJECT : GSP-CONGRESSIONAL ACTION

DATE : 10/25/94

5298071
OCTOBER 25, 1994

CATEGORY: GSP CO:TO:TF:TP LAC

TO : ALL ASSISTANT REGIONAL COMMISSIONERS (OPERATIONS),
REGIONAL DIRECTORS FOR COMMERCIAL OPERATIONS, DISTRICT
DIRECTORS

FROM : DIRECTOR
OFFICE OF TRADE OPERATIONS

RE : STATUS OF THE GENERALIZED SYSTEM OF PREFERENCES (GSP)

PASS TO: IMPORT SPECIALISTS, INSPECTORS AND OTHER INTERESTED
PARTIES SUCH AS BROKERS AND IMPORTERS

AS YOU ARE AWARE, THE GENERALIZED SYSTEM OF PREFERENCES (GSP)
EXPIRED AT MIDNIGHT ON SEPTEMBER 30, 1994. THE FOLLOWING
INFORMATION IS PROVIDED TO ASSIST FIELD OFFICES TO RESPOND TO
INQUIRIES FROM THE PUBLIC REGARDING THE STATUS OF EFFORTS TO
RENEW THE GSP.

LANGUAGE TO RENEW THE GSP WAS INCLUDED IN THE GATT TRADE PACKAGE
THAT IS CURRENTLY PENDING BEFORE CONGRESS. THIS PACKAGE IS
CURRENTLY EXPECTED TO BE VOTED ON DURING THE LAST WEEK OF
NOVEMBER. IT IS OUR UNDERSTANDING THAT THE LANGUAGE INCLUDED IN
THIS PACKAGE WOULD RENEW THE GSP RETROACTIVELY TO ITS DATE OF
EXPIRATION. SINCE THE GATT TRADE LEGISLATION IS ON "FAST-TRACK,"
THE ENTIRE PACKAGE WILL BE VOTED UP OR DOWN.

QUESTIONS REGARDING CONGRESSIONAL ACTION ON THE GATT TRADE
PACKAGE SHOULD BE REFERRED TO THE HOUSE WAYS AND MEANS COMMITTEE,
TRADE SUBCOMMITTEE, AT (202)225-3625 OR THE SENATE FINANCE
COMMITTEE AT (202)224-4515.

PHILIP METGZER