ExecutiveOrdersEO
Proc 7808ProclamationG.W. Bush · R Quiet signal

Proclamation 7808

To Modify the Generalized System of Preferences, and For Other Purposes

This proclamation modifies U.S. trade preferences under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), designates Iraq as a beneficiary developing country effective 15 days after signing, revokes a prior competitive-need waiver, implements AGOA Acceleration Act changes to textile/apparel benefits for sub-Saharan African countries, and aligns HTS tariff treatment for certain automatic data processing machinery under NAFTA with Canada and Mexico.

Federal Register Open PDF 69 FR 54739

Impact dates

  1. Annex II section 4(A) quantity increase effective dates per that section

  2. Annex I modifications effective for eligible articles entered or withdrawn

  3. Iraq GSP designation and HTS general note 4(a) modification effective

  4. Annex II AGOA modifications effective (retroactive)

  5. Annex III NAFTA modifications effective (retroactive)

Key directives

  • Designate Iraq as GSP beneficiary developing country
  • Modify HTS general note 4(a) to add Iraq
  • Modify HTS general note 4(d) per Annex I section 1
  • Modify Rates of Duty 1-Special subcolumn per Annex I section 2
  • Revoke waiver of section 503(c)(2)(A) per Annex I section 3
  • Modify HTS per Annex II for AGOA preferential treatment
  • Modify HTS per Annex III for NAFTA Article 308/Annex 308.1 implementation
  • Supersede inconsistent prior proclamations and Executive Orders

Timeline

Immediate

  • Proclamation signed September 7, 2004

Near term (90d)

  • Iraq GSP designation effective September 22, 2004 (15 days after signing)
  • HTS modifications for Iraq designation effective September 22, 2004
  • Annex I modifications effective November 6, 2004 (60 days after signing)

Long term

  • Annex II AGOA modifications effective July 13, 2004 (retroactive) with some quantity increases on later dates
  • Annex III NAFTA modifications effective January 1, 2003 (retroactive)

Risks & tensions

  • Retroactive effective dates (July 13, 2004 and January 1, 2003) may create compliance complexity for entries already processed
  • Annex I section 3 waiver revocation and section 2 duty withdrawal suggest specific country-product tension not named in text
  • Iraq designation during active U.S. military presence raises political economy questions not addressed in legal text
Proclamation 7808: To Modify the Generalized System of Preferences, and For Other Purposes · Executive Orders