ExecutiveOrdersEO
Proc 7981ProclamationG.W. Bush · R Quiet signal

Proclamation 7981

To Modify Duty Free Treatment Under the Generalized System of Preferences

President George W. Bush restored Liberia's eligibility for preferential tariff treatment under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), ending a suspension in place since 1990, and additionally designated Liberia as a least-developed beneficiary developing country. The changes to the Harmonized Tariff Schedule take effect 15 days and 60 days respectively after the proclamation date.

Federal Register Open PDF 71 FR 9425

Impact dates

  1. Least-developed beneficiary designation effective for articles entered or withdrawn from warehouse

  2. GSP beneficiary restoration effective for articles entered or withdrawn from warehouse

Key directives

  • Restore Liberia as GSP beneficiary developing country in HTS general note 4(a)
  • Designate Liberia as least-developed beneficiary developing country in HTS general note 4(b)(i)
  • Paragraph 1 modifications effective 15 days after proclamation date
  • Paragraph 2 modifications effective 60 days after proclamation date
  • Supersede inconsistent provisions of prior proclamations and Executive Orders

Timeline

Immediate

  • Proclamation issued ending suspension of GSP benefits for Liberia

Near term (90d)

  • GSP beneficiary status effective March 9, 2006 (15 days after signing)
  • Least-developed beneficiary status effective April 23, 2006 (60 days after signing)

Long term

  • Expanded duty-free access for Liberian exports to U.S. market under least-developed country designation

Risks & tensions

  • Supersession clause (paragraph 5) sweeps broadly but lacks specificity about which prior proclamations/EOs are affected
  • Timing split between 15-day and 60-day effective dates creates administrative complexity
Proclamation 7981: To Modify Duty Free Treatment Under the Generalized System of Preferences · Executive Orders