Proc 8539ProclamationObama · D Quiet signal

Proclamation 8539

To Modify Duty-Free Treatment Under the Generalized System of Preferences

In simple terms

This proclamation modifies U.S. tariff preferences under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) by: designating new articles as eligible for duty-free treatment; terminating duty-free treatment for certain articles from specific beneficiary developing countries that exceeded competitive need limitations in 2009; waiving competitive need limitations for certain articles from specific countries; and revoking a previously granted waiver due to changed circumstances. The Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) is modified accordingly, with changes effective on dates specified in annexes.

Record & deadlines

  1. Signed

    Signed by the President

  2. FR published

    Published in the Federal Register · 75 FR 38905

  3. HTS modifications effective for articles entered or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption

Key directives

  • Modify general note 4(d) to HTS per Annex I section A
  • Modify Rates of Duty 1-Special subcolumn per Annex I section B
  • Modify Rates of Duty 1-Special subcolumn per Annex I section C
  • Disregard competitive need limitation for articles/countries listed in Annex II
  • Revoke waiver for article/country listed in Annex III
  • Supersede inconsistent provisions of prior proclamations and Executive Orders

Prior policy

  • supersedeinconsistent provisions of previous proclamations and Executive Orders
  • revokewaiver of competitive need limitations per section 503(d)

What to expect

Immediate

  • Proclamation signed June 29, 2010
  • Supersession of inconsistent prior proclamations and Executive Orders to the extent of inconsistency

Near term (90d)

  • HTS modifications take effect on dates specified in Annexes I, II, and III (exact dates in annexes not provided in text)
  • Federal Register filing July 2, 2010

Long term

  • Ongoing duty-free treatment changes for affected countries and articles
  • Potential future GSP program reauthorization considerations (GSP periodically requires congressional renewal)

Risks & tensions

  • Exact effective dates not stated in body text; deferred to annexes not fully included in provided text
  • Potential trade disputes with affected beneficiary developing countries losing preferential access
  • Supersession clause (section 7) may create compliance uncertainty for importers relying on prior proclamations
Proclamation 8539: To Modify Duty-Free Treatment Under the Generalized System of Preferences · Executive Orders