To Modify the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States

This proclamation modifies the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States in three areas: (1) reclassifying certain footwear with textile-layered rubber/plastic soles to promote uniform customs classification, (2) updating rules of origin under the U.S.-Chile Free Trade Agreement, and (3) reflecting statutory changes to upland cotton special import quota conditions. The modifications take effect on varying dates depending on the provision and type of goods.

Federal Register Open PDF 76 FR 68273

Impact dates

Nov 1, 2011
Annex II USCFTA rules of origin modifications effective
Sep 1, 2011
Annex I footwear HTS modifications effective (or 30 days after Federal Register publication, whichever is later)
Jun 18, 2008
Annex III upland cotton quota modifications effective retroactively

Key directives

Modify HTS footwear classifications per Annex I
Modify USCFTA rules of origin in general note 26 per Annex II
Modify upland cotton special import quota provisions per Annex III
Supersede inconsistent prior proclamations and Executive Orders

Timeline

Immediate

Proclamation signed October 31, 2011

Near term (90d)

Annex I footwear HTS modifications effective 30 days after Federal Register publication or September 1, 2011, whichever is later
Annex II USCFTA rules of origin modifications effective November 1, 2011

Long term

Annex III upland cotton quota modifications effective retroactively to June 18, 2008

Risks & tensions

Retroactive effective date for cotton provisions (June 18, 2008) may create compliance complexity for past entries
Relative trigger for Annex I ('thirtieth day after publication in the Federal Register') creates implementation uncertainty
Supersession clause in paragraph (7) is broad but nonspecific regarding which prior instruments are affected