ExecutiveOrdersEO
Proc 9549ProclamationObama · D Quiet signal

Proclamation 9549

To Modify the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States and for Other Purposes

This proclamation modifies the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS) to conform to international convention amendments, continues staged duty reductions under multiple free trade agreements, corrects technical errors in prior proclamations, and lifts the import ban on Burmese jadeite and rubies by deleting the relevant HTS note.

Federal Register Open PDF 81 FR 87401

Impact dates

  1. Annex II and III modifications effective on respective dates specified in each section

  2. Annex I modifications effective (alternative trigger)

  3. Annex I modifications effective 30 days after Federal Register publication

Key directives

  • Modify HTS per Annex I of USITC Publication 4653 to conform to Convention amendments
  • Continue staged duty reductions for Morocco (USMFTA) per Annex II section (a)
  • Continue staged duty reductions for Australia (USAFTA) per Annex II section (b)
  • Continue staged duty reductions for CAFTA-DR countries per Annex II subsections (c)(1) and (c)(2)
  • Continue staged duty reductions for Peru (USPTPA) per Annex II section (d)
  • Continue staged duty reductions for Oman (USOFTA) per Annex II section (e)
  • Continue staged duty reductions for Korea (USKFTA) per Annex II section (f)
  • Continue staged duty reductions for Panama (PTPA) per Annex II section (g)
  • Make technical corrections for IT products covered by WTO Declaration per Annex III
  • Make technical corrections for AGOA apparel programs per Annex III
  • Delete additional U.S. Note 4 to Chapter 71 to implement EO 13742 (Burmese jadeite/rubies)
  • Supersede inconsistent provisions of prior proclamations and Executive Orders

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

  • Publication of proclamation in Federal Register triggers 30-day countdown for Annex I modifications
  • Deletion of U.S. Note 4 to Chapter 71 (Burmese jadeite/rubies ban) effective upon publication

Near term (90d)

  • Annex I modifications effective January 1, 2017 or 30 days after Federal Register publication, whichever is later
  • Annex II and III modifications effective on respective specified dates for staged duty reductions

Long term

  • Continuation of staged duty reductions through future years for FTA partners
  • AGOA regional apparel and third-country fabric programs extended through September 30, 2025
  • Ongoing HTS conformity with international convention amendments

Risks & tensions

  • Technical complexity of HTS modifications may create implementation challenges for customs authorities
  • Lifting of Burmese jadeite/rubies ban may draw scrutiny from human rights advocates given Burma's political situation
  • Multiple FTA staged reductions require careful tracking to prevent duty calculation errors
  • Supersession clause in paragraph 13 may create uncertainty about which prior provisions remain valid
Proclamation 9549: To Modify the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States and for Other Purposes · Executive Orders