To Amend the Generalized System of Preferences

This proclamation suspends Belarus from the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) due to failure to afford internationally recognized worker rights, effective 60 days after Federal Register publication. It also terminates GSP benefits for Malta, French Polynesia, New Caledonia, and Slovenia as "high income" countries, effective January 1, 2002.

Federal Register Open PDF 65 FR 42595

Impact dates

Jan 1, 2002
GSP termination effective for Malta, French Polynesia, New Caledonia, and Slovenia
Sep 4, 2000
Belarus GSP suspension effective (60 days after Federal Register publication)

Key directives

Suspend Belarus GSP benefits by modifying HTS general note 4(a)
Terminate GSP designation for Malta, French Polynesia, New Caledonia, and Slovenia effective January 1, 2002
Supersede inconsistent prior proclamations and Executive Orders

Timeline

Immediate

Proclamation signed July 6, 2000

Near term (90d)

Federal Register publication triggers 60-day countdown for Belarus suspension

Long term

January 1, 2002: GSP termination takes effect for Malta, French Polynesia, New Caledonia, and Slovenia

Risks & tensions

Worker rights determination for Belarus involves subjective political judgment
60-day effective date for Belarus depends on Federal Register publication timing, not signing date
Potential trade retaliation from affected countries