ExecutiveOrdersEO
Proc 7388ProclamationClinton · D

Proclamation 7388

To Modify Duty-Free Treatment Under the Generalized System of Preferences for Sub-Saharan African Countries and for Other Purposes

This proclamation modifies U.S. tariff schedules to expand duty-free treatment for goods from sub-Saharan African countries under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) and corrects technical errors in earlier proclamations implementing the Caribbean Basin Trade Partnership Act (CBTPA) for watches, watch parts, and textile/apparel rules.

Federal Register Open PDF 65 FR 80723

Impact dates

  1. GSP modifications effective upon Federal Register publication

  2. Proclamation signed

  3. CBTPA watch/watch parts and technical corrections effective retroactively

Key directives

  • Modify HTS per Annex I to grant duty-free GSP treatment for designated articles from beneficiary sub-Saharan African countries
  • Modify HTS chapter 91 per Annex II to extend NAFTA-equivalent tariff treatment to CBTPA-originating watches and watch parts
  • Correct technical error in U.S. note 2(c) to subchapter XX of chapter 98 of the HTS
  • Supersede inconsistent provisions of prior proclamations and Executive orders

Timeline

Immediate

  • HTS modifications for CBTPA watches/watch parts effective retroactively to October 2, 2000
  • Technical correction to chapter 98 note takes effect

Near term (90d)

  • GSP duty-free modifications effective upon Federal Register publication

Long term

  • Ongoing preferential trade treatment for eligible sub-Saharan African and Caribbean Basin exports

Risks & tensions

  • Retroactive effective date (October 2, 2000) for CBTPA provisions may create customs refund/compliance complexity
  • Import-sensitivity determinations rely on USITC advice but remain presidential discretion
  • Supersession clause in paragraph (4) is broad but unspecified—exact scope of 'inconsistency' not detailed
Proclamation 7388: To Modify Duty-Free Treatment Under the Generalized System of Preferences for Sub-Saharan African Countries and for Other Purposes · Executive Orders