ExecutiveOrdersEO
Proc 7626ProclamationG.W. Bush · R Quiet signal

Proclamation 7626

To Implement Modifications to the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act and the African Growth and Opportunity Act

This proclamation modifies the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to implement preferential tariff treatment changes for textile and apparel articles from Caribbean Basin and sub-Saharan African countries under the 2002 Trade Act. It supersedes inconsistent prior proclamations and executive orders, with staggered effective dates for different provisions.

Federal Register Open PDF 67 FR 69459

Impact dates

  1. Effective dates for Annex I Section II and Annex II (increased duty-free quantities)

  2. Effective date for Annex I Section I (dyeing, printing, and finishing of fabrics)

  3. General effective date for most eligible articles entered or withdrawn from warehouse

Key directives

  • Modify HTS per Annex I for CBERA preferential treatment
  • Modify HTS per Annex II for AGOA preferential treatment
  • Supersede inconsistent prior proclamations and executive orders

Timeline

Immediate

  • Proclamation signed November 13, 2002

Near term (90d)

  • Retroactive effect for most provisions to August 6, 2002
  • Dyeing/printing/finishing provision effective September 1, 2002

Long term

  • Ongoing preferential tariff treatment under modified HTS
  • Increased duty-free quantities for certain articles per annex schedules

Risks & tensions

  • Retroactive effective date (August 6, 2002) predates signing by over 3 months, creating potential customs refund/compliance complexity
  • Specific quantity increase dates in annexes are not provided in text—reference to external annex schedules creates implementation uncertainty
  • Supersession clause may create confusion about which prior proclamations remain valid
Proclamation 7626: To Implement Modifications to the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act and the African Growth and Opportunity Act · Executive Orders