ExecutiveOrdersEO
Proc 8770ProclamationObama · D Quiet signal

Proclamation 8770

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

This proclamation modifies U.S. tariff treatment in three ways: (1) removes certain import-sensitive articles from duty-free eligibility under the Generalized System of Preferences; (2) extends through December 31, 2012, duty-free access for specified Israeli agricultural products under the U.S.-Israel Free Trade Area agreement; and (3) makes technical corrections to the Harmonized Tariff Schedule for footwear products dating back to December 3, 2011.

Federal Register Open PDF 77 FR 407

Impact dates

  1. Israeli agricultural duty-free provisions expire unless extended

  2. GSP modifications effective for goods entered or withdrawn

  3. Israeli agricultural duty-free modifications effective for goods entered or withdrawn

  4. Technical corrections for footwear effective retroactively

Key directives

  • Modify HTS to remove certain articles from GSP eligibility (Annex I)
  • Modify HTS to extend Israeli agricultural duty-free access through December 31, 2012 (Annex II)
  • Modify HTS to make technical corrections for footwear products (Annex III)
  • Supersede inconsistent provisions of prior proclamations and Executive Orders

Timeline

Immediate

  • GSP modifications effective January 1, 2012 for goods entered or withdrawn from warehouse

Near term (90d)

  • Israeli agricultural duty-free access continues through December 31, 2012

Long term

  • GSP eligibility changes persist until further modification
  • Technical corrections to HTS for footwear remain in effect

Risks & tensions

  • Retroactive effective date (December 3, 2011) for footwear corrections may create compliance reconciliation challenges
  • Short 3-day implementation window between signing (December 29, 2011) and January 1, 2012 effective date
  • Israeli agricultural provisions require further negotiation for extension beyond 2012
  • GSP import-sensitive determinations may affect developing country exporters
Proclamation 8770: To Modify Duty-Free Treatment Under the Generalized System of Preferences and for Other Purposes · Executive Orders