The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) announced they are investigating
possible modifications under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), as part of their 2018 Review of GSP. This includes eight Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) numbers, from select GSP countries.
Two HTS are being considered for removal from GSP for Pakistan:
- 3907.61.00 -Polyethylene terephthalate, having a viscosity number of 78 ml/g or higher
- 3907.69.00 0Polyethylene terephthalate, having a viscosity number less than 78 ml/g
Two HTS are being considered for waiver of competitive need limitations:
- 3823.11.00 -Stearic acid, for Indonesia
- 9001.50.00 -Spectacle lenses of materials other than glass, unmounted, for Thailand
Four HTS are being considered for redesignation as eligible articles under GSP:
- 0603.13.00 -Orchids, fresh cut, for Thailand
- 4412.10.05 -Plywood, veneered panels and similar laminated wood, of bamboo, for Indonesia
- 4412.31.4155 -Plywood sheets not over 6mm thick, with specified tropical wood outer ply, with face ply nesoi, not surface covered beyond clear/transparent, for Indonesia
- 4418.73.40 -Assembled flooring panels of bamboo, other than for mosaic, multilayer, having a face ply more than 6mm in thickness, for Indonesia.
The ITC is seeking input from all interested parties, with comments due by July 8, 2019.
A public hearing will be held on July 2, 2019. The ITC will submit its confidential report to USTR by September 9, 2019.
Under GSP, the President is authorized to extend preferences, designate as beneficiary developing countries, designate articles as eligible, or remove countries or articles. Products are designated under the advice of the ITC, and must be approved by U.S. Congress. An Annual Review is completed by the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), who then issue a report to Congress.
If you have any questions regarding possible modifications to GSP, Livingston can help! Please contact either your Livingston account manager or our regulatory affairs group at usregaffairs@livingstonintl.com