GSP EXPIRES, THOUGH CUSTOMS SETS PROCEDURES TO ACCOMMODATE FILINGS

GSP EXPIRES, THOUGH CUSTOMS SETS PROCEDURES TO ACCOMMODATE FILINGS    The Generalized System of Preferences, a trade program that allows eligible products from designated developing countries to directly enter the United States free of duty, expired Monday.
   While Congress is considering whether to extend the GSP deadline, U.S. Customs cannot process claims filed on or after Oct. 1. However, the agency has set in place procedures by which importers may file claims for GSP duty-free treatment, anticipating that legislation extending GSP may include language to make the program retroactive.
   Duties at the normal-trade-relations rate must be deposited, unless an alternate claim is made under another preferential program for which the merchandise qualifies, such as the Andean Trade Preference Act or the Caribbean Basin Economic Recover Act.
   Filers using the Automated Broker Interface must deposit duties at the normal-trade-relations rate with their entry summaries, but may continue to claim GSP    duty-free treatment by using the Special Program Indicator “A” as a prefix of the tariff number. Customs' Automated Commercial System will accept the SPI “A” transmission with the payment of duty. If the GSP is renewed with retroactive effect, the duties deposited will be refunded by Customs without further action by the ABI filer. ABI filers will have to reprogram their software to allow for the submission of estimated duties with the SPI “A” designation on entries. ABI filers who do not wish to program ” and other filers” will have to submit requests for refund in writing.
   The GSP expiration date does not apply to African Growth and Opportunity Act beneficiary countries. GSP treatment will be in effect in through countries through Sept. 30, 2008.