The Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) was renewed on March 23, 2018, with the signing of the “Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2018.” GSP tariff reductions will apply to goods entered on or after April 22nd, which is 30 days following the bill’s enactment. The bill is retroactive to January 1, 2018, and renews GSP through December 31, 2020.
US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) indicated they will begin refunding GSP duties shortly after April 22nd for goods filed with Special Indicator (SPI) “A” preceding the tariff number during the lapse period. For entry summaries transmitted without SPI “A” during the lapse period, importers may submit a request for duty refund (post-importation GSP claim). These may be filed as Post Summary Corrections (PSC) or Protests within 180 days of the bill’s passage, September 19, 2018. The request must detail information to identify the entry, such as entry number, line number, HTSUS number, estimated total refund, signed statement of GSP eligibility, and point of contact information.
Additional information about GSP reauthorization and reimbursement can be found on CBP’s website. Alternatively, please send questions to Deringer’s Compliance Department.