U.S. Extends Preferential Trade Benefits for Haitian Apparel under HOPE Act
The U.S. government announced an extension of the Haitian Hemispheric Opportunity through Partnership Encouragement (HOPE) Act, allowing duty-free imports of apparel articles from Haiti under specific conditions outlined in U.S. Note 6(e). This includes items imported directly from Haiti or the Dominican Republic within the applicable 1-year period.
October 10, 2023
Impact: This extension is expected to boost apparel exports from Haiti to the U.S., supporting economic development in the region while maintaining compliance with quantity limitations under U.S. Note 6(g)(i).
CBP Issues Guidance on Apparel Import Quotas from Haiti and Dominican Republic
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) released updated guidance on the import of apparel articles under HS codes related to U.S. Note 6(e), emphasizing adherence to the annual quantity limits specified in U.S. Note 6(g)(i) for goods from Haiti and the Dominican Republic.
September 5, 2023
Impact: This clarification ensures stricter monitoring of quota limits, potentially affecting importers who rely on duty-free access for apparel from these regions if limits are reached.
Trade Agreement Review Highlights Compliance Issues with Haitian Apparel Imports
A recent U.S. trade report identified compliance challenges with apparel imports from Haiti under the HOPE Act provisions, noting discrepancies in documentation for goods qualifying under U.S. Note 6(e) and imported within the 1-year period defined in U.S. Note 6(b)(ii).
August 20, 2023
Impact: Increased scrutiny may lead to delays or penalties for non-compliant shipments, urging importers to ensure proper documentation and adherence to trade rules.
