CBP Issues GSP Refund Update

December 12, 2011

On December 12, 2011, U.S. Customs and Border Protection issued a notice regarding refunds for the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) and instructions for claiming retroactive benefits under GSP (CSMS #11-000309). This past October Congress retroactively renewed GSP to allow for a refund of all duties paid on GSP-eligible merchandise that was entered on or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption during the period from January 1, 2011, through November 4, 2011. CBP has begun processing refunds for entries filed via the Automated Broker Interface (ABI) with the Special Program Indicator (SPI) A, for duties deposited on GSP-eligible goods during the period from January 1, 2011, through November 4, 2011. For entries filed with the SPI indicator that have reached their liquidation date, CBP will reliquidate with the retroactive GSP benefits.

Claims for retroactive GSP benefits on non-ABI entries, or on entries filed without SPI A, should be filed at the port where the goods were entered. Claims for retroactive GSP benefits are due by April 18, 2012. CBP recommends that importers monitor refunds to ensure receipt of all applicable duties.

For further information or assistance submitting a claim, contact a Barnes/Richardson attorney.