U.S. Colombia FTA Takes Effect

May 15, 2012

The U.S.- Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement (Colombia FTA) takes effect May 15, 2012. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), however, has yet to finalize system changes to allow Colombia FTA claims to be filed electronically in ACS (EI) and in ACE (AE). According to a message CBP released May 15, 2012, the system updates associated with the Colombia FTA are scheduled to be completed around 7am on Wednesday, May 16, 2012. CBP will notify the trade industry when Colombia FTA claims may be filed electronically in ACS (EI) and ACE (AE).

CBP also announced that certain tariff numbers previously listed as subject to quota are not, in fact, subject to quota. CBP previously provided filing instructions and stated that tariff numbers 9822.08.01-9822.08.35 and 9918.02.01-9918.24.20 would be subject to quota. The following four tariffs within these ranges are not subject to quota: 9822.08.25, 9822.08.35, 9918.24.15, and 9918.24.20. Additionally, as of May 15, 2012, Colombia is no longer eligible for GSP benefits or ATPA/APTDEA benefits.

For further information, please contact a Barnes/Richardson attorney.