GSP Fashion Accessories Decision Expected Soon

FASA/Gemini has been closely tracking the process to add 28 categories of fashion accessories to the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) program. FASA/Gemini expects a decision to come before the end of the month and are hopeful that such a designation will add all 28 categories as eligible to be imported duty free from all GSP countries. While we believe the record points conclusively to this hope, we will not know for sure until the designation is announced. The President has the discretion to allow the decision to enter into force at any date. While the January Federal Register notice on the process indicated that the effective date would be July 1, 2016, President Obama has the authority to designate future dates or even delay the decision. FASA/Gemini is strongly urging the U.S. government to issue its decision effective July 1. Moreover, on June 17, nine bipartisan House members sent a letter expressing their hope that the President would designate all products for all countries, effective July 1. A number of other Members of Congress and staff have also been echoing these points in emails, phone calls, and meetings with U.S. government officials. We will continue to track this closely and report back as events merit.