DETERMINING
THE AGOA-ELIGIBILITY OF A SPECIFIC PRODUCT
Below
is a a search box that interfaces with the International
Trade Commission's (ITC) U.S. Tariff and Import Database
for tariff and import data. The ITC has the most current
tariff information for specific products. By following the
steps below, you will be able to determine the import duty
for your product and whether it qualifies for AGOA or other
preferential treatment. Please note that for guidelines
on apparel product eligibility go to the Apparel
Eligibility page.
1.
Type the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) number in
the SEARCH box below. The Harmonized System Classification
is a standardized numerical method of classifying traded
products. This identifying number is assigned to each product
and used by customs officials around the world to determine
the duties, taxes and regulations that apply to the product.
2. Once you enter this information, the search box
results will likely provide several product options. Select
the specific product and click the "Detail" button.
3. View the U.S. ITC Tariff and most recent U.S.
import information.
4. Click on "imports by source country"
to view competitor countries exporting the product to the
United States.
5. Scroll down to "preferential" (duty-free
or reduced rate) tariff program applicability to this HTS
item, which describes tariff preferences for the product.
6. Scroll down to the bottom of the page and click
the "begin" button to start a new search.
The
following codes displayed on the ITC Tariff and Import Database
are relevant for AGOA-eligible products. Each code indicates
the product may enter the United States duty-free. If a
product is eligible under the Generalized
System of Preferences (GSP) or Normal Trade Relations
(NTR), known formerly as Most Favored Nations (MFN), it
can enter the United States duty-free. See below for a description
of relevant codes for products:
Note that many items that are indicated as "not eligible"
for AGOA are still exempt from import duty if they are indicated
as "eligible" under GSP, or their statutory import
duty is zero.
Further
inquiries about the AGOA eligibility of a specific product
can be directed to your nearest
U.S. Customs Representative. U.S. Customs determines
AGOA-eligibility and provides importer requirements for
products imported into the United States.
GSP
Product Eligibility
AGOA
authorizes the President to provide duty-free treatment
under GSP for any article, after the U.S. Trade Representative
(USTR) and the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC)
have determined that the article is not import sensitive
when imported from African countries. On December 21, 2000,
the President extended dutyfree treatment under GSP to AGOA
eligible countries for more than 1,800 tariff line items
in addition to the standard GSP list of approximately 4,600
items available to non-AGOA GSP beneficiary countries. The
additional GSP line items which include such previously
excluded items as footwear, luggage, handbags, watches,
and flatware were implemented after an extensive process
of public comment and review.
AGOA
extends GSP for eligible Sub-Saharan African beneficiaries
until September 30, 2015. Sub-Saharan African beneficiary
countries are also exempted from competitive need limitations
which cap the GSP benefits available to beneficiaries in
other regions.