Generalized System of Preferences (GSP)

The U.S. Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) is a program designed to promote economic growth in the developing world by providing preferential duty-free entry for up to 5,000 products when imported from one of 128 designated beneficiary countries and territories. The GSP program also supports U.S. jobs. U.S. businesses imported $18.5 billion worth of products under the GSP program in 2011, including many inputs used in U.S. manufacturing. According to a 2005 U.S. Chamber of Commerce study, over 80,000 American jobs are associated with moving GSP imports from the docks to farmers, manufacturers, and retail shelves. GSP was instituted on January 1, 1976, by the Trade Act of 1974.

Products that are eligible for duty-free treatment under GSP include: most manufactured items; many types of chemicals, minerals and building stone; jewelry; many types of carpets; and certain agricultural and fishery products. Among the products that are not eligible for GSP duty-free treatment are: most textiles and apparel; watches; and most footwear, handbags, and luggage products.

On October 21, 2011, President Obama signed legislation to reauthorize the GSP program through July 31, 2013.

The GSP Guidebook provides basic information on the program.

GSP by the Numbers (a fact sheet on the program)

Recent Federal Register Notices related to the GSP program can be found below at the Federal Register Notices tab. GSP country and product petitions and related public comments are available at www.regulations.gov.

GSP Section of the 2011 USTR Annual Report (see section V. B 8 on pages 188-192)