The United States (U.S.) Generalized System of Preferences (GSP)

IMPORTANT AND MOST URGENT

Circular No.MR/ CIR/ 1611                                                                                                   May 24, 2018

To: Members of the Council        

Sub: The United States (U.S.) Generalized System of Preferences (GSP)

Dear Member,

We are glad to inform you that the United States Congress has authorized extension of GSP benefit and currently India is one of the largest beneficiaries of this Programme. However, the United States Trade Representative (USTR) will be reviewing the country specific eligibility and USTR has notified that the Review process for India is going to begin.

In this regard the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India has informed this Council that the last date of filing the petitions with USTR for renewal of GSP benefit is fast approaching and therefore all concerned are advised to act swiftly to file the petitions in this regard. The move is expected to benefit Indian textile exporters substantially as the US is a huge textile market.

Therefore, Member-exporters having export interest in the US Market are requested to pursue actively with their counterparts/ importers in the U.S. and ensure filing of petitions by them as well, with USTR, highlighting the need for GSP benefits for India.

We may inform that this Council has prepared a list of 62 MMF textile items at 6 digit level HS code and will be filing on-line for inclusion of the same in the US GSP list of Textiles for India. The list is attached for your kind information (Annexure – I). On-line filing of petitions by more entities/stakeholders will make our case strong before the USTR for granting GSP.

We request you to follow the following guidelines for filing petitions –

• All on-line submissions are to be made through the web site – https://www.regulations.gov (U.S. does not accept hand-delivered submissions).
• All submissions must be in English and must be transmitted electronically via www.regulations.gov  using the docket number "USTR-2018-0006".
• To make a submission via www.regulations.gov, enter the docket number USTR-2018-0006 in "Search" on the home page and click "search". The site will provide a search-results page listing all documents associated with the docket. Find a reference to this notice and click on the link entitled "Comment Now".
• (For further information on using www.regulations.gov, please consult the resources provided on the website by clicking on "How to Use Regulations.gov" on the bottom of the home page.

After filing your petition kindly mark a copy to SRTEPC (at ed@srtepc.in, baruah@srtepc.in,   mr@srtepc.in); Ministry of Commerce & Industry (at moc_ftam@nic.in) and to the Embassy of India, Washington D.C, USA (at fscom.washington@mea.gov.in)

Members are requested to take swift action in the matter for availing US GSP.

Thanking you,

Yours faithfully,

S.BALARAJU
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR