News and Media
14/12/2011
U.S. Customs and Border Protection Starting GSP Duty Refund Process
U.S. Customs and Border Protection has issued an update on their Generalized System of Preferences refund process, stating that the agency has begun the refund process for duties paid during the period from January 1, 2011 through November 4, 2011
CBP states that it is processing refunds for entries filed via the Automated Broker Interface (ABI) with the Special Program Indicator (SPI) "A", for duties deposited on GSP-eligible goods during the period from January 1, 2011 through November 4, 2011.CBP sources state that these refunds will be automatic. CBP's one-month delay in beginning the refund process was due to a data problem (refunds were expected to begin in early November), which has recently been resolved. BP also notes that for entries filed with the SPI indicator that have reached their liquidation date, CBP will reliquidate them with the retroactive GSP benefits.
Claims for retroactive GSP benefits on non-ABI entries or entries filed without the SPI "A" must be filed by April 18, 2012 (180 days from the October 21, 2011 date of enactment), and should be filed at the port where the goods were entered.
CBP recommends that importers monitor refunds to ensure their receipt of applicable duties.
Further information on these and other recent developments can be obtained from our senior consultants.
