Preference Programs Approval, Amendments, and Petitions
SERVICES
International Trade
Sustainability and Traceability
SSA has extensive experience relating to global preferential trade programs, with deep knowledge on duty exemptions, rules of origin and membership obligations. We have considerable expertise in programs such as the U.S. Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), the EU Generalized Scheme of Preferences (GSP), the UK Developed Countries Trade Scheme (DCTS), the African Growth and Opportunities Act (AGOA), the Caribbean Basin Initiative (CBI), and HOPE-HELP for Haiti. Our decades-long experience allows organizations to understand the intricacies and requirements inherent in preference programs in order to maximize the benefits of those trade programs to their supply chains in a competitive and uncertain manufacturing environment.
SSA successfully engages with governments and legislatures to extend and expand the coverage of preferential programs, including into newer product categories. Our professionals play a critical role in conducting data analyses, drafting proposed legislation, and working with legislators, policymakers, and other government officials to ensure smooth passage through legislatures. Our deep industry knowledge base and experienced perspective on specific regional and country issues along with our familiarity and expertise in political and government processes allows us to help companies, industry associations and even governments devise the best strategies in utilizing preference programs to their benefit.
Success Story
SSA drafted the GSP UPDATE Act, which created the first meaningful expansion of the Generalized System of Preferences in over four decades by removing the statutory exclusion on many travel goods, including luggage, handbags, purses, wallets, backpacks, and sports and travel bags. SSA created and led a coalition of brands and associations to support the effort by key lawmakers to enact this expansion. We also created new import classifications for “recreational performance outdoor wear” (e.g., ski jackets, snowboarding pants and hunting apparel) in order to develop more detailed trade data and support the industry’s long-term strategy for duty reductions in future trade negotiations.