U.S. CUSTOMS ISSUES FINAL RULES ON CARIBBEAN BASIN TRADE BENEFITS

U.S. CUSTOMS ISSUES FINAL RULES ON CARIBBEAN BASIN TRADE BENEFITS

   U.S. Customs has issued final rules for the amended U.S.-Caribbean Basin Trade Partnership Act and Caribbean Basin Initiative, which provide trade benefits for Caribbean countries designated by the president.

   The Caribbean Basin trade act, or CBTPA, involves the entry of specific textile and apparel articles free of duty and free of any quantitative restrictions, limitations or consultation levels. It also extends North American Free Trade Agreement duty treatment standards under the Caribbean Basin Initiative.

'    The rules, as amended, took effect Oct. 1. Comments on the amendments must be submitted to Customs by Dec. 4. The full act and amendments are available on the Federal Register.

   Address written comments to the Regulations Branch, U.S. Customs Service, 1300 Pennsylvania Ave. N.W., Third Floor, Washington, D.C.20229.

   For more information, contact Cathy Sauceda, Office of Field Operations, at (202) 927-4198.