Curaçao Now Eligible for Import Preferences in Caribbean Trade Programs, Says USTR

Curaçao is now meeting the customs criteria of the Caribbean Basin Trade Partnership Act, and U.S. importers are now able to import eligible products from the country under the “enhanced trade benefits” of the CBTPA, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative said (here). President Barack Obama gave beneficiary status to Curaçao under the CBTPA and the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act in late 2013 (see 13123024). The Harmonized Tariff Schedule is now modified to include Curaçao in a general note and a note to chapter 98. Curaçao now meets the criteria spelled out in the CBERA on verification of product origin, said USTR. The country formally qualified for the benefits on Aug. 18.