Presidential Signature Needed After Senate Approves CBTPA Renewal; CBP Issues Guidance on Expired Benefits
The Caribbean Basin Trade Partnership Act passed the Senate 3.5 hours before expiration, but because the White House has not signed the bill, the benefits expired after midnight on Sept. 30. American Apparel and Footwear Association CEO Steve Lamar thanked the Senate for moving the CBTPA so quickly after the House passed a 10-year renewal. He urged President Donald Trump to sign the bill into law quickly.
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In a CSMS message, CBP noted that the benefits aren't available, and that duties and merchandise processing fees are due. But, the agency said, it “will provide further instructions on how to file a refund request for duties or fees,” which suggests that any duties paid in the gap will be refundable.
The White House press office did not respond to a question about when CBTPA might be signed.