Limitation of Duty-Free Imports of Apparel Articles Assembled in Haiti

On February 12, 2026, the Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements published in the Federal Register (91 FR 6623) Limitation of Duty-Free Imports of Apparel Articles Assembled in Haiti Under the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act.

The Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act, as amended, provides duty-free treatment for certain apparel articles imported directly from Haiti. One of the preferences is known as the ‘‘value-added’’ provision, which provides preferential tariff treatment for apparel that meets a minimum threshold percentage of value added in Haiti, certain other beneficiary and free trade agreement countries, and/or the United States. The provision is subject to a quantitative limitation, which is a percentage of total apparel imports into the United States for the previous 12-month period for which data are available. For the period from February 3, 2026 through December 19, 2026, the quantity of imports eligible for preferential treatment under the valueadded provision is 267,063,493 square meters equivalent. This quantitative limitation was calculated by prorating imports on a monthly basis to account for the lapse in authorization for this treatment from December 20, 2025 to February 2, 2026.

Haiti HOPE/HELP Sunset F.A.Q.s

Haiti HOPE/HELP Sunset F.A.Q.s from the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Limitation of Duty-Free Imports of Apparel Articles Assembled in Haiti Under the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act (CBERA), as Amended by the Haitian Hemispheric Opportunity Through Partnership Encouragement Act (HOPE)

On December 18, 2023, the U.S. Department of Commerce published in the Federal Register (88 FR 87406) the 12-Month Cap on Duty-Free Benefits for the one-year period beginning on December 20, 2022, of 412,506,163 square meters equivalent.

SUMMARY: CBERA, as amended, provides duty-free treatment for certain apparel articles imported directly from Haiti. One of the preferences is known as the ``value-added'' provision, which requires that apparel meet a minimum threshold percentage of value added in Haiti, the United States, and/or certain beneficiary countries. The provision is subject to a quantitativ elimitation, which is calculated as a percentage of total apparel imports into the United States for each 12-month period. For the period from December 20, 2023 through December 19, 2024, the quantity of imports eligible for preferential treatment under the value-added provision is 313,655,640 square meters equivalent. ecember 20, 2022 through December 19, 2023, the quantity of imports eligible for preferential treatment under the value-added provision is 412,506,163 square meters equivalent.

DATES: The new limitations become applicable December 20, 2023.

USITC Report on Haiti Preference Programs

On December 23, 2022, the U.S. International Trade Commission released U.S.-Haiti Trade: Impact of U.S. Preference Programs on Haiti’s Economy and Workers.

This report provides information and analysis on the Haitian economy, U.S. preference programs that benefit Haiti, and the impacts of these preference programs on the Haitian economy and workers. The United States is Haiti’s largest trading partner, with Haitian exports to the United States comprising more than 80 percent of Haiti’s total exports in recent years. The Haiti-eligible U.S. preference programs have played an important role in the trade relationship between the two countries and the development of Haiti’s apparel sector. They also help Haiti’s apparel sector continue to attract investment despite a difficult political, social, and environmental landscape.

Haiti Broker Instructions

COMMODITY: 

Apparel as provided for in Chapter 98, Subchapter XX of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) 

QUOTA PERIOD: 

December 20, 2022, through December 19, 2023 

OPENING DATE: 

Tuesday, December 20, 2022 

RESTRAINT LEVEL: 

412,506,163 Square Meter Equivalents   Value added restraint limit (see TBT 07-006) 

HTS HUMBERS

First Tariff Field	Second Tariff Field
9820.61.25 (Entry-specific claims), or	Chapters 61 and 62
9820.61.30 (Aggregated claims), or	Headings 6501, 6502, 6503 and 6504, Subheadings 6406.99.15 and 6505.90

REPORTING INSTRUCTIONS: 

Use entry type code 02, 06, 07, 12, 23, 32, 38, or 52. 

Report in units of measure as shown in the Harmonized Tariff Schedule. Conversion to square meter equivalency will be done by the computer. 

Merchandise shall be reported and released via ACE. 

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS: 

Whenever goods are classified under provision 9820.61.25 or 9820.61.30 as ensembles in combination with a designated ensemble provision in chapter 61 or 62, the reporting number shall be for the specific component apparel article in the ensemble and not the ensemble number.  Each specific apparel article in the ensemble must be identified separately with both 9820.61.25 or 9820.61.30 and a corresponding chapter 61 or 62 provision. 

Once the in-quota allocation is filled, goods will be allowed to enter at normal trade relations rate or general rate of duty as noted in the HTS at the appropriate entry type. 

Limitation of Duty-Free Imports of Apparel Articles Assembled in Haiti Under the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act (CBERA), as Amended by the Haitian Hemispheric Opportunity Through Partnership Encouragement Act (HOPE)

On December 27, 2022, the U.S. Department of Commerce published in the Federal Register (87 FR 79279) the 12-Month Cap on Duty-Free Benefits for the one-year period beginning on December 20, 2022, of 412,506,163 square meters equivalent.

SUMMARY: CBERA, as amended, provides duty-free treatment for certain apparel articles imported directly from Haiti. One of the preferences is known as the ``value-added'' provision, which requires that apparel meet a minimum threshold percentage of value added in Haiti, the United States, and/or certain beneficiary countries. The provision is subject to a quantitativ elimitation, which is calculated as a percentage of total apparel imports into the United States for each 12-month period. For the period from December 20, 2022 through December 19, 2023, the quantity of imports eligible for preferential treatment under the value-added provision is 412,506,163 square meters equivalent.

DATES: The new limitations become applicable December 20, 2022.

USITC to Investigate U.S.-Haiti Trade and the Impact of U.S. Preference Programs

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) is undertaking a new factfinding investigation on U.S.-Haiti trade and the impact of U.S. trade preference programs on Haiti’s economy and workers. The Commission’s report will provide an overview of Haiti’s international trade since 1980, with special emphasis of the impact of the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act (CBERA), Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), Haitian Hemispheric Opportunity through Partnership Encouragement (HOPE) Act of 2006, HOPE II in 2008, and the Haiti Economic Lift Program (HELP) in 2010, and the Trade Acts of 2000 and 2002 on Haiti’s trading relationship with the United States, Haiti’s economy, and workers.

The investigation, U.S.-Haiti Trade: Impact of U.S. Preference Programs on Haiti’s Economy and Workers, Inv. No. 332-590, was requested by the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Ways and Means (Committee) in a letter received on February 22, 2022. The Committee noted in its letter that the HOPE and HELP preference programs will expire on September 30, 2025.

As requested, the USITC, an independent, nonpartisan, factfinding federal agency, will prepare a public report for the Committee. The report will provide, to the extent practicable:

• an overview of the Haitian economy and its competitiveness;
• an examination of the role of U.S. preference programs in shaping Haiti’s economy; and
• case studies on goods currently and historically exported from Haiti such as apparel, tropical fruits, and sporting goods, including baseballs, softballs, and basketballs.

The USITC expects to submit its report to the Committee by December 22, 2022.

Read more HERE.

CBP Issues Broker Guidance on Apparel Entered under Haiti HOPE Program

COMMODITY:

Apparel as provided for in Chapter 98, Subchapter XX of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS)

QUOTA PERIOD:

December 20, 2021, through December 19, 2022

OPENING DATE:

Monday, December 22, 2021

RESTRAINT LEVEL:

367,770,223 Square Meter Equivalents  Value added restraint limit (see TBT 07-006)

HTS NUMBERS

First Tariff Field	First Tariff Field
9820.61.25 (Entry-specific claims), or	Chapters 61 and 62
9820.61.30 (Aggregated claims)	Headings 6501, 6502, 6503 and 6504, Subheadings 6406.99.15 and 6504, Subheadings 6406.99.15 and 6505.90

REPORTING INSTRUCTIONS:

Use entry type code 02, 06, 07, 12, 23, 32, 38, or 52.

Report in units of measure as shown in the Harmonized Tariff Schedule. Conversion to square meter equivalency will be done by the computer.

Merchandise shall be reported and released via ACE.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:

Whenever goods are classified under provision 9820.61.25 or 9820.61.30 as ensembles in combination with a designated ensemble provision in chapter 61 or 62, the reporting number shall be for the specific component apparel article in the ensemble and not the ensemble number.  Each specific apparel article in the ensemble must be identified separately with both 9820.61.25 or 9820.61.30 and a corresponding chapter 61 or 62 provision.

Once the in-quota allocation is filled, goods will be allowed to enter at normal trade relations rate or general rate of duty as noted in the HTS at the appropriate entry type.

Questions from the importing community regarding this electronic message may refer questions via e-mail to HQQUOTA@cbp.dhs.gov

 

Limitation of Duty-Free Imports of Apparel Articles Assembled in Haiti Under the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act (CBERA), as Amended by the Haitian Hemispheric Opportunity Through Partnership Encouragement Act (HOPE)

On December 21, 2021, the U.S. Department of Commerce published in the Federal Register (86 FR 71617) the 12-Month Cap on Duty-Free Benefits for the one-year period beginning on December 20, 2021, of 367,770,223 square meters equivalent.

The Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act (CBERA) provides duty-free treatment for certain apparel articles imported directly from Haiti. One of the preferences is known as the ‘‘value-added’’ provision, which requires that apparel meet a minimum threshold percentage of value added in Haiti, the United States, and/or certain beneficiary countries. The provision is subject to a quantitative limitation, which is calculated as a percentage of total apparel imports into the United States for each 12-month annual period. For the annual period from December 20, 2021 through December 19, 2022, the quantity of imports eligible for preferential treatment under the value-added provision is 367,770,223 square meters equivalent.

Apparel and Footwear Industry Welcomes Introduction of Legislation to Renew Haiti Hope and Help Acts

On December 6, 2021, the American Apparel & Footwear Association released a statement on the introduction of legislation to extend the Haitian Hemisphere Opportunity through Partnership Encouragement (HOPE) Act and the Haitian Economic Lift Program (HELP) Act until 2035.

“Haiti is an important partner to the industry, both as a source of finished apparel and a market for American-made components,” said Steve Lamar, president and CEO of the American Apparel & Footwear Association. “Haiti has experienced many hardships in recent years, from natural disasters to political unrest. Renewing these programs encourages companies to continue to work in Haiti and grow the industry there. While a stronger industry is beneficial for the Haitian people, it also supports thousands of American jobs that rely on Haiti as a market for U.S.-made textiles. Thank you to Senators Rubio and Cassidy, and Representatives Salazar and Wilson for introducing this important legislation.”

Haiti is currently the 13th largest source of apparel to the U.S. market, representing 1.36% of imports by volume. Key to the country’s growth as a sourcing partner has been the 1983 Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act, and the amendments that were made to it via the Caribbean Basin Trade Partnership Act (CBTPA), the Haitian Hemispheric Opportunity through Partnership Encouragement (HOPE) Act, and the Haiti Economic Lift Program (HELP) Act.

Companion bills have been introduced in both the Senate and the House of Representatives to extend these programs.

Under current law, the preferences under HOPE/HOPE II/HELP will expire in 2025.

Canada temporarily withdraws non-essential personnel from Canadian embassy in Haiti

On November 11, 2021, Global Affairs Canada today issued the following statement:

“The security situation in Haiti is rapidly deteriorating and is being exacerbated by ongoing fuel shortages.

“As a result, Global Affairs Canada is temporarily withdrawing non-essential Canadian employees as well as family members of Canadian embassy staff from Haiti."

Apparel and Footwear Industry Leadership Calls for Peace Following Assassination in Haiti

On July 7, 2021, American Apparel & Footwear Association President and CEO Steve Lamar expressed condolences to the people of Haiti following the assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moise and shooting of his wife Martine Moise:

“Our hearts go out to the people of Haiti, following the horrific assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moise and shooting of his wife Martine Moise. Haiti has long been a trusted trading and supply chain partner of the global apparel and footwear industry. We pray for peace and calm in the region and order as Interim Prime Minister Claude Joseph represents the people of Haiti," says AAFA President and CEO Steve Lamar. "Our association, and many of its member companies, have been proud to work on, support enactment of, and operate under trade partnership programs in the Caribbean Basin during the past quarter century. Haiti is the 14th largest supplier of U.S. apparel imports and a dependable partner that we will continue to support."

Since it was launched in 1983, the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act (CBERA) – and amendments made to it through the Caribbean Basin Trade Partnership Act (CBTPA), the Haitian Hemispheric Opportunity through Partnership Encouragement (HOPE) Act, and the Haiti Economic Lift Program (HELP) Act – has provided an important trade policy basis to support U.S. investment in and exports to U.S. allies in the Caribbean Basin. Not only have these programs supported many U.S. textile, apparel, and footwear jobs, but they have also supported economic development in the region, advancing key U.S. foreign, security, and immigration policy goals.

Limitation of Duty-Free Imports of Apparel Articles Assembled in Haiti Under the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act (CBERA), as Amended by the Haitian Hemispheric Opportunity Through Partnership Encouragement Act (HOPE)

The Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act (CBERA) provides duty-free treatment for certain apparel articles imported directly from Haiti. One of the preferences is known as the ‘‘value-added’’ provision, which requires that apparel meet a minimum threshold percentage of value added in Haiti, the United States, and/or certain beneficiary countries. The provision is subject to a quantitative limitation, which is calculated as a percentage of total apparel imports into the United States for each 12-month annual period. For the annual period from December 20, 2020 through December 19, 2021, the quantity of imports eligible for preferential treatment under the value-added provision is 337,967,087 square meters equivalent.

Limitation of Duty-Free Imports of Apparel Articles Assembled in Haiti Under the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act (CBERA), as Amended by the Haitian Hemispheric Opportunity Through Partnership Encouragement Act (HOPE)

The Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act (CBERA) provides duty-free treatment for certain apparel articles imported directly from Haiti. One of the preferences is known as the ‘‘value-added’’ provision, which requires that apparel meet a minimum threshold percentage of value added in Haiti, the United States, and/or certain beneficiary countries. The provision is subject to a quantitative limitation, which is calculated as a percentage of total apparel imports into the United States for each 12-month annual period. For the annual period from December 20, 2019 through December 19, 2020, the quantity of imports eligible for preferential treatment under the value-added provision is 376,935,586 square meters equivalent.

Limitation of Duty-Free Imports of Apparel Articles Assembled in Haiti Under the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act (CBERA), as Amended by the Haitian Hemispheric Opportunity Through Partnership Encouragement Act (HOPE)

On December 20, 2018, the U.S. Department of Commerce published in the Federal Register (83 FR 65349) the 12-Month Cap on Duty-Free Benefits for the one-year period beginning on December 20, 2018, of 372,889,066 square meters equivalent.

2018 Quota for Haiti Value-Added Program Published

On December 15, 2017, the U.S. Department of Commerce published in the Federal RegisterLimitation of Duty-Free Imports of Apparel Articles Assembled in Haiti Under the Haitian Hemispheric Opportunity Through Partnership for Encouragement Act ("HOPE").

HOPE provides for duty-free treatment for certain apparel articles imported directly from Haiti. One of the preferences under HOPE is known as the "value-added" program, which requires that apparel meet a minimum threshold percentage of value added in Haiti, the United States, and/or certain beneficiary countries. The program is subject to a quantitative limitation, which is calculated as a percentage of total apparel imports into the United States for each 12-month annual period. For the annual period from December 20, 2017 through December 19, 2018, the quantity of imports eligible for preferential treatment under the value-added program is 361,603,399 square meters equivalent.

Hope II 2017 Annual Report

The Haitian Hemispheric Opportunity through Partnership Encouragement Act of 2008 (HOPE II) affords preferential treatment for imports of apparel, textiles, and certain other goods from Haiti. To be eligible for preferential treatment under HOPE II, Haiti must first have (i) implemented the Technical Assistance Improvement and Compliance Needs Assessment and Remediation (TAICNAR) program; (ii) established a Labor Ombudsperson’s Office; (iii) agreed to require producers of articles for which preferential tariff treatment may be requested to participate in the TAICNAR program; and (iv) developed a system to ensure participation by such producers, including by establishing a producer registry. On October 16, 2009, the President certified to Congress that Haiti had taken these actions. Further, to remain eligible for preferential treatment, Haiti must also have established or be making continual progress towards establishing the protection of internationally recognized worker rights.1 On June 29, 2015, the President signed the Trade Preferences Extension Act of 2015, which included the extension of Haiti’s preferential tariff treatment until September 30, 2025.

You may read the full report HERE.

Imports of certain Haitian manufactured textile and apparel goods are eligible for duty-free treatment under the Caribbean Basin Trade Partnership Act ("CBTPA").

Additional benefits by way of special rules for Haiti have been added through the--

• Haitian Hemispheric Opportunity through Partnership Encouragement Act of 2006 ("HOPE") Public Law 109-432,
• Food Conservation and Energy Act of 2008 ("HOPE II") Public Law 110-246, and
• Haiti Economic Lift Program of 2010 ("HELP") Public Law 111-171.

Clients of Agathon Associates and subscribers to Agathon Associates' Trade Advisor Service can learn more about U.S. apparel trade preferences for Haiti at www.agathonassociates.com/textile-pri/haiti/trade.htm. You will need to enter your username and password. If you do not know your username and password email David Trumbull at david@agathonassociates.com.

Limitation of Duty-Free Imports of Apparel Articles Assembled in Haiti Under the Haitian Hemispheric Opportunity Through Partnership for Encouragement Act

The Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act ("CBERA"), as Amended by the Haitian Hemispheric Opportunity Through Partnership Encouragement Act ("HOPE") provides duty-free treatment for certain apparel articles imported directly from Haiti. One of the preferences is known as the "value-added" provision, which requires that apparel meet a minimum threshold percentage of value added in Haiti, the United States, and/or certain beneficiary countries. The provision is subject to a quantitative limitation, which is calculated as a percentage of total apparel imports into the United States for each 12-month annual period. For the annual period from December 20, 2016 through December 19, 2017, the quantity of imports eligible for preferential treatment under the value-added provision is 337,117,964 square meters equivalent.

Increase of Haiti HOPE knit apparel TPL from 70 million SMEs to 200 million SMEs for the annual period from October 1, 2015 to September 30, 2016

In accordance with the Haiti HELP legislation, because imports under the knit apparel TPL exceeded 52 million SMEs during the month of May 2016, the applicable quota level for the 2015/2016 annual period is automatically increased to 200 million SMEs. The quota level for the new annual period, from October 1, 2016 to September 30, 2017, will be 70 million SMEs until such time as imports reach or exceed 52 million SMEs.

Clients of Agathon Associates and subscribers to Agathon Associates' Trade Advisor Service can find more information about trade preferences for Haiti www.agathonassociates.com/textile-pri/haiti/trade.htm. You will need to enter your username and password. If you do not know your username and password email David Trumbull at david@agathonassociates.com.

2015 Quota for Haiti Value-Added Program Published

On December 15, 2014, the U.S. Department of Commerce published in the Federal RegisterLimitation of Duty-Free Imports of Apparel Articles Assembled in Haiti Under the Haitian Hemispheric Opportunity Through Partnership for Encouragement Act ("HOPE").

HOPE provides for duty-free treatment for certain apparel articles imported directly from Haiti. One of the preferences under HOPE is known as the ``value-added'' program, which requires that apparel meet a minimum threshold percentage of value added in Haiti, the United States, and/or certain beneficiary countries. The program is subject to a quantitative limitation, which is calculated as a percentage of total apparel imports into the United States for each 12-month annual period. For the annual period from December 20, 2014 through December 19, 2015, the quantity of imports eligible for preferential treatment under the value-added program is 332,915,916 square meters equivalent.