CSMS #68987884 · CORRECTION: Reauthorization of Preferential Trade Legislative (PTL) Programs - African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), Haiti Hemispheric Opportunity through Partnership Encouragement Act (HOPE), and Haiti Economic Lift Program (HELP)

Brief takeaway: According to this CBP notice, three preferential trade programs (AGOA, Haiti HOPE, and Haiti HELP) have been reauthorized, and importers may be able to claim retroactive duty refunds for goods entered during the program lapse.

What changed: The notice states that on February 3, 2026, the President signed H.R.7148, extending duty-free treatment through December 31, 2026, for eligible imports under AGOA and Haiti HOPE/HELP. According to the notice, the Act also provides retroactive refunds (without interest) of Column 1 ad valorem duties paid on eligible imports entered during the lapse from October 1, 2025, through February 3, 2026. The notice adds that importers were able to resume claiming these programs effective February 6, 2026. This message corrects and replaces CSMS 67647279.

Who's affected: The notice cites imports from eligible AGOA beneficiary countries and select imports from Haiti under the Haiti HOPE and Haiti HELP programs, and references special rules for Haiti under the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act. Specific product types and HTS codes are not stated in the text provided.

What to review:
- Review whether your goods were entered from an eligible AGOA or Haiti country during the October 1, 2025–February 3, 2026 lapse period.
- Confirm with your broker whether Column 1 ad valorem duties paid may qualify for a retroactive refund.
- Check that any refund request excludes merchandise processing fees and other non-eligible charges, as the notice states these are not refundable.
- Confirm current procedures for resuming program claims with your broker or CBP.

This is general information, not legal advice and not a compliance determination — confirm specifics with a licensed customs broker or trade counsel.