December 28, 2005
ENT-1 FO:TCF:SE:TA LJW

MEMORANDUM FOR:	Directors, Field Operations
FROM:	Executive Director, Trade Enforcement and Facilitation Office of Field Operations
SUBJECT:	Changes in Countries Eligible for Benefits Under African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA)

In Proclamation 7970 dated December 22, 2005, the President terminated the designation of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania (Mauritania) as a beneficiary sub-Saharan African country for purposes of section 506A(a)(3) of the Trade Act of 1974 (the 1974 Act), as amended (19 U.S.C. 2466a(a)(3)). Effective January 1, 2006 products of Mauritania entered, or withdrawn from warehouse, for consumption are ineligible to receive preferential tariff treatment under AGOA.

Mauritania will retain its designation as a beneficiary developing country for purposes of the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) pursuant to sections 501 and 502 of the 1974 Act (Proclamation 7206 dated June 30, 1999).

Furthermore, in Proclamation 7970, the President designated the Republic of Burundi (Burundi) as a beneficiary sub-Saharan African country for purposes of section 506A(a)(1) of the 1974 Act, as amended. The President further designated Burundi as a lesser developed beneficiary sub-Saharan African country under section 112(b)(3) of the AGOA. Burundi may receive benefits under AGOA for eligible goods entered, or withdrawn from warehouse, for consumption on or after January 1, 2006.

Presidential Proclamation 7970 modifies General Note 16(a) of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule by deleting “Islamic Republic of Mauritania” and inserting in alphabetical order “Republic of Burundi” for purposes of AGOA. Furthermore, US note 2(d) to subchapter XIX of chapter 98 of the HTS is modified by removing “Islamic Republic of Mauritania” from the list of lesser developed beneficiary sub-Saharan African countries.

The Automated Commercial System (ACS) has been updated to reflect these changes.

Copies of this memorandum should be made available to Port Directors, Assistant Port Directors, Import and Entry Specialists, CBP Officers, brokers, importers and other interested parties.

Questions regarding this notice should be directed to Lori Whitehurst, Trade Agreements Branch at (202) 344-2722.

Vera Adams