-
New GSP framework, sustainable development and good governance: a check of the principles.
The ProposalCOM(2021)579 will set up a new framework of the European generalized system of preference which is: part of EU common commercial policy (unilateral preferential origin treatment for goods originating from the eligibile countries): sustainable development and good goverance; consistent with with the analysis and perspective of the Commission Communication Trade Policy Review: An Open, Sustainable and Assertive Trade Policy of 18 February 2021; consistent with EU green agenda and UN suistainable goals; The key stone of GSP is the “conditionality”: a country should not benefit from preferential trade arrangements if it is acting in a way that is contrary to international standards and principles and thereby also to its…
-
New EU GSP: proposal for postponement to 2027
The current European generalized system of preferences (GSP) should be extended to 2027 according to proposal of regulation of EU Parliament and Council. In particular, this proposal ( 4 July 2023- COM 426 2023/0252 COD ) lays down that: “…the period of application of Regulation (EU) No 978/2012 should be extended until 31 December 2027…”; “…If the publication takes place after 31 December 2023, this Regulation shall apply retroactively from 1 January 2024…”; “…in case the Regulation based on Commission Proposal COM(2021)579 becomes applicable before that date, the extension of the period of application of Regulation (EU) No 978/2012 should be correspondingly shortened…”. For sake of completness, the Commission Proposal COM(2021)579 provides…
-
ESA countries and last negotiations round
In the report of the last virtual meeting held in March 2023 by ESA countries (Zimbabwe, Comoros, Madagascar, Mauritius, Seychelles) and the EU it is stated that: About the technical barriers to trade (TBT): “…Both Parties had a constructive exchange on the outstanding issues, i.e. conformity assessment procedures, technical regulations and technical assistance…” Rules of Origin: “… The Parties continued discussions on the product specific rules (PSR) and agreed on most of the PSR for textiles and clothing and industrial products. Both sides continued discussions on outstanding provisions of Protocol 1 related to wholly obtained goods, cumulation of product origin, accounting, segregation and transitional provisions and managed to clean the…
-
Ghana, ESA country and REX for EU preferential origin
According to the FTA with the EU and ESA 5 countries (Zimbabwe, Comoros, Madagascar, Mauritius, Seychelles) the goods originating from Seyshelles since 01 July 2023 have to be accompanied by a statement of origin with REX number. While, from 20 August 2023 the goods originating from Ghana-according to the FTA between this African country and the EU- will need the statement of origin with REX number. REX (registered exporter) is a system of certification of origin of goods based on a principle of self-certification.
-
FTA between UK and Australia: a short update
In the official website of the Australian Trade Department it is stated that: “…During his visit to the United Kingdom, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced 31 May as the date of entry into force of the Australia-United Kingdom Free Trade Agreement (A-UKFTA), following the expected completion of UK domestic processes…”; this statement is alligned with the HMRC website for which: “…These are the trade agreements that businesses can use soon, but that are not yet in force. Once an agreement is reached, it is signed and then scrutinised by Parliament. Following this, the agreement can then be ratified. Only when this is complete, and any implementing legislation has been passed,…
-
Recap of the EU free trade agreements with REX
the REX system is a single system (enrolement in the European register) for self-certify the preferential origin. It is applied in different unilateral (generalised preferences system), bilateral or multilateral preferential trade arrangements between the EU has with third countries. For what it concers the free trade agreements we can recall that REX is required in the following trade flows: Canada (CETA), UK (TCA-trade cooperative agreement), Japan , Vietnam (EVFTA), Ivory Coast, Ghana, Mauritius, Seychelles, Comoros Zimbabwe, Madagascar, Nouvelle Caledonie, Nouvelle Polinesie, Saint Pierre et Miquelon.