91997E4135

WRITTEN QUESTION E-4135/97 by Nikitas Kaklamanis (UPE) to the Commission (21 January 1998)

Subject: Russian decision to exclude a number of products from the T.I.R. system

Russia has removed a large number of products from the T.I.R. transit scheme which, in any case, could not be transported to that country under T.I.R. documentation. The Russian Federation's State Customs Committee has notified the International Road Transport Union (IRU) of Decree No 513 banning the transit on its territory of a number of goods under T.I.R. documentation. These goods include, in particular, Community products such as barley beer, sugar, confectionery, butter and other milk-based fats, chocolate, pharmaceuticals, computers, videos, televisions, means of transport, etc.

The repercussions are considerable both for European products and European hauliers. The Russian decision entails a particular loss of business for hauliers in the peripheral countries of the Union such as Greece, as opportunities were open to Greek firms to transport a number of Community products from other countries to Russia which have now been completely eliminated.

How will the Commission respond to the Russian authorities' decision in order to safeguard the interests of Community hauliers and ensure that they are competing on fair terms with their counterparts in other European countries which are asking for the Union's financial and moral support?

Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission (26 February 1998)

The Commission shares the concern expressed by the Honourable Member in respect of the Order No 513 of the Russian State customs committee, requiring separate guarantee arrangements to be made, outside that provided within the international carriage of goods by road (TIR) Convention, 1975, for a range of 20 categories of goods. The Commission recognises the serious effect such action would have on Community exporters and transport operators, and the potential threat to the future of this regime, essential to international commerce.

The Commission reacted very quickly in all sectors concerned through direct contacts with the Russian State customs committee, and through other transport and trade connections. Furthermore the issue was pursued by the Commission in the appropriate Economic commission for Europe meetings in Geneva.

The implementation of Order No 513 has since been deferred until 1 April 1998. The Commission is continuing its dialogue with the Russian side and others involved at all appropriate levels to secure its permanent withdrawal.