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Document 32012R0978
Preferential European Union import tariffs for developing countries
Regulation (EU) No 978/2012 applying a scheme of generalised tariff preferences
The EU’s scheme of generalised tariff preferences (GSP) allows developing countries to pay lower tariffs on their exports to the EU. This helps boost their economies.
Three strands of the scheme
Suspension of countries
The EU may temporarily suspend the lower tariffs for reasons such as:
Discontinuation as countries develop
More stable and predictable
Temporary import restrictions
The EU may apply safeguard measures (temporary restrictions) if imports from beneficiary countries cause or threaten to cause serious difficulty to an EU producer. It may also apply surveillance measures for farm products. None of these measures have ever been taken in the history of the scheme.
List of beneficiary countries
Regulation (EU) No 978/2012 is being amended through implementing and delegated acts so as to update the list of the countries benefiting from tariff preferences under the GSP+. See latest consolidated version.
It has applied since 20 November 2012.
For further information, see:
Regulation (EU) No 978/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 October 2012 applying a scheme of generalised tariff preferences and repealing Council Regulation (EC) No 732/2008 (OJ L 303, 31.10.2012, pp. 1–82).
Successive amendments to Regulation (EU) No 978/2012 have been incorporated into the basic text. This consolidated version is for reference only.
Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) No 155/2013 of 18 December 2012 establishing rules related to the procedure for granting the special incentive arrangement for sustainable development and good governance under Regulation (EU) No 978/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council applying a scheme of generalised tariff preferences (OJ L 48, 21.2.2013, pp. 5–7).
Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) No 1083/2013 of 28 August 2013 establishing rules related to the procedure for temporary withdrawal of tariff preferences and adoption of general safeguard measures under Regulation (EU) No 978/2012 of the European Parliament and the Council applying a scheme of generalised tariff preferences (OJ L 293, 5.11.2013, pp. 16–21).
Regulation (EU) No 607/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 12 June 2013 repealing Council Regulation (EC) No 552/97 temporarily withdrawing access to generalised tariff preferences from Myanmar/Burma (OJ L 181, 29.6.2013, pp. 13–14).
last update 03.02.2022