Notice to importers

Imports of tuna from Colombia and El Salvador into the EU

2010/C 132/05

The European Commission informs European Union operators that there are reasonable doubts concerning the proper application of the preferential treatment and the applicability of the evidence of origin presented in the European Union for canned tuna and frozen tuna loins of HS subheading 1604 14 imported from Colombia and El Salvador.

From various investigations, it results that significant quantities of canned tuna and frozen tuna loins of HS subheading 1604 14 are declared as having origin of Colombia or El Salvador, for which they are not eligible.

Moreover, it cannot be excluded that consignments are imported from other countries benefitting from the generalised system of preferences (GSP) without fulfilling requirements of GSP rules of origin concerning cumulation of origin.

European Union operators declaring and/or presenting documentary evidence of origin for the products mentioned above are therefore advised to take all necessary precautions, since the release of the goods in question for free circulation may give rise to a customs debt and lead to fraud against the European Union financial interests. The possible subsequent entry in the accounts of a customs debt resulting from the above-mentioned circumstances will be covered by the provisions of the fifth subparagraph of Article 220(2)(b) of Council Regulation (EEC) No 2913/92 of 12 October 1992 establishing the Community Customs Code (1).

(1)  OJ L 302, 19.10.1992, p. 1.