NOTICE TO IMPORTERS

Imports of open mesh fabrics of glass fibres into the European Union from GSP beneficiary countries belonging to the regional cumulation group I and group III

(2015/C 314/06)

The European Commission informs European Union operators that there are reasonable doubts concerning the proper application of the preferential treatment and the applicability of proofs of origin presented in the Union for open mesh fabrics of glass fibres of HS subheadings 7019 40, 7019 51 and 7019 59 imported from GSP beneficiary countries belonging to the regional cumulation group I and group III (1).

Following a number of investigations, it would appear that significant quantities of open mesh fabrics of glass fibres of HS subheadings 7019 40, 7019 51 and 7019 59, consigned to the EU generally from Singapore, are being declared for release for free circulation in the Union as having the preferential origin of one of the countries belonging to the regional cumulation group I or III, without being entitled to it.

European Union operators declaring origin and/or presenting proofs of origin for the products mentioned above are therefore advised to take all necessary precautions as the release of the goods in question for free circulation may give rise to a customs debt, lead to fraud and, consequently, negatively affect the European Union’s financial interests. When the possible subsequent entry in the accounts of a customs debt results from the abovementioned circumstances the person liable may not plead good faith in accordance with the fifth subparagraph of Article 220(2)(b) of Council Regulation (EEC) No 2913/92 of 12 October 1992 establishing the Community Customs Code (2).

(1)  The list of countries is set out in Article 86 of Commission Regulation (EEC) No 2454/93 laying down provisions for the implementing of Council Regulation (EEC) No 2913/92 establishing the Community Customs Code. At the time of the publication of this notice, the following beneficiary countries belong to the groups:

(2)  OJ L 302, 19.10. 1992, p. 1.