Evaluation: Autonomous tariff suspensions and quotas scheme for industrial and agricultural goods
The Commission will conduct a fully-fledged evaluation of the passed implementation of the autonomous tariff suspension and quota scheme, assessing to which extent the objectives set in Communication 2011/C 36/02 were achieved and if the scheme is still fit-for-purpose.
Autonomous tariff suspensions and quotas (‘ATSQs’ or ‘the scheme’) are a long-standing customs policy instrument that allows for targeted and temporary tariff relief measures for EU businesses on imports of raw materials, semi-finished products or components required in European production chains.
The aim of the consultation is to help the Commission assess the current impact of ATSQs on all parties interested in or affected by the scheme.
As part of this call for evidence, all stakeholders are encouraged to provide data on costs and benefits and to help the Commission gauge both current burdens and the potential for simplification. In particular, the evaluation will examine the requirements for granting tariff relief, the frequency of regular legal updates, the legal framework and the overall application and assessment process.
The Commission would like to hear stakeholders’ views on the following points:
- What are the main challenges that companies face in the context of ATSQs?
- On production inputs (raw materials, semi-finished products or components), does providing targeted cost relief from tariff duties help increase the EU’s competitiveness?
- What are the costs for businesses of applying for, objecting to and monitoring these measures?
- What specific simplification measures could reduce burdens while preserving policy objectives?
- What could be the main incentives for an EU producer to diversify the sourcing of its production inputs?
- Any other topic relevant to ATSQ that could be part of the evaluation.
More information & feedback platform: HERE
Source: ec.europa.eu
