Review of the regulation for the generalised scheme of preferences

2020

The EU Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP) offers easier access to the EU market for goods exported from developing countries by eliminating or reducing import tariffs unilaterally (i.e. on a non-reciprocal basis). The rationale of the GSP is to offer easier access to the EU market in order to promote sustainable economic, social and environmental development in developing countries. 

The current legal basis for the GSP will expire at the end of 2023. If no new GSP Regulation is enacted, the Standard GSP and the GSP+ will be discontinued, and imports from the current beneficiary countries would attract the “normal” EU tariffs. Only support to the least developed countries under the 'Everything-but-arms'  arrangement would cotinue to be applied. 

The study supports the European Commissions impact assessment to examine the economic, social, environmental, and human rights impacts of possible policy options for various elements of a new EU GSP regulation. The consortium implementing this study is led by BKP Economic Advisors, with SQ Consult conducting the environmental impact assessment. 

For more information contact: Monique Voogt

Our client

European Commission, DG Trade

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