On 10 May, the European Commission will adopt its plans for the new Generalised System of Preferences, which will grant lower import tariffs from a large number of developing countries. Being a member of the DG Trade Contact Group, EuroCommerce has successfully requested a Civil Society Dialogue meeting on the new scheme which will offer a first opportunity for discussion.
As early as summer 2009, EuroCommerce tabled its views on the incoming GSP, urging a simple, stable and predictable system. Through continuous contact with decision-makers in the Commission and the European Parliament, EuroCommerce achieved the extension of the current system by two more years until end 2013. This will enable importers to plan ahead.