Brussels, 29/10/2014 (Agence Europe) - During a joint WTO committee meeting on import licences on Monday 27 October, the EU expressed its concerns about measures taken by Brazil (targeting nitrocellulose), India (targeting marble) and Nigeria (measures targeting fishing products).
The EU called on Brazil to explain its regulatory requirements for imports of nitrocellulose, a chemical product used in industrial applications (including biochemistry, glues, celluloid and pharmaceuticals) as well as military (explosives). The EU criticised Brazil for having introduced an import licence regime that is not automatic for nitrocellulose imports, and which operates de facto as a ban. The EU believes this measure does not comply with the WTO agreement on import licences and is calling for it to be immediately lifted. Brazil replied that it has regularly imported nitrocellulose in both high and low levels of concentration, mainly from Europe over the past five years, and it replied that it had simply refused a handful of licence requests. It stated that nitrocellulose is dangerous, irrespective of the levels of concentration, and that it had imposed requirements on granting import licences for legitimate safety and security reasons.
The EU also expressed concerns about the new import licence regime introduced by India for marble and derived marble products. The EU indicated that it had received complaints from its industry concerning quotas and minimum prices resulting from this new system, and it has asked India to explain its justifications based on reasons of security. India emphasised the negative environmental effects from cutting and processing marble and said that its restrictions are justified under Article XX of the GATT on the conservation of finite natural resources.
The EU also questioned Nigeria about its regulatory requirements on importing fishing products, which the EU believes are measures seeking to reduce imports. Iceland, Norway, Uruguay, the US and Chile share these concerns, and Iceland and Chile have identified a fall in fishing products exports to the Nigerian market. Nigeria replied that its fishery product imports policy was still being drawn up and that it would continue consultations with the stakeholders concerned in an effort to reach an amicable solution.
The EU, Canada, the US, New Zealand and Taiwan have questioned Indonesia about a 2013 regulation revising its system for granting import licences for animals and animal derived products. Indonesia said that its measures were justified and complied with WTO rules.
Import licences are authorisations granted before importing a product. The procedures for awarding these licences must be simple, neutral, fair and transparent and, whenever possible, they must be granted automatically and swiftly. Even when they are not automatic, they must not unnecessarily hinder trade, states the WTO in a press release. (EH)