On Monday 5 March, the European Commission formally put an end to the investigation it opened in July 2017 under the EU regulation on barriers to trade. The investigation targeted a restrictive measure set up by Turkey against imports of uncoated wood-free paper, but the measure was removed in December 2017.
The restrictive measure targeted by this investigation (which was opened at the request of the Confederation of European Paper Industries – CEPI) involved an import monitoring and surveillance system applied by Turkey to imports of uncoated wood-free paper. It meant that importers had to apply for and obtain a surveillance certificate in order to import such paper for $1,200 per tonne or less into Turkey.
In practice, the sensitive business information required to acquire this certificate meant that it was impossible for importers to comply. Without the surveillance certificate, EU paper importers in Turkey were asked to pay higher VAT rates and were therefore put at a disadvantage.
The Commission investigation concluded that the Turkish measure was inconsistent with both WTO and the EU-Turkey customs union rules. As Turkey has removed the measure, the EU will not pursue the matter further but will continue to monitor the situation closely, the Commission states. (Original version in French by Emmanuel Hagry)