A mid-term review of the Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP) of the European Union was presented to representatives of civil society by the Trade services of the European Commission, in Brussels on Wednesday 7 November.
The new regulation, which has been in place since January 2014 for ten years, drastically reduces the number of countries benefiting from this system, whilst slightly extending product coverage (see EUROPE 10994).
The Commission's interim assessment report observes that the share of imports under the GSP regime has fallen compared to the situation noted under the previous system, from 6.1% of total imports in 2013 to 4.1% in 2016. Of these, the share of the 'standard' GSP has fallen, whilst the share of the 'Everything But Arms' regime, on the other hand, has grown considerably.
Furthermore, the value of imports of European origin to the GSP+ countries has risen considerably since 2013.
Of the products imported to the EU under the GSP scheme, the share of textiles has more than doubled, to around 46% of imports under the GSP+ scheme. Imports of shoes have risen from 4% to around 8%. Imports of plastic products, on the other hand, have roughly halved, to 10%.
It is also worth noting that there is an increased diversification among the categories of exports from countries under the GSP+ and 'Everything But Arms' regimes, although the portfolio of exports from these countries is overall little diversified.
Social and environmental benefits
The GSP regime appears to act as a facilitator of social development and compliance with employment and human rights.
Certainly, in exchange for the trade preferences offered by the EU, the beneficiary countries must apply the principal United Nations conventions on human rights and the International Labour Organisation.
The report notes that the reformed GSP has contributed to the promotion of sustainable development and good governance, in particular through the EU's enhanced monitoring of the implementation of the international conventions relevant to GSP+.
In its conclusions, the report recommends greater transparency in monitoring and dialogues on the GSP+ and more inclusive dialogue. It also recommends an improved promotion and awareness of stakeholders in beneficiary countries.
Once the GSP system expires, the study recommends updating the list of international conventions on the fundamental human and employment rights and on environmental protection. It also suggests harmonising the arrangements of the GSP and GSP+ and including the trade in certain types of services. Finally, it encourages greater coherence between the GSP schemes and free-trade agreements. (Original version in French by Hermine Donceel)