InterAksyon.com means BUSINESS
MANILA - Failure to show proof that the Philippines abides by international conventions on the environment, human rights and governance puts at risk the continued duty-free entry of thousands of export products to the European Union (EU) for the next 10 years.
In a statement, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said the government is compiling proof that the Philippines abides by 27 international agreements on human rights, the environment and governance so that the country can qualify for duty-free exports to the EU under its Generalized System of Preferences Plus (GSP+).
Last year, the EU announced that certain exports from the Philippines, Pakistan and Ukraine may enter duty-free under the GSP+ provided they meet two conditions: first, the products comprise less than two percent of the EU’s GSP imports; and second, the said countries must have ratified and are abiding by 27 international conventions covering the environment, governance, human and labor rights, and sustainable development.
“The EU indicated that the Philippines is now eligible under the first criterion. The second criterion would entail a detailed submission to the EU of domestic laws, regulations and measures relative to the implementation of these conventions and a statement of commitment to accept regular EU monitoring and review of implementation,” the DTI said.
The Philippines is already a beneficiary of an earlier GSP, under which 2,442 products can enter the EU duty-free while 3,767 enjoy lower tariffs. The GSP+ has a wider coverage with 6,274 goods to be granted duty-free entry.
“The DTI’s Bureaus of Export Trade Promotion (BETP) and [of] International Trade Relations (BITR) are currently coordinating with concerned government agencies to discuss and assess the possibility of the Philippines applying to the GSP+. Consultations are also being conducted with the private sector to gather inputs and issues on the GSP+ scheme,” DTI said.
The Philippines is eyeing to qualify for the GSP+ in the next 10-year cycle starting 2014, as the existing GSP cycle ends in December.
InterAksyon.com means BUSINESS
BUSINESS NEWS
