The European Commission is preparing proposals for a future regulation to succeed its existing Generalised System of Preferences (GSP) to aid developing countries through trade. The GSP is a trade arrangement through which 176 developing countries and territories gain preferential access to EU markets in the form of reduced tariffs for their goods.

This existing GSP regulation expires on 31 December 2011 and the commission recognises that there is insufficient time before this date to consult fully, as well as prepare a substantive proposal and reach agreement on a new regulation. Therefore, it intends to propose a time-limited extension of the existing regulation to ensure continuity in the operation of the scheme beyond 31 December 2011 until a successor regulation is ready.

The consultation covers the objectives of the scheme and its access. It does not cover issues related to the rules of origin applied under GSP. These are set under a separate legal instrument, which is under reform. Details can be found at: http://ec.europa.eu/yourvoice/consultations/index_en.htm

The public consultation runs until 31 May and the Fresh Produce Consortium is seeking UK industry views to prepare a response these should be sent to fpc@freshproduce.org.uk by 12 May.

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