EU Government Notices for March 2-March 6
The European Union issued the following trade-related releases on March 2-6, 2012 (notices of most significance will be given separate headlines):
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- Consumer articles containing toxic chemicals. The European Chemical Agency (ECHA) has issued information on consumer articles containing substances of very high concern (SVHCs). The majority of notifications received so far relate to four phthalates that are on the Candidate List due to their toxicity to reproduction. These can typically be found in plastic articles such as cables, bags, packaging material, waterproof garments and PVC flooring. The list serves as a reminder to importers and producers of their legal obligations, under certain conditions, to notify when their articles contain substances on the Candidate List. (here)
- Proposal to amend EU's GSP List. Members of the European Parliament's International Trade Committee are suggesting removing high and middle-income countries, like Russia, Brazil, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, from the EU's Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) trade list. The changes would reduce the number of countries that enjoy preferential access to EU markets from 176 to about 80. The Committee has also proposed to strengthen safeguards to protect EU textile and clothing industries against very low-cost imports. (here)
- EU-Colombia/Peru Trade Agreement. On February 29, 2012 Commissioner de Gucht outlined some of the Agreement's main points, including a total elimination of customs duties for industrial products and fisheries on both sides and provisions laid out in the agreement for protection of trade union and human rights. There will also be a binding dispute settlement mechanism. (here)