EU - Effects of new GSP on import duty rates 

December 20: The European Union (EU) adopted a new “generalized scheme of preferences” (GSP) that will be effective in 2014.  The GSP provides for reduced import duty rates for goods imported into the EU, and originating from so-called beneficiary countries.

Beginning in 2014, the current 176 countries that benefit from the GSP will be reduced to 89 countries. Accordingly, EU importers may be confronted with an increase of import duties because countries are no longer a beneficiary country under the GSP.


The EU also published on 18 December 2012 a regulation concerning the suspension of the EU GSP preferential import duty rate for certain products of “certain beneficiary countries” (product graduation regulation). This means that—as of 1 January 2014—for these products the regular import duty rate will apply upon import into the EU.


Read a December 2012 report [PDF 370 KB] prepared by the KPMG member firm in the Netherlands: New EU generalised scheme of preferences (EU GSP) as of 2014



For more information, contact a professional with KPMG’s Trade & Customs practice:


Douglas Zuvich

(312) 665-1022


Andrew Siciliano

(631) 425-6057


John L. McLoughlin

(267) 256-2614


Todd R. Smith

(949) 885-5617


Luis A. Abad

(212) 954-3094


Amie Ahanchian

(202) 533-3247


Or your local KPMG Trade & Customs professional.




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