The European Commission has said it has taken another step to modify the EU’s import regime for bananas.


As agreed by the Council of EU Ministers in 2001, the move to a tariff-only system is due to take place no later than 2006. To ensure this, the European Commission has this week proposed to the Council to open WTO negotiations.


Once the Council has agreed, the Commission will negotiate the import tariff for bananas with the relevant producer countries. It will seek to maintain the same level of protection and preferences for African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries as the existing regime provides while entirely respecting its obligations and commitments with regard to its other trading partners, EU producers and EU consumers.


“We are now moving to the final phase of our agreement and replacing the complex quota system by a simple tariff system. What will change is the import regime, not the level of protection. If our Member States agree, the Commission will negotiate an adequate tariff level. We will have to square the circle and safeguard the sometimes conflicting interests of our consumers, producers and trading partners,” said Franz Fischler, EU Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development and Fisheries.


For more details, click here.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.