The European Union has announced that tariff preferences on a series of fashion products from Cambodia will be withdrawn from 12 August 2020 for an initial period of six months.

This ruling comes following an extensive investigation into serious and systematic violations by Cambodia of human and labour rights.

It is the first time in more than fifteen-year history that such measure is implemented by the Commission.

The following products will attract an import duty of an average of 12%:

• 6103 41
• 6103 43
• 6103 49
• 6105
• 6107
• 6109
• 6115 10
• 6115 21
• 6115 22
• 6115 29
• 6115 95
• 6115 96
• 6115 99
• 6203 41
• 6203 43
• 6203 49
• 6205
• 6207
• 6211 32
• 6211 33
• 6211 39
• 6211 42
• 6211 43
• 6211 49
• 6212

The initial six month period will be renewable, if no objections are raised by the EU Parliament and the Council. The withdrawal will last until it is decided that the reasons for justifying this measure no longer apply.

This will affect UK imports up until 31 December 2020. However it is likely to have a longer-term impact as the UK adopts its own Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP) regime.

UKFT members with queries or concerns, please contact info@ukft.org