Benefit from preferential treatments

Preferential treatment means that the duty levied on goods imported from outside the EU is, on some grounds, lower than the general customs duty or it isn’t levied at all. Preferential treatment is not granted automatically, it must be requested.

The customs duty can be reduced based on agreements entered into by the EU or on unilateral concessions by the EU. The granting of preferential treatment can be limited to specific annual import volumes. Preferential treatments tied to import volumes, i.e. subject to quotas, can also be based on WTO (World Trade Organization) agreements.

For example, if the import goods are products originating in certain countries, it is possible to request preferential treatment. You can read more on the page Preferential treatment based on origin. There are some exceptions to the rules of origin, and you can read more about them e.g. on the page Euro-Mediterranean agreement network. The EU also has its own Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP) for developing countries. The system is used to grant preferential treatment to products originating in developing countries.

Tariff quotas refer to zero or reduced rate of customs duty granted for a limited period to a limited volume of imported goods. The industries of Member States can also apply, through their own competent authorities and under certain conditions, for preferential tariff treatment for raw materials used in their production. Read more on the page Tariff suspensions and autonomous tariff quotas.