Considerations on COM(2021)392 - Temporary suspension of autonomous Common Customs Tariff duties on imports of certain industrial products into the Canary Islands - Main contents
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| dossier | COM(2021)392 - Temporary suspension of autonomous Common Customs Tariff duties on imports of certain industrial products into the Canary ... |
|---|---|
| document | COM(2021)392  |
| date | November 23, 2021 |
| (2) | In April 2021, the Government of Spain requested the prolongation of the suspension of the autonomous Common Customs Tariff duties for a number of products in accordance with Article 349 of the Treaty. Measures established by Regulation (EU) No 1386/2011 positively contributed to the development of the Canary Islands’ economy, in particular in industry and construction, thus reducing the severe impact of economic and commercial disadvantages caused by the remoteness, insularity and small size of those islands. |
| (3) | The Canary Islands’ economy continues to be negatively affected by the small size of the islands’ market, its fragmentation and remoteness from continental Europe, a particularly high level of unemployment and higher production and distribution costs than those of economic operators in continental Europe. While the Canary Islands’ unemployment rate showed some improvement up to 2019, unemployment increased from 20,5 % in 2019 to 22,6 % in 2020, well above an average unemployement rate in 2020 of 15,5 % in Spain and of 7,1 % in the Member States collectively (Eurostat, 2021). |
| (4) | Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic halted tourism activity in the Canary Islands which, in 2020, led to an estimated drop of around 20 % in the GDP. In addition, there was a contraction in the construction and industrial activity with an estimated decline of 13 %, in comparison to 2019. |
| (5) | It is therefore appropriate to prolong the suspension of the Common Customs Tariff duties for certain goods as listed in Annexes I and II to Regulation (EU) No 1386/2011 in order to ensure sustainability of the positive effects of Regulation (EU) No 1386/2011, contribute to the diversification of the economy, ensure constant growth and the creation of jobs in industry and construction, enhance innovation, reduce the dependence of the local economy on the service sector and complement other measures dedicated to the stabilisation of the economic and social environment in the Canary Islands. |
| (6) | In addition to the product categories covered by Regulation (EU) No 1386/2011, the Government of Spain has requested the suspension of the Common Customs Tariff duties for seven new product categories falling under CN codes 3903 19, 5603 94, 5604 10, 7326 90, 7607 20, 8441 40 and 8479 90. That request should be accepted as those suspensions, which include suspensions for machines for industrial purposes and raw materials, would strengthen the economy of the Canary Islands. |
| (7) | In order to ensure that only economic operators located on the territory of the Canary Islands benefit from those tariff measures, the suspensions should be made conditional on the end-use of the products, in accordance with Regulation (EU) No 952/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council (4) and Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/2447 (5). |
| (8) | In case of a deflection of trade and in order to ensure uniform conditions for the implementation of this Regulation, implementing powers should be conferred on the Commission allowing the Commission to temporarily withdraw the suspension. Those powers should be exercised in accordance with Regulation (EU) No 182/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council (6). |
| (9) | In order to ensure continuity after the expiration of the provisions of Regulation (EU) No 1386/2011, it is appropriate to apply the measures provided in this Regulation from 1 January 2022 until 31 December 2031, |