CUSTOMS INFORMATION PAPER (10)49

Tariff Preference:Removal of Sri Lanka from GSP plus list of countries

Who should read: /

All involved with importing goods from Sri Lanka

What is it about: / The withdrawal of Sri Lanka from the list of countries receiving preference under the GSP+ arrangements
When effective: / Midnight 14th August 2010
Extant until/ Expires / Until further notice

1. Introduction

Advance warning of the withdrawal of Sri Lanka from the list of countries receiving preference under the GSP+ arrangements, was previously published in CIP (10) 15

The purpose of this CIP is to confirm that on the basis of the current situation in Sri Lanka, the country will be withdrawn from the list of GSP+ countries as of midnight 14 August.

2. Withdrawal of GSP+ Benefitswhat it means

This means that the standard GSP beneficiary rates of duty will apply to all consignments from Sri Lanka, where GSP is applicable, which are released to free circulation on or after 15 August 2010.

There will be NO transitional arrangements for goods which will be in transit or in warehouse on that date.

All goods must be in free circulation by midnight 14 August to benefit from the GSP+ rates of duty, otherwise the standard GSP rates of duty will apply. This means for example, that for textile and clothing products a GSP rate, ranging from 5.5% to 9.6% will be payable instead of nil rates which are currently applicable under GSP+ for Sri Lanka.

The CHIEF Tariff data is currently being updated to reflect this change.

The UK printed Tariff will be updated as soon as possible to reflect the changes to GSP duty rates for Sri Lanka.

Further information about the scope and coverage of the EU’s Generalised System of Preferences can be found on our website at by entering GSP in the search field.

3. Contacts

For queries on this custom information paper please contact

Yvette Belcher,

HM Revenue and Customs,

Excise, Customs, Stamps & Money,

Customs Duty Liability,

10th Floor South East, Alexander House,

21 Victoria Avenue

Southend-on-Sea, SS991AA.

FAX: 01702 367342, E-Mail:

Issued on the5 July 2010by the JCCC SecretaryHMRC, Excise, Customs Stamps & Money Directorate.

If you have a question about the content of this paper please use the details provided in the Contacts section. For general HMRC queries speak to the VAT, Excise & Customs Helpline on Tel 0845 010 9000.

For comprehensive guidance on international trade regulation, as well as advice on market information and business growth visit the Business Link website.