Explanatory Memorandum to COM(2016)44 - Amendment of common rules for imports of textile products from certain third countries not agreements, other arrangements or by other specific Union import rules

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dossier COM(2016)44 - Amendment of common rules for imports of textile products from certain third countries not agreements, other arrangements or ...
source COM(2016)44 EN
date 03-02-2016


1. CONTEXT OF THE PROPOSAL

• Reasons for and objectives of the proposal

Regulation (EU) 2015/936 1 lays down the common rules for imports of textile products from certain third countries not covered by bilateral agreements, protocols or other arrangements, or by other specific Union import rules.

The release of the political prisoners on 22 August 2015 was an important step, which together with several positive initiatives undertaken by the Republic of Belarus over the last two years contributed to the improvement of EU-Belarus relations.

Recognizing the positive political developments in relations between the European Union and the Republic of Belarus and in order to further improve bilateral relations, the Commission proposes to abolish the autonomous quotas on imports of textiles and clothing originating in the Republic of Belarus, also considering their limited use. To that effect, Annexes II and III of Regulation (EU) 2015/936 should be amended accordingly.

In addition, this opportunity will be seized to correct erroneous CN codes and to introduce the official names of the Republic of Belarus and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea according to the 2011 Interinstitutional Style Guide of the European Union, as well as to increase the period of validity of import authorisations from six to nine months in order to facilitate administrative procedures.

• Consistency with existing policy provisions in the policy area

The release of political prisoners on 22 August 2015 was an important step, which together with several positive initiatives undertaken by the Republic of Belarus over the last two years contributed to the improvement of relations between the European Union and the Republic of Belarus. These positive political developments between the European Union and the Republic of Belarus should be recognised and bilateral relations further improved. Accordingly, the present regulation repeals the autonomous quotas on imports of textiles and clothing originating in the Republic of Belarus, provided for in Annexes II and III of Regulation (EU) 2015/936.

• Consistency with other Union policies

The release of political prisoners on 22 August 2015 and other positive initiatives undertaken by the Republic of Belarus over the last two years contributed to improved relations between the European Union and the Republic of Belarus. The abolition of quotas on imports of textiles and clothing originating in the Republic of Belarus will contribute among other measures to further improve relations with the Republic of Belarus.

2. LEGAL BASIS, SUBSIDIARITY AND PROPORTIONALITY

• Legal basis

The legal basis is Article 207(2) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.

Regulation (EU) 2015/936 will be amended through the ordinary legislative procedure.

• Subsidiarity (for non-exclusive competence)

Trade policy is an exclusive competence of the EU. Therefore, subsidiarity does not apply.

• Proportionality

The limited use of the autonomous quotas on imports of textiles and clothing originating in the Republic of Belarus implies that the removal of those quotas will have a limited impact on EU trade.

• Choice of the instrument

In order to abolish the autonomous textile quotas on imports of textiles and clothing originating in the Republic of Belarus, Regulation (EU) 2015/936 should be amended, as it regulates the annual quantitative limits with the Republic of Belarus.

3. RESULTS OF EX-POST EVALUATIONS, STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATIONS AND IMPACT ASSESSMENTS

• Ex-post evaluations/fitness checks of existing legislation

Imports of textiles and clothing originating in the Republic of Belarus will be monitored by the Commission.

• Stakeholder consultations

Member States were informed at the Textile Committee meeting on 5 November 2015.

• Collection and use of expertise

The Commission has relied on the use of quotas provided by the European Commission's Système Intégré de Gestion de Licenses (SIGL) and EUROSTAT figures.

• Impact assessment

No impact assessment was carried out due to the limited use of the autonomous quotas on imports of textiles and clothing originating in the Republic of Belarus.

• Regulatory fitness and simplification

Once the autonomous quotas on imports of textiles and clothing originating in the Republic of Belarus will be abolished, SIGL will no longer need to manage the related import authorizations with Member States.

• Fundamental rights

Not applicable.

4. BUDGETARY IMPLICATIONS

Reduced workload for the European Commission's SIGL team as the management of autonomous quotas with the Republic of Belarus is concerned.

5. OTHER ELEMENTS

• Implementation plans and monitoring, evaluation and reporting arrangements

Imports of textiles and clothing originating in Belarus will be monitored by the European Commission.

• Explanatory documents (for directives)

Not applicable.

• Detailed explanation of the specific provisions of the proposal

Not applicable.