EC responds to Italian tanners’ concerns over tariffs
The European Commissioner for Trade, Cecilia Malmstrom, has responded to a request by Italian tanners submitted in November to look into tariffs on hides and skins from new members of the World Trade Organisation.
The tanners had complained of a lack of reciprocity in the regulatory obligations in terms of the protection of health and the environment from non-European countries, as well as tax burdens and poor access to credit for small businesses.
The reply stated that the overriding priority is to get a commitment from partner countries to eliminate or reduce export duties, according to Italian press.
The vice-president of Italian tanners’ association Assoconciatori, Roberto Giannoni, said it shows the EC understands tanners’ concerns. “We must use all possible means to protect the tanning sector by showing at EC level that tanners are having difficulties in this market. The answer from the Commission can be considered a good result. "
