EU considers lifting Pakistan footwear tariffs
The European Union (EU) was last week said to be giving serious consideration to lifting all import duties on footwear and leathergoods from Pakistan, as part of its Generalised System of Preferences (GSP) scheme.
The development follows the Commission’s removal of all tariffs on clothing from Pakistan earlier this month, and its increase of quotas for Pakistan textiles and clothing by 15%. Though the review is officially being described as an anti-drugs measure, many observers say it is more likely related to the country’s support of the US and its allies in Afghanistan, citing the fact that it is highly unusual for countries to be considered for GSP status outside their regular 10-yearly reviews.
Pakistan was last considered for GSP status in 1995, while as recently as last August, when considering Afghanistan’s eligibility for the GSP, the commission said it was not their policy to make exceptions to the 10 yearly ruling. The proposal will now go before the an EU commission General Affairs Council meeting, in Brussels, on November 19, with a view to being introduced early in the new year.
