Scheme of generalised tariff preferences

The Committee strongly welcomes the Commission’s firm commitment in its review of the current Generalised Scheme of Tariff Preferences (GSP) to place even greater emphasis on supporting those countries most in need, through encouraging increases in their export earnings so as better to achieve a real reduction in poverty. The Committee supports the Commission’s intention to reduce the number of countries eligible for GSP, but not to widen significantly the number of tariff lines or products affected, so that those who need it most should be the main beneficiaries. The Committee also strongly welcomes the fact that this opportunity has been taken to encourage greater adherence to core human and labour rights, together with the core principles of sustainable development and good governance. The Committee welcomes the Commission’s stated intention to involve civil society and in particular the Committee itself with regard to compliance with the Core Conventions. The Committee nevertheless recommends that a "monitoring" or consultation mechanism be set up whereby civil society can make an input over alleged violations by GSP beneficiaries of any of the designated Conventions and that the Committee, due to its existing expertise, itself should act as facilitator or coordinator for this.