What is it?

Autonomous Tariff Suspension allows for a partial or total waiver of the duties normally applicable upon importation of applicable goods. It is referred to as a suspension as the quantity of goods allowed under it are unlimited. If limited then it is referred to as a quota.

Generally speaking the types of products this applies to are:

• Raw Materials
• Semi-finished goods
• Components not available within the community
• Finished products used as components could be benefit if the added value is high enough
• Manufacturing materials can also a benefit if they are specific and necessary for completion of a product if not adversely affecting competing enterprises within the community.

This suspension cannot be applied to:

• Finished products for sale to consumers
• Goods which can be manufactured within the community as equivalent or substitute or within a third country with preferential tariff arrangement’s
• If suspension distorts competition between community enterprises
• Goods subject to exclusive trade agreements
• When the benefits of the suspension are not passed on to the community producers
• When the suspension would conflict with another Community Policy

Autonomous tariff suspensions aims to allow Community businesses to import supplies from outside the EU,for a limited period, with suspension of normal duty rates.

This is with the aim of:

• Stimulating economic activity within the community
• Improving business competitiveness
• creating jobs.

The information contained within this post has been taken from the EUR-Lex database.