BILL·legislative alert
Sign in
2021/0297(COD)EAdopted

Generalised scheme of tariff preferences

Adopted. The legislative procedure is complete.

Last active 22 May 2026

Track this billGet an email when the proposal moves: phase change, new document, or terminal outcome.

What this bill does

In plain terms: what it changes and who it affects.

This proposal renews the EU tariff preference scheme for developing countries and tightens its sustainability, withdrawal, safeguard, and monitoring rules.

Who it affects

It affects developing-country exporters seeking reduced EU tariffs, least-developed countries, and EU producers facing import competition. It also affects beneficiary countries’ governments through human-rights, labour, environmental, governance, and readmission conditions.

Core of the proposal
  • Keeps three arrangements: Standard GSP, GSP+, and duty-free Everything But Arms for least-developed countries.
  • Eases GSP+ access for countries graduating from least-developed status and requires implementation action plans.
  • Extends possible preference withdrawal to environmental, governance, labour, human-rights, migration, customs, and unfair-trade grounds.
  • Adjusts product graduation and safeguard thresholds to target competitive imports and protect EU producers.
Key provisions
Takes effect
It enters into force 20 days after Official Journal publication and applies from 1 January 2024 until 31 December 2033, except EBA.
Transitional law
Current GSP+ beneficiaries may apply under the new rules until 31 December 2025, with existing preferences maintained during assessment.
Articles changed · 1 across 1 law
  • Regulation (EU) No 978/2012 (32012R0978)
    • entire act: repeals the entire regulation with effect from 1 January 2024

Latest update

13 Jun 2026

The most recent development in this bill's progress.

Moved to Adopted

Documents

1 recent

SourcesOEILEUR-LexEU Law Tracker