The on-line help desk is a free service which contains information on customs duties, customs documentation, rules of origin and trade statistics. The Commission says that a second phase, currently being developed, will widen the range of information to cover product specific import requirements such as sanitary and phytosanitary requirements.
EU Trade Commissioner Pascal Lamy said: "With the launch of this helpdesk we want to ensure that exporters in developing countries get the maximum information and assistance in tackling the EU market. For instance we want to ensure there is maximum take-up of the EU's trade preferences. This is a clear example of our commitment to providing technical assistance to developing countries and to make sure that theoretical market access translates into more trade."
The first phase of the helpdesk, launched yesterday, provides information on EU import tariffs and preferences, trade statistics, relevant rules of origin and customs documentation. An on-line exchange forum is also available for EU importers and developing countries exporters. This system aims to increase the benefit for developing countries of the terms of access which they have now to the EU market, and of the improved terms which are being negotiated both in the WTO as well as at a bilateral level, the Commission says. Currently, only 52 per cent of the products originating in developing countries and eligible for tariff preferences are imported to the EU under preferential conditions.
The Commission also added that it intends to extend the range of information which the Helpdesk provides during the coming year to include product specific technical and sanitary requirements including marking and labelling requirements and information on internal taxes (VAT and excise duties) applicable in the individual Member States.
The move comes after growing pressure from developing countries to make the EU market more accessible. Recent WTO meetings have bought a series of problems to the fore and this help desk is one of the concessions that the EU has made to try and open the market up to more outside trade.
The Commission said that users of the helpdesk are invited to make suggestions as to further information which they consider could be usefully added to the helpdesk to better serve their needs.