The first comprehensive guide for Lankan exporters to export under EU’s GSP Plus concessionary scheme was released by Geneva’s International Trade Centre (ITC) last week.
The guide explains the relevant rules of origin applicable to different commodities such as apparel and footwear, rubber products, machinery and processed food under GSP+ as well as relevant institutions for exporters in the EU and additional resources such as web portals where Lankan exporters can obtain more information.
It also lists requirements for Lankan apparel exporters to secure GSP+ and ascertaining the eligibility of a product.
It highlights the 27 conventions stated in Article 9 of the GSP Regulation including the core human and labour rights in UN/ILO Conventions to which the exporters have to abide by if they wish to export to the 28-nation block under the special scheme.
The Guide says it does “not constitute legal advice and does not provide exhaustive information on all sectors” adding that it is “the responsibility of exporters from Sri Lanka to ensure compliance with all relevant EU rules.”
Titled ‘EU GSP+ Business Guide for Sri Lankan Exporters’, the manual is prepared by Geneva’s International Trade Centre (ITC) in collaboration with the Government of Sri Lanka. It is now available online.
Industry and Commerce Minister Rishad Bathiudeen welcomed the publication of the manual on Thursday.