An extension of the Brexit transition period beyond the end of 2020 looks “increasingly likely,” despite United Kingdom Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s promises to the contrary, the British International Freight Association said in an April 22 press release. “We believe that refusing to even consider extending the transition period is very risky and together with a growing chorus of Brexit commentators, think an extension to the transition period remains likely, and it is really only a question of ‘when,’” director general Robert Keen said.
The Eurasian Economic Commission recently introduced a temporary exemption from import duties for certain “critical food products,” according to a U.S. Department of Agriculture Foreign Agricultural Service report issued April 17. The exemption applies to a range of food imports, including potatoes, onions, garlic, cabbage, rice, rye and buckwheat, the report said. The measure took effect April 18 and retroactively applies to products imported as of April 1. The measure is set to expire June 30.
The United Kingdom’s Export Control Joint Unit updated its guidance for export controls of dual-use items, software, technology and goods used for torture, and “radioactive sources,” according to an April 16 notice. The notice now includes updated contact information for traders during the COVID-19 pandemic, the notice said. The guide contains an overview of export controls for those items, how traders can apply for licenses, restrictions on licenses and penalties for violations.
The United Kingdom’s Department for International Trade updated its guidance for export controls of military goods, software and technology, according to an April 16 notice. The guidance now includes updated government contact information for use during the COVID-19 pandemic.
European Union Trade Commissioner Phil Hogan said the EU could consider temporarily suspending tariffs on most-needed medical equipment to fight COVID-19, as well as asking other countries to do the same. He said the EU could consider “launching a more comprehensive negotiation of a plurilateral agreement that would lead to a level playing field, including the possible permanent liberalisation of tariffs on medical equipment and help to ensure that global supply chains can operate freely in this critical sector, and that our healthcare manufacturers could benefit from new market opportunities.”
The United Kingdom’s Department for International Trade updated its statistics on exporting and investing in the U.K. with March data, according to an April 16 notice. The update includes information on traders using U.K. exporting and investing services, trade profiles and more.
The European Commission introduced draft legislation to narrow European Union-wide export controls and extend export exemptions to more territories, according to an April 14 notice. Under the new legislation, the restrictions, which currently apply to a range of personal protective equipment (see 2003200029), would only restrict sales of protective masks. The restrictions would also only last for 30 days beginning April 26, the notice said. The commission said the masks is the “only remaining category, where an export authorization is necessary” to maintain EU supply.
The United Kingdom’s Department for International Trade updated its licensing data for its strategic export controls, according to an April 15 notice. The update provides new licensing data and statistics from 2017 through 2019.
The United Kingdom will import nearly 3 million packets of the pain killer paracetamol from India to stock U.K. supermarkets and retailers during the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.K.’s Department for International Trade said April 14. In a statement, U.K. Trade Secretary Elizabeth Truss said it is “imperative that we work together to continue global trade and keep supply chains open” during the public health crisis.
The European Council approved a system that will allow the European Union and other World Trade Organization members to solve trade disputes despite the paralysis of the WTO’s dispute settlement body (see 2001240027), according to an April 15 press release. The new “multi-party interim appeal arbitration agreement” will be temporary and mirror the “main features of the WTO appeal system,” the council said. The system will establish a “binding resolution” for trade disputes and give countries access to an “independent and impartial appeal review of panel reports.” The council said the EU remains committed to finding a “permanent and urgent solution” to the current inability of the WTO appellate body to operate due to insufficient members.