Sri Lanka’s Commerce Department said that an extension had been confirmed that the GSP+ will be available for local exporters at least until mid 2009 - if not longer. The duty free export scheme will be available during the period of the investigation by the European Commission (EC). The facility will continue to be available for an additional six months, after the investigation, even if the findings go against Sri Lanka.
“According to their regulations, during the period of investigation, even in 2009, the GSP+ will continue to be available for Sri Lanka. The investigation itself should finish within a 1-year period,” said the Director General of Commerce, Chulabhaya Magedaragamage.
“But, even if the investigation ends well before 1-year and the findings are negative, we will still be given a 6-month ‘notice period’ before the GSP+ is withdrawn. So the GSP+ will be available at least up to around middle of next year, but probably longer,” said Mr Magedaragamage.
The EC’s Brussels office responding to an email query by the Sunday FT also confirmed the investigation period. “Pursuant to Art.19.6 of the GSP Regulation, the investigation should be completed within a year. The Commission may extend this period, in consultation with EU Member States,” said the EC in an email. The EC also explained the investigation procedure. Industry sources noted that even if the GSP+ is withdrawn in 2009, Sri Lanka can re-apply for the GSP+ in mid-2010.
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