Unlawful trading practices affecting Greek exports
1.2.2013
Question for written answer E-001077-13
to the Commission
Rule 117
Georgios Papastamkos (PPE)
A number of national associations representing the Greek export sector are complaining that it is increasingly being affected by unlawful trading practices on the part of both third countries and EU Member States. More specifically, they have listed cases of malicious registration of well known Greek trademarks in a number of East Asian countries and the defrauding of Greek exporters in certain Balkan countries and EU Member States (requests for payment to cover the ‘administrative costs’ of dealing with non-existent customs formalities, clearance and certification or for the sending of quite valuable samples to facilitate penetration of a foreign market without the orders ever being finalised, or the setting-up of companies for a few days only for the purpose of importing goods and the winding up thereof before payment to exporters).
In view of this:
- —Is the Commission aware of these unlawful trading activities at the expense of Greek exporters?
- —Does it have any information regarding the losses incurred as a result of such practices in the course of trade between Member States and with third countries?
- —Will it take specific measures to protect exporters in Greece and other Member States?
OJ C 361 E, 11/12/2013