Garlic import certificates

9.12.2015

Question for written answer E-015591-15
to the Commission
Rule 130
Esther Herranz García (PPE)

The Commission is discussing a revision of the rules on export and import licences for agricultural products in the context of CAP simplification. As part of this review, the Commission is planning to abolish certificates for garlic imported outside the duty-free quota.

A number of OLAF reports have highlighted the fact that garlic is being fraudulently imported into the EU under false tariff headings, thus evading the corresponding duty (9.6% ad valorem duty and an additional specific duty of EUR 1 200 per tonne). These practices constitute fraud against the EU budget; they are also causing serious damage to the European sector.

1. Has the Commission looked into the consequences that abolishing these certificates might have for the effective traceability of imports, most of which come from China, and for the detection of irregularities?

2. What steps is it planning to take to guarantee effective monitoring of imports?

3. Has it looked into the possibility of issuing guidelines to improve customs controls?