CETA — tariff-rate quotas on Canadian imports of European cheese

7.11.2017

Question for written answer P-006838-17
to the Commission
Rule 130
Alessia Maria Mosca (S&D) , Paolo De Castro (S&D)

With regard to the Canadian import of European cheese, the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) provides a duty-free quota of 17.7 thousand tonnes. Transitional quotas have been assigned among Canadian importers for 2017, and the same formula is being used for 2018. For the first six years, at least 30% of the annual quotas will be assigned to new entrants, after which this share will be lowered to at least 10%.

Of these quotas, 50% have been assigned to the processing sector. Canadian producers could use quotas obtained for the import of low-value cheeses with the aim of preserving internal production.

Given that trade in quotas could serve as a trade irritant, is the Commission monitoring the implementation of the quota distribution system?

Is the Commission able to intervene, under the provisions of Article 20, in such a way as to modify the future distribution of CETA tariff-rate quotas by basing it on import activity, allocating the tariff-rate quota to historic importers, and to guarantee the full and proper utilisation of quotas?

Is the Commission able to ensure that Canadian authorities review transfer policy so as to promote trade in cheese rather than encourage discrimination?