In a Press Release issued on May 17, 2017 the European Commission announced it will remove a large section of the remaining duties on Sri Lankan products in response to Sri Lanka’s commitment to international conventions on a number of subjects, including human rights, labor conditions, and environmental protection.
Sri Lanka will be granted Generalized Scheme of Preferences, or GSP+, which works to help further developing countries through economic development. According to EU Trade Commissioner, Cecilia Malmström, “Granting GSP+ to Sri Lanka aims to provide the opportunity to develop further economically, including creating more and better jobs for all Sri Lankans, on a sound foundation that advances human and labor rights, and in a manner that is environmentally sustainable.”
The removal of the duties will go into effect on May 19, 2017.
The notice can be accessed at:
