On the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the modification of customs duties applicable to imports of certain goods originating in or exported directly or indirectly from the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus
AGRI-AD-770263
Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development · Rapporteur: Veronika Vrecionová
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The Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development proposes amendments to the regulation on higher customs duties for certain goods from Russia and Belarus, focusing on fertilisers and agricultural goods.¶¶¶ It calls for monitoring prices, ensuring affordable fertilisers for farmers, developing alternative sources like manure, and preventing circumvention.¶¶¶
Committee position. The committee proposes amendments to strengthen monitoring, safeguard farmers, and prevent circumvention, while supporting the regulation's aim to raise duties.¶¶¶
Key points
- Imports of urea and nitrogen-based fertilisers from Russia doubled between 2020/2021 and 2022/2023, with further growth in 2023 and 2024.¶
- The Commission shall adopt an implementing act for monitoring import volumes, and shall propose a framework to scale up use of manure and processed manure as alternatives.¶¶
- The Commission shall monitor prices monthly at Member State and Union level, publishing results transparently.¶
- If prices substantially exceed 2024 levels, the Commission must act within 14 days, possibly suspending tariffs for non-Russian/Belarusian imports or providing financial support to farmers.¶
- The Commission shall investigate circumvention and consider a licensing system for imports from Russia and Belarus.¶
- The Commission shall annually assess the Regulation's impact on food security and sovereignty, and propose repeal if necessary.¶
- New tariff lines are added for rape or colza seeds, including low erucic acid varieties.¶
Who is affected
- Farmers in the Union: benefit from measures to ensure affordable fertilisers and financial support if prices surge.¶¶
- Union fertiliser producers: face competition from Russian imports but may gain from reduced dependency and support.¶
- Customs authorities: must strictly verify origin and monitor imports to prevent circumvention.¶¶