The European Commission announced on April 11, 2020 that the EU has temporarily revoked the relevant regulations of the GSP/EBA preferential treatment granted to Cambodia for some clothing, footwear products, travel supplies and sugar cane. (Commissione Delegasted Regulation (EU) 2020/550) and will be implemented from August 12, 2020.
The European Commission issued a press release on August 12, 2020 stating:
1. The European Commission and The European Union External Affairs Department (EEAS) will continue to strengthen interaction with Cambodia. The EU will continue to monitor the situation in the country, paying particular attention to the country’s current restrictions on freedom of expression, civil and political rights, as well as land disputes, labor rights and other issues, and the progress under the current relevant reforms. The EU is aware of the impact of the COVID-19 epidemic on Cambodia’s economy and employment, and is ready to support the country in fighting the COVID-19 epidemic and moving towards economic recovery. However, this cannot avoid the urgent need to ensure that Cambodia respects human and labor rights.
2. Since the EU decided to implement the targeted measures in February 2020, the Cambodian government can take necessary measures at any time to comply with the EU’s full restoration of EBA treatment to the country. , the same is true now. If the Cambodian government makes significant progress, especially in terms of civil and political rights, the European Commission may review its decision and re-implement the EBA preferential tariffs granted to Cambodia in accordance with the relevant EU GSP regulations.
The aforementioned European Commission press release can be found at the following URL: https://ec.europasdfssdfs.eu/commission/presscorner/detasdfssdfsil/en/ip_20_1469</p
