WRITTEN QUESTION No. 1886/96 by Marianne THYSSEN to the Commission. Ornamental plant
Date: 1996-07-11
Institutions: European Parliament, THYSSEN
Subjects: EU production, Morocco, customs duties, floriculture, generalised preferences, import, protective clause, tariff quota, tariff reduction, third country













EUR-Lex - 91996E1886 - EN






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91996E1886

WRITTEN QUESTION No. 1886/96 by Marianne THYSSEN to the Commission. Ornamental plant  


Official Journal C 385 , 19/12/1996 P. 0055 





WRITTEN QUESTION E-1886/96 by Marianne Thyssen (PPE) to the Commission (11 July 1996)Subject: Ornamental plantThere has been a sharp rise in imports into the European Union of flowers and plants from third countries. At the same time selection has increasingly shifted away from Europe to low-wage countries. In addition to the recent concessions to Morocco, there are an increasing number of countries that want to increase their exports to the European Union at reduced duty and duty free. In the light of this:1. What are the trends in imports of flowers and plants from third countries into the European Union over the last 20 years and what quantities are imported duty free?2. What is the Commission's position on the question of third countries obtaining additional tariff quotas?3. How far is it possible for third countries to export flowers and plants to the European Union without fulfilling internationally recognized plant breeding requirements? Is it possible to import from countries that have not signed the UPOV international agreement on plant variety rights?4. Is there any prospect of the Commission introducing measures specifically adapted to the needs of European ornamental plant growers?Answer given by Mr Franz Fischler on behalf of the Commission (16 September 1996)1. In 1976, Community imports of flowers and plants were an estimated 42 688 tonnes and exports at 117 550. In 1994, the comparable figures were 229 676 tonnes and 344 958 tonnes, an increase of 438% and 193%. Currently, 80% of cut flowers are imported duty free.2. The Commission is aware of the special sensitivity of the Community flower market. In negotiations with third countries, it must follow the negotiating directives adopted by the Council. Its aim is to facilitate the access to foreign markets of Community products. Whenever concessions are granted, it tries to make them subject to certain restrictions on species and import timetables in order to minimize the impact of imports in the internal market.3. At present, the Commission is closely examining the issue raised by the Honourable Member and will notify him of his findings as soon as possible.4. The new system of a multiannual scheme of generalized tariff preferences ((EC Regulation 1256/96 - OJ L 160, 29.6.96. )) does provide for measures in favour of European producers, namely through the inclusion of a safeguard measure as of 1 January 1997, and the Commission is planning the development of a Community programme of flower and plant promotion. The latter is the result of an undertaking given at Council level in the context of the new agreement with Morocco. As regards imports from Mediterranean countries, as of 1987, there is a system linking compliance with minimum prices to the granting of preferential tariffs.