Source: EURLEX
Language: en
Format: md

[**Avis juridique important**](../../../editorial/legal_notice.htm)

*|*

# 91996E0680

**WRITTEN QUESTION No. 680/96 by Viviane REDING to the Commission. Import quotas for ceramics from China** 
  
*Official Journal C 185 , 25/06/1996 P. 0078*

  

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0680/96 by Viviane Reding (PPE) to the Commission (15 March 1996)

Subject: Import quotas for ceramics from China

Imports from third countries of cheap ceramics which are copies of European designs pose a threat to European jobs and the European economy.

For example, Chinese copies of Villeroy & Boch plates have been launched on the European market at a fortieth of the original sales price.

What measures will be taken to counter this fraud? Will import quotas for Chinese ceramics be revised downwards if such actions are repeated?

What is the situation concerning the Commission's proposal to increase quotas for China by 10 per cent? Would such an increase not pose a direct threat to our ceramics industry and to jobs in the industry?

Answer given by Sir Leon Brittan on behalf of the Commission (3 April 1996)

In its report to the Council on quantitative quotas applicable to certain products other than textiles originating in the People's Republic of China ((COM(95) 614 final, 6.12.1995 )), the Commission explicitly stated that counterfeiting by certain Chinese ceramic producers can aggravate the already disruptive effects of imports from China. As the Honourable Member points out, counterfeiting results in imports at substantially lower prices than those of Community goods.

Regulation (EC) 3286/94 ((OJ L 349, 31.12.1994. )) on barriers to trade and Regulation (EC) No 3295/94 ((OJ L 341, 30.12.1994. )) laying down customs measures against counterfeit and pirated goods enable the Commission to combat counterfeiting effectively, not only in the Community but also on external markets.

Since the ceramic and porcelain tableware sector remains a sensitive sector of Community industry, the Commission has proposed to the Council only a moderate increase of 10% in the level of quotas. This increase, which takes account of past experience of quotas, allows a certain balance to be preserved between adequate protection of Community industry and a normal trade flow with the People's Republic of China, reflecting the different interests at stake.

[Top](#document1)