Generalised System of Preferences
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what comparative assessment he has made of the potential impact of the (a) EU Generalised Scheme of Preferences on businesses importing into Northern Ireland and (b) UK Generalised Scheme of Preferences on business importing into Great Britain.
Answered by Mr Douglas Alexander
The Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS) replaced the UK Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP) in 2023. Like the EU GSP, the DCTS incentivises trade with developing countries, to reduce poverty, and to provide cheaper imports for UK and European businesses and consumers. They are two of the most generous schemes of their kind.
Importers can claim UK DCTS preferential tariffs in Northern Ireland, provided the goods are not 'at risk' of entering the EU. Where the EU tariff is charged waivers and reimbursements are available.
His Majesty’s Government has not conducted a comparative assessment of the impacts of these Schemes.
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