Common rules for imports. Codification

The European Parliament adopted by 639 votes to 30, with 35 abstentions, a legislative resolution on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on common rules for imports (codified text).

Parliament adopted its position at first reading following the ordinary legislative procedure taking over the Commission proposal as adapted to the recommendations of the Consultative Working Party of the legal services of the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission.

According to the Consultative Working Party, the proposal in question contains a straightforward codification of the existing texts without any change in their substance.

The proposed regulation establishes the principle of freedom to import products from third countries, subject to possible safeguard measures.

It shall apply to imports of products originating in third countries, except for: (a) textile products subject to specific import rules under Regulation (EC) No 517/94; (b) products originating in certain third countries listed in Council Regulation (EC) No 625/2009.

The proposal establishes provisions regarding: (i) the Commission's information and consultation procedure regarding the need for surveillance or safeguard measures; (ii) the Union investigation procedure prior to the application of any safeguard measure, (iii) Union surveillance measures; (iv) safeguard measures.