Non-application of customs duties on imports of certain goods

The European Parliament adopted, by 444 votes to 152 with 54 abstentions, a legislative resolution on the proposal on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the non-application of customs duties on imports of certain goods.

This proposal for a regulation is presented alongside the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council concerning the adjustment of customs duties on imports of certain goods originating in the United States of America and the opening of tariff-rate quotas for imports of certain goods originating in the United States of America. It aims to extend the duty-free admission regime for lobster and to now also include processed (i.e., cooked) lobster.

Parliament adopted its position at first reading, amending the proposal as follows:

Suspension

The Commission may adopt an implementing act suspending in whole or in part the non-application of customs duties in any of the following circumstances:

- where the United States fails to implement the Joint Statement on a European Union – United States Framework on an Agreement on Reciprocal, Fair and Balanced Trade, announced on 21 August 2025 (the ‘Joint Statement’); or

- where the United States: (a) undermines the objectives of improving the trade and investment relationship between the Union and the United States and the objectives pursued by the Joint Statement, or (b) undermines access of Union economic operators to the United States market, or otherwise disrupts the trade and investment relationship between the Union and the United States;

- where a change of objective circumstances has occurred with regard to those existing on the date of the joint statement.

Assessment and reporting

By 31 January 2030, the Commission will present an assessment of the effects of this Regulation. This assessment will cover the changes since 1 August 2025 in trade volumes and values of United States exports to the Union of the goods covered by this Regulation.

Where appropriate, this assessment will be accompanied by a legislative proposal to extend the period of application of the Regulation.

The Commission will regularly and promptly inform the European Parliament and the Council of relevant developments in the application of the Regulation.

The Regulation will apply from 1 August 2025 to 31 July 2030.