The Council of the European Union formally adopted temporary trade-liberalization measures for Armenia on September 24. The package will suspend import duties on a broad range of Armenian products and is intended to liberalize around 80% of Armenia’s exports to the EU for a two-year period.
Under the approved text, Armenian products that would be admitted for import into the EU exempted from ad valorem import duties include almonds (08021190, 08021290); hazelnuts (08022100, 08022200); walnuts (080231000, 08023200); pistachios (08025100, 08025200); macadamias (08026100, 08026200); pine nuts (08029100, 08029200); pecans and other nuts, fresh or dried, whether or not shelled or peeled (08029910, 08029990); dates (08041000); dried apricots (08131000); dried figs (08042010, 08042090); and prunes (08132000). Dried grapes would be admitted exempted from ad valorem import duties within the limits of a tariff rate quota (5,000 metric tons, applying to both fresh and dried grapes). Access to the preferences remains subject to rules of origin, administrative-cooperation requirements and safeguard provisions designed to protect the EU market if imports cause adverse effects.
