Regulation (EU) 2025/1227 on the modification of customs duties applicable to imports of certain goods originating in or exported from the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus

What it is

increase the customs duties applicable to imports of certain goods as well as certain fertilisers originating in or exported directly or indirectly from the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus. PROPOSED ACT: Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council. ROLE OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT: the European Parliament decides in accordance with the ordinary legislative procedure and on an equal footing with the Council. BACKGROUND: imports into the Union of urea and nitrogen-based fertilisers from Russia, already high in 2023 (3.6 million tonnes, worth EUR 1.28 billion, representing more than 25 % of total Union imports), have increased significantly in 2024. Imports of the fertilisers covered by this Regulation currently reflect a situation of economic dependence on Russia. The European Parliament adopted by 411 votes to 100, with 78 abstentions, a legislative resolution on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the modification of customs duties applicable to imports of certain goods originating in or exported directly or indirectly from the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus. The European Parliament adopted the Commission's proposal at first reading without amendment. The proposal provides for a 50% increase in customs duties on agricultural products originating in Russia and Belarus that were not yet subject to additional duties. This measure aims to end dependency on imports from Russia and prevent circumvention of these measures through Belarus. These imports, particularly of fertilisers, make the EU vulnerable to possible coercive measures adopted by Russia and therefore pose a risk to the EU's food security. The proposal also provides for the introduction, for the years 2025-2026, of a customs duty of 6.5% on nitrogen fertilisers imported from Russia and Belarus, to which would be added a tax of between EUR 40 and 45 per tonne. These duties will reach 430 euros per tonne by 2028. The proposed tariff measures will also allow for the further diversification of supply from third countries. With a view to ensuring a regular supply of quality fertilisers for agriculture in the Union and to ensuring that fertilisers remain available to Union farmers at an affordable price, the proposal includes provisions for monitoring and, where appropriate, mitigating measures in the event of a substantial increase in fertiliser prices. PURPOSE: to adopt new customs duties on Russian and Belarusian agricultural products and fertilisers in order to prevent increased economic dependence of the Union on imports of the products concerned from Russia and Belarus. LEGISLATIVE ACT: Regulation (EU) 2025/1227 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the modification of customs duties applicable to imports of certain goods originating in or exported from the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus. CONTENT: this Regulation imposes new customs duties on the remaining agricultural products and certain fertilisers from Russia and Belarus that were not already subject to additional customs duties. The objective is to ensure that the products concerned originating in or exported,…

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