On 25 November 2015 the European Commission adopted the proposal to grant inclusion in the extended Generalized Scheme of Preferences (GSP+) to Kyrgyzstan. After consideration by the Council and the European Parliament, the EU regulation granting it was published in the Official Journal of the EU on 26 January 2016, and came into effect the following day. The decision of the European Union to grant GSP+ status to the Kyrgyz Republic opened up new potential in economic relations and offered opportunities for Kyrgyzstan to increase and diversify its exports and strengthen its economy. The GSP+ means full removal of tariffs on more than 6,000 product categories, Kyrgyz exporters are now able supply to the European Union at a zero tariff rate agricultural products such as fruits, processed fruits (canned fruits, juice), dried fruits (walnuts, almonds, pistachios), food products, tobacco, textiles, felt products, clothing (including leather), and carpets. 

To assess the current state of play in terms of Kyrgyz compliance with EU importation rules and to recommend further measures to be undertaken, BOMCA held an advisory mission. Between 28-31 March European experts met partners from the Ministry of Economy, Customs, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Ministry of Agriculture, and the State Inspection on Veterinary and Phytosanitary Security. They assessed the situation in issuance and control of certificates of origin, veterinary and phytosanitary certificates and quality certificates.  

BOMCA experts made detailed presentations on GSP+ rules of origin, which were followed by practical examples and advice on the determination of preferential origin of goods. EU existing practices on origin-related issues - main legal acts, basic principles of the GSP+ rules of preferential origin, preferential origin documents, administrative cooperation - were introduced, and practical examples and clarification of certain aspects for determining the origin of goods were given. 

Based on the mission results, experts are preparing a set of recommendations for further measures and improvements to be taken by Kyrgyzstan in order to comply with GSP rules and requirements.