On November 25^th, 2015, the European Commission adopted a proposal to grant inclusion in the extended Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP+) to Kyrgyzstan. After consideration by the Council and the European Parliament, the granting EU regulation was published in the Official Journal of the EU on January 26^th, 2016, and came into effect the following day. The decision of the European Union to grant GSP+ status to the Kyrgyz Republic opened up a new potential in economic relations, and offered opportunities for Kyrgyzstan to increase and diversify its exports and strengthen its economy. The GSP+ means the full removal of tariffs on more than 6000 product categories, and Kyrgyz exporters are now able, at a zero tariff rate, to supply 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 the European Union. 

To assess the current state of play and the progress made by Kyrgyz authorities in terms of Kyrgyz compliance with EU import rules, and to recommend further measures to be undertaken, BOMCA held a second advisory mission in this area.  Between April 17^th and 19^th, the expert team met with partners from the Ministry of Economy, Customs and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and assessed the progress made regarding issuance and control of certificates of origin, veterinary and phytosanitary certificates and quality certificates.  

“At the seminar, participants were acquainted with the details of import standards of the European Union. Together we detected the existing gaps in Kyrgyzstan and assessed the progress made since our last visit in March 2017. We familiarised Kyrgyz colleagues with the EU rules on the origin of products and the experience of the Lithuanian customs in issuing and controlling certificates of origin of goods," wrote the European experts.

Following the results of the mission, experts will present a package of recommendations on further implementation of the GSP to the government of Kyrgyzstan. Upon fulfilling them, Kyrgyzstan will be able to benefit from the delivery of goods to the European market with zero customs duties.