The Trade Preference Scheme (EU Exit) Regulations 2020

Suspension and variation notices

29.—(1) A “suspension notice” means a notice published by the Secretary of State and notified to an affected country that suspends—

(a) that country from the GSP under regulation 21(1)(a)(i);

(b) an EF country from the EF, under regulation 18 or 19; or

(c) the GSP rate on specified goods originating from a specified country, under regulation 21(1)(a)(ii).

(2) A suspension notice referred to in paragraph (1)(b) must apply the GF to the country suspended from the EF provided—

(a) it is still an eligible developing country, but not a least developed country; and

(b) that notice (or a different suspension notice) does not suspend the country from the GSP under regulation 21(1)(a)(i).

(3) A “variation notice” means a notice under regulation 21(1)(b) that varies the GSP rate on specified goods originating from a specified country for a specified period.

(4) The period of suspension or variation in a suspension or variation notice respectively must—

(a) not exceed 12 months; and

(b) not begin earlier than 28 days from the day starting with publication of the notice.

(5) Such notices must specify —

(a) the regulation pursuant to which the notice has been published;

(b) the country and where appropriate, the goods to which the suspension or variation applies;

(c) the days on which the period of suspension or variation begin and end; and

(d) in a case where the notice applies the GF to the country under paragraph (2), the fact that the GF will apply from the day that the EF is suspended.

(6) The publication of suspension or variation notice does not affect the right of the Secretary of State to make regulations at any time to—

(a) withdraw a country from the GSP or a GSP framework;

(b) withdraw GSP rates from GSP goods; or

(c) vary GSP rates on specified GSP goods.