The revised import preference scheme - known as the Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP) - for developing countries most in need, and which will take effect from 1 January 2014, was published by the EU. The new scheme will be focused on fewer beneficiaries (89 countries) to ensure more impact on countries most in need.
 

Following the agreement reached between the Council and European Parliament, the EU published revised import preference scheme - known as the Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP) - for developing countries most in need which will take effect from 1 January 2014. The publication contains the specific tariff preferences granted under the GSP in the form of reduced or zero tariff rates and the final criteria for which developing countries will benefit. An example is Myanmar/Burma, that was proposed by the Commission in September 2012 to benefit from a special trade arrangement with the EU.

With the new scheme, more support will be provided to countries which are serious about implementing international human rights, labour rights and environment and good governance conventions. However, it will be focused on fewer beneficiaries (89 countries) to ensure more impact on countries most in need.

The Commission's initial proposal was modified by the Council and the European Parliament built by introducing a wider though limited expansion of products and preferences, a longer transition period for the application of the new GSP, and by expanding specific safeguards to include ethanol and plain textiles.