2.3.    IMPORT TARIFF QUOTAS

‘Goods imported in the EU can sometimes benefit from a lower import tariff but this advantage is limited to a certain quantity of a product. How to find info about such tariff quotas?’

For an answer to this question, look into the website presented below.

For up to date information on tariff quotas and ceilings in force, the Commission has developed a database. You can find in it the current situation of:

- Community tariff quotas, managed on a first-come first-served basis
- Community tariff ceilings, related to imports from certain origins

Each tariff quota or tariff ceiling is identified by a six-figure order number

To find info in the TARIFF QUOTA – database follow the example.

Example:             ‘I want to import cotton sun-blinds from Nepal. Can my import benefit from lower import duties under the system of Tariff Quotas?’

Step 1:   Search the tariff quotas in force via one of the following two ways:

If you know the Order Number, you can find this info directly in the QUOTA database
If you don’t know the Order Number, search first the customs code no. in the TARIC database
               
Possibility 1: open the  quota database by clicking on ‘QUOTA’

- search ‘via origin or order number’ by clicking on that and on ‘OK’
- complete the order number box with ‘098139’
- select ‘Nepal’ from the drop-down menu
- click on ‘Quota / Ceiling’
- proceed to step 2

Possibility 2: open the customs tariff database by clicking on ‘TARIC’ 
                              
- find the customs code no. via ‘Taric Code’ or ‘Taric description’
- select ‘Nepal’ from the drop-down menu
- click on ‘Duty rates’
- click on the Order number ‘098139’ at the bottom of that page
- proceed to step 2

Step 2:   from the list of quotas and ceilings, select the tariff quota/ceiling in force by clicking on it

Here you finally find information about the current tariff quota balance for cotton sun-blinds from Nepal.

For a concise explanation of each term in this form, click on it.
For more detailed information on tariff quotas and tariff ceilings:
- contact the Commission's tariff quota service (TAXUD-B-5) at fax No (32 2) 296 33 06
- contact customs authorities of the Member States.

A number of Community tariff quotas, in particular for certain agricultural products, are managed on another basis than first-come first-served. Information about the current situation of these tariff quotas can be obtained from the Commission services responsible (DG AGRI ...).