“What is autonomous tariff suspensions actually all about?”
I was asked this question by a member of my LinkedIn network. I am therefore happy to address this topic: So-called autonomous tariff suspensions (ACS) can be requested by importers under certain conditions, especially when a certain product/technology is not produced by EU-based manufacturers. If such goods are subject to import duties, a duty suspension can be considered. Applications are reviewed twice a year, on 1 January and 1 July. There is an objection period for manufacturers based in the EU. These companies should check regularly whether such an application has been submitted for their finished products and, if necessary, initiate an objection procedure in order to avoid competitive disadvantages. A portal of the EU Commission which you can use to search for the customs tariff numbers relevant to you can be found below. I have also linked to explanations of the application procedure of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy. Have you found your products? Portal of the EU Commission: https://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/dds2/susp/susp_consultationchapter.jsp?Lang=de&buttonId=searchBtN&pubCycle=sus+2022-01&chapters=84&Expand=true&offset=0 Application procedure for autonomous tariff suspensions (AZZ): https://www.bmwi.de/Redaktion/DE/Artikel/Aussenwirtschaft/zollabwicklung-autonome-zollaussetzungen-zollkontingente-verfahren.html