Commercial policy measures
Regulatory instruments (licences, quotas, restrictions) governing EU trade with third countries.
Commercial policy measures encompass all regulatory instruments that the European Union applies to trade with third countries, beyond simple customs duties. They aim to protect the European economy, ensure security, and respect the EU's international commitments.
Main categories include: trade defence measures (anti-dumping duties, countervailing duties, safeguard measures), quantitative restrictions (import or export quotas), import or export licences (textiles, agricultural products, dual-use goods), trade embargoes, and statistical surveillance measures.
These measures are codified in the TARIC database and are automatically applied by customs systems during clearance. The operator must ensure they hold the necessary authorisations (licences, permits) before lodging the declaration. Non-compliance with commercial policy measures can result in seizure of goods and penalties.
Common commercial policy is an exclusive competence of the EU: only the European Commission can negotiate and apply these measures; Member States cannot adopt unilateral national measures in this field.