CEFTA
Tariff-rate quotas
Tariff-rate quotas (TRQs) are a trade policy tool that allows a specific quantity of goods to be imported at a reduced or zero tariff-rate. They are used to balance domestic industry protection with consumer interests.
There are two types of tariff-rate quotas:
- Preferential tariff quotas: granted to specific origins as part of preferential trade agreements. When goods from these origins are imported within the quota limit, they are subject to a lower tariff rate compared to goods from other origins; and
- Autonomous tariff quotas: they are not linked to specific preferential trade agreements and are unilaterally granted by the EU to stimulate competition within its own market. These quotas typically apply to raw materials, semi-finished goods, or components that are not readily available within the EU.
The European Commission manages the tariff-rate quotas and information on quotas and their balances is available on a dedicated website of the European Commission’s Directorate General responsible for EU policies on taxation and customs (DG TAXUD).
For more information, check the EU’s Access2Market portal’s dedicated pageand the dedicated pageof the European Commission’s Directorate General responsible for EU policies on taxation and customs (DG TAXUD).