EU unilateral preferential arrangements - managing tariff changes

Kevin Holzke explains the EU’s unilateral preferential trade arrangements, focusing on the Generalised System of Preferences (GSP) and its three schemes: Standard GSP, GSP+ and Everything But Arms (EBA), as well as the policy link to sustainable development and governance standards. He outlines how tariff preferences can be withdrawn through the product graduation mechanism, the European Commission’s three-year review cycle, and how changes are implemented and reflected in TARIC, including the 2026-2028 suspension period. The session closes with practical guidance for companies on managing tariff change risks through supply chain, pricing and compliance planning.