The EU autonomous suspensions and quotas scheme: a glimpse behind the curtain of (an esoteric) Brussels trade committee

Article 28 of the Treaty of Rome provides for the temporary suspension of duties under the Common Customs Tariff (CCT) on imports of raw materials and components for further processing. This is possible where it is established that the EU-based companies are unable to obtain supplies of the product or suitable substitutes. This article aims to describe the process for successfully applying for an autonomous suspension or quota from the initial completion of the prescribed form to the discussions in the Committee rooms in the European Commission in Brussels.