Mobile phones will remain duty-free in the EU even in the future

Press release 190/2009
9 July, 2009

The EU has made a decision concerning customs classification of mobile phones in accordance with Finland’s wishes. The decision made means that, in practice, duty-free treatment in the EU will continue also for mobile phones equipped with so-called advanced features and parts thereof. The decision made is in keeping with our objectives and Finland is satisfied with the final outcome.

Finland has been actively promoting its goal during preparation phase of the decision. Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Paavo Väyrynen sent a written pleading about Finland’s objectives to the relevant EU Commissioners jointly with Minister of Economic Affairs Mauri Pekkarinen and Minister of Transport and Communications Suvi Lindén and their Swedish colleagues. In their letter, the Ministers emphasised the need to observe the needs of innovative European industry, reminding, at the same time, about potential negative trade political implications of the classification decision.

The decision about duty-free treatment was made by the EU Customs Code Committee at the beginning of July. In addition to bringing direct benefits to mobile phone manufacturers and consumers, the classification decision will also make it easier to negotiate at the World Trade Organisation, WTO, about granting more extensive freedoms for information and communication technology products. The classification alternatives examined by the Commission that were proposed last year might have meant imposing import duties of up to 14 per cent on top-of-the-range mobile phones with advanced features, depending on the functions.

Additional information: Commercial Counsellor Juuso Moisander, Unit for Market Access, Ministry for Foreign Affairs, tel. +358 9 1605 5536, Senior Customs Inspector Bo Andersson, National Board of Customs, tel. +358 20 492 2109