Review of the EU legislation for 17/12/2024

Here’s a comprehensive review of the legal acts:

Organic Certification Updates

The EU expanded its list of recognized control bodies for organic product certification from third countries. Six new bodies from Turkey, Italy, Poland, Latvia, and Japan were added, each authorized to certify specific categories of organic products in designated countries.

Environmental Exemptions

Three temporary exemptions were granted from the F-gas regulations:
– Mechanical cryogenic freezers operating at -150°C (2025-2028)
– Blood transport boxes and plasma shock freezers (2025-2026)
– Both exemptions allow continued use of fluorinated greenhouse gases with GWP above 150

Air Navigation Services

New performance indicators were introduced for air navigation services, focusing on environmental performance and network efficiency. These include metrics for continuous climb operations, taxi time, vertical flight efficiency, and enhanced monitoring of airspace use.

Sanctions Updates

Multiple sanctions-related acts were adopted:
– Addition of 54 individuals and 30 entities to Russia sanctions list
– New restrictions on 32 entities regarding dual-use goods
– Sanctions against 16 individuals and 3 entities involved in destabilizing activities
– New listings for Belarus including 26 individuals and 2 companies
– Updates to North Korea sanctions
– New sanctions against three Haitian gang leaders
– Addition of four individuals to Sudan sanctions list

Maritime and Aviation Safety

New regulations strengthen maritime pollution penalties and update aviation safety lists. The maritime directive introduces administrative penalties for ship-source pollution, while the aviation regulation updates the EU Air Safety List with new carrier restrictions.

Trade Measures

Anti-dumping duties were imposed on optical fiber cables from India, with rates ranging from 6.9% to 11.4% for different producers.

Review of each of legal acts published today:

Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/3121 of 16 December 2024 amending Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/1378 as regards the recognition of certain control bodies in accordance with Article 46 of Regulation (EU) 2018/848 of the European Parliament and of the Council as competent to carry out controls and issue organic certificates in third countries for the purpose of imports of organic products into the Union

This Regulation amends the list of control bodies recognized to carry out controls and issue organic certificates for products imported into the EU from third countries. It is a technical document that updates Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/1378 by adding new control bodies and modifying existing ones.The Regulation adds six new control bodies to the list: Başak Ekolojik Ürünler (Turkey), Bioagricert s.r.l. Unipersonale (Italy), DQS POLSKA, GCL International Ltd, Japan Organic and Natural Foods Association, and Sertifikācijas un testēšanas centrs (Latvia). Each control body is authorized to certify specific categories of organic products in designated third countries.The structure of the act consists of two main articles and an extensive annex. Article 1 introduces amendments to Annex II of the original regulation, while Article 2 sets the entry into force. The Annex contains detailed tables specifying which control bodies can certify which categories of products (A through G) in specific third countries.Key provisions include:

• Recognition of new control bodies for an indefinite duration
• Specific product categories that each body can certify (such as unprocessed plants, livestock, aquaculture products, processed agricultural products)
• Detailed country-by-country breakdown of certification authority
• Special provisions for products covered by existing trade agreements

Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/3120 of 16 December 2024 authorising an exemption pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2024/573 of the European Parliament and of the Council, with regard to the use of fluorinated greenhouse gases with a GWP of 150 or more in mechanical cryogenic freezers (– 150 oC)

This Regulation provides a temporary exemption for mechanical cryogenic freezers operating at -150°C from the general prohibition on using fluorinated greenhouse gases with high global warming potential (GWP). The exemption is granted for a period from January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2028, following a request from Dutch authorities.The Regulation consists of two main articles. Article 1 establishes the derogation from the general prohibition set in Regulation (EU) 2024/573, allowing the placement of specific cryogenic freezers on the market during the transition period. Article 2 defines the entry into force and application dates.The key provisions include:

• The exemption applies specifically to mechanical cryogenic freezers operating at -150°C that contain fluorinated greenhouse gases with a GWP of 150 or more
• The equipment must be properly labeled according to Article 12(2) of Regulation (EU) 2024/573
• The exemption is granted for a maximum period of 4 years to allow manufacturers time to develop alternative solutions
• The justification for the exemption is based on the critical applications of these freezers in science and healthcare, particularly for cryopreservation of living organisms, cells, and tissues
• Technical challenges in finding alternative substances that maintain safety, energy efficiency, and reliable performance at such low temperatures are acknowledged

Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/3122 of 16 December 2024 authorising an exemption pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2024/573 of the European Parliament and of the Council, with regard to the use of fluorinated greenhouse gases with a GWP of 150 or more in blood transport boxes and blood plasma contact shock freezers

This Regulation provides a temporary exemption for specific medical equipment from the general prohibition on using fluorinated greenhouse gases (F-gases) with Global Warming Potential (GWP) of 150 or more. The exemption specifically applies to blood transport boxes and blood plasma contact shock freezers, allowing their continued use of these gases until December 31, 2026.The Regulation consists of two main articles. Article 1 establishes the derogation from the general prohibition, while Article 2 sets the entry into force date. The act is based on a request from Luxembourg authorities and follows the assessment of technical challenges in developing alternative solutions for this specific medical equipment.Key provisions of the Regulation include:
– The exemption period is set for 2 years (January 1, 2025 – December 31, 2026)
– It applies specifically to blood transport boxes (maintaining temperatures between 2-6°C or 20-24°C) and blood plasma contact shock freezers (reaching -30°C)
– Equipment must be properly labeled according to Article 12(2) of Regulation (EU) 2024/573
– The exemption covers both EU market placement and export operations
– The extension is granted to allow time for developing and testing new compliant equipment while ensuring continuous supply of critical blood products

Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/3128 of 16 December 2024 amending Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/317 as regards new and revised monitoring indicators for the performance and charging scheme in the single European sky

This Regulation amends the EU performance and charging scheme for air navigation services by introducing new monitoring indicators and revising existing ones. The changes aim to improve measurement of environmental performance and network efficiency in the single European sky.The act modifies Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/317 by replacing its Annex I with new provisions on key performance indicators (KPIs) and monitoring indicators. The main changes focus on environmental performance measurement and network capacity monitoring.The key provisions include:

• New environmental indicators for continuous climb operations, taxi time, and vertical flight efficiency
• Enhanced monitoring of airspace use and flight planning efficiency
• Updated indicators for safety management, capacity measurement and cost efficiency
• Detailed calculation methods for each indicator at both EU and local levels
• Specific monitoring requirements for the Network Manager’s functions

The regulation introduces comprehensive metrics for measuring performance in four key areas:

• Safety – including runway incursions and separation minima
• Environment – covering flight efficiency in various phases
• Capacity – measuring delays and throughput
• Cost-efficiency – tracking unit costs and charges

Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/3183 of 16 December 2024 implementing Regulation (EU) No 269/2014 concerning restrictive measures in respect of actions undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine

This Council Implementing Regulation amends Regulation (EU) No 269/2014 by adding new persons and entities to the sanctions list related to actions undermining Ukraine’s territorial integrity.The regulation adds 54 individuals and 30 entities to the EU sanctions list. The new designations include Russian military personnel involved in missile strikes on Ukrainian civilian infrastructure, business executives from Russia’s defense and energy sectors, and companies involved in supporting Russia’s military capabilities.The main provisions include:
– Addition of 24 servicemen from Russia’s 22nd Guards Heavy Bomber Aviation Division involved in missile strikes on Ukrainian civilian targets
– Designation of executives and companies from Russia’s defense industry producing military equipment
– Listing of entities involved in drone production and procurement networks between Russia, China and Iran
– Sanctions against companies circumventing existing EU restrictions on Russia
– Measures against individuals and entities from Russia’s energy sectorThe regulation provides detailed identifying information and reasons for listing each new designated person and entity, including their role in undermining Ukraine’s sovereignty. The measures include asset freezes and prohibitions on making funds available to the listed persons and entities.

Council Regulation (EU) 2024/3192 of 16 December 2024 amending Regulation (EU) No 833/2014 concerning restrictive measures in view of Russia’s actions destabilising the situation in Ukraine

This Council Regulation amends Regulation (EU) No 833/2014 concerning restrictive measures against Russia. The act introduces several important changes to the sanctions regime:The regulation adds 32 new entities to the list of persons and bodies subject to tighter export restrictions regarding dual-use goods and technology that could enhance Russia’s defense and security sector. It also includes entities in third countries that indirectly support Russia’s military capabilities through sanctions circumvention.The main provisions include:

• Addition of new vessels to the list banned from EU ports and maritime services
• Clarification of rules regarding central securities depositories’ management of frozen assets
• Introduction of prohibition on recognition or enforcement in the EU of Russian anti-suit injunctions and related court decisions
• Extension of deadlines for certain derogations related to divestments from Russia until December 31, 2025
• Updates to the list of vessels subject to restrictions, adding 79 vessels in total

Key structural changes include amendments to Articles 3m, 5a, 5aa, 11, and the addition of new Article 11c prohibiting recognition of Russian court decisions. The regulation also significantly expands Annexes I and XLII with new listings of entities and vessels subject to restrictions.

Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/3188 of 16 December 2024 implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/2642 concerning restrictive measures in view of Russia’s destabilizing activities

This Council Implementing Regulation amends the EU sanctions list by adding new individuals and entities in response to Russia’s destabilizing activities. The act specifically adds 16 natural persons and 3 legal persons to the restrictive measures list established by Regulation (EU) 2024/2642.The structure of the act consists of two main articles and an extensive annex. Article 1 introduces amendments to Annex I of the base Regulation, while Article 2 establishes the entry into force. The Annex contains detailed information about the new designees, divided into two sections: Section A for natural persons and Section B for legal persons, entities, and bodies.The key provisions include:

• Detailed identification data and reasons for listing of 16 individuals, including Russian intelligence officers, media figures, and persons involved in disinformation campaigns
• Listing of three entities: GRU Unit 29155 (a Russian military intelligence unit), Groupe Panafricain pour le Commerce et l’Investissement (a disinformation network), and African Initiative (a news agency spreading Russian propaganda)
• Specific descriptions of activities that led to sanctions, such as coordinating disinformation campaigns, undermining democratic processes, and conducting hybrid warfare operations
• Personal information including dates of birth, passport numbers, and tax identification numbers where available

Council Regulation (EU) 2024/3189 of 16 December 2024 amending Regulation (EU) No 269/2014 concerning restrictive measures in respect of actions undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine

This Regulation amends the EU sanctions regime against Russia by introducing new derogations to the asset freeze measures. The act specifically addresses the management of frozen funds by central securities depositories in the EU and provides mechanisms for releasing certain cash balances under specific conditions. It also extends the deadline for the sale of certain proprietary rights by designated individuals.The Regulation consists of two main articles. Article 1 introduces two significant amendments to Regulation (EU) No 269/2014: first, it modifies paragraph 5f of Article 6b regarding the sale of proprietary rights by certain listed individuals, and second, it adds a new paragraph 5j establishing a derogation mechanism for central securities depositories.The key provisions include:
– Extension of the deadline to June 30, 2025, for the sale and transfer of proprietary rights by specific listed individuals
– New mechanism allowing central securities depositories to request unfreezing of cash balances under strict conditions
– Five specific criteria that must be met for the release of frozen cash balances, including verification that the funds will be used to meet legal obligations towards participants
– Requirement that any released cash balance must not violate the general prohibition on making funds available to designated persons and entities

Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/3177 of 16 December 2024 implementing Article 8a(1) of Regulation (EC) No 765/2006 concerning restrictive measures in in view of the situation in Belarus and the involvement of Belarus in the Russian aggression against Ukraine

This Council Implementing Regulation amends Regulation (EC) No 765/2006 concerning restrictive measures against Belarus by adding new persons and entities to the sanctions list due to the situation in Belarus and its involvement in Russian aggression against Ukraine.The regulation adds 26 natural persons and 2 legal persons to the list of those subject to restrictive measures. The natural persons include judges, prison officials, and businesspeople who are considered responsible for repression of civil society, human rights violations, or supporting the Lukashenka regime. The legal entities are companies that benefit from or support the regime.The main provisions include:

• Addition of 26 individuals including judges who issued politically motivated sentences, prison officials responsible for inhumane treatment of detainees, and business people associated with sanctioned entities or benefiting from the regime
• Addition of 2 companies – Ruzekspeditsiya LLC and Vlate Logistik LLC – that benefit from special economic zones or tax advantages granted by the regime
• Detailed identifying information and specific reasons for listing each person/entity
• Immediate entry into force upon publication

The regulation provides extensive documentation of how each listed person or entity is connected to human rights violations, repression of civil society, or support of the Lukashenka regime through various business arrangements and privileges. The listings include personal identification details, roles, and specific actions that led to their designation.

Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/3152 of 16 December 2024 implementing Regulation (EU) 2017/1509 concerning restrictive measures against the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea

This Council Implementing Regulation amends the EU’s restrictive measures (sanctions) against the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK). The act updates existing sanctions lists and adds new restrictions against individuals and entities involved in North Korea’s weapons programs.The regulation makes changes to three annexes (XIII, XV, and XVI) of the base Regulation 2017/1509. It updates information for 21 persons and four entities already subject to restrictions, and adds one new entity (Royal Shune Lei from Myanmar) to the sanctions list.Key provisions include:- Updated details for several high-ranking DPRK military and political figures- New information about activities of sanctioned entities like Pan Systems Pyongyang and Korea National Insurance Corporation- Details about continued operation of nuclear facilities at Yongbyon Nuclear Scientific Research Centre- Addition of Royal Shune Lei company for facilitating arms transfers from DPRK in violation of UN resolutions- Maintenance of existing restrictive measures against listed persons and entities

Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/3138 of 16 December 2024 implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/2309 concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Haiti

This Council Implementing Regulation amends the EU’s restrictive measures framework concerning Haiti by adding three individuals to the sanctions list due to their involvement in gang violence and criminal activities that threaten Haiti’s stability.The regulation is structured as a brief legal text with two main articles and an annex. Article 1 introduces amendments to Regulation (EU) 2022/2309, while Article 2 establishes the entry into force. The substantial part of the regulation is contained in the Annex, which adds three new persons to the existing sanctions list.The key provisions of this regulation focus on the designation of three Haitian gang leaders:

• Jonel Catel, leader of the Terre Noir gang affiliated with G9 coalition
• Gabriel Jean-Pierre, leader of the GPep coalition of gangs
• Ferdens Tilus, leader of the Kokorat San Ras gang

Each individual is listed with detailed identifying information and specific reasons for their inclusion in the sanctions list, primarily related to their responsibility for violent criminal activities including kidnapping, murder, rape, and extortion in Haiti.

Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/3156 of 16 December 2024 implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/2147 concerning restrictive measures in view of activities undermining the stability and political transition of Sudan

This Council Implementing Regulation amends the EU’s restrictive measures against Sudan by adding four individuals to the sanctions list due to their involvement in activities undermining Sudan’s stability and political transition. The regulation is part of the EU’s response to the ongoing conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).The regulation builds upon previous measures adopted in 2023 and 2024, including sanctions against six entities and six individuals. It specifically adds four new individuals to the sanctions list in Annex I of Regulation (EU) 2023/2147.The newly sanctioned individuals are:
– Salah Abdallah Mohamed Salah – former national security advisor and intelligence service director
– Tijani Karshom – former Deputy Governor of West Darfur involved in massacres and human rights violations
– Mohamed Ali Ahmed Subir – Lieutenant General and Director of Military Intelligence
– Osman Mohamed Hamid – Major General and Head of Operations of the RSFEach listing includes detailed identifying information and specific reasons for designation, including their roles in human rights violations, undermining stability, and obstructing political transition. The reasons range from directing military operations and orchestrating massacres to involvement in sexual violence and obstruction of humanitarian aid.

Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/3133 of 9 December 2024 concerning the classification of certain goods in the Combined Nomenclature

This Commission Implementing Regulation concerns the classification of specific goods in the Combined Nomenclature (CN) of the European Union. It specifically addresses the classification of a rectangular textile article designed as a shell for a giant cushion (beanbag) and provides detailed reasoning for its classification under the CN code 6307 90 98.The Regulation consists of three main articles and an annex. Article 1 establishes the classification of the goods as described in the annex, Article 2 provides a three-month transition period for existing binding tariff information, and Article 3 sets the entry into force provision. The annex contains a detailed technical description of the product and the reasoning for its classification.The key provisions include:

• Detailed technical specifications of the rectangular article (185 cm × 132 cm) made of polyester fabric
• Classification reasoning explaining why the unfilled shell cannot be classified as a finished cushion or bed linen
• Explanation of why the product must be classified as ‘other made-up article of textile fabrics’ under CN code 6307 90 98
• Clarification that binding tariff information not conforming to this regulation may continue to be used for three months

Directive (EU) 2024/3101 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 November 2024 amending Directive 2005/35/EC as regards ship-source pollution and on the introduction of administrative penalties for infringements (Text with EEA relevance)

This Directive amends Directive 2005/35/EC on ship-source pollution and introduces a comprehensive framework for administrative penalties for pollution offences from ships. The act aims to incorporate international standards on pollution from ships into EU law and ensure effective penalties for illegal discharges of polluting substances.The Directive expands the scope of regulated polluting substances to include sewage, garbage, harmful packaged substances, and exhaust gas cleaning system residue. It establishes a system of administrative penalties that must be effective, proportionate and dissuasive, including mandatory fines for companies responsible for violations.Key provisions include:

• Introduction of detailed criteria for determining penalties, such as gravity of discharge, culpability, environmental damage, and financial capacity of the offender
• Enhanced information sharing and cooperation between Member States through an electronic reporting system
• Mandatory digital analysis and verification of pollution alerts by Member States
• Protection for whistleblowers reporting potential violations
• Regular public reporting on implementation and enforcement
• Training support for national authorities

The Directive strengthens the enforcement regime by requiring Member States to impose fines on shipping companies for violations, while maintaining flexibility in how penalties are applied within national legal systems. It establishes detailed reporting requirements and mandates cooperation between authorities to ensure effective implementation.

Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/3126 of 9 December 2024 repealing Implementing Regulation (EU) No 385/2013 concerning the classification of certain goods in the Combined Nomenclature

This Commission Implementing Regulation repeals the previous classification of cosmetic wipes in the Combined Nomenclature of the EU. The act addresses the classification of specific cosmetic products for customs purposes, particularly focusing on impregnated wipes used for facial cleansing and makeup removal.The regulation consists of two main articles: Article 1 repealing the previous Implementing Regulation (EU) No 385/2013, and Article 2 establishing the entry into force. The change was necessitated by a new classification opinion adopted by the World Customs Organization’s Harmonized System Committee in March 2024.The key provisions relate to the reclassification of cosmetic wipes from CN code 3304 99 00 (preparations for skin care) to CN code 3307 90 00. This change was made to align with international classification standards, specifically the WCO’s classification opinion 3307.90/4. The regulation emphasizes that facial wipes containing moisturizing agents and surface-active agents should be classified under heading 3307 due to Note 4 to Chapter 33, which specifically includes nonwovens impregnated with cosmetics.The most significant aspect is the change in classification criteria for impregnated cosmetic wipes. Under the new interpretation, such products are to be classified based on Note 4 to Chapter 33, rather than their essential character as skin care products. This affects how these products are categorized for customs purposes and ensures uniformity in international trade classification.

Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/3137 of 13 December 2024 amending Regulation (EC) No 474/2006 as regards the list of air carriers banned from operating or subject to operational restrictions within the Union

This Commission Implementing Regulation amends Regulation (EC) No 474/2006 regarding the list of air carriers that are banned from operating or subject to operational restrictions within the European Union.The regulation updates the EU Air Safety List based on safety assessments of civil aviation authorities and air carriers from various countries including Armenia, Iraq, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Suriname and Tanzania. It evaluates their compliance with international aviation safety standards.The key changes include adding Air Tanzania to Annex A (banned carriers list) due to safety deficiencies, while maintaining existing restrictions on carriers from other countries like Armenia, Iraq and Kyrgyzstan pending further improvements in their safety oversight systems.

Main provisions:

• Detailed assessment of safety oversight capabilities of civil aviation authorities in multiple countries
• Evaluation of corrective actions taken by authorities and carriers to address safety deficiencies
• Updates to both Annex A (banned carriers) and Annex B (carriers subject to operational restrictions)
• Requirements for continued monitoring and verification of safety standards compliance
• Provisions for technical assistance to help countries improve their aviation safety oversight

Key operational aspects:

• Mandatory safety assessments and inspections of foreign carriers
• Verification of corrective actions and safety improvements
• Consultation process with affected carriers and authorities
• Regular review and updates of safety restrictions
• Immediate application of decisions to protect air safety

Regulation (EU) 2024/3115 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 November 2024 amending Regulation (EU) 2016/2031 as regards multiannual survey programmes, notifications concerning the presence of regulated non-quarantine pests, temporary derogations from import prohibitions and special import requirements and establishment of procedures for granting them, temporary import requirements for high-risk plants, plant products and other objects, the establishment of procedures for the listing of high-risk plants, the content of phytosanitary certificates and the use of plant passports, and as regards certain reporting requirements for demarcated areas and surveys of pests and amending Regulation (EU) 2017/625 as regards certain notifications of non-compliance

This regulation amends two key EU regulations – Regulation (EU) 2016/2031 on plant health protective measures and Regulation (EU) 2017/625 on official controls. The main purpose is to improve and streamline plant health protection procedures and requirements.The regulation introduces several significant changes to the existing framework, including the creation of a Union Plant Health Emergency Team, modifications to notification and reporting requirements, and new rules for temporary derogations from import prohibitions. It also updates provisions regarding phytosanitary certificates and plant passports.The key structural changes include:

• Streamlining notification procedures for demarcated areas and pest outbreaks
• Extending the period for multiannual survey programmes from 5-7 years to 5-10 years
• Creating new procedures for temporary import derogations
• Modifying requirements for phytosanitary certificates and plant passports
• Establishing an electronic system for notifications and reports

The main provisions that are most important for implementation include:

• Immediate notification requirements through electronic systems for pest outbreaks and demarcated areas
• New procedures for granting temporary derogations from import prohibitions with a maximum 5-year duration
• Creation of the Plant Health Emergency Team to provide urgent assistance to Member States
• Modified rules for attaching plant passports to trade units when physical attachment is impractical
• Updated requirements for phytosanitary certificates regarding regulated non-quarantine pests

Directive (EU) 2024/3100 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 November 2024 amending Directive 2009/21/EC on compliance with flag State requirements (Text with EEA relevance)

This Directive amends Directive 2009/21/EC on compliance with flag State requirements, focusing on maritime safety and prevention of pollution from ships. The act aims to ensure that Member States effectively discharge their responsibilities as flag States and enhance safety and working conditions on ships flying EU Member States’ flags.The Directive introduces significant changes to the existing framework by:

• Establishing detailed requirements for flag State surveyors and inspectors
• Mandating quality management systems for maritime administrations
• Creating new electronic information systems and databases for ship-related information
• Setting requirements for training and capacity building of personnel
• Introducing new monitoring and reporting obligations

Key provisions include:

• Mandatory implementation of the IMO Instruments Implementation Code (III Code)
• Requirements for regular flag State inspections using risk-based approach or at least once every 5 years
• Implementation of quality management systems certified to ISO standards by 2028
• Development of electronic databases for ship information and certificates by 2030-2031
• New requirements for training and qualification of flag State personnel
• Enhanced monitoring and reporting mechanisms for Member States’ performance

Directive (EU) 2024/3099 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 November 2024 amending Directive 2009/16/EC on port State control (Text with EEA relevance)

The Directive 2024/3099 amends the existing EU port State control system established by Directive 2009/16/EC. Here are the key aspects:The Directive updates and modernizes the port State control system in the EU by incorporating new international conventions, improving ship risk assessment methods, and enhancing inspection procedures. It aims to ensure ships calling at EU ports comply with international standards on safety, environmental protection, and working conditions.The main structural changes include:- Adding new international conventions to the scope (Ballast Water Management Convention, Nairobi Convention on Wreck Removal, Hong Kong Convention on Ship Recycling)- Establishing a separate voluntary system for inspection of fishing vessels over 24 meters- Updating the ship risk profile system to better reflect environmental performance- Introducing new provisions on electronic certificates and quality management systems for port State control authoritiesKey provisions that are most important for implementation:1. New risk-based targeting system considering generic parameters (ship type, age, flag), historical data (deficiencies, detentions) and environmental performance2. Revised inspection regime with mandatory periodic inspections based on ship risk profile (6 months for high-risk ships, 12 months for standard risk, 36 months for low-risk)3. Enhanced focus on environmental compliance through expanded inspections of environmental requirements4. New requirements for port State control authorities to implement quality management systems by 20325. Updated procedures for refusing access to EU ports for substandard ships with poor inspection records

Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/3014 of 13 December 2024 imposing a definitive anti-dumping duty and definitively collecting the provisional duty imposed on imports of optical fibre cables originating in India

This Commission Implementing Regulation imposes definitive anti-dumping duties on imports of optical fibre cables (OFC) originating from India. The regulation follows an investigation that found evidence of dumping practices causing material injury to the EU industry. The duties aim to prevent further injury to EU producers while maintaining fair market competition.The regulation’s structure includes:

• Investigation procedure details and provisional measures
• Product scope definition and dumping margin calculations
• Injury analysis and causation assessment
• Union interest considerations
• Definitive measures implementation

Key provisions include:

• Definitive anti-dumping duties ranging from 6.9% to 11.4% for different Indian producers
• Exclusion of HFCL Group from duties as no dumping was found
• Requirements for valid commercial invoices to apply individual duty rates
• Mandatory reporting of cable-km measurements for imports
• Provisions for new exporting producers to request duty rate reviews
• Definitive collection of provisional duties previously imposed