Israel (Hansard, 4 December 2001)

§ John Austin
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what conditions attach to exports from Israel arising from agreements with the EU for(a) goods manufactured or produced in Israel and (b) goods manufactured or produced in Israeli settlements in the occupied territories of Palestine; and if he will make a statement. [18865]

§ Peter Hain
The EU/Israel Association Agreement provides for preferential access to EU markets for products originating in Israel, provided such exports meet the requirements set out in the agreement. The EU has made clear that, for the Union as well as for the international community, Israel does not include the occupied territories. The EC/PLO Interim Agreement applies to the territory of the West Bank and Gaza Strip. East Jerusalem remains covered by the preferential trade agreement unilaterally granted by the European Community in 1996.

§ John Austin
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what action has been taken to prevent Israel from labelling goods exported to the UK which have been made or produced in settlements in Palestine as manufactured or produced in Israel; and if he will make a statement. [18866]

§ Peter Hain
The EU has made clear to Israel, most recently at the EU-Israel Association Council on 20 November, the importance the union attaches to the correct application of all the provisions of the association agreement, including its territorial scope. The EU will continue to do its best to find a sustainable solution to the rules of origin issue, in accordance with the provisions of the agreement. Further expert discussions with Israel are likely, to address the issues involved.
On 23 November the European Commission published a notice to importers in the EC Official Journal advising importers presenting documentary evidence of origin with a view to securing preferential treatment for products originating in Israeli settlements in the West Bank, Gaza Strip, East Jerusalem and Golan Heights to take all necessary precautions.
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