§ Dr. StarkeyTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what information HM Customs and Excise have received on the origin of cosmetics imported into the UK by Ahava (UK) Ltd. under preference as made in the State of Israel. [147581]
§ Dawn PrimaroloHM Customs and Excise receives a range of information and representations.
Ahava (UK) Ltd. was one of those companies identified to member states by the European Commission in its communication of April 2000 as warranting investigation.
§ Dr. StarkeyTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps HM Customs and Excise have already taken or are planning to take to verify that cosmetics imported to the UK by Ahava (UK) Ltd. under the EC-Israel Association Agreement and labelled 'State of Israel' are produced within the internationally recognised borders of Israel. [147580]
§ Dawn PrimaroloThe trade agreement between the EC and Israel allows the subsequent verification of proofs of origin.
Products imported into the UK by Ahava (UK) Ltd. from Israel have been included in a verification exercise currently being conducted with the Israeli authorities to ascertain the origin of products imported under preference. As yet no results have been received.