Duty-free access for Pakistani exports to Europe is heading into a fresh test. According to Geo News, the European Union's current Generalised System of Preferences Plus (GSP+) framework expires in December 2026, and Pakistan will have to formally apply under the new regulation that takes effect on January 1, 2027.
Current beneficiaries, including Pakistan, will get a grace period from January 1, 2027 to December 31, 2028, the report said. The existing arrangement will continue during that window while the European Commission and the European Parliament finalise the new GSP+.
Official sources said any country, including present beneficiaries, can apply once the new regulation is in force.
Citing The News and top official sources, Geo News said Pakistan will need intensive lobbying and stronger capacity to meet strict compliance requirements to qualify for the next round. Under the revised rules taking effect in 2027, Islamabad must address several priorities tied to its international commitments.
Separately, EU Ambassador Raimundas Karoblis met the leadership of the Pakistan Textile Council in Karachi to discuss GSP+ and future trade ties. He stressed that effective implementation of existing international commitments is essential for continued benefits.
Last month, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar told EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly that GSP+ is central to Pakistan's trade relationship with the bloc. Many of Pakistan's major exports, textiles above all, compete in Europe on the strength of these preferences, which makes the reapplication process critical for exporters.