Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 February 2021
161. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Finance the reason wax type 494 used in the making of wax melts is on the prohibited list for importation from the UK; if this restriction is as a result of Brexit; if there are plans to counteract the restriction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5979/21]
View answerI am informed by Revenue that wax type 494, which is used in the manufacture of candles, is subject to import restrictions, in line with EU regulations which apply to and have applied to 3rd country trade before the UK left the EU. This restrictions depend on whether the goods concerned originate from an endangered species, are being certified as organic or are considered to be part of a waste shipment.
The UK is no longer a member of the EU and the UK (excluding Northern Ireland) is a third country for import purposes. Revenue is not aware of any proposals by the EU to change or amend the relevant Regulations which are designed to protect the health and safety of EU citizens.
I am further advised by Revenue, that the three areas that could impact the importation of wax type 494 are;
- The protection of wild fauna and flora (Commission Regulation (EU) 2019/2117 of 29 November 2019 amending Council Regulation (EC) No 338/97 on the protection of species of wild fauna and flora). Contact email address is CITES@chg.gov.ie
- Organic certification (Council Regulation (EC) No 834/2007 of 28 June 2007 on organic production and labelling of organic products). Contact email address is organicimports@agriculture.gov.ie
- Waste shipments (Regulation (EC) No 1013/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 June 2006 on shipments of waste. Contact email address is nationaltfs@dublincity.ie.
Further information regarding the import requirements can be obtained from the relevant competent authorities at the email addresses listed above. Information on licensing requirements, should a licence for the importation of these goods be required, is available from those authorities.
