Search

Faced with imports of napkins (diapers) and sanitary towels in such increased quantities as to be detrimental, the domestic industry has filed a petition with the National Authority for Trade Remedies (ANMCC) requesting the implementation of a safeguard measure pursuant to Article XIX of the GATT, the WTO Agreement on Safeguards (...). Unforeseen development: (...) Furthermore, users are increasingly choosing organic products and this has led to a slowdown in the growth of the world's sanitary towel market, unlike the market in Madagascar where imports have increased significantly.

(...) finding of serious injury or threat thereof caused by increased imports, and of the decision to apply a safeguard measure on imports of paints. (...) Unforeseen developments: (...) there is a new trend towards using powder paints in developed countries owing to the benefits they offer in terms of durability, aesthetics, design and the environment. This change has boosted exports of liquid paints to African countries, including Madagascar. Moreover, bans on lead paint, which have been implemented in a number of countries owing to its toxicity, have led systematically to the export of lead paint to countries where it is not yet banned.

The provisional safeguard measure.
The massive increase in paint imports is the result of unforeseen developments reflected in the following series of factors:
On the one hand, the implementation of post-COVID-19 economic recovery policies has led to the very rapid resumption of exports from the main paint-exporting countries.
On the other hand, there is a new trend towards using powder paints in developed countries owing to the benefits they offer in terms of durability, aesthetics, design and the environment. This change has boosted exports of liquid paints to African countries, including Madagascar. Moreover, bans on lead paint, which have been implemented in a number of countries owing to its toxicity, have led systematically to the export of lead paint to countries where it is not yet banned.

Proposed safeguard measures due to sudden increase in imports of lubricating oils

The National Trade Remedies Authority (ANMCC) has not yet proposed any measure to follow up on the finding of serious injury or threat thereof. It is currently studying the recommendations to be made regarding the appropriate measures to be notified subsequently.

Unforeseen Developments
The sudden, recent, significant and sharp increase in imports of lubricant oils that are the subject of the investigation is due to unforeseen developments, in particular the energy transition of developed countries, including some countries or economic unions that have adopted energy transition policies and strategies since 2015. The aim of this transition is to reduce environmental pollution and promote the use of renewable energy sources, encouraging the use of biodegradable oils known as biolubricants. Consequently, developing countries have become the main destinations for mineral oil lubricants on account of the absence of energy transition policies or delays in their adoption.

Memorandum on enhanced measures to prevent armyworm from entering Madagascar.
The notified Memorandum establishes the enhanced measures to be taken with regard to imports of plants, plant products and other items that could carry pests from infested countries, as well as the disinfection measures to be put in place at international ports and airports.

The notified draft Law lays down the requirements applicable to pesticides and all activities corresponding to the different stages of their life cycle, including importation, manufacture, reformulation, distribution, transport, storage, repackaging and use, as well as the treatment of pesticide packaging and waste

Draft Decree on pesticide waste disposal and empty container management.

The notified draft Decree establishes the procedures for pesticide disposal and the related safety precautions.

Draft Decree regulating the transport of pesticides.

The notified draft Decree establishes the conditions for the authorization of and specific requirements for the transport of pesticides.
Quote sources: • "Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Waste s and their Disposal" (http://www.basel.org) .

General services: Subsidies for environmental protection

Natural disaster assistance on an exceptional basis: Locust control