29 January 2021

The International Chamber of Commerce is calling on the European Commission to reconsider the introduction of export controls on coronavirus vaccines made in the bloc.

ICC Secretary General John W.H Denton AO said:

“We are deeply concerned by the Commission’s decision to press ahead with the introduction of export controls on coronavirus vaccines made in the EU.

Regardless of how these measures are calibrated, today’s announcement sends a dangerous signal to the world as we seek to recover together from the coronavirus pandemic. And one that risks sparking retaliatory action that will stifle global medical supply chains, undermine vaccine production and prolong the pandemic.

Given the downside risks to vaccine supply and the EU economy that the global business community has pointed to in the last few days, we hope that the Commission will be willing to rethink its approach while the ink is still wet on the new regulation.