How can this be withdrawn?

Article 9 and 10 of the Council Regulation provides that:

The SPG can be withdrawn in the following circumstances:

- practice of any form of forcd labour (see ILO Convention 29, (art. 2) for the definition)

- exports of goods made by prison labour

If these circumstances exist, these "shall be brought to the Commission's attention by the Member States, or by any natural or legal person, or association not endowed with legal personality, which can show an interest in such withdrawal."

The Commission will start an investigation if it finds sufficient evidence to justify initiation of an investigation after consultations.

If the Commission considers temporary withdrawal of preference to be necessary, it shall submit an appropriate proposal to the Council, which shall decide on it by a qualified majority.

The case of Burma:

The European Trade Union Confederation and the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions made a joint complaint to the Commission regarding Burma's use of forced labour.

After examining the complaint in consultation with the Generalized Preferences Committee, the Commission decided to open an investigation.