The European Commission is considering putting import tariffs on rice from Cambodia and Myanmar in order to protect the interests of farmers within Europe, according to a Reuters report. The article said the group was considering introducing “safeguard” measures that would last for three years. In the first year, it would set a duty of 175 euros (US$199) per tonne, 150 euros in the second year, and 125 euros in the third. The decision is not related to recent announcements that the EU was considering sanctions on both countries regarding concerns about human rights issues. Both Myanmar and Cambodia benefit from the EU’s “Everything But Arms” programme, which allows underdeveloped countries to export most goods to the EU without paying duties, but a commission spokesman said cheap imports were proving an issue for European farmers and producers.