Additional Duties on US Imports – Byrd Amendment

The European Commission has recently published a report detailing the additional customs duties it proposes to impose on imports of certain products originating in the US. If the Commission’s proposal is accepted and the US fails to bring its legislation in line with the WTO rules, from 1 May 2005, these additional duties will be applied. The products affected include certain paper, agricultural products, textile and machinery products. For these products an additional duty rate of 15% will be imposed. As an example, US originating textile products currently imported into the EU at a duty rate of 12% will, as of 1 May 2005, attract a total duty liability of 27%.

In addition to the above, the Commission has drawn up a reserve list of products which may become subject to the additional duties if the US continues not to comply with the WTO rules.

We will continue to ensure that readers are informed as and when any additional import duties are imposed. In the meantime please call your usual Customs Group contact for further information.

Revised authorisation numbers

Exporters who are authorised under the Approved Exporter scheme must, as from 1 May 2005, include the prefix ‘GB’ to their authorisation number. This number, which should be inserted onto the invoice declaration, allows exporters to use commercial documentation rather than completing EUR1 movement certificates. HM Customs have indicated that any exporter not including the GB prefix may have its preference claim rejected in the country of destination or be subject to delays in customs clearance. 

For further information on the above subject please call your usual Deloitte contact.

New Import Licensing arrangements for Textiles and Clothing

From 1 January 2005 the quota arrangements were removed for the majority of textile and clothing products that were subject to quota in 2004. Goods shipped after 1 January 2005 no longer required a quota licence, but goods shipped prior to 1 January 2005 continued to be counted off 2004 quota allocation until 31 March 2005.

Traders should be aware that as from 1 April 2005 textiles and clothing products originating in a number of countries, including Hong Kong and India, do not require a quota import licence on entry into the EU. This is regardless of whether or not the goods were shipped before 1 January 2005. However some products originating in certain countries do still require specific types of import licences.

For a full list of products requiring an import licence from 1 April 2005 or further information on the above subject please call your usual Deloitte contact.

News in Brief

  • Further to last weeks article "Customs at the Frontier" HM Customs have published details of specific EPU service hours and anticipated dates for change of location.
  • The Export Control Organisation has recently published a Quarterly report on Strategic Export Controls for the period 1 October 2004 to 31 December 2004.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.