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INDUSTRY AND TRADE
Various generalised preference schemes are operated by most developed countries to help the export of goods manufactured by developing countries. The schemes include provisions allowing duty-free or low tariff entry for products from beneficiary developing countries. The form, coverage and other provisions of the schemes differ from country to country. Hong Kong has been included as a beneficiary by most of the developed countries operating such schemes, except for Finland and Norway. Some products from Hong Kong are excluded from the schemes operated by the European Economic Community, Japan, Switzerland, Australia and Austria. Such difference in treatment is the subject of continuing official exchanges. Hong Kong has made it clear to the importing countries concerned that it seeks no special advantages under these schemes, but only treatment similar to that accorded to close competitors.
In late 1977, the EEC announced its generalised preference scheme for 1978, which continues to exclude Hong Kong's leather footwear and what the EEC described as 'extremely sensitive textile products'. Efforts are continuing to have these products included for Hong Kong in the EEC's future schemes.
Documentation of Imports and Exports
Import and export licensing formalities are kept to a minimum in line with Hong Kong's international obligations. The most complex formalities are those resulting from Hong Kong's obligations to restrain certain exports of textile products. Apart from export licences covering textiles for which a fee of $15 an application is charged - all other import and export licences are issued free.
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With Hong Kong's dependence on the export of manufactured goods - mostly made from imported materials and on the substantial re-export trade, a certifica- tion of origin system to meet the requirements of overseas Customs authorities is important. The Trade, Industry and Customs Department issues certificates of origin and accepts responsibility for safeguarding the integrity of the entire Hong Kong certification system. To this end, close liaison is maintained with overseas authorities and with five authorised non-government certificate-issuing bodies - the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce, the Indian Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong, the Federation of Hong Kong Industries, the Chinese Manufacturers' Association of Hong Kong and the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce. The value of domestic exports covered by certificates of origin issued by these six organisations during 1977 was estimated at $11,191 million, of which $7,489 million was covered by official certificates.
Form 'A' certificates are issued by the Trade, Industry and Customs Department for exports under claim to preferential entry into countries that grant tariff preferences to Hong Kong under generalised preference schemes. These are: Austria, Canada, the European Economic Community, Japan, New Zealand, Sweden, Switzerland and the United States. Since the beginning of 1976, the authorised non-government certificate- issuing bodies have been approved to certify such exports to Canada, Japan and Switzerland. The value of exports covered by Form 'A' certificates in 1977 amounted to $6,981 million.
From July 1, 1977, Britain applied in full the European Economic Community common external tariff to imports from countries other than the EEC states and