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INDUSTRY AND TRADE
The Trade Investigation Branch of the Trade Industry and Customs Department is responsible for the inspection of factories and consignments connected with applications for certificates of origin. It carries out investigations and prosecutions relating to malprac- tices which contravene the Import and Export Ordinance, Merchandise Marks Ordinance and Copyright Ordinance. It is also responsible for industrial surveys on specific industries, trade and industrial problems, and foreign investments. Additionally, the branch is respon- sible for handling trade complaints, and plays an active role in the consumer protection field in conjunction with the Consumer Council.
In 1980, the Trade Investigation Branch completed some 28,596 inspections of factories and consignments; 1,352 costing checks in connection with applications under the Generalised System of Preference schemes (Form 'A'); and 465 fullscale investigations relat- ing to infringements of legislation, including several into suspected substitution of foreign goods. In all, 437 companies and individuals were prosecuted, and fines amounting to $3.9 million were imposed by the courts.
The branch also completed 19,348 inquiries and verifications relating to trade declarations and manifests, and conducted 2,414 associated investigations resulting in the collection of $1.6 million in ad valorem charges and administrative penalties.
During 1980, close liaison between various units of the Trade Industry and Customs Department resulted in tight controls on textiles exported under quota arrangements. A major review of the Textiles Quota Control System was carried out and led to a modified system being introduced in July.
Protection of both consumers and traders under the appropriate industrial property legislation continued, and revised legislation aimed at strengthening the existing laws was put before the Legislative Council.
Trade Industry and Customs Department
The responsibilities of the Trade Industry and Customs Department include the conduct of overseas commercial relations, industrial development and investment promotion, certification of origin, trade controls, the collection and protection of revenue from dutiable commodities, and the detection of contraband.
On matters of policy affecting trade and industry other than labour and those falling within the purview of the Industrial Development Board, the Director of Trade Industry and Customs takes advice from the Trade Advisory Board, the Industry Advisory Board and the Textile Advisory Board.
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The Trade Advisory Board comprises representatives of various sectors including com- merce, banking and insurance. The Industry Advisory Board, comprises representatives of manufacturing industries and banking appointed in their personal capacities, and chairmen of leading trade and industrial organisations, or their nominated representatives, serving ex-officio. These two boards replaced the Trade and Industry Advisory Board which ceased to exist on July 1, 1980. They usually meet once every two months.
The Textiles Advisory Board, a more specialised body, is consulted on matters, other than labour matters, affecting the textiles and garment industries. It met on 33 occasions during 1980.
All three boards are served by specialist committees as the need arises.
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The Trade Industry and Customs Department comprises three parts the Department of Trade, headed by the Commissioner of Trade; the Department of Industry, headed by the Commissioner of Industry; and the Department of Customs and Controls, headed by the Commissioner of Customs and Controls.
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