Directory_and_Chronicle_1908 — Page 127

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CUSTOMS TARIFF

If the goods have not been sold before presentation to the Customs of the application to pay Duty, and should a dispute arise between Customs and importer regarding the value or classification of goods, the case will be referred to a Board of Arbitration composed as follows:-

An official of the Customs;

A merchant selected by the Consul of the importer; and

A merchant, differing in nationality from the importer, selected by the Senior

Consul.

Questions regarding procedure, etc., which may arise during the sittings of the Board shall be decided by the majority. The final finding of the majority of the Board, which must be announced within fifteen days of the reference (not including holidays), will be binding upon both parties. Each of the two merchants on the Board will be entitled to a fee of ten Haikwan Taels. Should the Board sustain the Customs valuation, or, in the event of not sustaining that valuation, should it decided that the goods have been undervalued by the importer to the extent of not less than 7 per cent., the importer will pay the fees; if otherwise, the fees will be paid by the Customs. Should the Board decide that the correct value of the goods is 20 per ceut. (or more) higher than that upon which the importer originally claimed to pay Duty, the Customs authorities may retain possession of the goods until full Duty has been paid and may levy an additional Duty equal to four times the Duty sought to be evaded.

In all cases invoices, when available, must be produced if required by the Customs. RULE II. The following will not be liable to Import Duty Foreign Rice, Cereals, and Flour; Gold and Silver, both Bullion and Coin; Printed Books, Charts, Maps, Periodicals and Newspapers.

A freight or part freight of Duty-free commodities (Gold and Silver Bullion and Foreign Coins excepted) will render the vessel carrying them, though no other cargo be on board, liable to Tonnage Dues.

Drawbacks will be issued for Ship's Stores and Bunker Coal when taken on

board.

RULE III. Except at the requisition of the Chinese Government, or for sale to Chinese duly authorised to purchase them, Import trade is prohibited in all Arms, Ammunition, and Munitions of War of every description. No Permit to land them will be issued until the Customs have proof that the necessary authority has been given to the Importer. Infraction of this rule will be punishable by confiscation of all the goods concerned. The import of Salt is absolutely prohibited.

CUSTOMS NOTIFICATION

Notification issued by the Imperial Maritime Customs at Canton on the 14th November, 1901.

Notice is hereby given that:-

1. On and after the 11th inst., the Tariff of Import Duties hitherto existing and the list of Duty-free Goods cease to be operative and, until further notice, whatever is imported with certain exceptions, is to pay an effective 5 per cent. ad valorem Duty.

2. The exceptions are as follows:

(a.) Foreign Rice, Cereals and Flour, as well as Gold and Silver, coined and

uncoined, are exempt from Duty.

(b.) The Import Duty on Opium remains unchanged at thirty taels, that and lekin at the rate of eighty taels, or one hundred and ten taels in all, per picul, being payable simultaneously as at present.

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