0003230
G.F. 323
CONFIDENTIAL
- 4 -
12.
Mme. de Clerca stated that the Belgian authorities had already received applications for the issue of import licences in respect of Hong Kong umbrellas which indicated that the volume of imports for 1967 would be double that of 1966. Although there was as yet no differentiation between children's and adults' umbrellas in the Belgian tariff positions, the Belgian authorities were considering a separate classification for children's umbrellas. If introduced, an umbrella in which the length of cloth used was less than 30 centimetres (12 ins.) would be classified as a child's umbrella. All others would be classified as adults' umbrellas. She stated that the Benelux authorities wished to come to some arrangement with the Hong Kong quthorities which would provide some form of protection for the Benelux umbrella industry, particularly that part producing ladies' and teenagers' umbrellas, which were fashion items, had been heavily advertised and should bring a good return to the industry. The Benelux authorities were not concerned as yet with the volume of imports of children's or toy umbrellas and did not consider that these need form part of any agreement.
13.
Mr. Verhagen confirmed that the same trend in import licence applications was also evident in the Netherlands. The main concern of the. Benelux authorities was to find a solution to the problem posed by imports of adults' umbrellas. He realised that some question remained about the exact eomposition of the trade, but he hoped that the Hong Kong Government would give serious thought to the difficulties the Benelux Governments were experiencing. He had noted that Hong Kong took its stand on the G.A.T.T., but the Benelux Governments were aiming to find together with the Hong Kong Government ways and means of solving the very real difficulties the Benelux industry was experiencing as a result of imports from Hong Kong. He enquired what Hong Kong's trade in umbrellas was with France. Mr. Miller answered that exports to France in 1966 amounted to 60,000 pieces valued at HK$86,000. He pointed out that Hong Kong umbrellas were subject to residual import restrictions in France.
14.
Mr. Verhagen then asked what were the criteria for con- ferring Hong Kong origin on Hong Kong's domestic manufactures. He also enquired what would happen if the Benelux authorities requested certificates of Hong Kong origin for umbrellas.
•
15.
Mr. Miller tabled a pamphlet in English and French out- lining briefly the basis of the certification system in Hong Kong, including the basic origin criteria. He explained the difference between the Government and non-Government certificates of origin the latter sometimes referring to goods for which Hong Kong origin was not being claimed. He asked Verhagen to take note of the organisations designated by the Hong Kong Government as competent to issue Certificates of Origin under Article 11 of the International Convention for the Simplification of Customs Formalities, 1923.
Ho then proceeded to give an account of the steps currently being taken by the department to align the practice, procedure and protection of the certification systems of the unofficial organi- sations with those of the department.
16.
Mr. Miller then asked for figures of Benelux imports from China and Japan. These were supplied as follows
China
pcs.)
Japan (pcs.)
Netherlands (1965)
11,000
471,000
Netherlands (1966)
25,000
694,000
Belgium (1966)
9,000
144,000
/17. ....
CONFIDENTIAL
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