TNAG-0464-FCO40-529-Entitlement-of-Hong-Kong-to-EEC-Generalised-Scheme-of-Prefer-1974 — Page 221

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Ref.:

CR/MIC 260/20/1 -

Fact Sheet on the Finnish Generalized Preference Scheme

Date of Implementation

The Finnish Generalized Preference Scheme commenced on 1 January 1972.

Product Coverage and Nature of Preference

:

(a) Most manufactured products in B.T.. Chapters 25 - 99

are covered by the Scheme, with the following exceptions:- (1) Sensitive items such as most textile products,

.footwear, and electrical equipments.

(ii). Products subject to fiscal duties i.e. gaseline,

passenger cars and motor cycles.

(b) Certain agricultural goods in B.T.X. Chapters 1 - 24 are

also eligible for preferential treatment.

(o) All eligible goods, when imported into Finland under the

GPS provisions, are accorded duty-free entry without tariff quota restrictions.

Beneficiary Countries

(a) The preliminary list of beneficiaries included all

countries in the "Group of 77" which are UN members, therefore Singapore is included, but Hong Kong, Taiwan, South Korea and Macau are excluded.

(b) The beneficiary list is subject to review taking into.

account among other things the principle of burden sharing between the preference giving countries. On 12 April 1973, the list was amended to include 4 more countries, i.e. Bangladesh, Bulgaria, Western Samoa and Nauru. The list was further extended on

Rules of Origin

1 November 1973 to include South Korea, North Korea, Hongolia, Romania and North Vietnam.

The rules of origin applied by Finland are similar to those applied: by the EEC. However, its lists of qualifying and non-qualifying working or processing operations (lists A and B) differ to some extent from the EEC list. There are also certain variations in respect of conditions for obtaining origin, including documentary evidence and administrative requirements.

Safeguard Measures

If the application of the GPS causes or threatens to cause market disruption, Finland reserves the right to introduce safeguard measures along the lines of the Agreed Conclusions of the UNCTAD Special Committee on Preferences.

/Report