TNAG-1655-FCO40-2303-Hong-Kong-and-the-Customs-Co-operation-Council-(CCC)-1987 — Page 124

Reference..........

MXE 111/1

RECEIVED IN REGISTRY

2 8 APR 1987

Darwin

Mr Darwin (Legal Advisers, K 189)

DEK OFFICER

F

RECHTHY

extend k

Yes,

CODE 18-77

INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION ON THE HARMONISED COMMODITY DESCRIPTION AND CODING SYSTEM

1. I attach a copy of a letter from Steve Hawes in Customs and Excise to Jon Geddes in this department, in which he asks about the extension of the Convention to the Dependent Territories.

2. We sent a telegram to Hong Kong on 1 April reminding them that we are still awaiting their decision on whether they wish the Convention to be extended to them or not. We have not yet received a reply. I understand that by prior arrangement with the Chinese a period of at least 40 days must be allowed for consultations with the Chinese before any decision on ratification can take place. However, under the provisions of Article 14 of the Convention it appears that it would be possible for HMG to ratify for those Dependent Territories that wish to be covered by the Convention at the same time as the UK ratifies, and ratify for Hong Kong at a later date.

3.

Nationality and Treaty Department have advises that it is our normal procedure to include Dependent Territories in our instrument of ratification. Article 14 of the Convention, however, suggests that extension to Dependent Territories should be declared by notification to the Secretary-General. I would be grateful therefore for your views as to whether we should:

(a)

(b)

(c)

include the Dependent Territories in our instrument of ratification in the usual manner; or

not include the Dependent Territories in the instrument but send a formal notification to the Secretary-General at the same time as the instrument is deposited; Or;

include the Dependent Territories in our instrument and at the same time attach a formal notification to the Secretary-General.

Mys shipment NTD

I whis way

There is neve on. Sic feil wir dependent territory extince

What is andr

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puretice as to the If ratification, where

13 April 1987 aik mustification

104

J-King (Miss)

European Community Department

(External)

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