ENG-1960 — Page 111

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INDUSTRY AND TRADE

in accordance with the Hong Kong Imports and Exports Classifica- tion List, which is based on the Standard International Trade Classification. 'Country by commodity' statistics are also tabulated and are available in the department but not published.

The trade statistics are compiled on punched card machinery from declarations which importers and exporters are required by law to file with the Statistical Office.

TRADE CONTROL

The Hong Kong Government is responsible for the legal and administrative arrangements required to implement the textile industry's temporary-undertaking to limit its export shipment to the UK and ensures that they do not exceed the agreed quantities by means of a system of export licensing. Quotas allocated to shippers were kept under constant review in order to ensure full utilization of the permitted yardage. Arrangements were made towards the end of the year for the allocation of quotas for the third and final year of the undertaking which ends on 31st January 1962.

Government enforces quantitative and end-use controls only over highly strategic commodities, but the majority of import and export licences which are required are for exchange control purposes.

Documentation of Origin. Hong Kong being traditionally an entrepôt, certification of the origin of the products which it sells has become increasingly a matter of importance in a world of regulated trade. The Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce, the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce, the Chinese Manu- facturers' Association and the Indian Chamber of Commerce issue certificates of Hong Kong and other origin which are acceptable in varying degree to overseas authorities. The majority of overseas authorities who demand certificates of Hong Kong origin stipulate those issued by the Commerce and Industry Department. Having almost no raw materials, Hong Kong bases its claim to origin on the work done in processing imported materials, or their transformation into entirely new products. During 1960 the Commerce and Industry Department continued to ensure that goods which it certified as of Hong Kong origin warranted that designation.