ENG-1981 — Page 48

INDUSTRY AND TRADE

27

cation organisations have been approved to issue Form 'A' certificates for exports to Canada, Japan, Norway and Switzerland. The value of exports covered by Form 'A' certi- ficates in 1981 amounted to $15,975 million.

Although Britain abolished Commonwealth preferential rates of duty from July 1, 1977, eight Commonwealth countries continue to grant Commonwealth preferential rates of duty to Hong Kong products. To support claims of preference for exports to these countries, the Trade Industry and Customs Department issues certificates of origin with an endorsement to show the Commonwealth content of the products. The value of exported goods covered by endorsed certificates of origin for Commonwealth preference in 1981 was $9 million.

An estimated 45.8 per cent of Hong Kong's domestic exports are covered by origin cer- tificates of one type or another – 35.3 per cent of them by government-issued certificates.

The Hong Kong Trade Facilitation Council (TFC) was incorporated during the year to take over the functions and activities of the former Trade Facilitation Committee, which include the simplification of trade documents and procedures. The new council is partially subvented by the government and composed of representatives of government, trade and industrial organisations.

―

The TFC organised the Far East-Pacific Trade Facilitation Conference in March. Speakers from the USA, the United Kingdom and Canada were present to discuss current developments in the international scene. The conference was attended by more than 100 local and 25 overseas delegates. Representatives of the TFC also attended a series of international trade facilitation meetings in Europe. These provided opportunities for Hong Kong to learn from, and exchange views with, other bodies concerned with trade documentation and trade procedures.

In 1981, the Trade Investigation Branch of the Trade Industry and Customs Department was re-organised into three law enforcement branches, namely, the Operations Branch which functions in three regional offices located in Hong Kong, Kowloon and the New Territories, the Investigation Branch and the Weights and Measures Branch.

The Operations Branch is responsible for the inspection of factories and consignments connected with applications for certificates or origin, import/export licences, trade declara- tions and manifests. It is also responsible for industrial surveys on specific industries, trade and industrial problems, and foreign investments. Additionally, the branch is responsible for handling trade complaints.

In 1981, the Operations Branch completed 28 813 inspections of factories and consign- ments and 1 863 costing checks in connection with applications under the Generalised Systems of Preference (Form ‘A').

The branch also completed 17 322 inquiries and verifications relating to trade declara- tions and manifests, and conducted 3 728 associated assessments resulting in the collection of $1.7 million in ad valorem charges and administrative penalties.

The Investigation Branch is responsible for investigations into origin certification and import/export licensing frauds. It is also responsible for the protection of consumers against false trade descriptions, false marks and mis-statements in respect of merchandise and in this respect provides the secretariat for the Trading Standards Advisory Committee. The branch also carries out investigations into infringements of industrial design copyright.

In 1981, the Investigation Branch completed 1 218 investigations, resulting in the imposi- tion of court fines amounting to $5.6 million and the seizure of goods worth $25 million. Close liaison was maintained between the branch and various overseas customs administra- tions in combating origin and export licensing frauds.