Committee to monitor Chinese quotas

THE DEADLINE for collection of Special Import Permit Certificates (SIPC) for goods from China has come and gone. The permits, specifying the quotas allotted to each registered importer, were due to be collected from the International Trade Administration Commission by November 17, and those not claimed have been forfeited and re-allocated to new entrants. The Department of Trade and Industry has in the meantime set up a committee comprising representatives of government, manufacturers, retailers and labour to monitor the implementation of the quotas. The committee will meet periodically to discuss issues of concern regarding the administration of these measures, and if necessary, make appropriate recommendations to the Minister of Trade and Industry.