Importers and exporters could be charged for permits that ITAC has previously issued free of charge, following the introduction of new administrative fee regulations.
The regulations allow the International Trade Administration Commission (ITAC) to levy fees for processing import and export permit applications. They do not, however, specify the amounts to be charged or require the commission to charge for every listed service.
Import and export permits have previously been issued at no cost, according to guidance published on ITAC’s website.
Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau published the regulations in Government Gazette 55255 on August 28 under Government Notice R.7850. They took effect on the date of publication.
Apart from import and export permits, ITAC may charge for processing applications for rebate and drawback permits or certificates.
Fees may also apply to production rebate certificates and eligible production certificates issued under the Automotive Production and Development Programme.
The regulations also allow ITAC to charge for tariff-amendment and trade-remedy investigations, as well as import and export investigations and verifications.
Applicants may qualify for an exemption if they demonstrate good cause or if ITAC determines that an exemption would be in the public interest.
The commission may consider whether an applicant is a non-profit company or is acting in a non-commercial capacity. It may also consider whether the goods are being imported or exported for a public purpose, have little or no commercial value, or comprise household or personal property.
When considering the public interest, ITAC may take into account the effect of a fee on a particular industry or region. It may also consider whether the cost could affect the ability of designated groups or categories of firms to enter, participate in or expand within a market.
