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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 29 Jan 1981

Vol. 326 No. 3

Written Answers. - Footwear and Clothing Imports.

219.

asked the Minister for Finance the present rate of duty on imported clothing and footwear from (a) EEC countries and (b) other countries.

The information requested is as follows:

Customs Duty

Originating in or in free circulation in EEC Countries

Other (Full rates)

Clothing

Nil

From 7.3% to 20%

Footwear

Nil

From 6.2% to 20% (If of leather 8% otherwise usually 20%).

Various preferential rates of duty apply to footwear and clothing if imported from countries with which Ireland, as a member of the EEC, has preferential trading arrangements. Goods of the kind mentioned could attract preferential Customs treatment depending on the precise description of the goods and the particular third country of origin concerned. Footwear and clothing which comply with certain rules of origin and consignment would be likely to attract Nil rates of duty if imported from EFTA. Mediterranean (except Spain), ACP/OCT and GSP countries.

However, in the case of

(i) certain clothing originating in Cyprus, Malta, Yugoslavia and the GSP countries and

(ii) certain footwear originating in Yugoslavia and the GSP countries.

the quantity which may be imported at a Nil rate of duty is limited. This quantity has already been reached in respect of certain clothing from some GSP countries. Importations of these goods will attract the full rate of duty for the remainder of 1981.

Further details of the relevant customs duties and preferential arrangements are set out in the Customs and Excise tariff of Ireland and the annexes thereto, copies of which are available for examination in the Dáil Library.

In addition to the aforementioned Customs duties, anti-dumping duties apply to certain goods in the categories mentioned. Men's working boots are liable to an anti-dumping duty of 28 per cent ad valorem if wholly or partly made in or consigned from Czechoslovakia. Blouses, blouse shirts, shirts and similar articles wholly or mainly of synthetic textile fibres which are wholly or substantially produced in the Republic of South Korea are liable to an anti-dumping duty of 40 per cent ad valorem.

Apart from chargeability to Customs duties, there are also certain prohibitions and restrictions on the importation of footwear and clothing. In general, these goods may be imported only on production of a licence or authorisation from the Department of Industry, Commerce and Tourism.

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