asked the Minister for Finance on what basis duty and tax on numismatic specimen spoons is levied at a total of 107 per cent.
Ceisteanna—Questions Oral Answers. - Specimen Spoons Tax.
17.
As the answer includes a tabular statement I propose, with your permission, a Cheann Chomhairle, to circulate it with the official Report.
The answer is as follows:
If spoons are made of precious metal or rolled precious metal they are classified at heading 71.13 of the customs and excise tariff, even if coins are mounted on them. If such spoons are made of base metal they are classified at heading 82.14 (A). The rates of duty chargeable at these headings are as follows (the percentage rates are relative to the value of the goods):—
|
Heading |
Full |
Preferential |
Special Preferential |
United Kingdom |
Northern Ireland |
|
71.13 |
48% |
48% |
32% |
12.8% |
9.6% |
|
82.14 (A) |
20% plus 60% or £0.02 each, whichever is the greater |
20% plus 40% or £0.0134 each, whichever is the greater |
20% plus 40% or £0.0134 each, whichever is the greater |
8% plus 16% or £0.0053 each, whichever is the greater |
8% plus 16% or £0.0053 each, whichever is the greater |
In addition, where the importer is not registered for the purposes of turnover and wholesale taxes, spoons are chargeable at importation with turnover and wholesale taxes at the combined rate of 15 per cent calculated on the value of the goods increased by the amount of customs duty chargeable on the goods.
Thus, it will be seen that imported spoons of base metal which are chargeable with customs duty at the full rate may incur duty amounting to 80 per cent; this together with taxes of 15 per cent based on the duty-paid value amounts to a total charge of 107 per cent on the value of the foods.
Why is it a tabular statement? I just asked the basis for the duty and tax?
It is in order to answer the question that it is necessary to give details of duty charged under different tariff headings for full, preferential, special preferential, United Kingdom and Northern Ireland.
I see, I may have to come back again on it but 107 per cent on a spoon seems a hell of a duty wherever it is from.