Vol. 475 No. 8
28 Mr. Clohessy asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade the progress, if any, being made at EU level to achieve further reduction in tariff and non-tariff barriers in the information technology area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6027/97]
Discussions at the World Trade Organisation's ministerial conference in Singapore in December resulted in a declaration on trade in information technology products being adopted by a number of WTO members including the European Union, the US and Japan. The declaration provides for the elimination of customs duties and other duties and charges on information technology products by the year 2000, with the first rate reductions due to come into effect no later than 1 July 1997.
The declaration is due to be implemented by 1 April 1997 provided that a critical mass of countries subscribe to it. Current indications are that this condition will be met.
The elimination of non-tariff barriers in the information technology area is being pursued by the EU through a number of channels, notably through negotiations on mutual recognition of standards and through ensuring that WTO members live up to their commitments under the relevant WTO Agreements.
