24 March 2000

Request for Removal of Duty on Cast PVC

The Department of Finance is reviewing a request for removal of the Customs duty on cast PVC film for the Canadian sign industry.

Specifically, tariff relief is sought on plastic film described as flexible self-adhesive sheets constructed of one coloured non-cellular layer of PVC and one pressure-sensitive adhesive layer on a polycoated release liner. These films are classified under tariff item No. 3919.90.99 of the Customs Tariff and currently attract a rate of duty of nine per cent under the MFN Tariff. The sheets are imported in master rolls of 50 meters or 200 yards of 15", 48" or 60" widths and are then perforated at the edges, unwound and rewound to saleable lengths, slit to desired widths, polished and/or laminated with application tape.

The appellant has informed the Department that these pressure sensitive cast films or substitutes are not produced in Canada and that tariff relief on these plastic films would assist the applicant to remain competitive.

Members with an interest in this issue should contact Ms. Sylvie Larose at 613-996-5887, or by fax at 613-992-6761, or via e-mail at [email protected] by 14 April 2000.