6 August 2002

PC 2002-1237

PC 2002-1237 is the Order Amending the Schedule to the Customs Tariff (Raw Hides and Skins).

As a signatory to the International Convention on the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System, Canada and other signatories agree to periodically update their Customs Tariff as recommended by the WCO to reflect changing technology and patterns of trade. In accordance with this commitment, the Order Amending the Schedule to the Customs Tariff (Harmonized System, 2002) was passed on 28 August 2001, amending numerous tariff items in the Customs Tariff, effective 1 January 2002. All the amendments in that Order were tariff rate and revenue neutral.

Chapter 41 to the Customs Tariff, which covers raw hides, skins and leather, underwent extensive revisions as a result of the WCO-mandated amendments. In order to maintain tariff rate neutrality, and to ensure that certain previously dutiable tariff items (raw hides and skins) did not become duty-free, a significant number of new subdivisions had to be introduced into Chapter 41.

This Order removes the tariffs on these raw hides and skins which are used as manufacturing inpus and simplifies the structure of chapter 41 to the Customs Tariff.