13 April 2007

   Request for Removal of Customs Duties on Imports of Submarine Cable

   The Department of Finance is reviewing a request for removal of the customs duties on imports of submarine cable.  This cable is classified under tariff item No. 8544.60.99 of the Customs Tariff, and dutiable at 6.5 per cent under the MFN Tariff.  There is a GPT rate of 3 per cent for these goods.

    This submarine cable’s purpose is the transmission of electricity from one terminal to another.  Currently there exists a duty-free provision (tariff item No. 84544.60.10) for submarine cables of a voltage exceeding 345 kv.  The applicant claims submarine cables of a voltage less than 345 kv are unavai