18 OCTOBER CUSTOMS EDITION 3115

APPLICATION PROCEDURES

Set out below are details of how the scheme will now operate:

1 Direct Application to the Ministry of Commerce

All applications are to be made on the standard form (Application for Tariff Industry Assistance) and lodged directly with the Ministry of Commerce, Wellington, together with the prescribed fee of $252. In addition to the standard application form, an information sheet will need to be completed (see attached). This sheet seeks full information about the fabric including whether it is a woollen or worsted fabric; its fibre content; weight; the amount of fabric required; its end use; and its landed price. To enable the Ministry to make an informed decision on an application as quickly as possible it would be helpful if an applicant were to provide a sample for each fabric type for which a concession is sought.

2 Coverage of Applications

Applications covering a number of fabric types will be considered under a single application/single fee, provided they fall under the general heading “woven fabric containing wool for use in the manufacture of apparel”. Each application may cover up to 10 different qualities of fabric. Information showing the required quantities for each fabric type will need to be provided.

3 Time Limit for Concessions

As noted, concessions granted under the Inputs to Manufacturing policy usually remain in place for a specified and limited period of time. Concession applications approved under the existing scheme have meant that companies have been able to import approved fabrics over a nine month period. It is proposed that the nine month period will continue to be used as a guideline for future approvals under the new scheme.

4 Consultation With The Textile and Woollen Mills Association

Decisions on all fabric concession applications will now be made by the Ministry of Commerce. Applications will not be advertised in the New Zealand Gazette in the normal way, but instead the Ministry will, in most cases, contact all woven fabric manufacturers, either directly or through the T&W M Association to obtain their views. Once the Ministry has considered any objections from the mills and/or the comments of the Association, it will then make a decision on that application. Decisions will be notified in the Customs Edition of the New Zealand Gazette.

Although not required to do so, applicants may wish to contact the Association or individual mills prior to making an application. If the Association, on behalf of the industry, has no objections to the application, this supporting information should be provided to the Ministry at the time the application is made. Provision of such information is likely to ensure a speedier decision in response to that application.

5 Effective Date of Concession

Concessions are effective from the first day of the month in which the application is received by the Ministry. Unless there are very special circumstances, goods entered prior to that date are not eligible for duty free entry.

6 Lodgement of Applications

Applicants are reminded that the process of considering applications is likely to take approximately four weeks from receipt of application. Applicants should allow for this in the timing of the lodgement of their applications.

7 Reviews

All decisions on concession applications and requests for revocation are reviewable. Procedures ensure that requests for a review are considered within the Ministry at a more senior level to the original decision.